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: The Bernadette

Hello friends,  My Latest Fabricista Make: Friday pattern Co Bernadette Skirt x Midnight Navy Cotton/Lycra Sateen Stretch Denim Hi everyone, this is Byrd with my latest Fabricista make! When I saw Fabric Mart’s Muted Midnight Navy Cotton/Lycra Sateen Stretch Denim , I knew it would be perfect for my next project. The color is rich and versatile—a deep navy that works as a neutral but still has presence. The stretch denim has just the right balance: structure with a bit of give, making it great for a garment that needs both shape and comfort. It’s an ideal fabric for fall transitions, but it’s sturdy enough to carry straight into winter with tights and boots. For the pattern, I chose the Bernadette Skirt by Friday Pattern Company . This is one of their newer designs, and I knew immediately I wanted to sew it up. It’s a modern skirt that blends structure and style, with darts in the back and pleats in the front for a flattering fit. One of my favorite features is the belt, and of co...

Made By A Fabricista: Falling for Knits

We are now well into Fall, even though the temps are still relatively warm here in Texas.  I love the fall season and dressing for Fall.   When it comes to the conversation of knits vs. wovens I typically sew mostly wovens. So for this post I decided to sew completely knits!  With the holiday season right around the corner I saw these three dress styles as perfect for Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving gatherings.  The first look is a tried and true pattern Simplicity S9372.  Using this gorgeous burgundy ponte knit , I like how this pattern fits throughout. I chose this color to add to my typically neutral palette in my closet.  I also wanted something I could wear to my sorority meetings and found this color perfect.  It's an easy sew with back fisheye darts  and invisible zipper to add to the tapered style.  The neckline and armholes are finished with bias binding giving it a clean finish on the inside.  I used a universal needle to sew a...

Made By A Fabricista: The Art of the Slow Make: My La Forme Double-Breasted Jacket

I started this project back in July — one of those mid-summer sewing plans meant to get me ahead for fall. My idea was simple: start my wardrobe a season (or two) early so that when cooler weather came, I’d already have a few handmade pieces ready to wear. That was the plan, anyway. But as sewing often reminds us, plans evolve. This jacket, made using La Forme pattern No. 0303, is a double-breasted design with peak lapels and an exaggerated hip detail that gives it such a striking silhouette. I fell in love with the structure of the pattern right away — it has that timeless, tailored feel I can never resist — but it also asked for patience. I picked it up and put it down several times over the months, letting it rest while I worked on other projects, until finally, the timing felt right to bring it to life. And now, here we are — the leaves are turning, there’s a chill in the air, and some parts of the country are even seeing snow. My summer-started jacket is finally finished, and it c...