Replies

1. 
   mimi | Jun 10, 2006 01:27am | #1

   Are you talking about shortening the pattern before you cut it out or altering the sleeve after the fact?  The first would be easy [shorten the length of the sleeves at the line marked for such things on the pattern], the second I would leave to a professional.

   mimi

2. 
   mainestitcher | Jun 11, 2006 06:05pm | #2

   In the case of an already made garment:

   What I've done is pick out the button holes, shorten the sleeves, and carefully re-stitch the buttonholes by hand. The original buttonhole on the outermost layer is re-used as placement for the new. Because the cuts made for the buttonhole remain, you pretty much have to shorten both sleeves the same amount or the re-stitched buttonholes will be uneven.

3. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Jun 12, 2006 12:01am | #3

   depending on your skill level , it could be made shorter from the shoulder. how much shorter are you going ? Susan

1. 
   adeana | Jun 12, 2006 05:29am | #4

   it needs to be made about 2 in shorter- too much to do from the top -but thanks for the idea

1. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Jun 12, 2006 11:35am | #5

   I have taken up to 3 '' from the top before. as you transfer marking the edge I would gradually taper to 1'' under the arm to give some width to the cap.Unless it's for a person with fat arms, it can be done . I admit its more work, and the fabric dictates how much give there would be . Is it your garment or for a client? Susan

1. 
   adeana | Jun 14, 2006 03:02pm | #6

   it is for a client-I do alterations, but this is something I haven't mastered the technique for so i appreciate your input-adeana