How To Make Different Sleeve Styles from ONE Basic Pattern

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All you need for Pattern Changing tutorials, such as this sleeve changing tutorial, is a basic "store bought" sewing pattern that fits properly. It doesn't matter whether it's a Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, etc, simply a pattern that fits you properly. We'll show you how to take that basic sleeve pattern and change it into different styles to allow you to have a whole wardrobe of garments without any of them looking the same.

Measurements Needed For Changing The Basic Sleeve

Because we'll be using the basic short sleeve pattern that came in the pattern package you bought as the basis for all NEW sleeve styles, there are a few measurements that you'll need.  These measurements will be YOUR measurements if you're sewing for yourself, or the person that you're sewing for.




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1.  UPPER ARM - Measure around the thickest part of your upper arm loosely.
2.  LONG SLEEVE LENGTH - Bend the arm slightly.  Measure from the armhole edge at the shoulder to the narrow part of the wrist.
33/4 SLEEVE LENGTH - This measurement is 4" shorter than the long sleeve length.
4.  WRIST - Measure around the wrist loosely
5.  FIST - Make your hand into a fist and measure around, passing over the knuckles.

How To Make A Bell Sleeve From A Basic Short Sleeve Pattern

For each sleeve variation, you'll be cutting the basic sleeve in one or more places, so I would suggest that you reinforce the back of the basic sleeve pattern with iron on pellon, so that the basic sleeve won't get ripped. 
When you make the NEW sleeve style, you may want to pin it to pattern paper and cut the new sleeve style, making a new pattern.





STEP 1:  For the bell sleeve, you will "cut" and "separate" the basic sleeve from the bottom.  On the basic pattern, draw in the center vertical line, then measure 2" to the left and right of the center line, and draw two additional vertical lines.  Beginning at the bottom, cut each of the vertical lines almost to the top, keeping the main piece attached at the top.



STEP 2:  At the bottom of the sleeve, separate the "cut" sections so there are openings of 1 5/8" between each section, as shown.  Lay the basic "cut" sleeve pattern onto pattern paper and pin the sections in place on the pattern paper.



STEP 3:  At the bottom of the center "cut" line, measure DOWN 3/4" and make a mark.  Draw in the new lower sleeve line with a smooth curving line as shown in the above drawing.



Trace around the "new" sleeve pattern on the pattern paper so you'll have a permanent pattern.  We also suggest that you cut out the picture that's associated with the sleeve style and tape it to the new sleeve pattern, and perhaps even label it "Bell Sleeve", so you can keep it to mix and match with other necklines and collars for garment variations.  This new sleeve pattern / style can be sewn according to the pattern instructions.


 


You can see how easy it is to change the basic sleeve into a completely different
style.  If you would like to learn how to make TEN different sleeve styles from that ONE basic pattern, jump on down to the sleeve
changing classes, as indicated below.  There are two sleeve classes available - one for the regular S-XL size ranges, and the Full Figure class for those who are 1X - 8X size ranges.


 PC1O2 - Sleeve Changing Class - $7.95





PCF-1O2 - Sleeve Changing Class - $7.95 (Full Figure)





Customer Comments

D. Blosse writes "You're right, I do have my one favorite pattern that fits very well; however it only has a couple of neckline variations and one sleeve style.  I purchased your "neckline" and "sleeve" classes, and now I use just this one favorite pattern and have made dozens of different styles.  This is so much fun, and the best part is that I know every garment will fit just right!  Thank you so much for offering these classes!"


And thank you, D. Blosse for writing.  The pattern changing tutorials are so simple when you use our easy step by step instructions and have results
so awesome, you'll wonder why you haven't done it sooner!

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  • Gandree Sep 22, 2008 @ 6:57 pm | delete
    How do you find time to sew and make lenses? I love the information you are putting up.
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    One of these days I'm going to get motivated and stop having my mother in law do all my sewing. I love your lenses!

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Sarah Doyle is an author, instructor, pattern designer, blogger and business writer.  She's created downloadable pattern making classes, tutorials... more »

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