HOW TO STITCH BELL SLEEVES

Bell sleeves are sleeves which have a bell like appearance. They are usually long and add a great look to a dress, top, tunic or kameez. Some bell sleeves start directly from the armhole, while others have flare near the elbow. In this post I am sharing a tutorial on how to stitch bell sleeves which are flared near the elbow.

Construction

0 to 1 – sleeve length

0 to 2 – 1/12 chest +1/2”

2 to 3 – 1/6 chest + 1” or 2”

1 to 4 – half round arm + 3”or 4”

0 to a – elbow length

a to b – half round elbow

Join 1 and 4 through a curve and 3,b and 4 as shown

Method

Take an inch tape and place 0 at the shoulder joint. Measure till you reach the wrist. This is the sleeve length. At this point measure round arm and note down the measurements. Similarly find the elbow length and round elbow. Using your measurements calculate the above and mark on the cloth. The cloth has to be folded in the reverse as shown. Mark the measurements on the cloth and draw the curve from 3 to 4 passing through b. Cut the cloth leaving 1” allowance along the sides and wrist and ½” allowance at the arm holes.  After the sleeves are cut, draw an inner curve in the front part of each sleeve and cut accordingly.

Once the sleeves are cut, double fold the extra cloth along the wrist end and stitch. The sleeves are now ready to be stitched to the Kameez or Top. Use the construction for the kameez and cut the cloth. Stitch at the shoulders and finish the neck. Attach the sleeves to the arm holes and start stitching the sides starting from the wrist end and ending at the side opening of the kameez. Refer how to stitch a kameez and how to stitch anarkali suits for a detailed construction and stitching method.

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