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How to Do Alterations on a Jacket That Does Not Have a Side Seam

Most simple alterations are made by taking in a seam. To do this you sew a new seam with a larger seam allowance. The seam allowance is the edge of the fabric that sticks out beyond the seam. If the body of a jacket was cut in one piece there are no side seams, to alter such a jacket you must add these seams. Sew well-placed new seams on the sides of your garment for a jacket that shows off your figure and can expand your wardrobe.

Things You'll Need

Seam ripper
Straight pins
Sewing machine
Thread

Instructions

- 1
  Use a seam ripper to remove the seam at the bottom edge of the jacket that holds the lining down. If the jacket is not lined or the lining hangs loose you can skip this step.
- 2
  Turn the jacket inside out. Lift the lining up and pin it out of the way.
- 3
  Pinch the fabric on the sides of the jacket and pin a row of straight pins to take up the excess fabric. Curve the top of the line of pins so that it touches the seam around the arm hole. The fold you create should run straight down the side of the garment. The line of pins should be the same distance from the fold on each side of the jacket.
- 4
  Sew along the line of pins with a straight seam, removing the pins as you sew.
- 5
  Remove the excess fabric by cutting 1/2 inch from the seam. Finish the edges of the seam allowance by zigzag stitching along the cut edges.
- 6
  Alter the lining the same amount you altered the jacket.

Sewing