How To Make Tulip Sleeves

I made tulip sleeves in two different lengths using our Basics line’s Sheila Everyday Tee and Dress. I adore how it is straightforward while still adding an own personal touch to a plain t-shirt. This lovely accent can be added to your top in only a few extra minutes.

Pattern Prep

The short sleeve piece is the only pattern component you will need to change. The instructions for both the long version and short version are almost the same. Along the way, I’ll demonstrate how to alter the pattern for each choice and offer images of both lengths.

Front half:

Cut your pattern piece in half after folding it in half vertically (the center is marked at the top of the shoulder).
Lay down the new pieces on the layout paper, leaving space for the rear to extend, then place the front half on the pattern.
Around the pattern piece, trace.
To make the tulip, decide how much the front and back should overlap at the shoulder. I chose to overlap mine by three for reference, but you can do more or less.
Measure the amount of overlap you determined at the top of the shoulder on the back portion of the pattern piece and mark it with a line.
Align the center of your back piece with the front piece’s trace.
From your overlap marking to the front piece, trace a line down the top of the rear sleeve piece.
Measure and mark the middle along the bottom of the front section (which is the sleeve opening).
Draw a swooping line that joins the inner shoulder edge and the sleeve opening’s midway.
Your pattern piece’s new front half should be cut out.

Back Half:

Trace all the way around the back half of the sleeve piece, leaving space for the front to extend.
Over the back sleeve that has been traced, place the new front piece facing down.
Match up the top of the shoulder, underarm, and sleeve opening on the front and back pieces.
Onto the back piece, trace the top of the shoulder and the bottom curve.
New back sleeve half should be cut out.

Front Half:

Measure 2 from the top down to the armscye’s straight edge. (Or however long you would like your sleeve to be.)
Follow the inner edge’s curve over to the new armscye length marking.
Remove the bottom part.
In order to align the top of the armscyes, place the reduced front piece face down on top of the back piece.
Onto the back piece, trace the new front curve.
Cut away the bottom part.

Cut out your Pieces

As per the tutorial’s instructions, cut out the front and rear bodice parts as well as the neckband.
Cut out two mirrored pairs for your new sleeve pieces.
It’s quite easy to mix up the front pieces with the rear ones, so mark both of them with a pin or clip. (Ask me how I am certain.)

Constructing the Sleeve

Whatever length sleeve you make, the processes are the same. Both lengths will be combined in the pictures.

Each piece’s inside edge should be hemmed up to two from the underarm seam. (You can go all the way to the end; this is simply how I like to hem.)
Place the paper pattern pieces on top of the fabric pieces and use a pin to mark the shoulder of each piece’s original centerline.
Both the front and back pieces should be marked.
The pins designating the original center should be lined up when the front and back pieces are laid side by side.
To ensure that the armscyes are identical to the original, place your original pattern piece on top and set it in place.
If necessary, modify the sleeves to conform to the original pattern.
Where the pieces overlap at the top of the sleeve, pin them together, and then sew them together with a long, narrow zigzag.
Right sides should be together as you fold each sleeve in half, matching the underarm seam.
Use a serger or a stretch stitch to sew.
Sew the unhemmed portion to complete the sleeve edge if the last two hem stitches were left unstitched earlier.
Follow the tutorial when sewing the bodice pieces together.
Pin the bodice and sleeves in quarters.
Turn the sleeve right side out and the bodice wrong side out before inserting the sleeve right sides together. Ensure that the front of the sleeves is aligned with the front of the bodice.
Sew with a stretch stitch or serger after pins are placed at quarter marks.
The hem and neckband help to complete your shirt.

How do tulip sleeves work?

Short one-seam sleeves are known as patel or tulip sleeves. The shape of this sleeve, which is suggestive of tulip petals, gave rise to its name. The pattern on the arm overlaps as the sleeve is sewed into the armhole.