How to Attach a Sleeve Braid

Spice up your wardrobe with braided trim.

Braided trim can add beautiful detail and interest to almost any garment. Braid on a sleeve can run lengthwise -- from the shoulder toward the wrist -- or widthwise, across the wrist, shoulder or other part of the arm. Or twist your braid into any pattern you like, making designs on the sleeve. Braids can be machine-sewn onto a sleeve, but hand-sewing may produce better results.

Things You'll Need

• Pins
• Seam ripper
• Sealant (optional)
• Button thread or embroidery thread (optional)

Instructions

1. Prewash natural-fiber braids as you intend to wash the finished garment. Place in a lingerie bag in the washer to keep them from getting tangled. Synthetics generally will not shrink and do not need to be prewashed.

2. Cut trim 1-to-2 inches longer than desired length.

3. Determine how you are going to handle the edges of the braid so that they do not unravel. What you do with the edges will depend on the thickness and placement of the braid. If the braid is fairly thin, you can tuck it into a seam or fold it under itself one or two times, then sew to seal. If it is thick, you can sew over the end a few times to seal (by machine or hand) or use commercially available sealant. If using sealant, follow the directions on the package.

4. Make sure the sleeve seam is still open if sewing down the length of the sleeve. Pin the braid where you want it. If you are tucking one end into a seam that has already been sewn shut, make an opening in the seam a bit wider than the braid (a seam-ripper is useful for this), then sew the seam shut again with the braid inserted.

5. Sew the braid into place slowly and carefully, removing pins as you go so as not to break your needle on them. If the braid is thick, make sure your machine is set accordingly. If the braid is extremely thick or delicate in any way, you may have to hand-sew it. Use sturdy thread.

6. When you reach the end of the braid, fold it, sew it or seal it as you did with the other end.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure whether to hand-sew or machine-sew the braid on the garment, sew by hand.

• Wash the finished garment carefully. Hand wash or wash inside out.

References

• Threads Magazine: Choosing Chanel-style jacket trims