How to Sew Cuffs Onto Jacket Sleeves

Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Ribbed Cuffs on a Jacket

I am tall, and when I buy ready-made clothing, I usually need to alter the length of the sleeves or pant legs. Recently, I purchased a fabulous lightweight down jacket that fit well, except for the sleeve length. To easily achieve the length I needed, I decided to add ribbed cuffs to the sleeves. Follow along, and I’ll show you step-by-step how to sew cuffs onto jacket sleeves.

Materials:

• Cuff ribbing (<– affiliate link!) or knit fabric
• Contrasting thread
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

Step One

When deciding on cuff tightness, it’s important to consider personal preference. Some people prefer tight cuffs, while others like them looser. Personally, I like a medium fit that is comfortable without being too tight. Additionally, the length of the cuffs is important. I like them to be slightly longer, and since the ribbed fabric I purchased is already 6 inches long, 3-inch cuffs would be ideal.

Cut the fabric to your desired length and width.

Step Two

Fold the piece in half and sew along the long edge.

Step Three

Fold the cuff over, ensuring the seam is on the inside as if you were wearing it. Use a pin to mark the center of the cuff, positioning it opposite the seam. Next, do the same for the jacket sleeve by marking the center with a pin, again placing it opposite the seam.

Pin the cuffs to the jacket sleeves, stretching as necessary, and pin in place.

Step Four

Stitch the cuff to the jacket sleeve using a longer stitch. I generally set the stitch width on my sewing machine at 3.0. When finished sewing, clip the threads and turn the cuffs to the outside.

There is no need to press the cuffs or the seam where they attach to the jacket, unless you want to do so. This was a really easy fix, and now my jacket fits perfectly! Have questions about how to sew cuffs onto jacket sleeves? Leave a comment below!