How to Make a Raglan Sleeve Pattern
Creating a raglan sleeve pattern is a fantastic skill to have in your knitting or sewing repertoire. Raglan sleeves are characterized by their straight, vertical seams that extend from the underarm to the shoulder, providing a sleek and modern look. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, mastering the art of making a raglan sleeve pattern can open up a world of possibilities for your garment designs. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a raglan sleeve pattern, from gathering the necessary measurements to drafting the pattern and cutting the fabric.
Step 1: Gather Your Measurements
Before you start drafting your raglan sleeve pattern, it’s essential to have the correct measurements. You’ll need to measure your bust, waist, hip, shoulder, sleeve length, and underarm circumference. These measurements will help you determine the size of the garment and the depth of the sleeve cap. Make sure to take your measurements while wearing the type of clothing you’ll be using as a base for your pattern, as this will ensure a comfortable fit.
Step 2: Draft the Sleeve Cap
The sleeve cap is the rounded part of the sleeve that fits over the shoulder. To draft the sleeve cap, you’ll need to create a sleeve cap block. This block is a flat piece of paper that represents the shape of the sleeve cap. Start by drawing a rectangle on a piece of paper, with the length equal to the sleeve length and the width equal to the circumference of your shoulder. Divide the length into four equal parts, and then divide each part into three equal parts. Connect the points to create a rounded shape that represents the sleeve cap.
Step 3: Draft the Raglan Seam
The raglan seam is the vertical seam that runs from the underarm to the shoulder. To draft the raglan seam, you’ll need to create a raglan seam block. This block is a flat piece of paper that represents the shape of the raglan seam. Start by drawing a rectangle on a piece of paper, with the length equal to the sleeve length and the width equal to the underarm circumference. Divide the length into four equal parts, and then divide each part into three equal parts. Connect the points to create a straight line that represents the raglan seam.
Step 4: Draft the Armhole
The armhole is the opening at the underarm where the sleeve joins the body. To draft the armhole, you’ll need to create an armhole block. This block is a flat piece of paper that represents the shape of the armhole. Start by drawing a rectangle on a piece of paper, with the length equal to the underarm circumference and the width equal to the desired depth of the armhole. Divide the length into four equal parts, and then divide each part into three equal parts. Connect the points to create a rounded shape that represents the armhole.
Step 5: Combine the Blocks
Once you have your sleeve cap, raglan seam, and armhole blocks, you can combine them to create the full raglan sleeve pattern. Place the sleeve cap block on top of the raglan seam block, aligning the top edges. Then, place the armhole block on top of the sleeve cap block, aligning the bottom edges. Connect the points of the blocks to create the full raglan sleeve pattern.
Step 6: Cut and Sew
Now that you have your raglan sleeve pattern, it’s time to cut out the fabric and sew the garment together. Follow the pattern instructions to cut out the pieces, and then sew them together according to the construction steps provided.
In conclusion, creating a raglan sleeve pattern is a rewarding process that can enhance your garment-making skills. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to crafting beautiful garments with the sleek and modern look of raglan sleeves. Happy sewing!
