Stretchy Style: Sewing Elastic T-Shirt Sleeves Like A Pro

how to sew an elastic t shirt sleve

Sewing elastic into a T-shirt sleeve is a great way to change the style and fit of a garment. Elastic is most commonly used for waistbands, but it can also be used to create fitted cuffs on a shirt sleeve. There are two basic methods for sewing elastic: directly onto the fabric or by creating a casing for the elastic. The former method is best if you want the fabric to be gathered, while the latter is better if you want the fabric to lay flat. This introduction will cover both methods, as well as the tools and steps needed to successfully sew elastic into a T-shirt sleeve.

Characteristics Values
Sewing method Sew elastic directly into the garment or use a casing to sew elastic
Sewing elastic directly into a garment Best if you want the fabric to be gathered
Using a casing to sew elastic Best if you want the fabric around the elastic to lay flat
Sewing steps Measure and cut the elastic, sew the ends together, pin the elastic to the fabric, sew the elastic to the inside of the fabric, fold over the fabric to cover the elastic band, sew along the bottom edges of the folded fabric

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Measure the sleeve area of the person's arm

To measure the sleeve area of a person's arm, start by standing up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides. Then, place one end of a measuring tape at the base of your neck, exactly at the centre for the most accurate measurement.

Next, measure your arm over the shoulder and down your arm. Imagine the seam of a long-sleeved shirt—this is approximately the length you will measure. If you are measuring for a shirt, be a little generous with the length, as your sleeves will ride up when you reach forward. If you are measuring for a coat, stop at the fleshiest part of the thumb, and do not add any extra length.

Finish measuring where you would like the sleeve or shirt cuff to sit. This is usually around or just past the wrist bone, depending on how long you prefer your sleeve length to be. For a full arm length measurement, you can measure to your fingertips, stretching your fingers out as far as possible.

If you are measuring for a shirt sleeve, add a little extra to this length so that when you reach forward, your sleeves won't ride up your arms. For example, if your wrist-to-shoulder measurement is 14 3/4 inches, round this up to 15 inches for the shirt sleeve length.

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Cut the elastic to size

To cut the elastic to size, you will first need to measure the area of the person's body that the elastic sleeve will wrap around. This could be the upper arm or wrist, depending on where you want the elastic to sit.

Use this measurement to determine the length of elastic you will need, and cut the elastic to this length. If you want a snug fit, subtract 2-4 inches (5.1-10 cm) from the measurement and cut the elastic to this length instead.

For example, if you are adding an elastic band to a pre-sewn shirt and want it to sit just under the bust, you would measure the width of the back of the shirt where the elastic will go. If the width of the back is 16 inches and you only want to gather the elastic slightly, you would cut the elastic 12 inches long (4 inches shorter than the width of the back).

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Sew the elastic ends together

Sewing elastic ends together is a crucial step in creating a secure and functional elastic band for a t-shirt sleeve. Here is a detailed guide on how to sew the elastic ends together:

Firstly, overlap the ends of the elastic by approximately 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). This overlap will ensure that the elastic band is well connected and secure. You can also opt to use a scrap piece of fabric to sew the ends together, which will prevent any bulging caused by overlapping.

Next, set up your sewing machine with a zigzag stitch setting. The zigzag stitch is ideal for elastic as it allows for stretch and flexibility. Sew across the overlapping elastic several times, preferably 2 to 3 times, to reinforce the connection and ensure its durability.

If you are using a scrap piece of fabric to sew the ends together, line up the edges of the elastic with the fabric and then sew a zigzag stitch across. This will create a flat and smooth finish.

Once the elastic ends are securely sewn together, you can proceed to pin the elastic to the fabric of the t-shirt sleeve. This will help you attach the elastic band evenly to the sleeve, creating a neat and professional finish.

Remember to stretch the elastic slightly as you sew it to the fabric, ensuring that it aligns with the sleeve's length. This step is crucial in achieving a snug and comfortable fit for the wearer.

By following these steps, you will have successfully sewn the elastic ends together, creating a strong and flexible band for the t-shirt sleeve.

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Pin the elastic to the fabric

To pin the elastic to the fabric, you must first ensure that you have measured and cut the elastic to size. Once you have the correct length, overlap the ends of the elastic and sew them together securely. You can do this by using a zigzag stitch setting on your sewing machine and sewing across the overlapping elastic a few times. Alternatively, you can sew the ends together using a scrap piece of fabric.

Now, you are ready to pin the elastic to the fabric. Start by pinning the seam of the elastic (the area you just sewed) to the seam on your fabric. If your fabric does not have a seam, simply choose any spot to place your first pin. Then, pin the opposite side of the elastic to the opposite side of the fabric band. Repeat this process for the two opposing sides of the elastic. This will divide the elastic band and fabric into quarters and attach it evenly to four sections. Ensure that the edge of the elastic is about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the edge of the fabric. This will guarantee that the elastic will be hidden when you sew it in place.

Now that the elastic is pinned in place, you can begin sewing it to the inside of the fabric. Set your sewing machine to the zigzag stitch setting and start sewing along the top edge of the elastic. As you sew, make sure to stretch the elastic out so that it is the same length as the fabric. Sew all the way around the elastic, slightly overlapping the beginning of the stitching when you are done.

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Sew the elastic to the inside of the fabric

Sewing elastic into a garment is different from regular sewing because you need to account for the stretchiness the elastic will give the fabric. There are two basic methods for sewing elastic. You can sew it to the garment directly or create a casing for the elastic and then insert the elastic through the casing. Sewing elastic directly into a garment may be best if you want the fabric to be gathered, and using a casing to sew elastic is best if you want the fabric around the elastic to lay flat.

Firstly, pin the elastic to your fabric in four evenly spaced places. Start by pinning the seam of the elastic (the area you just sewed) to the seam on your fabric. If there is no seam in the fabric, then just choose any spot to place your first pin. Then, pin the opposite side of the elastic to the opposite side of the fabric band, and do the same for the two opposing sides of the elastic. Pinning the elastic this way will divide the elastic band and fabric into quarters and attach it evenly to four sections. Make sure that the edge of the elastic is about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the edge of the fabric. This will ensure that the elastic will be hidden when you sew the elastic in place.

Now, sew the elastic to the inside of the fabric. After you have finished pinning the elastic to the fabric, sew the elastic in place using your sewing machine. Set the machine to the zigzag stitch setting and begin sewing along the top edge of the elastic. Make sure to stretch the elastic out as you sew so that it will be the same length as the fabric. Sew all the way around the elastic and overlap the beginning of the stitching slightly when you have sewn all the way around.

Frequently asked questions

Measure the area of your upper arm or wrist, depending on where you want the elastic to sit. Use this measurement to cut your elastic. If you want a snug fit, subtract 2-4 inches from your measurement before cutting.

You can either sew the elastic directly into the sleeve or create a casing for the elastic and then insert it. Sewing directly is best if you want the fabric to be gathered. Using a casing is better if you want the fabric to lay flat.

First, measure the width of your elastic and add 0.5 inches. Fold over this amount of fabric into the sleeve, ensuring the raw edges are hidden. Pin the fabric in place, then sew a straight stitch 0.25 inches from the edge, leaving an opening for the elastic.

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