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.
About the same time, 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.
Long sleeves can easily be shortened or made into short sleeves. Indeed, you can alter the length of a sleeve almost at will. This is until you have already cut off part of the sleeve. The challenge is to alter the sleeve correctly.
Altering a blouse or shirt sleeve is a project that can be quick and easy. Yes, there are probably a hundred different variations on how to do it. Cuff or no cuff, sleeveless, short sleeve, three quarter sleeve, fancy or simple. There are a many choices, but for this project we decided to keep it simple.
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.
Third, Cut the sleeve straight across, connecting both under arm and top sleeve measurements.
Fourth, Since the sleeve shape tapers, you will need to take out the stitching almost to the underarm seam. Reshape the under arm (sleeve). Sew a seam on the inside of the sleeve to hold that taper in place.
To accommodate for the tapering, you will need to reverse the taper angle for the final inch and a half. This way when the hem is folded in, it will match the taper.
Step Five, complete the hem. Look at the blouse. Do you see any top stitching? If so, you may simply fold the fabric under and top stitch. Otherwise, you will need to install a blind hem. Turn half an inch under and press with your iron. Fold another one inch and press again. Sew.
Your sewing machine may have a specialty stitch called the blind hem stitch. You can use this stitch with the specialty blind hem foot to produce your blind hem. You can also get exceptional professional results using a specialty machine called a blind hemmer. - 16651
About the same time, 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.
Long sleeves can easily be shortened or made into short sleeves. Indeed, you can alter the length of a sleeve almost at will. This is until you have already cut off part of the sleeve. The challenge is to alter the sleeve correctly.
Altering a blouse or shirt sleeve is a project that can be quick and easy. Yes, there are probably a hundred different variations on how to do it. Cuff or no cuff, sleeveless, short sleeve, three quarter sleeve, fancy or simple. There are a many choices, but for this project we decided to keep it simple.
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.
Third, Cut the sleeve straight across, connecting both under arm and top sleeve measurements.
Fourth, Since the sleeve shape tapers, you will need to take out the stitching almost to the underarm seam. Reshape the under arm (sleeve). Sew a seam on the inside of the sleeve to hold that taper in place.
To accommodate for the tapering, you will need to reverse the taper angle for the final inch and a half. This way when the hem is folded in, it will match the taper.
Step Five, complete the hem. Look at the blouse. Do you see any top stitching? If so, you may simply fold the fabric under and top stitch. Otherwise, you will need to install a blind hem. Turn half an inch under and press with your iron. Fold another one inch and press again. Sew.
Your sewing machine may have a specialty stitch called the blind hem stitch. You can use this stitch with the specialty blind hem foot to produce your blind hem. You can also get exceptional professional results using a specialty machine called a blind hemmer. - 16651
About the Author:
Sewing Instructions are taught by Sewing Expert Donna Trumble in her Basic Sewing Instructions books and courses. Download your free ebook titled Top Ten Sewing Answers.
