How To Insert Sleeves Into a Sleeveless Top

Sunday, March 31, 2013


You can fake a set-in sleeve by using any sleeve shape you want and inserting it into the armhole and add a soft sophistication to any garment by creating a sleeve that looks like it belonged there all along.
For this blouse, I chose a sleeve with a slight puff (as opposed to “pouf” which conjures up disturbing leg-of-mutton images from the 1980’s) is work appropriate while maintaining a floaty, ladylike charm. This technique works with sleeveless t-shirts as well.


For short sleeves, you'll need 1/2 yard fabric. Buy 1 yard of fabric if you plan to insert long sleeves. 


18 comments:

  1. I love this! Puff sleeves are my favorite to create. I like how your sleeves have a subtle "puff" to them. (^_^)

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  2. This looks absolutely lovely and a great improvement on the original. That is an excellent little sleeve pattern.

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  3. The shirt looks even better with sleeves!

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    1. Well, it's definitely more wearable for the 30 degree spring weather we've been experiencing in my fair town. :)

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  4. Very nice -- I use my pattern pieces in the same way. A sleeve here, a waistline there. Love the subtle puff of your sleeve.

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    1. It's always easier to show a tutorial with a pattern piece than try to explain how to draft one! Drafting a sleeve is tricky...:)

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  5. How do you find fabric to match so well? Whenever I think, "Oh, I could add sleeves and make this work..." then I think, "Humph. How will I match the fabric?!"

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    1. I generally stick to neutrals for projects like this. Whites, grays, blues and blacks... You're right. It's really difficult to find matching fabrics for most colors. Check out my new book, The Chic Girl's Guide. It's available for preorder on Amazon. I have a whole section in it on how to find and match the best fabrics. :)

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  6. You are styling gal!!! wow. this is BEAUTIFUL. i LOVE IT. So much better with the sleeves. Do come link it up with us at our linky party tomorrow, okay?! Love to see it there!

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  7. It is important to choose the right sleeve pattern to go with the blouse. Not every pattern will work - it has to "fit." Mary

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  8. This is great. Your sleeves look great!!
    Ruth

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  9. Sorry, but I didn't find this very helpful. I was hoping to learn how to draft some sleeves and select a matching fabric. The shirt looks great, but I haven't learn anything I didn't already know.

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    1. I have to agree - this was basically "find the shirt you want to change, then use a pattern and change it" :/

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  10. Can you give us some more information on how to choose a sleeve pattern to match different kinds and shapes of armholes? As in: sleeveless shaped armholes versus vest shaped armholes, knit fabric versus cotton fabric, armholes cut in more at the shoulders or deeper under the arm? I've tried adding sleeves to sleeveless clothing and it has been a hit and miss experience. Thank you for your help!

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