How to Add Sleeves to a Dress Tutorial

Let’s add sleeves to this darling prom dress, for a bit of added modesty. This post shows a how to add sleeves to a dress tutorial with step by step instructions. Read through all the instructions first, before beginning. (Please excuse the color differences in the pictures. Natural light from the window compared to overhead light bulbs really made the dress color change!)

 Luckily, in the case of this dress, it came with a shawl (drape or shrug) of the same fabric so we started with a perfect match for making the sleeves. Otherwise, look in fabric store for a fabric similar or identical to the actual dress fabric.

We measured over the shoulder and determined the length of sleeve, in this case, they needed to be 18″ long. We added an inch for seam allowance and cut two 19″ pieces.

I folded the sides in an inch or two, to keep the stitched edge hidden. In this case they were already finished. In the case of raw fabric, finish the sides with a narrow folded hem.

With a long basting or gathering stitch, sew along the ends of the fabric.

Pulling the thread on either the top or bottom, (it can be pulled from both sides) gather up the fabric to be the width you would like the sleeve to be, where it will attach to the dress.

I used bias tape to help finish the ends in a clean, no-loose-threads way. You could also use ribbon or make bias tape (with the same sleeve fabric) to cover the ends. Generally, fancier fabrics unravel in an annoying and messy way so it’s nice to keep them covered and protected from falling apart.

Set the stitch length on the sewing machine back to normal. Make sure your gathered  width is correct and sew across the bias tape and sleeve edge, just above the gathered seam.

When flipped over, the other side should look like this (above).

Repeat this for all four ends, measuring repeatedly to avoid any length or width mistakes.

To finish the bias tape ends: 1. Trim the excess fabric, and the bias tape to a 1/4 inch from the edge of the sleeve. 2. Fold in the end of bias tape. 3. Fold the top over. 4. Fold in the final edge and pin to hold into place.

Stitch along the edge to finish the sleeve ends.

With a seam ripper, carefully remove the other straps (if there are any) and carefully repair any seams that might need to be fixed. Then, place the sleeves where you want them to be situated  on the dress. Re-check the desired length by having the garment owner try it on. Pin into place.

Blind stitch the sleeve into the dress. Be careful to only go through the lining layers so the stitches don’t show. This part is a bit frustrating, take your time and check both sides as you go.

The finished product should look something like this (above). I will admit, I had to pick out the stitches (to change the sleeve placement) at least once, in my case to make the sleeves fit tighter and not slip off the shoulders.

And here is the finished dress. The gathered sleeves work especially well with the design of this particular dress. Depending on the dress, you could add flat pleats or just a flat piece of coordinating fabric as a sleeve- depending on your dress. Good luck friends!

I’d love your feedback…. Leave a comment here and let me know if this tutorial was helpful or could be improved or clarified in any way. Thanks!