My creative process- Pattern drafting part 2, cap sleeves
Well I’m still plodding through all the pattern drafting for the dress I’m making. I decided to tackle the cap sleeves today because they’re easy and I’m feeling lazy!
So first step, got out my basic sleeve block and put tracing paper over it.
There are 2 options when making a cap sleeve. You can either have it conform to the curve of your arm or you can have the hem jut out from the arm a bit. I almost always go for cap sleeves that conform, so I thought just for fun I’d try a jutting cap… and if once I make it I don’t like it, I can just make a new sleeve pretty easily. Anyway, in order to get the jut you just removed some of the height from the sleeve cap. So I marked a point 1 inch below the cap, and then drew a new cap. I want a very small cap sleeve so I drew a straight line across the base of the armhole as a guide.
Now I need to curve the hem (otherwise it isn’t really a cap sleeve it’s just a kind of lame short sleeve!).
Now the last thing was to cut it out – sorry forgot to take a picture of the cut out piece, but I”m sure you can figure out that you cut around the sleeve cap and along the curved hemline.
Now keep in mind this is a pattern block, so seam allowance still needs to be added to all the edges.
When I add the sleeves to my dress I really want a smooth hem finish, so I’m planning to self face the sleeves, which I thing will give it a really clean look. You gals are going to get sooooo tired of me posting pattern pictures!!
Related posts:
My creative process- Pattern drafting part 1, a peter pan collar
My creative process – Sketching
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I love that you share your creative process because, though I’ve followed a pattern, I would have no idea how to draw my own – very cool!
No way we could get tired of this, it’s great to see how it all comes together. And although I couldn’t do this myself right now, I still feel like I’m learning something, thanks. :)
You’ve been heaps busy! Is it finally getting warmer for you? It’s cold here now, and I haven’t had a spare second to make a winter wardrobe so have to wear last year’s clothes! Hmpf!
District of Chic & Katie – thanks gals! ok I won’t feel like the crazy pattern lady anymore!!
VD, I know I’ve been a little too busy I reckon! Yeah it’s finally warm over here, thank God!! Now I just need to enjoy it before winter sneaks back! Yeah I know what you mean about the winter wardrobe, same issue for me last year :(. I hope you find time soon!
You amaze me more and more with each post!
wow that is pretty impressive! Thats what I would like to learn next in my sewing abilities. I must learn how to build patterns!! Good job!!!
[...] her My Creative Process series on pattern drafting from a sloper with posts showing how she created cap sleeves, a bodice front, and a bodice [...]