Creating A Cap Sleeve T-Shirt: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cap sleeves are a decorative detail that adds a stylish and feminine touch to any outfit. They are a great way to cover your upper arms without the use of a full sleeve. In this article, we will teach you how to make a cap sleeve T-shirt in a few simple steps. The process is easy and quick, perfect for beginner sewists or those who have never sewn knit T-shirt fabric before. All you need is some jersey fabric, a T-shirt to use as a guide, and a few basic sewing tools. So, are you ready to give your T-shirts a stylish upgrade?

Choosing the right fabric

When making a cap sleeve T-shirt, it is important to choose the right fabric to ensure the garment is comfortable and durable. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your fabric:

Type of Fabric

The most common type of fabric for T-shirts is cotton, which is usually the most cost-effective option and showcases ink colours well. Cotton is a natural, breathable fabric that is soft and comfortable to wear. However, cotton may not be the softest option available, and it may not be as durable as some other fabrics.

Poly-cotton blends are also popular for T-shirts. Polyester is produced through a chemical process and offers more stretch, durability, and resistance to heat, water, wrinkles, and tears than 100% cotton. Polyester blends tend to be slightly more expensive than cotton, but they are a good choice if you are looking for a soft and comfortable T-shirt with some stretch.

Another option is a tri-blend fabric, which combines cotton, polyester, and rayon. Rayon is a manufactured material made from organic wood pulp, which gives the fabric a soft and silky feel. Tri-blend T-shirts are generally the most expensive option but are highly rated for their comfort and softness.

Weight of Fabric

The weight of the fabric is also an important consideration. Lightweight fabrics, such as jersey or interlock knit, are good choices for cap sleeve T-shirts as they are breathable and drape nicely. However, you may want to choose a heavier weight fabric if you are looking for a more structured or durable garment.

Stretch

When selecting a fabric for a cap sleeve T-shirt, it is important to consider the amount of stretch. A fabric with good stretch recovery will ensure that the sleeves fit snugly without being too tight or restrictive. Fabrics with a blend of cotton and spandex or elastane will provide the best stretch and recovery.

Colour and Pattern

Finally, consider the colour and pattern of the fabric. If you plan to print a design on your T-shirt, choose a fabric colour that will complement your design. You may also want to consider a fabric with a pattern or print that adds interest to your garment.

Cutting the fabric

To make a cap sleeve T-shirt, you will need to cut the fabric according to the pattern you have chosen or designed. This process will involve carefully measuring, marking, and cutting the fabric to create the desired shape for the T-shirt body and sleeves. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the cutting process:

• Prepare the Fabric: Begin by ironing your fabric to remove any wrinkles. Then, fold the fabric in half, with the right sides facing each other. Ensure that the greatest stretch of the fabric runs parallel to the fold.
• Straighten the Edge: Use a cutting mat, a quilter's ruler, and a rotary cutter (or fabric shears) to trim the right edge of the fabric, creating a straight edge.
• Mark the Center Back: Fold the T-shirt you are using as a guide in half and locate the center back of the neck opening. Mark this point with a pin. This will help you position the fabric accurately.
• Position the Fabric: Place the T-shirt on top of the fabric, aligning the tops of the shoulders with the fold. Position the right edge of the T-shirt about 4 cm away from the trimmed side of the fabric.
• Pin the Fabric: Secure the fabric layers together by inserting safety pins along the sides of the T-shirt, including the side seams and armpit areas. This will help you cut the fabric accurately and prevent shifting.
• Trim the Sides: Repeat the pinning process on the other side of the T-shirt, and then trim the fabric along the pinned lines, maintaining a consistent distance of about 4 cm from the T-shirt on both sides.
• Cut the Bottom Hem: Trim off the bottom of the fabric along the bottom hem of the T-shirt to create the desired length for your cap sleeve shirt.
• Trim the Back Neckline: Cut the fabric along the fold, following the back neckline of the T-shirt. This will create the shape for the back of your shirt.
• Mark the Front Neckline: Hold the front neckline of the T-shirt in place with your finger and fold the back neckline straight down. Mark the center of the front neckline with a pin, piercing only the top layer of fabric.
• Draw the Front Neck Curve: Using tailor's chalk, carefully trace a smooth curve from the center front to the shoulders, creating the desired shape for the front neckline. Then, carefully cut along this line, being mindful to cut only the front layer of fabric.

At this point, you have completed the cutting process for the basic structure of the cap sleeve T-shirt. You can now proceed to sew the sides of the T-shirt, try it on for fitting, and make any necessary adjustments. Remember to cut slowly and carefully, as accurate cutting is essential for achieving a well-fitting garment.

Sewing the sides

Now that you have cut out the sleeves, it's time to sew the sides of the T-shirt.

First, try on your new T-shirt, which is still inside out, to test the fit. If the fit is right, draw a chalk line along the line of safety pins. If it's too tight, like mine was, draw the line about 1 cm out from the safety pins. Then, place ballpoint pins for knits along the edges and remove the safety pins.

Next, use polyester thread and a stretch needle to sew along the chalk lines. After that, trim the fabric about 5 mm away from the stitching. You might want to check out some tips for sewing jersey fabric if this is your first time.

Now, open up the neckline and trim all around it for an even cut, paying particular attention to the corners where the front meets the back. Don't try to trim the neckline right at the edge of the fabric, as it's nearly impossible to get a smooth cut line this way. Instead, cut a little less than 1 cm away from the edge so that you can make a clean cut all around.

Finally, turn your new T-shirt right side out and put it on! You now have a cap sleeve T-shirt with a snug fit. If you prefer a looser fit, simply leave more than 4 cm of fabric on either side of the original T-shirt and move the safety pins further away from the sides of the shirt. The more extra fabric you leave at the sides, the longer the sleeves will be.

Trimming the neckline

Now that you've cut your fabric according to the measurements and pinned the sides, it's time to focus on the neckline. This is a crucial step in achieving the desired look for your cap sleeve T-shirt.

Start by trying on your new T-shirt, which is still inside out from the previous steps. Check the fit of the shirt, and if it feels right, you can proceed to the next step. If not, make adjustments as needed. For example, if it feels too tight, you can draw a chalk line about 1 cm out from the safety pins, as shown in the instructions.

Once you're happy with the fit, remove the safety pins and replace them with ballpoint pins designed for knit fabrics along the edges. At this point, you can also trace around a glass to get a perfect curve for the armpit.

Now, take your polyester thread and a stretch needle, and sew along the chalk lines. This will secure the sides of your T-shirt. After sewing, trim the fabric about 5 mm away from the stitching.

The next step is to focus on the neckline. Open up the neckline and trim around it to create an even cut. Be careful and precise, especially at the corners where the front of the shirt meets the back. Remember, don't try to trim the neckline right at the edge, as it's challenging to get a smooth cut. Instead, cut slightly less than 1 cm away from the edge to achieve a clean, even line all around.

Now, turn your T-shirt right side out, and you'll have a brand new cap sleeve shirt ready to wear!

Finishing touches

Now that you've made your cap sleeve T-shirt, there are a few things you can do to finish it off and make it your own.

Firstly, you can decide on the style of your T-shirt. Choose a blouse or dress style and a neckline or collar to complement your new cap sleeves. A rounded neckline and short faux-cap sleeves can give a form-fitting look, while a rounded V-neck and longer sleeves can create a looser style. You can also experiment with different types of fabric and colours to find the perfect combination for your taste and comfort.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore more complex sleeve styles such as puff sleeves or full sleeves. These variations can add drama or whimsy to your creation. Play around with different techniques like "slash-and-spread" to create unique and personalised cap sleeves.

Don't forget to finish your T-shirt with hems and seam allowances. This will give your garment a polished and professional look. You can also consider adding facings or other finishing touches to elevate your design.

Lastly, try on your new cap sleeve T-shirt and admire your handiwork! You can adjust the fit to your liking, making it snug or loose depending on your preference. With these finishing touches, you can create a stylish and comfortable T-shirt that showcases your creativity and sewing skills.

Frequently asked questions