Sewing 101: Shirt Sleeves

Can you believe we are nearly done with the sewing 101? The last few lessons are pretty key. Sleeves for example, If you are making a top I bet it has sleeves. So let's talk sleeves.

 The basic drafting of a sleeve was shown in the drafting lesson. But let's say you want to do something different. Like add a gather to the sleeve. You will just change the sleeve curve.

 Making the curve higher will allow for room for a gather, without adding bulk or width to the sleeve itself. Another way of adding a gather would be making the whole sleeve wider. (the piece shown will be cut on the fold)

 There are a couple ways of sewing the sleeve in. The one I do the most often is called the shirt sleeve. (basic right?) To prepare setting the sleeve you will need to sew the front and back pieces at the shoulder.

 Then take your sleeve and sew two basting lines along the curve. (need more help with gathering?)

 Pull the thread to gather the sleeve.

 Then line the middle of the sleeve with the shoulder seam.

 Then pin the rest of the sleeve to fit. Sew the sleeve in place.

 Then an option is to top stitch along the seam.

 Then with right sides together sew from the sleeve end to the armpit and the turn to go down the side.

 There you have a lovely little sleeve. You can have with or without the gather.

So go sew any sleeve you like.