Jackete/Windbreakers with lining

[HH5131]

My customer needs 20 windbreakers embroidered on the back. The jackets are 100% micro poly shell with mesh lining. Has anyone done these and will it be difficult with the lining and the fact that the material itself is a nice silky soft maybe slippery material?
Any advice?

[GF]

The best way is to open a seam and get between the mesh and the nylon, otherwise the nylon will droop lower than the bottom hem of the shell after embroidery. The mesh can also get caught in the arm or snagged by a needle and cause unexpected catching. After embroidery, resew the seam closed. If you are unable or unwilling to offer sewing services, I would explain the possible outcome and see if they want to try a different style of jacket.

~gf

[Big Dog]

I've done jackets like that. I don't like them, but there is a work around to the mesh lining. Lay the jacket flat with the lining facing up on an ironing board and pin the lining and the fabric layers together, with the pins just outside the hoop area. Make sure everything is smooth before you pin the layers. I poked pins through both layers and into the ironing board to keep everything from slipping until I got the pins in place. Not a fun job but at least a work around without having to open the seams.

[HH5131]

Thx for your suggestions. I don't have a sewing machine, so it may make it difficult for me to open the seam and sew it back up. That's a great idea tho.
what about if I spray temporary sticky glue onto the inside surface of the jacket so the mesh sticks to the outer material and also pin edges together as suggested? Anyone try that?

[GF]

It's not a big seam to replace, so I would hand sew it closed using a whip stitch.

[HH5131]

Really GF? You must have been through this already. Being that I'm not a seamstress and have no idea what a whip stitch is, I'll do some research. Looks like I'd have to remove the bottom seam, as that's the only viable place to restitch.
Also, the outer nylon shell is sooo thin. What kind of backing do you recommend?

[GF]

I usually open a seam in the arm or side ... better access for hooping there too. I wouldn't touch the bottom seam because it is usually serged and best to leave that intact.

For backing, fusible works very well.

[Rod or Sharon]

Just as an alternative if you want to sew inside the jacket rather than through the lining and you don't sew or have a machine, ask your client to take the jackets to the dry cleaners or check with JoAnn's for someone who does sewing and have the jacket seams opened and then re-sewn.

For whatever reason, I get many calls asking if I do alterations, etc. Even tho I do sew, I don't do sewing as a profession. Therefore, I send them either to the dry cleaners, a bridal shop or seamstress. They are always grateful for the suggestions.

Sharon

[signman]

For the odd jobs like jacket seams, jackets that came in unsewn or pulling out (yes-it happens!) and we didn't have time to get them replaced, we arranged with a local seamtress to give us 'wholesale' pricing on repairs and sewing jobs, patches, etc. and in exchange if she has embroidery jobs we would give her wholesale pricing. Find someone in your area, give them some 'test' items to show you their quality of work, and you will be all set and can refer orders to her for jobs or have her do your 're-sew' jobs as needed. Everyone benefits!

[Big Dog]

Great idea Signman!