Skip to main content

Summer of T-Shirts Event: Bell Sleeves

This is the last week in the Summer of T-Shirts Event! We had a lot of fun putting this together for you and I hope it helped broaden your creativity.

If you followed along with us, be sure to post photos of your finished projects on Facebook and Instagram using #FMSummerofTshirts. You will be entered into a random drawing for one of two prizes: a $75 gift certificate for Fabric Mart or 3 patterns of your choice from Palmer/Pletsch or Melissa Watson. Post your photos by August 31st. Winners will be chosen on September 1st.

This week's post is by Tereza from the blog, Sewing For Me. She will be sharing with you how to change straight sleeves into bell sleeves.


I just can't get enough of my StyleArc Adele Top!



For this version, I took into account my changing body as my twins are reaching 20-ish weeks out of 40. With the changes, straight sleeves feel a little snug some days. Therefore, I drafted up 3/4 bell sleeves.



Step 1- Set up your sleeve pattern to 3/4 length.

Step 2- Establish your wrist width. In this version, I added 2" on either side at the sleeve hem then gently curved back to just below the armhole seam line. Leave that seam alone or you'll accidentally be adding to the armhole. Ask me how I know! You can see I free handed the curve so it took a few tries. If you have a hip curve ruler or French curve, use one of those.


Note: I taped my sleeve bell on top so it can be easily removed later. I always try to preserve the original pieces whenever possible.


Step 3- With the wings in place, draw one horizontal line with a straight edge matching the original sleeve cut line. Then draw a second line 1/2" below that.

Step 4- mark the center line of the sleeve over these new hemlines.



Step 5- Draw the new curved sleeve edge starting at the first line at the edges and the second line in the center. Again, a curved ruler makes it easier, but I free handed this curve as well. You can always adjust this during the hemming step if it end be up a little uneven.


Step 6- Now you just cut your new pattern piece out of the paper, and cut your fabric.

You can use the same bell technique on the front and back for a loose tent silhouette too!
I love how this fits! I want to make a few more now!

Comments

  1. Good for you! Your finished project is lovely . Bell sleeves add perfect balance to the silhouette. You look like a very stylish mom. All the best to you and baby!!!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: Feeling Festive in Red

Happy Holidays! I’m so excited to bring you this all red holiday look that would be a hit at any holiday gathering this season. Whether you’re headed to your company holiday party or just going to sit in your living room, you’ll fabulous doing so. For this month’s post I knew exactly what I wanted to make. I have been a Sew It Academy student since Mimi G opened it back in 2016.  Sew It Academy is her online sewing academy that shows you what to do once you open your sewing machine and different lessons come out every month showing you different techniques and how to sew different things. Sew It Academy now offers PDF patterns and sewalongs that come with them. I made the Boxy Pullover Top and the Bubble & Wide Hem Skirt which are both Sew It Academy patterns. The Boxy Pullover Top is the first garment class offered in Sew It Academy, so it’s super easy to make.  I’ve seen several YouTube videos for the same top and they are all pretty much contructed the same way.  I...

Made By A Fabricista: Everything Old is New Again: A Linen Skirt Using an Old(er) Pattern

Hello Sewing Friends! It’s Sharon from Sharon Sews with my last post for 2024!  This time I used one of my favorite fabrics, linen. Fabric Mart usually has an excellent selection of linens .  I should know as I’ve ordered my fair share over the years. This time I choose a medium-weight 100% linen with a black and white abstract print.  When I ordered the fabric, my plan was to use an old Issey Miyake pattern and sew myself an oversized linen coat.  But when the fabric arrived it told me it would be happier as a skirt.  Your fabric also talks to you, right?   I’ve been drawn to the look of satin bias skirts paired with oversized sweaters but knew that skirt style doesn’t work on my body shape.  Plus, once the holidays are over a satin skirt would just sit in my closet.  But a linen skirt, in a neutral black and white print, could be worn during the winter months with boots and a sweater and easily transition to warm weather with a tee and sand...

Made By A Fabricista: Cozy Sewing Season

The cozy sewing season seems like it came early this year! Temperatures in Pennsylvania have been in the freezing range for weeks, so it is time to break out the flannel, sweater knits, sherpa, wool, and other warm fabrics. Fabric Mart's website is stocked with gorgeous cozy fabric perfect for sewists living in cold climates. While searching for fabric for my first cozy sew of the season, a Cranberry Plaid 100% Cotton Flannel fabric caught my eye. I loved the colors and the plaid pattern. I ordered 3.5 yards to make a button-up flannel shirt for myself, and a little extra fabric to make a button-up shirt for my son. I also ordered two packs of 10 Soft Pearl Plastic Shirt Buttons and "My Mama Made It" sewing labels from Kylie and the Machine. I envisioned one of these labels being added to the side seam of my son's shirt for a bespoke detail. Once my order arrived, I washed my fabric and reached for my Grainline Studio Archer Button-Up paper pattern. I used this pat...