How to Lengthen or Shorten a Sleeve Pattern ( Matilda Sleeve )

How to Lengthen a Sleeve Pattern

If you have a sleeve pattern that fits perfectly around the armhole but is a bit too short for your arms, don't worry! You don't need to redraw the entire pattern. With this simple "slash and spread" method, you can easily lengthen your sleeve pattern while maintaining its original shape.

This tutorial is based on our popular [Matilda Pattern]

 If you don't have the pattern yet, you can get yours here and start creating your dream wardrobe!

Here is a step-by-step guide to lengthening your sleeve pattern:

Step 1: Draw a Horizontal Line

-Action: Draw a horizontal line that perpendiculars (crosses at a 90-degree angle) the grainline right through the middle of the sleeve pattern.

Step 2: Cut Along the Line

-Action: Cut along this horizontal line to separate your pattern into two pieces: the upper sleeve cap and the lower sleeve.

Step 3: Tape the Top Piece

-Action: Take a new piece of paper and tape or glue the upper piece of your sleeve pattern onto it.

Step 4: Extend the Grainline

-Action: Using a ruler, extend the straight grainline from the upper piece straight down onto the new paper.

Step 5: Mark the Extension Amount

-Action: Decide how much you want to lengthen your sleeve (e.g., 2 cm). Draw a new horizontal line parallel to the cut edge, exactly at that distance.

Step 6: Position the Lower Piece

-Action: Align the lower piece of the pattern so that its grainline matches the extended grainline perfectly, and its top edge touches the new horizontal line you just drew. Tape it down.

Step 7: Redraw the Side Seams and Blend

-Action: True the pattern by redrawing the side seams from the upper piece to the lower piece using a ruler. Cut away the excess paper on the sides. Your lengthened sleeve pattern is now ready to use!

How to Shorten a Sleeve Pattern

If your sleeve pattern is too long but you want to preserve the beautiful design details at the cuff or hem, shortening it from the middle is the best technique. Using this simple overlap method, you can adjust the length perfectly without altering the armhole or the bottom shape.

Here is your step-by-step guide to shortening a sleeve pattern:

Step 1: Mark the Shortening Amount

-Action: Cut your pattern horizontally through the middle (just like the lengthening method). On the lower pattern piece, draw a line parallel to the cut edge, exactly at the distance you want to shorten the sleeve by.

Step 2: Overlap and Align the Pieces

-Action: Place the upper sleeve piece over the lower piece. Align the cut edge of the upper piece perfectly with the line you just drew, ensuring that the straight grainline runs continuously through both pieces.

Step 3: Redraw the Side Seams

-Action: Use a ruler to smooth out and redraw the side seams from the upper piece to the lower piece, blending away any jagged edges caused by the overlap.

Step 4: Cut the Excess and Finish

-Action: Cut away the excess paper along your newly drawn side seams. Secure everything with tape, and your shortened sleeve pattern is ready for fabric!