In our Instagram feed, we sometimes share RTW (ready-to-wear) looks that we come across that would be easy to recreate with a Blank Slate Pattern. Here’s a way to interpret the Shoreline Boatneck pattern.
This Anthro ruffle sleeve adds the fullness to the outside while keeping the bulk away from under your arm. Clever! And the pattern alteration is easy…
Trace a copy of the short sleeve pattern piece for your size. Draw three lines as shown in fig. 1:
- A horizontal line (red) connecting the ends of the sleeve cap.
- A vertical line (green) connecting the highest point of the sleeve cap to the red line. Make sure this line is perpendicular to the red line.
- Measure the green line and multiply that measurement by .25 — draw a line (blue) that amount up from, and parallel to, the red line.
For example, if the length of your green line is 4 inches (10 cm), your blue line will be 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your red.
NOTE: Moving forward, the blue line is the only relevant one.
Cut across the blue line as shown in fig. 2.
Modify the upper and lower sleeve pieces in these ways (fig 3.):
- Add 1/2″ (12mm) seam allowance to the edges you just cut (shown here in the gray boxes).
- Measure the length of the seam allowance you just added and multiply that by .5 (making a note of this amount for the next step).
- Straighten out the underarm seam on the lower sleeve piece by extending the bottom edge and drawing lines straight down from the ends of the sleeve cap (shown in green).
NOTE: You can choose to lengthen or shorten your lower sleeve piece at this stage, if desired. The inspiration sleeve looks like the ruffled part is approximately 4 inches (10cm) finished length. Be sure to account for hem allowance.
Lastly, cut through the center of your lower sleeve piece and spread by the amount you calculated in the last step. Fill with scrap paper and tape, making sure the top and bottom edges are still even and that they were spread by the same amount.
When cutting your fabric, cut a mirrored pair of both the upper and lower sleeve pieces, being sure to mark them to track which ones go together.
Gather the lower sleeve so that it matches the length of the upper sleeve, and then stitch this seam. Treat the constructed sleeve the same as the regular sleeve in the Shoreline instructions.
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