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Sewing/Football Jersey

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Expert: Sharon Vogel - 9/30/2009


Question

Jersey
Sharon-

My husband has an authentic football jersey, but the sleeves are very loose.  He also has another jersey that had a gathered ribbed knit elastic-like cuff.  Is there a way that I would be able to convert the sleeves on the loose jersey to be more like the gathered jersey?  What kind of material would I need to use?

I've attached images of the jersey sleeves so you can better see what I am asking.

Thanks!

Answer
Dear Gina,
You can find ribbed knit fabric in your local fabric store or online to match one of the colors in the jersey.  Cut a crosswise strip double the the desired width of the finished cuff.  The length of the strip would be the circumference of the sleeve band on the orange jersey plus enough for a seam allowance. I would use 3/8 inch seam allowances throughout. Sew the strip together at the short edges to make the band and press the seam open.  Fold the band in half and baste the edges together.  Divide the band in fourths by folding in half twice and marking the folds with pins. (see NOTE below) Take the hem out of the sleeve and trim it to the desired length leaving enough for a seam allowance.  Divide the circumference of the sleeve edge into fourths like you did the band.  The band should be somewhat smaller than the sleeve opening.  Match the underarm seam with the band seam, pin seams together from the band side and then pin the rest of the markings.  Sewing from the band side, stretch the band gently to fit the sleeve and stitch.  Be careful sewing over pins to avoid damaging your machine.  Finish the seam edge with zig zag or a serging type stitch.  Press the seam toward the sleeve.  The result should be a gently gathered sleeve.

 NOTE: You may need to experiment some with the circumference of the band to get the desired amount of gathering resulting from sewing on the band.  Do your experimenting before trimming the sleeve edge to avoid an upset husband!

Good luck and let me know if you need further assistance.

Sharon

Sharon Vogel

Expertise

I can answer general sewing questions as well as tailoring, heirloom, menswear, children's wear, craft sewing, quilting and just about any fabric or notion. I can also help with some sewing machine repair and maintenance.

Experience

I started sewing at the age of 3...thanks to my mom and grandmother, and I am now in my fifties. Home economics classes in junior high and high school helped me to finesse my skills.

Education/Credentials
Palmer and Plesch tailoring class Basically, self-taught...give me the instructions and I will figure it out and then make it better!

Awards and Honors
A few blue ribbons at fairs along the way

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