My daughter found this super deal ” 75% off of a pretty blouse. The problem was that there was a small tear on one sleeve. I suppose she could have tried repairing the tear, but she decided it would be better to just shorten the sleeve. Unfortunately, while my daughter sews some, she lacked the confidence to shorten the sleeve herself.

We live in Texas where it commonly reaches a hundred degrees during the summer. Long sleeved shirts are just too hot to wear. So one day, my husband and I decided we would just shorten a bunch of his long sleeved shirts. It is just like having brand new shirts.

Why would you alter a perfectly good blouse or shirt? Why would you cut off a perfectly good sleeve? There are many possible reasons: comfort, style, repair, just want to. The more apt question is how do you alter a sleeve?

A sleeve can be changed in many ways. You can vary the length significantly from sleeveless to short sleeve to three quarter sleeve length. You have many options to embellish the sleeve with lace, frills, or cuffs. It is a project that you can have real confidence doing if you follow some very basic steps.

First, determine the sleeve length you want. If you are hesitant, try on a couple of other shirts, until you find one that fits the way you like.

Step Two, calculate the sleeve length using your tape measure. Start at the upper should seam and measure to the point you have chosen. Then beginning at the under arm seam, measure to the same place on the underside of the sleeve. Be sure to add for finish, seam allowance, and cuff if desires. Add one and a half inches to each measurement.

Third, Cut the sleeve straight across, connecting both under arm and top sleeve measurements.

Step Four, remove the stitching along the inside of the sleeve to the underarm seam. Keep in mind that the shape of the sleeve tapers. You will need to carefully reshape the sleeve to avoid binding under the arm. To accomplish this, seam on the inside of the sleeve along the taper.

Note: the inch and a half fold over must be cut exactly opposite of the taper angle in order both front and back of the sleeve to allow for opposite taper on the hem.

Step Five, complete the hem. Look at the blouse. Do you see any top stitching? If so, you may simply fold the fabric under and top stitch. Otherwise, you will need to install a blind hem. Turn half an inch under and press with your iron. Fold another one inch and press again. Sew.

If you plan to use a blind hem, you can accomplish your sewing using you sewing machine blind hem stitch with its appropriate blind hem foot. Or if you plan to do many hems, there is a great specialty machine called a blind hemmer that produced a professional blind hem perfect for sleeves, slacks, dresses, skirts, wherever you may need a blind hem.