Transforming T-Shirts: Adding Long Sleeves To Short Sleeves

There are several ways to add long sleeves to a short-sleeve T-shirt. One method involves using the sleeve of another shirt, cutting it to the desired length, and sewing it onto the existing sleeve of the T-shirt. This approach allows for the reuse of sleeves from old shirts and ensures a good fabric match. It is important to measure the required length before cutting and to line up the seams for a neat finish. Another method is to use a short-sleeve shirt as a guide for cutting the sleeves to the correct length, then hemming the new edge. This approach is straightforward and works well for most sleeves.

Measure the sleeve length

To measure the sleeve length, you will need to decide on the desired length of the new long sleeves. This can be done by measuring the length of the sleeve on a long-sleeve shirt that fits the wearer well. Alternatively, you can measure the wearer's arm from the shoulder to the desired sleeve length.

When cutting the sleeves, it is important to add a seam allowance to the desired length. A seam allowance of 1/4 to 1/2 an inch is typically recommended. This extra fabric will be used for hemming and attaching the sleeve to the shirt.

If you are using a short-sleeve shirt as a reference for length, lay the short-sleeve shirt on top of the long-sleeved one, aligning the shoulder seams. This will help you determine how far up to cut the new sleeve. Cut through both layers of the shirt, staying about 1/2 an inch away from the long-sleeve pattern piece.

It is also important to consider the type of fabric you are using. For example, if you are working with a loosely knit fabric, you may need to adjust your sewing machine settings accordingly. Additionally, if your sleeve is narrower than the arm of the sewing machine, you may need to stretch the fabric around the arm, which can result in a slightly wavy edge.

Cut the sleeves

Cutting the sleeves of a T-shirt is a great way to alter your clothing and create a new style. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut the sleeves for a T-shirt:

Taking Measurements:

• Measure from your shoulder to your wrist, with your elbow slightly bent.
• Measure the distance from your shoulder to the tip of your elbow, again with your elbow slightly bent.
• Find the circumference of your bicep, elbow, and wrist. This is the area around each part of your arm.
• Calculate your armhole depth measurement. Place an L-shaped ruler so that the inner edges line up with the tip of your shoulder and underarm. Mark the point where the inner edge of the "L" meets your bodice. The distance from the top of your shoulder to this point is your armhole depth.

Drawing the Basic Pattern:

• Mark the centre of your pattern paper with the length measurements. Mark the shoulder point as "A" and the wrist (end of the sleeve) as "B".
• Mark your armhole depth measurement from point "A". Measure down from "A" by the armhole depth and label this point "C".
• Draw a line through the armhole depth to mark your bicep circumference. From point "C", measure out to each side by half of your bicep circumference (including any extra you added). Connect these points to form a line that intersects "C" at a 90-degree angle.
• Repeat the above step for your wrist circumference, drawing a line from point "B" to indicate the full wrist circumference.
• Connect the ends of these lines to create the outer edges of your sleeve pattern.

Creating the Shoulder Curve:

• Divide the line from "C" to the bicep mark into 6 equally spaced points, labelled "D" through "I".
• Draw vertical lines upwards from points "E" and "H" to the level of point "A".
• Draw diagonal lines from "A" to "D" and "I", ensuring they only connect these points.
• Mark the points for the armhole and shoulder curve: above "E" by 0.75 inches, above "F" by 0.75 inches, above "G" by 1 inch, and at the point where the diagonal line crosses "H".
• Draw a curve that passes through all the points you have just marked, starting at "D" and ending at "I". A French curve tool can help with this step, but you can also use a freehand method.

Now, simply cut along the lines you have drawn to create your sleeve pattern. You can then use this pattern to cut sleeves for your T-shirt. Remember to cut on the straight thread of the fabric to avoid twisting the sleeve when sewing.

Pin the sleeves to the shirt

To attach the new sleeves to the shirt, you must first pin them in place. Turn the short-sleeved shirt and the new long sleeves inside out. This is important, as it ensures you don't accidentally sew the sleeves to the outside of the shirt. Line up the seams of the sleeves with the shirt and pin them together. Try the shirt on inside out to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.

Now you are ready to sew the sleeves to the shirt. Begin stitching several inches away from the seam, and carefully stitch all the way around the shirt sleeves, keeping the fabric smooth as you go. Overlap the previous stitch a few times to secure the thread, then remove the shirt from the sewing machine. Trim any excess threads. Finally, turn the shirt right side out and admire your handiwork! Try the shirt on to check the fit and make any final adjustments.

Stitch the sleeves

Now that you have your sleeves ready, it's time to attach them to the short-sleeved shirt. Here's a detailed guide on stitching the sleeves:

Step 1: Prepare the Sleeves

Place the long sleeve shirt (or the sleeve fabric) and the short-sleeved shirt on a flat surface. Ensure the long sleeve is cut to the desired length, adding a seam allowance of about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. This extra fabric will be used for stitching and hemming. Turn both the short-sleeved shirt and the long sleeves inside out.

Step 2: Pin the Sleeves

Carefully pin the long sleeves to the short-sleeved shirt, matching the seams. Try to align the shoulder seams of both sleeves and ensure the fabric is smooth and free of creases. Adjust the sleeves as needed to achieve a good fit.

Step 3: Begin Stitching

Start stitching several inches away from the seam. Carefully stitch all the way around the shirt sleeve, maintaining an even distance from the sleeve's edge. Overlap the previous stitch by a few stitches to secure the thread. Remember to backstitch at the start and end for added strength.

Step 4: Trim and Turn

Once you've finished stitching, remove the shirt from the sewing machine. Trim any excess threads neatly. Now, turn the shirt right side out and admire your handiwork! Try on the shirt to check the size and fit of the new sleeves.

Tips and Tricks:

• It's a good idea to use a long-sleeved shirt that fits the wearer well as a pattern. You can use its sleeves as a guide for cutting and attaching the new sleeves.
• When pinning the sleeves, try on the shirt inside out to ensure a good fit and to avoid getting stuck.
• Take your time and work slowly, especially when navigating around curves or smaller spaces, like the sleeve opening.
• If you prefer a neater finish, you can sew in the new sleeve at the shoulder seam to avoid any visible fabric around the seam.
• Press and steam the sleeves to remove wrinkles and creases for a polished look.

Trim the threads

Trimming the threads is the final step in the process of adding long sleeves to a short-sleeve T-shirt. This step ensures that your work looks neat and tidy, giving your T-shirt a professional finish.

After you have sewn the new sleeve in place, carefully trim any excess fabric from the seam around the sleeve. This will ensure that there is no bulkiness or loose fabric around the new seam. It is important to be precise and not cut any of the stitches or the T-shirt fabric.

Once you have trimmed the excess fabric, turn the T-shirt right side out and gently pull the sleeve through, revealing your newly added long sleeve. If you desire, you can go back and trim any remaining threads that may be visible from the outside.

Trimming the threads is a simple yet crucial step in the process of adding long sleeves to a short-sleeve T-shirt. It ensures that your work looks neat and well-finished, and it prevents any discomfort that might be caused by loose threads or excess fabric.

Frequently asked questions