Learn how to sew a circle sleeve – this ruffled look is flirty and feminine.
Hey y’all, ever since I posted the ruffle sleeve look below on Instagram I’ve been getting requests for a tutorial, so today I’m sharing how easy it is to add circle sleeves to a top.
This top is the Blanc T-shirt but you can do this method on any shirt. I love how the ruffle adds a little flirty and romantic feel to an otherwise very basic t-shirt. This one is sewn in a drapey rayon blend knit.
I also added circle ruffles to the sleeves of a stretch velvet Shoreline Boatneck for the holidays and beyond. At the ends of elbow length sleeves, these circles give the otherwise minimal lines of the shirt a little bit of a dramatic flair.
Really, this is just a variation on how you sew a circle skirt, and you could do this finish on a knit or woven top. Since the Shoreline Boatneck works in woven fabrics, that might be a good one to use – maybe in a rayon challis?
I made a video tutorial of sewing the velvet version of this top, which you can watch below or on YouTube here. I’ve also got a written summary of the steps below the video.
How to Sew a Circle Sleeve
- Determine the circumference of your sleeve edge where you want to attach the ruffle by measuring.
- Divide your sleeve circumference by 6.28 to get measurement A
- Rotate a ruler from the corner of the paper measuring out your circumference/6.28 in an arc
- Determine your desired ruffle length. On the blue Blanc shirt I used 3 inches, on the velvet Shoreline I did 5 inches. Measure that down from the arc you marked.
- Add seam allowances and cut out your pattern
- Fold your fabric once on the grainline and once on the crossgrain, so you have 4 layers of fabric. Line up your pattern so both straight edges are on folds with the folded corner aligned in the “donut hole” you’re going to cut out.
- Cut fabric. Hem sleeve ruffles – see the video for tips.
- Attach ruffle to end of sleeve and finish seam if necessary.
Kristie
Your ballet flats in the short sleeve picture are so pretty!
I love these shirts, and they are everywhere to buy. But I was too lazy to figure it out…so thanks for doing the hard work for me!
Cheryl
Your channel is great. It’s sleek and full of all kinds of info and tutorials. I love it. Thanks for all your time and hard work you’ve put into it. You’re coming along just great. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us sewers. Your free patterns are life savers sometimes where it’s ok. Do I buy a pattern or do I buy some new fabric? You make it a lot easier to make that decision, and your patterns that I’ve purchased look like they’re going to be fun to sew. I can’t choose which one to starting with. I have my cataract surgery on March 6th on my seeing eye so after that I should be able to hit the floor running, so to speakk. I’m so looking forward to this new adventure. Cheryl
Joelene Sutton
Thank you Melly. This is so easy and makes the sleeve beautiful.
elizabeth rymer
Thanks so much for this idea. Love my t-shirt!
TravellerMel
Noob sewer here, but excited to try this technique on a dress in my closet to (hopefully) add some va va voom. 🙂