Hey mates, I get asked a lot if the Page Dress could have sleeves added to it.
It can. And it will!
I'm keeping this as an optional download though, as I don't have the time (read: energy) to re-do the instructions for the Page with the additional info. Instead I'll attach a link to a video I created on how to attach the sleeves.
If you haven't already got yourself a copy of the Page Dress, you can find it here.
Because this dress has cutaway armholes, it's not as straightforward as adding on standard sleeves. The illustration below shows the Page Dress compared to where a standard armhole would sit (shown in red).
It is possible to attach a standard sleeve to this dress pattern, but you'd have to extend the shoulder width and alter the front and back armscye.
I've created a sleeve pattern that has the extra width and height to go up and over the shoulder bone and attach to the existing bodice shape with a gathered sleeve cap.
You can download the large format copy shop file here (A1 size ), or
You can download the version suitable for home printers here (suits both A4 size and letter).
Print layout for A4/Letter shown below
These PDF's are layered, so you can choose to print only the size/s you want. I recommend opening this on Adobe Acrobat.
I've included a video on how to sew the sleeve in my YouTube channel. You can watch it here.
If you don't want to watch a video, here's a quick description on how to sew it:
Cut a pair of the sleeves out, making sure you mark the notches on your fabric.
Fold the sleeve in half, right sides together. Sew down the side using a 1cm seam allowance. Finish/overlock the seam and press towards the back (the backside of the sleeve is the side with the double notches).
Set your machine to a longer stitch length and sew two parallel lines of stitching around the sleeve head (between the notches). Leave a tail of thread and do not backtack. One line of stitching should be 0.5cm from the edge, the second line of stitching should be 1.5cm from the edge (this will be removed after setting the sleeve in as at sits outside the seam allowance).
Place one sleeve in the corresponding armhole of the dress. Match up the underarms seams and the notch on the top of the sleeve head to the shoulder seam. Pin in place. Pin the lower part of the sleeve to the dress, up until you reach the notches/gathering stitch.
Pull the threads of the basting stitch to gather the sleeve head. Keep gathering until the sleeve head fits into the armhole. Distribute the gathers evenly and pin in place.
Sew the sleeve and bodice together using a 1cm seam allowance. Finish/overlock and press well.
Optional:
You'll notice in my black sample that I've cinched in the bottom of the sleeve with elastic.
To do this I drew a line in chalk on the wrong side of my sleeve fabric, 3cm up from the hem.
I then divided this line into quarters, using pins as markers.
I cut some thin elastic (6mm or 10mm works well) to size. I measured around my bicep and added a little bit extra so it wasn't digging into me but this comes down to personal preference.
I joined the ends of the elastic together and divided it into quarters too.
I pinned the elastic to the wrong side of the sleeve, matching up the quarters.
I then sewed the elastic to the sleeve using a wide zig zag stitch, stretching the elastic out to sit flat on the fabric, using the chalk line as a guide.
Easy!
If you're not a fan of elastic rubbing on your arm, you could also create a fabric casing and run some elastic through that instead.
This is just a suggestion, there are so many ways to customise it :-)
And that's it! A big ol' poofy sleeve for your Page Dress. I hope you like this. Please tag me on Instagram if you use this, I love to see your creations.
Use the tags #pagedress and #elbetextiles
While I'm giving this away for free, I always appreciate any extra support to help me with my other creations! Here's my Ko-fi account where you can donate. Any little bit helps and it much appreciated :-)
x Lauren