How to Sew Sleeves: DIY Y2K Shirt Tutorial

8 Materials
2 Hours
Easy

A while ago, I refashioned a denim jacket into a vest and added a tulle trim, but I realized I hardly ever wore it.


So I decided to refashion it again by adding sleeves by thrift flipping the same tulle curtain.


Here's a quick tutorial on how to sew sleeves onto a shirt or jacket the easy way!


I added denim cuffs from the original jacket sleeves to pull the look together.

Tools and materials:

  • Sleeveless vest or shirt
  • Tulle or other fabric for sleeves
  • Contrast cuffs
  • Lace trim (optional)
  • Measuring tape
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
Denim shirt


Measuring sleeves

1. Measure sleeves

The easiest way to measure the width is to line one edge of your fabric up with the top of the shoulder. Lay it around the armhole as far as the underarm seam. Add an inch for the seam allowance


Fold your fabric in half lengthways at that point so your fabric is the total width of the sleeve.

Measuring sleeves

Of course, you can also measure around the armhole curve from the shoulder to the underarm, add an inch and double the measurement.

Measuring sleeves

For the length, measure the sleeve on a top that fits well or your actual arm length.

Making the sleeves

2. Make the sleeve

Cut two pieces of fabric, the length and width of your measurements.


Sew the long edges with the right sides together.

Adding cuffs

3. Add cuffs

Cut off the cuffs from the other garment, leaving a half inch seam allowance.

Adding cuffs

With the sleeve inside out, insert the cuff right side out into one end of the sleeve, matching the raw edges and the seams.

Adding cuffs

Pin the raw edges together, making pin tucks in the sleeve to fit it to the cuff.

Adding cuffs

Sew the cuff in place and repeat for the second sleeve.

Inserting the sleeves

4. Insert the sleeves

Turn the vest inside out and keep the sleeves right side out.


Insert the sleeve cuff first into the armhole. Line up the underarm seam with the sleeve seam.


Pin and sew the sleeve into place around the armhole.

Finishing

5. Finishing

Adjust the length of the vest if needed.


I cut mine several inches shorter and bound the lower edge with vintage lace.

How to sew sleeves: DIY Y2K shirt

How to sew sleeves: DIY Y2K shirt

I'm not sure it ever went away for me, but Y2k fashion is back! This is exactly the kind of clothing I wore then and I'm over-the-moon happy to be unintentionally in style again.

How to sew sleeves: DIY Y2K shirt

Don't be afraid to refashion something again if it doesn't work the first time. That’s one of the joys of upcycling, making unique clothes that you love to wear.


Do you have something in your closet that you don't wear and has this inspired you to do something about it? I'd love to know!


Next, check out my post on How to DIY a Cool Stevie Nicks-inspired White Lace Duster.

Suggested materials:
  • Sleeveless vest or shirt
  • Tulle or other fabric for sleeves
  • Contrast cuffs
See all materials

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