The sleeves of my Refashioned Men’s Shirt attracted some comment, both here and on the Pinterest Refashioners board, so here’s the sleeve pattern in PDF and instructions for making it below.
The pattern has been created to fit me, and I have an arm girth of 25cm (10″). This is roughly a size 8 (not that my ass is size 8 π ). When folded, gathered, stitched at the underarm seam and ready to attach to the bodice, the sleeve armscye has a stitching line of 47.5cm. This, coincidentally, makes it fit the bodice of Colette Aster size 4. But you can fit it to any other bodice if you know its armscye measurement simply by using the reduce/enlarge function of your photocopier and some mathematics.
The Formula
My PDF measurement x Y% = Your required measurement
So for example if your bodice armscye is 51cm, you need to enlarge by a percentage Y
47.5cm x Y = 51cm
51 / 47.5 = 1.073
1.073 (x100) = 107%
So print out the pattern at a 107% enlargement. Be brave; it’s easy.
Method
Making this is also very easy. The protruding fold covering the sleeve head can hide a multitude of sins so if setting in of sleeves isn’t your fortΓ©, your luck is in! If you lack the confidence to cut into fabric, play around with a paper version first, using pins instead of stitching (to round the sleeve head, make 2-3 little pintucks; it doesn’t have to be perfect). Or cut up some rags.

Step 7 – with all three layers of fabric lined up and pinned or basted, you can attach the sleeve to the garment by the usual method
Finishing
The original white shirt sleeve was hemmed with bias binding but the blue version has a cuff. The cuff has a 2.5cm finished height, is cut on the bias and interfaced.
Other ideas
- When making the white shirt, I didn’t have enough fabric to cut the sleeve from a single piece so I had to split the pattern into 3 sections (the head and two wings). This has created interesting change of direction in the stripes which you may want to try.
- Consider using the stripes of your fabric horizontally.
- If you’re a drama queen (or would like to make a pressie for one), you can make these sleeves out of a soft voile then attach to a matching t-shirt, with more voile for a breast pocket and bias binding for the neckline.
- For another dramatic sleeve variation, try my Status sleeves tutorial.
Credit
The original idea for the design came from this Pin (before any of you get ideas about me being clever; I’m just the copycat). I printed out the pattern, then enlarged it with the photocopier until I made a version that fit me, having made three toiles. I never did achieve the lavishly folded sleeve in the original picture but I’m pleased with the result nevertheless. Let me know if you uncover any more information about the source or if you have alternative ideas how to effect the lower fold.
Thanks for the sleeve pattern – I love it but wasn’t looking forward to trying to figure out a) the shape of the pattern piece and b) how to frankenpattern it onto a bodice. You have done the hard work for me, thank you again!
What a clear and generous post! I still think you are terribly creative (and modest). I will definitely make this sleeve next spring/summer. Thank you.
It looks fab! To me it looks like the original plan is a pleat for the lower fold, so you need enough height in the sleeve head to achieve this following the three lines as a pleat guide. I like your version though, it looks more wearable to me π
Thanks Marilla.
You’re right about the height needed.
Today I slashed along one of those diagonal lines in the middle section and pulled apart, evenly, to create a gap of about 5cm between the pieces. My mini sleeve looks about right but might need the help of a very soft, drapey fabric, maybe on the bias.
A gorgeous sleeve, and great stripe matching too! All very dramatic – and I have just the drama queen to show it to. Thanks for sharing.
You ARE clever. Look you do algebra, percentages and stuff. I prefer your sleeve and I am definitely going to give converting a shirt a try next year using your generous instructions. I might have to come to you for some maths help though Miss π
π
Lovely! super! thank you!
Thanks for this – I love the sleeve, both versions. The simpler one, minus tucks, does work better in your striped shirting, it looks so neat!
(bows head) Thanks, ma’am. And it truly is a fabulous shirt.