This is probably a dumb question, but I was wondering whether or not I could use my Burda pattern for a summer blouse with cap sleeves (the armhole is quite large)and just extend the line down for a 3/4 length sleeve.
The fabric is a light cotton print. Anyone tried this or would it just bunch around the underarm and twist on the arms??
Replies
what do you meand by a cap sleeve? . Is it a VERY short sleeve or just a an ordinary short sleeve . What is the number of the pattern.?
I think you can probaly just lengthen it and taper to fit your upperarm and forarm circumference .
Hi: It's basically an extension of the shoulder really; there is no set-in piece. It's Burda #8919. If you can have a look at it somehow that would help as you sound like a more experienced sewer.
Thanks.
Well i would get another Burda pattern which has a set in sleeve and match up the the neck shoulder point wth your pattern Then you should be able to trace out the arm hole onto your pattern and you could even use that sleeve and adjust it to 3/4/length.You need to watch that the side seam is adjusted and that the new adjusted pattern still fits you properly. I generally make up a toil out of soft vieline or muslin and just check that it all comes together.
Thanks mem; that may be the simplest approach. I do have another Burda pattern with sleeves which will allow me to play. Maybe I'll just buy another pattern that suits me rather than fiddling around! Trying to save money can sometimes cost me more!
Ah yes but you learn .
I think that you will find that the longer sleeve will pull and tear under the arm unless it is very wide like a kimono sleeve. Every time that you raise your arm, you will pull the garment side up with it; if something keeps it from going up then it will tend to tear just under the arm. It is not really a comfortable sleeve to wear and I would advise against it. However, if you really want to do it, you should re-inforce the underarm seam. Stitch that part of the seam with a small stitch. On each seam allowance, stitch along side the seam and close to it. Clip right to the re-inforcing stitching at several places. That will allow the seam to straighten out when you raise your arm.You could also insert a gusset but it is fiddly work and not really worth it. Better to use a pattern with an inset sleeve and avoid the problems entirely.FrancesC
Yup, that's what I finally decided. The fabric is so nice that it's not worth risking a cutting error. Thanks for replying.
measure the arm hole opening on the blouse and then measure one on another blouse you have and see just how much they differ, if its a small amount, you can use that armhole without changing it, EXCEPT that sleevless patterns usually have a slightly raised (smaller) armhole opening than a pattern with a sleeve, and I would think that a cap sleeve would go into a sleevless style. is this a style that is in the BWOF that just came out - the June issue? I just got mine today and they have some cute tops with a cap sleeve.
Judy
Hi Judy: That's a good idea you've given me. It's an older Burda pattern, but it's cute and fits me well...weirdly the armhole is quite large and my bra can be seen if I'm not careful, so it might be a decent candidate for a sleeve.
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