Lottie Sewalong: Adding 3/4-Length & Long Sleeves
In today's post for the Lottie Dress, Top, & Tunic Pattern Sewalong we are going to learn how to add the 3/4-length or long sleeve extension. Remember, even though these are only shown on the top and tunic views on the pattern, the sleeve fits any view, so you can do any length sleeve on any length garment. It’s up to you! Okay let’s get to it!
Sewing the sleeve extension is quite simple, but the key is to make sure you have actually sewn the correct part of the sleeve extension to the correct side of the Lottie. For the sleeve front, look for the single notch of the extension to match with the single notch at the short sleeve, and the triple notch goes up toward the shoulders.
For the sleeve back, look for the double notch of the extension to match with the double notch at the short sleeve, and the triple notch again goes up toward the shoulders. You see how important correctly cutting your notches is right now!
These are VERY easy to confuse, so take your time and make sure you have the correct sleeve extension on the correct part of the garment. If you need to confirm what is what, get out your pattern piece and compare edges and notches. Better safe than sorry!
1. Once you have your pieces sorted out, and the correct sleeve extensions are paired with the correct side of the dress or shirt, pin the sleeve fronts to the garment front, and pin the sleeve backs to the garment back, right sides together. I suggest pinning at the ends and the notch first, then pin in between as it's a slight curve.
2. Ease the sleeve to fit and sew in place. Be very careful not to stretch the whole seam out, so when you are easing, be very gentle as this is on the bias.
3. After sewing on all four sleeve extensions, finish the seams as desired. If you are using a serger, be careful not to trim off too much, as we will be sewing through the seam allowance when we topstitch the sleeve at 1/4”.
4. Press the seam allowances toward the sleeve.
5. Topstitch 1/4" from the seam on the sleeve side of the seam. You will be sewing through your seam allowance, securing it in place.
6. Give the sleeve seams a final press.
That’s it! So super easy right? Next up we will go through all the steps for adding the optional patch pocket. See you then!