Hello! Today we’re excited to be sharing a FREE bonus sleeve add-on for the Wren Blouse and Dress pattern. We explored several different variations through development and testing. Although this option did not end up in the final Wren pattern, we thought it would be fun to offer it as a free download. Click here to download the free bonus sleeve in our shop.
Finished Garment Measurements
The bonus sleeve is a simple slim sleeve. We wanted to include the finished bicep measurements for your reference.
Tutorial
What You Need:
- Wren or Mini Wren pattern & the bonus sleeve pattern
- Basic sewing supplies (machine, thread, etc.)
- lightweight woven fabric
- Use the fabric recommendations for the Wren or Mini Wren short sleeve
Prepare Bodice Pieces
Begin by fusing interfacing, sewing darts, facing, and shoulder seams as directed in the Wren pattern tutorial. Now, we’re ready to prepare and sew the sleeves.
Gather Shoulder Ruffle
With the wrong sides together, fold the shoulder ruffle lengthwise. Change your stitch length to the longest possible length. Sew two parallel baste stitch lines. Make sure not to backstitch at the beginning or end of your stitch lines and leave long ends to your threads.
- The first line is 1/4″ (0.6 cm) away from the fabric edge.
- The second line is 1/2″ (1.25 cm) away from the fabric edge.
Pull the bobbin threads to gather the shoulder ruffle.
Attach the Shoulder Ruffle
With the right sides together, pin the shoulder to the armhole, adjusting the gathering to match the notches at the front, back and cap notch. Sew the seam.
Prep the Sleeve Hem
Prep the sleeve hem by stitching a fold guide just under 3/8″ (1 cm). Press the hem up by 3/8″ (1 cm), wrong sides together. You will keep the fold in place when sewing the sleeve seam.
Prep the Sleeve Cap
To prep easing in the sleeve cap, change your stitch length to the longest possible length. Sew two parallel baste stitch lines at the sleeve between the notches. Make sure not to backstitch at the beginning or end of your stitch lines and leave long ends to your threads.
- The first line is 1/4″ (0.6 cm) away from the fabric edge.
- The second line is 1/2″ (1.25 cm) away from the fabric edge.
Pull Threads to Gather the Sleeve Cap
Pull the bobbin threads to gather the sleeve cap. There is 5/8″ (1.5 cm) of ease included in the sleeve cap.
Attach the Sleeves
With the right sides together, pin the sleeve to the armhole. sew the sleeve to the armhole, trying not to sew in any puckers in the seam. Finish the seam and remove any visible basting stitches and press the seam towards the sleeve. A pressing ham is helpful when pressing the sleeve cap.
Sew the Side Seams
With right sides together, sew the side seams. Start from the sleeve hem and sew towards the bodice hem. Finish the seam and press towards the back.
Hem the Sleeve
Fold the he up at 3/8″ ( 1 cm). Edgestitch the hem and press.
Follow Pattern Directions to Finish Wren
Continue by following instructions in the Wren pattern to finish up your Wren blouse or Dress.
We hope you enjoy this fun bonus option for your Wren or Mini Wren pattern!
