Lily pad or sleeve? Watch me making a feature sleeve on live TV
Pressing a narrow hem on a tulip sleeve.
I had the pleasure of demonstrating how to make a top with a very dramatic looking, draped sleeve on live television programme, Sewing Quarter. I described it as a tube being attached to a circle. I like to analyse and break down pattern shapes, not only for my own benefit, when I'm designing a pattern but also as a way of encouraging my students to develop an eye for how patterns are made.
Ease stitching is a particularly useful stitch when making this design. Have a look at how the line of stitches enabled me to press a narrow hem all the way around the sleeve edge. It did look very much like a lily pad when I'd drawn the thread up!
If you'd like to see the show where I demonstrated how to make the tulip sleeves, click here...Sewing a narrow, curved hem, on a tulip sleeve using ease stitch
As always, there are many ways to approach the same project. Another technique I've used when hemming a circular skirt or curved hem is to sew a contrast bias binding all around the hem edge. It adds a really attractive design feature and the slight stretch in the bias binding makes it easy to attach. Either use ready made bias binding or make your own as I've done here.
A bias bound hem on a denim dress.
Bias cut vest top made with drapey woven viscose
For those of you who’ve seen my post on Instagram (see above) of a bias cut top I made from drapey woven viscose, here’s a short demonstration of how to sew a neat hem without any twisting. Narrow curved hem, turned and stitched twice
Happy sewing!
Jennifer x