If you want to learn how to design your own sleeves then you should check out our new online class. Guide to Sleeve Hacking. We cover everything you need to know to get great fitting sleeves with lots of personality!
We teach you just enough of the basics of pattern drafting to allow you to create 12 different sleeve designs that can be as subtle or dramatic as you wish.
We’ll start by talking you through some important sleeve fitting issues to ensure that whatever sleeve you choose to hack starts out with a great fit. We cover lengthening, shortening, and bicep adjustments.
Follow along in our Guide to Sleeve Hacking class with any full-size pattern and dive straight into creating your designs. Or get lots of practice first using the half size templates provided in your class downloads. All measurements are provided in metric, imperial, full and half size so you can work however you choose.
We’ll cover several different lengths of the sleeve including short, elbow, 3/4 and long. We walk you through designs where only the sleeve requires adjustment but we will also explain when and why bodice adjustments are also necessary.
Our Guide to Sleeve Hacking class starts with a simple flared sleeve, we’ll progress onto the iconic Bishop sleeve before showing you how to create cuffs for both upper arm and wrist.
Borrowing from our Companion To Shirtmaking class, you’ll get templates you can use to make a variety of sleeve openings as well as full instruction for how to create them. Then we’ll move onto puff sleeves, lantern sleeves, darted head sleeves and the famous Leg O Mutton sleeve giving you endless opportunities for design.
Statement sleeves are still such a huge trend for the coming Spring/Summer 2020 so why not include some in your makes. Check out our Sewing Spring Trends video to see what we thought of this season’s statement sleeves!
We hope you enjoy this new style of class and we hope to do lots more hacking classes for you.
We would love to hear from you if you have done the class, so don’t forget to leave us a review or get in touch on social media.
Stay safe, keep smiling, keep sewing.
Lots of love
Nikki & Rachel
xxx