How to Draft a Short Sleeve Pattern
Drafting a short sleeve pattern is an essential skill for anyone interested in pattern making and sewing. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced seamstress, understanding how to create a short sleeve pattern can help you achieve the perfect fit and add a professional touch to your garments. In this article, we will guide you through the process of drafting a short sleeve pattern, ensuring that you can create custom sleeves for any project.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before you start drafting your short sleeve pattern, gather all the necessary materials. You will need:
– A ruler or measuring tape
– A pencil or pen
– A straight edge
– Pattern paper or a large sheet of paper
– A tracing wheel and carbon paper (optional)
2. Measure the Armhole
To draft a short sleeve pattern, you need to know the circumference of the armhole. Use a measuring tape to measure around the fullest part of your arm, where the sleeve will sit. This measurement will be used to determine the width of your sleeve pattern.
3. Determine the Sleeve Length
Decide the desired length of your short sleeve. This will depend on the style of the garment and personal preference. Measure from the shoulder seam to the desired sleeve hem length.
4. Draft the Sleeve Cap
Start by drawing a straight line on your pattern paper to represent the shoulder seam. From the end of this line, measure down the desired sleeve length and mark a point. Connect these two points with a curved line to create the sleeve cap.
5. Add the Underarm Seam
From the end of the sleeve cap, draw a straight line to the underarm seam. This line should be parallel to the shoulder seam and should be equal to the armhole circumference measurement you took earlier.
6. Adjust the Sleeve Shape
If desired, you can adjust the shape of the sleeve by adding ease or shaping. This can be done by drawing additional lines or curves to modify the sleeve cap and underarm seam.
7. Add the Hem and Notches
Draw a straight line at the desired hem length and connect it to the underarm seam. Add notches at the shoulder seam, sleeve cap, and underarm seam to indicate where the pieces will be joined during construction.
8. Trace and Cut Your Pattern
Using a tracing wheel and carbon paper, trace your short sleeve pattern onto another piece of pattern paper. Make sure to add seam allowances and notches. Cut out the pattern pieces.
9. Test the Fit
Before cutting into your fabric, test the fit of your short sleeve pattern on a muslin or another suitable fabric. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.
10. Cut and Sew
Once you are satisfied with the fit, cut out your short sleeve pattern pieces from your desired fabric. Follow the construction instructions to sew your short sleeve onto your garment.
By following these steps, you can draft a short sleeve pattern that fits perfectly and adds a professional touch to your sewing projects. Happy sewing!
