Swap Sleeves Between Sewing Patterns (Woven Fabrics Edit)
Want to swap the sleeve from one Pattern Emporium woven pattern onto another? Many of our woven sleeves are interchangeable, giving you loads more options from the patterns you already own.
Use the groups below to see which sleeves you can swap and whether you need to make any changes to the armhole.
SWAPPING SLEEVES? HERE'S THE QUICK ANSWER
Same group: Swap away. No armhole changes needed.
Different groups: You can still swap the sleeves, but you'll need to adjust the armhole of your base pattern to match the pattern the sleeve came from.
Find your two patterns in the groups below ↓
GROUP 1: DIRECT SWAP SLEEVES
All the sleeves in this group are interchangeable. Choose the body from one pattern and the sleeve from another. No armhole alteration is needed.
Click on a pattern name to view the pattern and its sleeve options.
| PATTERN | SLEEVES INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| On Repeat Woven T-shirt | Short sleeve (2 lengths). Half, 3/4 & long sleeve. Simple hem. |
| Just Between Us Asymmetric Top | Cap sleeve. Long & short integrated cuff sleeves. |
| About Town Popover | Cap sleeve. Short sleeve with integrated cuff. Long sleeve with integrated cuff. |
| Spill The Tea Top | Cap sleeve. Gently flared sleeve with elastic. |
| Be Mine Top | Balloon sleeve. |
| All In Shirt & Dress | Cuffed long sleeve, short sleeve, short sleeve with ruffle, basic long sleeve, elastic hem sleeve. |
| Meet You There Dress | Bishop sleeve – cropped & 3/4. |
| Take The Chance Dress | Long & 3/4 plain sleeve (with or without elastic), short sleeve, flounce sleeve. |
| Smitten Jacket | Full sleeve with wide gathered cuff. Shirt sleeve with button-up cuff. |
| Downtown Jacket | 2-piece sleeve with exaggerated cuff. Short sleeve. |
GROUP 2: DIRECT SWAP SLEEVES
The Sweet Talker and Lyrical sleeves can be swapped with each other without altering the armhole.
Want to use one of these sleeves with a Group 1 pattern? You can, but you'll need to adjust the armhole of your base pattern to match the pattern your sleeve came from.
| PATTERN | SLEEVE |
|---|---|
| Sweet Talker | Bubble sleeve |
| Lyrical Shirt | Puff sleeve |
SWAPPING SLEEVES BETWEEN GROUP 1 & GROUP 2?
You can swap sleeves between the two groups, but you'll need to adjust the armhole of your base pattern to match the pattern your sleeve comes from.
HOW TO ADJUST THE ARMHOLE
If your two patterns are from different groups, alter the armhole of your base pattern to match the pattern your sleeve comes from.
Example: Using the Lyrical Puff Sleeve with the About Town Top? Transfer the Lyrical armhole onto the About Town front and back.
METHOD 1
Lay the front pattern pieces on top of each other, aligning the centre front and waist. Trace the armhole from the sleeve pattern onto your base pattern. Repeat for the back.
METHOD 2
Because our patterns can have different style lines, shoulder seams, back yokes and necklines, another easy way to transfer the armhole is to join the pattern pieces first.
- Add seam allowance to your pattern pieces (1cm or 3/8" in most cases).
- Join each pattern separately at the shoulder seams and yoke, if needed.
- Lay the patterns on top of each other. Align at the centre front. On button-up styles, use the inside centre front notch. Also align at the waist.
- Trace the armhole from the sleeve pattern onto your base pattern.
Note: Group 2 armholes will sit approximately 5mm (just under 1/4") inside the side seam of Group 1 patterns.
PATTERN MASH INSPIRATION
Need some ideas? Here are some of the sleeve combinations we've sewn using the patterns above.
FOUND A MASH YOU WANT TO TRY?
Save with our automatic bundle discounts when you purchase 2 or more patterns together, outside of a promotion.
Happy sewing!
Kate xx
