Raglan sleeve is a type of sleeve which is joined to the bodice with a diagonal seam which starts from the neckline and extends to the underarm. This diagonal seam as opposed to a set in sleeve moulds the shoulders and makes for a very forgiving and appealing sleeve pattern.
There are many different types of raglan sleeves depending on the position of their joining to the bodice
Regular Raglan sleeve pattern
Take a regular bodice fitting your figure or a top you already have which you intend to add the raglan sleeves to. Checkout the DIY Bodice Pattern here.Keep it on fold. Measure the neckline and shoulder seam.
Make a sleeve pattern as per the pattern below.
To make a sleeve – Start by marking a straight horizontal line E-F. Armhole depth as per bust round can be marked as 7.5″ ; this is the measure of E-F
Mark C up from E at a height of 3.5 inch
Mark down from C to the sleeve height you need at M . M-N is marked as half of sleeve round + 1/2 inch seam allowance.
Mark half of E-F at H . Join straight to the line C-D at G. Divide the line H-G inot two. Join F to C in a gentle curve going through this mid point.
After the regular sleeve is made make a raglan sleeve
Extend the sleeve’s top edge as follows to make the raglan sleeve pattern
Mark up from C to A – shoulder seam of the bodice + 1/2 inch
A-B = 1/2 of the neckline of the top measured above + 1/2 inch
Join B to F in a soft curve or straight. Cut out and open.
Bodice for joining the raglan sleeve
How to add the raglan sleeves to your bodice
Cut out the sleeve pattern . If you want to, give a small curve at the top edge
Join the sleeves and the bodice in the following pattern
Finish the sleeve hems; Bind the neckline with bias tape ; join the side seams and do the hem. Done . It is the easiest dress ever.
Flared raglan sleeve
This is a fairly loose raglan sleeve and should be made with a drapey fabric. You can add this to any top which is cut to include a raglan sleeve.
This is a one size fits all ( for adults ) raglan sleeve . Checkout the raglan sleeve top pattern and tutorial for more details on this sleeve.
Related posts : Sewing pattern for Flutter sleeves : All about Bell sleeves ; Start sewing clothes for free with sewing patterns
How can i make puffy raglan sleeves? I want the puff to be around the neck section. thanks
Iam pround to be a tailor
i therefor request you to keep me updated in every thing concerning garment construction
Wow I’m so grateful to you for sharing your great knowledge with us pls can I get to chat you privately so that I can be your student as I find it hard to understand some things.
Thank so much
thank you! God bless you richly for sharing.
Very detailed and easy to understand.
Illustrations are super! I could go on and on.
Thanks again.
I do a lot of quilting/sewing, but not garments that need to fit.
THANKYOU!!!❤
I need to know how to draft a yoke sleeve from a basic bodice?
Hi Janien
I did not get the term yoke sleeve – can you find it in the post here – sleeve drafting
Wow am learning more that I didn’t know