You know it’s always tough to get a sleeve in the way the pattern directions say…and then you have nicks and bumps. Well, there is an easier way.
Step 1: Instead of putting sleeves in after you have sewn the shoulder seam and the side seam, sew the shoulder seam the same as usual. Then pin in the sleeve and sew. Sew up the side seam after the sleeve is in.
Step 2: Be sure to pull gently (and only a little) at the sleeve while you are sewing. This helps to smooth it out and limits the bumps and also limits the number of times you have to use the seam ripper.
Finish your shirt like usual.
Enjoy!
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I love crafts. I also love to cook and bake, so I applied for recipe and fun pages this time. I was on the editorial board for 2011 and did the craft page. I loved it!!! I thought I would apply for something different this year. I wish I could mark three choices on the application, because this time that would be my third choice, because I also love, cooking and stuff, but sewing is my absolute favorite.
Hi Rachel,
Kol HaKavod on your sleeve sewing.
Not all sleeves can be sewn directly with the shoulder, because there is extra “ease” at the sleeve cap. These are called “set-in” sleeves, where you have to first do gathering stitches on the sleeve cap first, sew the sleeve side seam and then “ease-in” the sleeve into the shoulder seam.
However, a trick that I use as an alternative method to this is like what you do, except that for the extra ease, I sew two pleats at the sleeve cap. The outcome at the pleated sleeve cap looks great.
If you have mastered sewing a simple blouse with sleeves together, you might want to browse my sewing patterns that are kosher at http://kosherpatterns.com and appropriate for various sewing levels.
Happy Sewing.