DIY - Tack Sleeve Top

These tops with the huge tacked sleeves are self-drafted. You can make a top with the tacked sleeves using a pattern stash. There are no challenging steps or tricky techniques. You must try it!

This is a wrap top version.

I see shirts with tacked sleeves very often, so I wanted to make such a top. However, I couldn't find a similar pattern🙀 I have already some top pattern stash that I drafted myself, so I changed their sleeve design. It was easier than I thought! All you need only your long sleeve top pattern (and a whole bunch of fabric, notions and elastic!), but still you can make it without the tack sleeve pattern. I want you to try it next time you place your sleeve pattern pieces on your fabric. Here is the instructions.

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS↓

How to make a tacked sleeve.

SEWING INSTRUCTIONS↓

First, make an elastic casing at the edge of the sleeve. Divide the sleeve into four blocks from the underarm to the cuff. Pin the sleeve, spaced evenly based on the four blocks. Make sure the pins are spread around the sleeves. (10-12 pins)

Pinch the fabric like the picture and then keep it in place with a pin. (1inch = 2.5 centimeter) 

Pin around the sleeves. Check the length of the sleeves before sewing.



If it's too much hassle to follow the steps, I recommend Simplicity 8644  (but I think it's NOT difficult to make).


The top has a close-fitting bodice with front tucks and bow. (Pants: Alexandria Peg Trousers by named clothing) I made the top and the bow using linen. Next time, I would like to make a dress version with the tacked sleeves.

This top was the first time I made a top with tacked sleeves. To be honest, I just winged it. I didn't spend much time on making this but I love it!

The raglan pullover has a elastic at neckline, and tie-belt. (Cotton pants: Vogue 8909). The top was easiler and faster to make than the wrap version. It took around 8 hours.

 I used Italy polyester and made the matching obi-belt (which means kimono belt) with bead embroidery. I'm not really good at embroidering but I stitched it in a way that felt right without a design.

If you try to make a tack sleeve top, I recommend using fabric that doesn't wrinkle easily, because it's difficult to iron the sleeves. I made two tops using linen and polyester, and these fabrics hardly show wrinkles. I think it's good if you use velvet and wool too. I really like the sleeve design, and will make it again for fall or winter. They are perfect tops for me!

Just one thing! I think the sleeve looks like the green caterpillar from the movie "A Bug's Life" 😅  

Have a great week everyone!

Total Time Spent (Not include cutting time) : Wrap Version 11 hours, Raglan Version 8 hours

Fabric: Wrap Version 60" 2 1/4yd, Raglan Version 60" 1 3/4yd