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How to Replace the Elastic in the Sleeve of a World War II Bomber Jacket

World War II bomber jackets were manufactured by the thousands for U.S. pilots. What was meant to be a functional military uniform quickly turned into a fashion statement. Collectors prize their bomber jackets; some even wear them. Due to the age of these jackets, some need repair. The sleeve cuffs are replaceable should they begin to show signs of age. There isn't any real elastic in the sleeves of these jackets; rather the sleeve cuffs are made of ribbed knit fabric which has some stretch to it.

Things You'll Need

  • Seam ripper
  • Ribbed knit fabric
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Seam gauge
  • Tailor's chalk
  • Sewing machine
  • Leather sewing machine needle
  • Top-stitching thread
  • Needle
  • Thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the stitches that hold the lining, cuff and leather together. Turn the cuff inside out and unpick the side stitching on the cuff so it will lay flat. Make chalk markings to indicate where the original seam allowance and stitching lines were for both the side seam and top seam.

    • 2

      Lay the old cuff on the knit fabric. Match the ribs in the knitting for the new cuff so they are all running vertically like the old cuff. Cut out the new cuff using the old cuff as a pattern.

    • 3

      Transfer the seam allowance and stitching markings to the new cuff with the chalk and seam gauge. Fold the new cuff in half so edges that will form the side seams are together. Sew the side seams with a small zigzag stitch following the original stitching lines and seam allowance.

    • 4

      Fold the two raw edges together to form a cuff with the seam allowance and stitching on the inside. Stretch the cuff over the end of the leather sleeve so the raw edges of the cuff line up with the end of the leather sleeve.

    • 5

      Stitch the cuff to the sleeve using a leather sewing machine needle and top-stitching thread. Fold the cuff down and turn the jacket sleeve inside out. Hand stitch the lining to the cuff so it covers the allowance.


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