When it comes to the final look and fit of a garment, quick is not always the best way to go. Sometimes, taking extra steps in a garment’s construction can make a huge difference in the quality of the finished product. This is not one of those times. When I first began sewing, I spent way too much time trying to figure out how to attach sleeves. It was burdensome. That’s why most of my earliest garments were sleeveless. I just didn’t get it. I’d sew up my sleeve seams, and then I’d pin, unpin and repin the finished sleeve into the armscye, just to discover that something was “off” and I’d have to start all over again. Or, I’d pin the sleeves correctly, but just the plain awkwardness of sewing the small hole of a sleeve into a small armhole, I’d inadvertently suck up extra fabric from the sleeve into the seam. I hated my seam ripper.
Today’s Pinterest Sewing Tip is an “oldie but goodie”. You can find the technique demonstrated on multiple sites. I even found it in my 1987 Vogue Sewing for Children (Great book by the way). I pinned it on my board because it’s one of those time saving techniques that belongs in everyone’s grab bag. I haven’t found an instance where this type of sleeve attachment wouldn’t be appropriate (there may be), but just in case, I’ve also provided some great alternatives below as well.
The technique in the above picture is from the superbly talented Dana from Dana Made It, but you can also find the same method from other equally talented seamstresses here, and here.
Pinterest Link (Dana Made It)
Skill Level: Beginner
Pros: Super Easy
Cons: Ummm, I’ll let you know if I find one.:)
I whipped up some Thanksgiving tops for my girls using a super stretchy knit. I don’t sew with knits a lot, so I was concerned that my sleeves might turn out a bit wonky. I’m happy to say that my sleeves turned out beautifully using this technique. No extra puckering or “wonkiness” to be found 
.
For a more traditional approach to sleeve setting, try these:
Skill Level: Intermediate
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
As always, thanks for stopping by.
Keep doin’ what you love!
Shannon