Brother Sews Blogger

Exaggerated sleeves are the new staple in fashion this year. So, if you’re looking for a way to update your wardrobe, this is a great trick to add puffy sleeves to an old shirt.

You will need:

• Brother sewing machine (I used the Brother Pacesetter PS5234)
• Fitted t-shirt
• Coordinating fabric
• Pattern paper
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Straight pins

To make the puff sleeve pattern, take a basic short sleeve pattern (Image 1) and using your ruler draw four lines from the top of the patter equal distance apart to create quarters (Image 2) then cut those lines almost to the edge. (Image 3) [caption id="attachment_24150" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Image #1[/caption] [caption id="attachment_24151" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #2[/caption] [caption id="attachment_24152" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #3[/caption] On a separate piece of pattern paper, spread the four pieces open and tape in place (Image 4). [caption id="attachment_24153" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #4[/caption] Trace around the new pattern leaving a small seam allowance (Image 5). [caption id="attachment_24154" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #5[/caption] By opening the top curve of your original pattern, it creates volume, which is needed to make the puff (Image 6). [caption id="attachment_24155" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Image #6[/caption] Cut out the pattern (Image 7). [caption id="attachment_24156" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #7[/caption] Turn the shirt inside out and cut off the sleeves of your t-shirt (Image 8). [caption id="attachment_24157" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #8[/caption] Serge the edges of the new sleeves so they don’t fray (Image 9). [caption id="attachment_24158" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #9[/caption] Sew the straight seam of your new armhole (Image 10). [caption id="attachment_24159" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #10[/caption] Sew a baste stitch - or use a loose stitch setting on your sewing machine - around the top curve of your sleeve. There is no need to backstitch because you want the thread loose. Next, pull one loose thread to create a gather the top of the sleeve. Pin the gathered sleeve into the shoulder arm hold with right sides together and sew in place (Image 11). Do the same for the other sleeve (Image 12). [caption id="attachment_24160" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #11[/caption] [caption id="attachment_24161" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #12[/caption] Turn the entire shirt right side out and there you have refashioned t-shirt with trendy new puff sleeves (Images 13, 14, & 15). [caption id="attachment_24162" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #13[/caption] [caption id="attachment_24163" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #14[/caption] [caption id="attachment_24164" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Image #15[/caption]

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