Altering wool coat - advice required

frostyspice

I've got an expensive black wool trench coat from Wallis (bought pre-mortgage and pre-children!) which is a little too big for me. It's got two patch pockets with flaps, and these make the coat look even bulkier. I was thinking of unpicking the pockets and flaps, but wondered if the stitches would leave marks in the rest of the fabric.

I suppose I can't tell whether it'll be obvious that I've removed the pockets until I do it - but has anyone ever tried this? Or has anyone any advice on what I should do with it? I am too poor to buy a new one and I don't think it would fetch much on ebay.

ChocClare

It will depend on how tight or loose the weave of the coat is. Is it a thick, nubbly sort of fabric, or a finer wool?
It will certainly leave marks when you remove the pockets, and there will undoubtedly be bits of lint which you'll need to remove.
However, depending on the weave, you can remove the "obviousness" of the needle holes by covering the fabric with a very damp piece of cotton (like sheeting) and pressing it with a hot iron. As long as the coat is wool, and if the weave is not too tight, the holes will then disappear.
Will it work? Can't tell without trying. If it's patch pockets, I would suggest snipping the bottom CORNER of one pocket. Snip along the bottom and up one side. You'll then be able to do an experimental press with the point of your iron into the corner under the patch pocket to see if the holes disappear. If they don't and it looks awful, you can then use the holes to guide you in sewing them up again and no-one will ever know!!
Best of luck anyway!

Mr_Proctalgia

Erm - Just boil it for a few minutes - Exactly how much smaller do you want it?

moggins

What you could do is take it in at the seams around the waist (sort of dart like) this will give you a nice nipped in waist and a slightly flowing 'skirt'. I've got two coats styled like this and always feel really glamourous wearing them.

frostyspice

Mr Proctalgia - if I had a fiver for each 'pure new wool - hand wash only' label I'd seen too late, I wouldn't be on this site!

Cheers!