Latest Sleeves Design Cutting and Stitching at Home
Upcycling an old kurta with new sleeves is my favorite sustainable hack! The latest trends are delightfully DIY-friendly.
Here’s how to add two popular styles:
1. The Dramatic Bell Sleeve:
Cutting: Try the slash-and-spread method! Cut your existing sleeve open vertically from the wrist to the armhole. Lay it on a new piece of fabric and spread the pieces apart, creating a wide, flared triangle shape. This new shape is your bell sleeve pattern.
Stitching: Stitch the new, flared sleeve piece into the armhole. Then, simply stitch the long, curved seam from the wrist to the armpit. Finish the wide hem with a narrow roll.
2. The Statement Puff Sleeve:
Cutting: For a gathered puff, cut a rectangle of fabric that’s 1.5 to 2 times the width of your armhole and your desired length.
Stitching: Gather the top edge of the rectangle until it fits the armhole and stitch it in. Then, gather the bottom wrist edge onto a cuff or an elastic band. It’s instant vintage charm!
The key is to always make a mock-up with cheap muslin first. It saves you from making mistakes on your good fabric and lets you perfect the volume you want.
