How to Make Sleeves for a Smock Dress

Smock dresses are available in many style variations.

The smocked dress is a women's clothing style that is available in many variations: short sleeves, long sleeves, low collar, high collar; the options are seemingly endless. One of the most common sleeve styles featured on smock dresses is a short sleeve that is cuffed with an elastic band. If you are working with a smock dress pattern, the sleeves are likely one of the final steps in completing a beautiful new smock dress.

Things You'll Need

• Smock dress pattern
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Safety pin
• Elastic band

Instructions

1. Construct the main body of the dress as directed by the pattern instructions.

2. Cut the sleeves from the pattern as directed by the instructions.

3. Pin the sleeves to the arm holes of the dress. Be sure the seams are lined up before you begin sewing. The sleeves will likely be large pieces of fabric that will wrap around the arm holes and have a seam that runs underneath the arm.

4. Sew the sleeve fabric onto the arm holes, beginning at the top of the sleeve at the shoulder and working your way down to the underarm portion.

5. Bring together the seam running down the length of the sleeve and sew it together, making sure it is straight and even.

6. Fold over about half an inch of fabric on the cuffs of the sleeves. Pin the cuffs to keep them in place.

7. Sew the cuffs, leaving a small hole in the stitching on both.

8. Pull elastic through the cuffs, using a safety pin to feed it through the holes.

9. Tighten the elastic slightly to create a ruched effect and stitch the two ends of the elastic together.

10. Stitch the holes on the cuffs closed once the elastic is in place and situated to your liking.

References

• Adult Size Peasant Blouse Tutorial
• Garden Fairies Trading Company: Info on What You Need to Make a Smocked Bishop Dress