sewing experts! fab coat dress, but major thread loss at seams!

Hattysattic

Hattysattic

VFG Secretary
Because I don't have enough things to do, I decided to pull out my box of projects that I class as major - it's so darn cold in this house that I thought it would be nice to sit by the fire and sew for a few evenings.

Anyway, I'll try and add a pic if I can tomorrow but I have a really pretty 1940's wrap over style coat (well it's more like a fancy evening coat) in black gaberdine, extremely fit and flare type thing with a TON of panels, puffed sleeves and 3-d scrolling leaf applique on the lapels.
Problem is, although the fabric is absolutely fine with the exception of some muslin backing that I can easily replace, nearly all the thread is disentegrating, or rather would easily do so if I pulled at the seams.

As I am not a great seamstress I'm not really sure what plan of action to take. I would never have been able, novice that I am, to construct this thing from scratch.. and was wondering if it would be awful if I 'oversew' the seams would that work? Or is that a really terrible thing to do and ruin it?

It isn't suitable for resale, it would be for me to wear as it does have two big moth nibbles in the hem that I will patch from behind and won't bother me. I almost considered taking it to a seamstress but I can't really justify spending lots of money on it (poor thing, was held together with safety pins when I got it!) when really it will never be fit for anyone but the not very fussy..

ideas? :)
 
It sounds like a great coat!!

Photos would help me picture what you're dealing with. Is the coat lined, or can you get to the seams easily?

What do you mean by "oversew?"

Whenever I have a weak seam, I try to sew along the original stitching line using the original method. Usually, that just means running a straight stitch along the original stitching line.

Did that help at all?

Laura
 
Harriet, do you have a sewing machine? If you do, I would just
follow the original seams and restitch. If you have cotton thread that would be great, but if not a polyester would work too, as it is for yourself.

Sue
 
Laura, that helped very much! No lining, and I had intended to do exactly as you describe and machine stitch along the original line.
By 'oversew' I mean do you think it will look OK even though some of the original thread, although weak, is in place?

I shall add some pics in the AM - will maybe do a before and after (depending how good a job I can muster!)
 
Oh, okay, I think I can see it clearly now.

You should be fine stitching over the original thread. I'm assuming you don't want to alter the size or fit at all. Just follow the original stitching line as closely as possible and it should be fine.

Sometimes I pull out the old, broken threads by hand or with a seam ripper after I've sewn over the seam. It isn't really necessary unless the broken threads are visible from the outside, since you're planning to keep it for yourself. (I'm more of a stickler when it comes to things I'm going to sell)

Good luck! I'd still like to see pictures. :)

Laura
 
ok - here's the top half at least. i'm afraid it's so dark so early here i was too late to get a decent full shot, as i rely a lot on daylight!









i forgot that i'd already undone the shoulder seams to resew, so it looks a bit pointy around that area.

will keep you updated!! :)
 
Is the fabric at the original stitching frayed or loose, or pulling at all, or is it strictly the stitching thread that is bad? (BTW, this is gorgeous!)

At the risk of being a dissident (!), I would suggest stitching just outside the original seam (which will take up a hair of space, but I would only go about 1/32 to 1/16 inch more & that should not compromise the fit). I typically do that if there is a LOT of length that's bad (if only a couple inches here or there, then I simply follow the old seam line). The reason being is that there is usually some weakness in the fabric at the seam, esp. if the old stitching is that bad.... And new stitching in the same place sometimes causes the old fabric to weaken or pull away from the new thread. That's been my experience anyway, and I opt for a new seam for strength. FWIW!

I hope this makes sense....
 
Anne that makes perfect sense, and is very welcome advice! It may be a week or so before I can get round to it (have just gone into pre-christmas listing frenzy!) but will post again once I do!
 
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