Hi Everyone! In Part 4 we will round out the lesson portion of the topic of Sewing the Raglan Sleeve by taking a look at ways to combine the E=dK²and Energy Dresses to create new designs.

 

In this video, Donna will share a few tips about the inside finishes for these dresses and then take a quick look at combining patterns in general.

Any time you combine patterns, you’ll want to transfer any marks that pertain to the pieces you are changing and adjust the notch placements if needed. These two patterns are designed to be used together, but there’s a few tweaks that need to be made to the pattern pieces that will help make sewing the combinations easier.

Follow along as Donna shows us how to combine these patterns and enjoy the “fashion show” of example combinations made by some of our great pattern tester volunteers!

It can be great fun to think outside the “pattern cover box” to find ways to stretch your pattern collection even further. Sometimes, this can just be trying a different type of fabric than that shown on the front cover or adding trim. But when you are feeling just a bit adventurous or you can’t find quite what you are looking for, consider combining patterns to create that special design that’s in your head.

For more ideas on combining patterns and changing up sleeves, check out these other video tutorials:

• Sewing Modified Pattern Hacks Three Simple Sleeve Modifications
• Starlight Gala & Blossom Mash-up
• The All Occasion Primrose Dress Pattern Hack

Hi Everyone! In Part 2 we begin the sew-along for the E=dK² dress. To participate in the sew-along, you can purchase the pattern HERE. If you'd like to use this month's coupon code, you can find it listed on the Sewing With Cinnamon Bonuses section.

Gather up all the necessary supplies, read through the pattern to familiarize yourself with the assembly process and techniques used.

In this first lesson we will be constructing the bodice and working through the sleeve in view A. 

To create professional looking items, there are many tasks that need to be done during construction that should never be seen when the finished garment is worn.  Three of which are symbol marking, staystitching, and understitching.

The more complex a pattern is, the more important accurate symbol marking becomes.  It’s a good idea to keep the pattern pieces close by during construction so they can be referenced if needed to confirm a dot or symbol placement.

Staystitching is one of those hidden tasks of construction that can seem unnecessary but makes a huge difference in the finished result of a project. It helps prevent stretching of the bias (or diagonal) areas during construction as well as reinforcing the curves and corners where the seam allowance will need to be clipped.  For staystitching, use a slightly shorter stitch length and stitch just inside the seamline.  Try to be as accurate with this as with the seam itself, so there’s no need to remove unwanted visible staystitches later.  Going a little slower for accuracy can save time in the long run.

Understitching is another step that is tempting to just skip, but it can make all the difference in the finished neckline as it helps prevent the lining from being visible on the outside of the garment. This row of stitching is done on the lining/facing after the seam allowance has been clipped so that it lays flat around the curves. It should be about a 16th of an inch from the neckline seam. It holds the lining/facing to the seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance close to the understitching to reduce bulk. 

For another look at staystitching (at 9:50 minutes in) and reducing bulk check out the tips outlined in this video from our Couture Sewing series:

The versatile E=dK2 pattern is labeled as “Advanced”, but with the videos as a guide, an experienced beginner could have the confidence to give these raglan sleeves a try. Follow along as Donna highlights some of the instructions and takes a step by step look at the construction of the sleeve in View A. 

Most any lightweight woven fabric can be used for this dress.  Quilting weight cotton is easy to find and works well for a casual style dress.  Bridal satin or crepe type fabric has a nice body and drape that works well and results in a more formal looking dress. The sash is best done in a silky or chiffon type fabric.  You could substitute a soft ribbon or beaded trim along the waistline as a special accent instead of the sash.

Once you’ve constructed the bodice and sleeve portion following the video, you can move on with the side seams and skirt construction.  This pattern features an invisible zipper closure at the center back. 

For a great tutorial about installing an invisible zipper be sure to check out this video from our Sewing With Zippers series:

These videos, from the Sewing machine Presser Feet series, go into more detail about using a zipper foot and an invisible zipper foot too!

Hi Everyone! Welcome to the topic: Sewing The Raglan Sleeve! Donna Kinley is joining us for this 4-part topic with a look at the design elements that make up a raglan sleeve, and a full sew along of the new E=dK2 Dress pattern to demonstrate how it is used in a clothing design. Follow along and see all of the ways in which the sleeve style can vary and how to successfully sew this sleeve into your garment.

As a reminder, all of the coupon codes, download links, and monthly bonuses can be found in the Sewing With Cinnamon Bonuses section.

Sewing The Raglan Sleeve Topic Overview:

The topic will be divided into a 4-part series: 

• Topic Overview. A look at the Raglan Sleeve design, how it is constructed, and how it may be used in a design.
• Sew along for the dKinley Designs E=dk2 pattern, featuring View A
• Sleeve variations (View B and C)
• Mix & match with Energy Dress pattern

As I mentioned, Donna Kinley is joining us as a guest instructor! Follow along in the video below and get an in-depth look at how the raglan sleeve is created and how it is combined with different design elements, such as pleats and gathers, to fit nicely into the desired garment. 

What Makes A Raglan Sleeve Different From A Standard Set In Sleeve Design?

The first thing you’ll notice about a raglan sleeve is that there is no shoulder seam.  There’s a front sleeve seam and a back sleeve seam but there’s no actual shoulder seam as it is part of the sleeve itself. The sleeve goes all the way up from the arm and continues across the shoulder to become part of the neckline.

Because of the way the sleeve starts in the front shoulder and goes across the shoulder and becomes part of the back, you have to be conscious of how you lay out your pattern pieces on your fabric, especially if you have a directional print on the fabric. 

*This is important to keep in mind as you choose your fabric for this project.

 A funny anecdote ~ After researching this topic a bit I discovered that the Raglan sleeve was named after Lord Raglan, who is said to have worn this style coat in the battle of Waterloo! Apparently this design allows for more movement which came in handy when swinging his sword in battle! Isn't that interesting? Funny that today the most popular use of the raglan sleeve has evolved from that to the baseball tee!

Prepare For The Sew Along:

Next week, in part 2 we will begin the sew along for the E=dK2 Dress, Donna's most recent pattern! To participate in the sew-along, get the pattern HERE. If you'd like to use this month's coupon code, you can find it on the SWC Bonuses page.

Gather up all the necessary supplies, read through the pattern to familiarize yourself with the assembly process and techniques used.

Looking for other ways to sew the raglan sleeve? Check out all these other designs! Some use knit fabrics, some use wovens. Some are simple straight lines, others are more intricate! As you can see, this is a really interesting design element and can be used in so many different ways!

See the full collection of patterns with Raglan Sleeves here!