Hey everyone! This method I’m about to show you for attaching the raglan sleeve to your River top or dress is a little bonus tutorial. In the pattern instructions, we insert the raglan sleeves flat, and you can see that post here. But while that method may be a little easier, you may also find that it leaves a bit too much bulk at the underarm. So this method of inserting in the round may help with that. It’s really not that much harder than the flat method, so take a look at both methods, and see what you like best! Let’s get started on how to insert a raglan sleeve in the round!

With this method, you’re going to start out by first sewing your side seams. Place the v neck pattern piece and round neck pattern piece together with right sides together. Pin at the side seams and sew 5/8” from the edge.
Finish your raw edges with your preferred method- I used a serger, but you can also use pinking shears, zig zag stitch, etc. Press your seams to one side.

Now fold each sleeve in half lengthwise and pin along the underarm seam. Sew 5/8” from the edge and finish the raw edge with your preferred method. Press to one side.

To insert your sleeves, have your bodice inside out, and your sleeves right side out, like pictured above.


Place your sleeves inside the bodice, lining up the u-shape. Make sure you have the correct sleeves on the correct side so that the single notches line up on the v-neck side and the double notches line up on the round neck side. Also, make sure the sleeve seam and side seam lines up well.
Pin in place.


Sew 5/8” from the edge. Finish the raw edge with your preferred method.

And that’s it. See – that wasn’t hard at all!
LOOKING FOR MORE RIVER POSTS?
Here’s the full list of River posts and tutorials:
- Inspiration and ideas
- Pattern Tester roundup
- Staystitching and Pockets
- Flat raglan sleeve insertion and side seams
- How to insert raglan sleeves in the round (this post!)
- Neckband View A & C
- Bias-bound neckline View B & D
- Hemming
- Belt and belt loops
- Variation: ruffle raglan sleeve detail
- Variation: patch pockets and contrasting fabrics (View A)
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNriver and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
DON’T HAVE THE PATTERN YET?
