Sleeve Bands

Today we will go over the second option for short sleeves on the Olive dress or blouse – the sleeve band option. This is a great version if you are playing with different pattern placements or contrasting colors. This is actually my favorite sleeve finish! Let’s just keep this short and get right to it…

You’ll have cut out 2 sleeve band pieces.

Fold each band in half, right sides together, lining up the shorter ends.

Sew each one together, 5/8″ (1.5cm) from the raw edge along the short end.

Press the seams open.

Turn under one edge, towards the wrong, side by 5/8″ (1.5cm).

**I forgot to photograph this step – but you need to sew the side seams of your top. Place the front and back with right sides together and line up the side seams. Sew 5/8″ (1.5cm) from the raw edge, and the finish the raw edge with your preferred method. Press towards the back.

Then place your garment in front of you, right side facing out.

Place a band over top of one of the sleeve edges, right sides of the fabrics together.

Match up the underarm seam with the seam on the arm band, and align the raw edges. Pin in place around the entire sleeve opening.

Sew the band to the sleeve opening 5/8″ (1.5cm)from the raw edge around the entire opening.

Press the sleeve band and seam allowance away from the garment.

Now turn the garment inside out.

Fold the band over towards the inside of the garment, so that the folded edge of the band lines up with the stitching of the seam.

Line up with the seam stitching around the entire sleeve opening and pin in place.

From the outside, topstitch along the sleeve band, close to the seam.

Here it is finished, from the inside.

Repeat with the other sleeve, and you’re done!