Sleeveless top and dress styles abound in pattern catalogs. But you may not feel these arm-baring styles work for you, or you’ve discovered that the pattern would be perfect if it only had a sleeve. Luckily, you can adapt sleeveless styles by adding simple-to-draft, complementary sleeves, and get precisely the amount of coverage you desire.

Kathleen Cheetham can show you how to draft three flattering sleeve options with varying degrees of arm coverage. The styles are elegant and pretty and include classic cap sleeves and two kimono styles. Add them to any sleeveless top or dress pattern with an armscye that rests at the natural shoulder line. Select a fitted style that has a standard bust dart. A back shoulder dart is also desirable but not necessary. Learn how to upgrade a sleeveless garment with simple, flattering, and easy-to-draft sleeves in this article from Threads #164.