How To Sew: Shortening 3/4 Sleeves

I’m working on a series of posts about adjusting clothing to fit.  To see all of them click here – How to Sew.

I’ve had this shirt for several years now.  I really like it, but I’ve only worn it a handful of times.  Why?  It has 3/4 length sleeves with a button cuff.  I’m not sure who thought that would be comfortable, but it isn’t!  The sleeve can’t slide up and down my arm.  No matter how I move my arm, the sleeve stays right there – half way between my elbow and my wrist.  It means the rest of the shirt pulls up whenever I reach.  I’m not into showing off my midriff and it’s just plain uncomfortable.  So, it mostly sits in my closet.  Why have I kept it?  Well, I do like the style & the print.  It’s also nice material with 3% spandex so it has a little give to it.

The other day, I wanted to wear it, but as soon as I put it on, I remembered why I don’t.

Plus, now that I live in Florida, I don’t have much need for anything beyond short sleeves.  I’m not sure why I didn’t think of it sooner – I’ve shortened a lot of hubby’s dress shirt sleeves.  It’s so easy!

Cut the sleeve off at the desired length plus 1/2″ for the hem.

Using the cut-off as a pattern, cut the other sleeve to match.

It looks better already!

All they need is a quick hem.

 

 

Don’t forget to take the buttons off the cuffs before you toss them.  You can never have too many extra buttons!