One of the things I love about sewing with jersey is how easy and breezy it is to sew in the sleeves. It just feels like it’s done before you started. So today we’ll go over the (easy-breezy) sleeves & seams!
I think I’ve shown you this method before (and it’s the one in the pattern instructions) but it’s truly the easiest way to put sleeves in knits, and then sew up those side seams in one go.
Let’s get to it!

Match up the centre of the sleeve cap with the shoulder seam, then match up the sleeve notches with the armholes notches, and finally the sides of the sleeve with the side of the top. The right sides should be facing each other. Pin all the way along the raw edges, easing the sleeve in as you go.
Sew 5/8″ from the raw edge. I used a serger/overlocker but you can just as easily use a speciality stretch stitch on your sewing machine, a regular zig-zag stitch or even a twin needle. Endless options!
Now you can really easily line up the side seams, pin them in place and sew them all in one go! How easy was that?! So quick. Time for a coffee now. Bye! xoxo
PS. Hemming tomorrow!
LOOKING FOR MORE BRIAR POSTS?
- How to sew the curved patch pocket
- How to sew the square patch pocket
- How to sew a neckline band
- How to sew a neckline binding (the Megan Nielsen way)
- How to sew a neckline binding (the traditional/standard way)
- The easiest knit neckline around
- Inserting the sleeves & sewing up the side seams
- Hemming
- Variation: How to draft elbow length sleeves
- Variation: A Valentine Briar sweater
- Variation: Centre front seam
- Variation: Side pocket Briar (by MadMim)
- Variation: The easy way to go sleeveless
- Variation: Leather elbow patches
- Variation: The dress
- Variation: Leather shoulder patches
Don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNbriar and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
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