Ruffle Sleeve Top Tutorial

Thanks for all the lovely comments on the ruffle sleeve tunic top. I decided to put together a tutorial, so that you all could make one of your own. A few notes: I am giving directions for the top that I made in a size 4T/5T. If you are making it smaller or larger, you will need to adjust the measurements accordingly. ***Measurements for 2T/3T now listed at the bottom of this post*** Also, choose a lightweight fabric like a cotton or cotton blend. Anything thicker will just not work for the sleeves. Alright! Here's how I did it:


Cut a piece of fabric measuring 36" by 17". The 36" length is the one that goes around the chest. Sadie's chest measures 23" so adjust accordingly for a smaller or bigger size. The 17" length is for the length of the top. Again, adjust accordingly for a different size. Or add a bit more length to make this into a dress.

Also, cut two pieces of fabric to 7" by 16" for the sleeve.

You're going to need some elastic as well. I used 1/2 inch elastic.


Take the larger piece of fabric & sew right sides together along the shorter (17") side. Finish your edge with a zig zag stitch.


Make a casing along the top end of this tube. Fold down 1/4 inch & iron.


Then fold down & iron again 1/2 inch, or slightly bigger then the width of your elastic.


Staring at one side of your back seam, stitch along the edge of your casing, leaving a 1" opening for the elastic.


Below are examples of elastic. The top is regular elastic & the bottom is non-roll elastic. I would recommend using the non-roll elastic.


Cut a piece of elastic that is one inch longer than the chest measurement. Sadie's chest measurement is 23" so I used a 24" piece of elastic. Using a safety pin, thread your elastic all the way through the casing.


Overlap your elastic ends & stitch together.


Position your elastic inside the casing. If you want to attach a tag to your shirt now is the time to do that. I use a small piece of bias tape. Ribbon could also be used. Fold it over & tuck the ends into the casing. Pin in place & stitch your casing closed.


Now, take your sleeve pieces & fold them in half length wise, right sides together & iron.


Next, you need to cut rounded corners, like shown below. I just freehand on one end. Then fold the piece in half at the center to use that end as a guide for cutting the other half. Then place this piece on top of the other sleeve piece & use it as a template for cutting the rounded corners on that one.


Pin in place & stitch around the rounded side, leaving the bottom open.


Remove the pins, snip your seams around the corners on both sleeve pieces. This makes it easier to turn those corners out.


Turn the sleeve pieces out, iron flat & then top stitch around the rounded edges of both sleeve pieces.


Next, make a casing for the elastic on the sleeve pieces. Fold up the bottom hem 1/4" & iron.


Fold up another 1/2", or slightly larger than the width of your elastic & iron. Pin into place & stitch along the top folded edge.


Using a safety pin, thread elastic through the casing. At this point I like to measure the sleeve against my child to make sure I'm getting the length right. Then stitch the elastic in place at the openings.


Trim your threads & an excess elastic. Position your sleeve pieces on the shirt. I go about 3 inches from the back center seam & then line it up with the front. You may need to measure this on your child before your attach the sleeves.


Sew each of the sleeves into place.


Now you just need to hem up the bottom. Fold down the bottom hem 1/4" and iron flat. Then fold down another 1/2" & iron flat. I like to place pins in the hem as I'm ironing it, to keep the hem nice & flat.


Starting & ending at the back seam, stitch your hem into place.


And there you have it! You've finished your top!


As you can see, Sadie was not very happy to be modeling for me once again.


But then her foot rubbed against the chalkboard & it sounded like a toot & that got her laughing. :)


So, I've given you the basic top here. You could add pockets, a contrasting band of fabric along the bottom, lengthen it into a dress, and add a ruffle at the bottom. They are really comfy & the sleeve works nicely as a cool summer top, but goes over a t-shirt well for use in the winter too!

Please let me know if you make one. I'd loooove to see it!!!

***Measurements for a 2T-3T:
Shirt body: 30 in x 13 1/2 in (76 cm x 34 1/2 cm)
Sleeves: 14 in x 3 1/2 in (35 1/2 cm x 9 cm)
1 inch Elastic for body: 21 inches (53 1/2 cm)
1/4 inch Elastic for sleeves: 9 1/2 inches (24 cm)
Measurements via Dana of MADE ***