A friend of mine called the other day and told me that she had just bought a new blouse. The only problem was that it had long sleeves. I told her to shorten the sleeve, but she was worried she might make a mistake and ruin the blouse.
Interestingly, my husband David and I were in our closet at home. David was looking for a clean shirt. It has turned hot here in Texas, I mean hot. He realized that he did not have a decent short sleeved shirt. So, we decided to shorten the long sleeved shirts, and maybe this fall we will buy a whole new wardrobe of long sleeved shirts.
Why would you alter a perfectly good blouse or shirt? Why would you cut off a perfectly good sleeve? There are many possible purposes: comfort, style, repair, just want to. The more apt question is how do you alter a sleeve?
What kind of sleeve would you like? You can create many variations including short sleeve, sleeveless, or three quarter sleeve. In addition to length you can add creative embellishments like cuffs, lace, or frills. There are lots of choices, but once you understand the basics, the project is quite easy.
Initially, identify how long you want the sleeve to be. Since you have many options, you must decide. If it is helpful compare other shirts you have until you get a good idea what you really want.
Second, Measure both under- arm seam and at the shoulder. Add 1 " to this measurement, and mark the fabric with a fabric marker.
Step Three, cut straight across the sleeve between the outer and under measurement marks.
Step Four, remove the stitching along the inside of the sleeve to the underarm seam. Keep in mind that the shape of the sleeve tapers. You will need to carefully reshape the sleeve to avoid binding under the arm. To accomplish this, seam on the inside of the sleeve along the taper.
The inch and a half of fabric to be used for the hem, must be cut and sewn with an angle opposite to accommodate the taper so that when it is folded under it will not bind.
Finally, finish the sleeve hem. Here you have several choices depending on the general style of the shirt. You may install a cuff or not. You may finish with top stitching or blind hem. In either case, the procedure is much the same. Fold the edge of the sleeve under half an inch and press it. Fold it under again one inch and press. Finally, sew the seam as decided.
If you have a professional blind hem stitching machine, you will get the best results. Otherwise, your sewing machine probably came with a blind hem foot. If you do not have a blind hem foot, you can get one at your local sewing machine dealers store. It is also possible to hand stitch the seam if necessary. - 16083
Interestingly, my husband David and I were in our closet at home. David was looking for a clean shirt. It has turned hot here in Texas, I mean hot. He realized that he did not have a decent short sleeved shirt. So, we decided to shorten the long sleeved shirts, and maybe this fall we will buy a whole new wardrobe of long sleeved shirts.
Why would you alter a perfectly good blouse or shirt? Why would you cut off a perfectly good sleeve? There are many possible purposes: comfort, style, repair, just want to. The more apt question is how do you alter a sleeve?
What kind of sleeve would you like? You can create many variations including short sleeve, sleeveless, or three quarter sleeve. In addition to length you can add creative embellishments like cuffs, lace, or frills. There are lots of choices, but once you understand the basics, the project is quite easy.
Initially, identify how long you want the sleeve to be. Since you have many options, you must decide. If it is helpful compare other shirts you have until you get a good idea what you really want.
Second, Measure both under- arm seam and at the shoulder. Add 1 " to this measurement, and mark the fabric with a fabric marker.
Step Three, cut straight across the sleeve between the outer and under measurement marks.
Step Four, remove the stitching along the inside of the sleeve to the underarm seam. Keep in mind that the shape of the sleeve tapers. You will need to carefully reshape the sleeve to avoid binding under the arm. To accomplish this, seam on the inside of the sleeve along the taper.
The inch and a half of fabric to be used for the hem, must be cut and sewn with an angle opposite to accommodate the taper so that when it is folded under it will not bind.
Finally, finish the sleeve hem. Here you have several choices depending on the general style of the shirt. You may install a cuff or not. You may finish with top stitching or blind hem. In either case, the procedure is much the same. Fold the edge of the sleeve under half an inch and press it. Fold it under again one inch and press. Finally, sew the seam as decided.
If you have a professional blind hem stitching machine, you will get the best results. Otherwise, your sewing machine probably came with a blind hem foot. If you do not have a blind hem foot, you can get one at your local sewing machine dealers store. It is also possible to hand stitch the seam if necessary. - 16083
About the Author:
Sewing Instructions are revealed by Author Donna Trumble in her Basic Sewing Instructions books and courses. She also offers a free ebook titled Top Ten Sewing Answers.
