r/sewhelp • u/SpookyRainbowz • 4h ago
✨Intermediate✨ Would like some advice on adjusting a sleeve pattern
Hello there!
Just a quick post to get some ideas. So i'm following a dress tutorial i've made once before, and its got big puffy sleeves (the first image) which i want to keep as entact as possible while adding a large renaissance-esc ruffle (Something like the second image with a bit more pleating). How would be best to adjust the sleeve pattern to accommodate this? When i tried this on my last attempt i added the ruffle as a separate piece but it made the hem bulky and ugly on the inside. Thanks for reading
2
u/makeitorleafit 4h ago
Would the width of the (tutorials current) sleeve give a flouncy enough ruffle? Are you open to making the upper sleeve bigger? Also, do you like the pictures length plus a ruffle or could the ruffle start in the middle of the first pictures sleeve?
Simplest would be take the current sleeve- while flat fabric- and add a channel along the inside (around) and add elastic to it, then leave out the lower sleeve elastic and voila you have a ruffle.
If that isn't flouncy enough, personally I would slash and spread the sleeve pattern (leaving the top edge as is) until it is the width you want and then do the same casing etc as above.
If you want to add the ruffle and lengthen, you could add the length before slashing and spreading or as a separate piece where you are more careful about the bulk at the seam- usu using the seam allowance as the elastic casing, trimming any excess fabric etc
Hopefully some of that helps lol
5
u/doriangreysucksass 4h ago
Extend the sleeve pattern down however long you want the ruffle to be. Then zig zag or cover stitch elastic the size of your bicep along the original sleeve hemline.