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Powerlifting Bicep Sleeves
One of the most common issues curvy women have with sewing patterns is finding the sleeves are too tight, so today I’m bringing you an easy tutorial that will help you adjust any one-piece sleeve – and any Cashmerette Pattern with sleeves.
Visit for more information Bicep Sleeves
Before you do this adjustment, check out if there’s already an adjusted sleeve piece available! At Cashmerette, we have full bicep sleeves available for the Montrose Top Pattern, and the Harrison Shirt Pattern.
First, you need to determine how much extra space you need in the sleeve. Measure the fullest part of your arm – typically that’s your bicep next to your armpit. Now, compare that with your pattern. Some patterns (like the Harrison Shirt) have bicep measurements available on the packet, but if not, you can measure the sleeve pattern piece across the largest point. Remember if it’s a knit pattern there may be some negative ease, so the pattern piece will be significantly smaller than your arm. Decide how much ease you want in your sleeve (1 – 3 inches is fairly typical), then do your calculation:
How to make sleeves larger approach 1: If you have 1 inch or less to add
3. Pin (or tape) the bottom of the sleeve piece, either side of the cut. Now, spread each of the four pieces outwards, creating a space down the middle of the sleeve. The top pieces will overlap the bottom pieces a bit – that’s ok! Continue spreading until the widest part of the gap at the bicep equals the amount of extra space you need.
4. Place a piece of paper behind the gap you created, and tape it down to the pattern.
5. Smooth out the sleeve gap so it is a nice curve again, and even up the sleeve hem.
6. Place a piece of tracing paper over the pattern piece, and trace off your final adjusted piece.
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How to make sleeves larger approach 2: If you have over 1 inch to add3. Place your adjusted sleeve on top of the traced sleeve cap, and even up the sleeve hem.
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5. As you added some length to the sleeve cap, you’ll need to adjust your armscye (armhole) accordingly – the two easiest ways to do this are to deepen the armhole and/or add to the underarm seam.So that’s how to make sleeves larger – let me know if you have any questions!
Looking for other tutorials? Check out our full tutorials page.
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