How Do I replace the ribbing on my jacket sleeves?

This is a very common question and a great number of home sewers have a problem with replacing ribbing in a pre-made sleeve!

There are 2 methods that I am aware of:

1. This method (the “in-the-round) technique, the ribbing and garment seams are sewn separately and then attached to each other. The ribbing seam can then be positioned in an inconspicuous area, such as the back of the neck on a neckline band.
2. This method is quicker and often used in ready-to-wear garments; ribbing and garment are attached to each other and then one continuous seam is sewn.  If you decide to go with this second method, be sure to leave one seam open to enable you to make one continuous seam.

Remember that ribbings, which can be purchased by the inch, vary in stretching capabilities.  Depending on how far apart the ribs are placed on the ribbing, one may not be as suitable to the finished garment as the other.  The weight of the ribbing (or the space between the ribs) is important to the garment’s finished look!

No matter which ribbing you purchase, ribbings stretch easily and then quickly return to their original shape to comfortably hug wrists, ankles, necklines, and waists on casual and active wear.

Submitted by:  Loretta Crowder

© 2011, Loretta. All rights reserved.