I like accessories that spice up my existing costumes AND I can attach or remove from costumes as I like. 😉
You’ve seen examples of those accessories like the shrug, bead swag, or drape swag on Sparkly Belly!
And today I’m excited to share with you this detachable puffy sleeve!
It’s simple to make, but adds a wow factor to your costume. It’s also a beautiful way to add coverage without adding weight! Let’s get started!
To make this detachable puffy sleeve, you need:
60cm (24in) of lightweight fabric – I think sheer fabric like chiffon or lace works best for this. You need about 1/2m by 1/2m per sleeve and we need a little extra for a strap. So if you want to make 2 sleeves, have double that amount.
20cm (8in) of elastic – I’m using thin 8mm (5/16in) wide elastic here.
2 pairs of snap buttons
Matching color thread
How to Make DIY Detachable Puffy Sleeve
First, take 3 measurements.
- Your arm length from the shoulder to the wrist
- The length from the shoulder strap around your arm to the back side of the shoulder strap – This is for bra tops that have an over-the-shoulder type or criss-cross type of shoulder straps. If your bra top is a halterneck, measure from about 2.5cm (1in) from the top of the bra cup around your arm to the center back of the shoulder strap. And for this style, also have someone read the measurement around your shoulder blade, and make a note of that. For all styles of shoulder straps, take this measurement a little loosely so you can move your arm easily.
- The circumference of your wrist
Cut the light weight fabric into 2 rectangle panels like this. Each panel is 25cm (10in) wide, and the length is your arm length plus 2.5cm (1in).
And treat the long edges for both panels. I did a narrow rolled hem.
Then for both panels, do a basting stitch along one of the short ends with a 5mm (1/4in) seam allowance. Basting stitch is a simple straight stitch with the longest stitch length setting. Don’t back stitch here, but instead, leave long tails at the beginning and end.
Next, cut a strip that is 4.5cm (1 3/4in) wide and the length is your shoulder strap to shoulder strap measurement plus 5cm (2in).
At one end of the sleeve panel, gently pull one of the threads and guide the fabric to gather it so that the width becomes about half the length of the strip. For halterneck bra tops, take the shoulder strap to shoulder blade measurement and divide it by 2. Gather the fabric to that length.
Do the same for the other sleeve panel.
Fold the strip in half and find the center point. Or for halterneck, mark the strap to the shoulder blade measurement plus 2.5cm (1in), and find the center of this section. Mark it with a pin, and place the strip right side up.
Place one of the sleeve panels right side down, and place the edge about 1cm (3/8in) to the left of the center point. Place a pin or clip, and adjust the gathering so the other edge is about 3cm (1 1/4in) away from the end of the strip.
Similarly, place the other sleeve panel right side down, and the edge should be 1cm (3/8in) to the right of the center point so the sleeve panels overlap there. And adjust the gathering so the other end is 3cm (1 1/4in) away from the end, or for halterneck, 3cm (1 1/4in) from the shoulder blade mark.
Do a straight stitch with a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance here.
Fold 1cm (3/8in) from the long edge towards the wrong side. Then fold it over so the fold of the strip just covers the stitches from earlier and encase the raw edges. If your fabric is shifty and this is hard to do, you can first use an iron to make a crease at the fold line then do this step. It’ll make it easier.
For the rest of the strip, fold 5mm (1/4in) from the ends, then fold 1cm (3/8in) from the top and bottom edges. Then match up the folds. And do a top stitch along the folds.
Next, for the bottom end of the sleeve, first overlap the panels by 2cm (3/4in) the same way as the top of the sleeve. And do a straight stitch up to 2.5cm (1in) along the stitches on the top layer.
And match up the other side of the sleeve right sides together, and do a straight stitch up to 2.5cm (1in) from the end.
On the wrong side, fold 5mm (1/4in) from the edge, and fold again 1cm (3/8in). Do this all the way around. And again, if your fabric is shifty, make creases at the fold lines with an iron first.
And do a top stitch along the fold and leave a 5cm (2in) opening.
Now cut elastic to your wrist measurement plus 1cm (3/8in) and insert it through the casing.
Overlap the ends about 1cm (3/8in) and sew the ends together.
And finally, do a top stitch while pulling the elastic straight to close the opening.
Now sew on the stud sides of the snaps on the right side of the strap ends, and the socket sides on the wrong side of the shoulder straps.
And your detachable puffy sleeve is complete! Use the snaps to attach it to your bra top. The large slits and material makes the sleeve look nice and airy but gives extra coverage around the upper arm area. For the halterneck style I’d decorate the extra strap with rhinestones or beads or lace appliques to make it look more complete.
Just by attaching the snaps, you can wear the sleeve on different tops! How cool is that! I made a single sleeve in this example, but of course, you can make two and make it symmetrical.
And if you are curious about the belly cover I’m wearing here, you can make one yourself! If you’re curious, check out SparklyBelly.com/Bodystocking.
Hope you liked this detachable puffy sleeve tutorial, and if you did, please share it with your dancer friends!
And next week, I’ll share with you how to make this trendy belly strap look! If you’re curious, sign up for my newsletter below so you won’t miss it!
Thanks for reading, and keep sparkling!
P.S. Pin this image on your belly dance accessory board! 🙂
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