How to Refashion Sleeves with Lace

Do you have a shirt with boring or worn sleeves? Instead of throwing it out, why not refashion it with lace for a chic, new look? The possibilities are endless, and once you know what to do, you can experiment with other designs as well!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Making a Laced Cuff

  1. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 1
    1
    Measure and cut your lace. Measure around the cuff of your sleeve first. Add 1 inch (2.54 centimeters), then cut the lace accordingly.[1] You will need to do this entire method twice, once for each sleeve.
    • If this is for a dress shirt, make sure that you include the entire length of the cuff, including the overlap.
    • Lace that is scalloped on one side and straight on the other works great for this.
  2. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 2
    2
    Tuck the lace into the cuff. Align the top edge of the lace up with the top edge of the hem. Overlap both ends of the lace by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). Position them at the bottom of the sleeve, where the seam is.
    • If the lace is too long, push it further up the sleeve.
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  3. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 3
    3
    Pin the lace into the cuff.[2] Once you are happy with the look, secure the lace with sewing pins. If your shirt has a buttoned cuff, like in a dress shirt, do the following:
    • Unbutton and open the cuff.
    • Align the ends of the lace with the side edges of the cuff.
    • Fold the ends of the lace down by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters).
    • Pin the lace in place.
  4. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 4
    4
    Sew the lace in place. You can do this by hand or on the sewing machine.[3] Try to place your stitches along the hem's original stitching. This will make your stitches less visible and obvious.[4]
    • Match the thread color to the fabric or the hem's stitching.
  5. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 5
    5
    Sew the side edges of the cuff. Go back to where you overlapped the ends of the cuff by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). Sew down the overlap using a thread color that matches your lace. This will keep the cuff together.
    • Consider spreading the edges apart slightly before you sew them for a flared look.
  6. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 6
    6
    Finish it off, then do the other sleeve. Go over your lace cuff, and trim off any loose threads. If you pushed your lace further up the sleeve, consider trimming off the excess lace. Leave a ¼ to ½-inch (0.64 to 1.27-centimeter) hem.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Making a Lace-Inset Sleeve

  1. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 7
    1
    Press the sleeves of a long-sleeved shirt flat with an iron. This will make a crease from the shoulder seam down to the cuff. You will be using this crease as a cutting guide.[5]
    • You can try this method on a ¾-sleeve shirt or even a short-sleeved shirt.
    • This method works best on t-shirts, but you could try it on a dress shirt too.
  2. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 8
    2
    Cut a piece of lace that is a little longer than your sleeve. The lace will be on the outside of the shirt sleeve. It should be symmetrical, with either two straight edges or two scalloped edges.
    • Choose lace that is between 1 and 2 inches (2.54 and 5.08 centimeters) wide.
    • Ruffled lace, or lace that is scalloped on one side and straight on the other, is not suitable for this project.
  3. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 9
    3
    Cut a slit into the top and bottom of your sleeve. Keep the sleeve folded, with the pressed edge at top. Cut a short slit into the top of the sleeve, just below the shoulder seam. Cut another short slit into the bottom of the sleeve, just about the cuff. Keep them perpendicular to the crease.[6]
    • Make the slits about ¼ to ⅓ of the width of your lace trim. When you flatten the sleeve out, the slits should expand to be about ½ to ⅔ the width of your lace trim.
  4. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 10
    4
    Cut open the sleeve, using the crease as a guide. Slide your scissors into the bottom slit. Cut straight up along the crease towards the top slit.[7]
  5. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 11
    5
    Hem the cut edges. Fold the left cut edge into the sleeve and pin it in place; use the slits as a guide. Stitch the hem down, as close to the folded edge as you can. Repeat this step for the other cut edge. When you are done, you'll have a gap that's a little narrower than your lace.[8]
    • If you are sewing t-shirt material, use a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag stitch. If you are using a woven shirt, use a straight stitch.
    • Use a thread color that matches your shirt.
  6. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 12
    6
    Stitch the lace to the shoulder seam. Slide one end of the lace under the shoulder seam by ¼ to ½ inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters). Pin the lace in place, if needed, and top-stitch it down.[9]
  7. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 13
    7
    Pin one edge of the lace to the outside of the sleeve. Place the lace on top of the sleeve so that it's on the outside. Pin the left edge to the left hem. Both should be overlapping slightly.[10]
    • Don't worry about the right side just yet.
  8. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 14
    8
    Sew the lace to the hem. Use a thread color that matches your lace and a bobbin color that matches your shirt. Once again, use a stretch or narrow zigzag stitch if the shirt is a t-shirt, and a straight stitch if the shirt is woven.
  9. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 15
    9
    Tuck the bottom of the lace under the cuff and stitch it in place.[11] Trim off any excess lace excess lace down to ¼ to ½ inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters).
  10. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 16
    10
    Sew the other side of the lace to the other hem. It will be very difficult to use pins for this step, so you will need to place and overlap the lace with the hem as you sew. Keep smoothing the sleeve and lace as you go.[12]
  11. Image titled Refashion Sleeves with Lace Step 17
    11
    Finish it off, then sew the other sleeve. Go over your sleeve and snip off any loose threads. When you are done, repeat this method for the other sleeve.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I sew lace with a sewing machine?
    Mia Danilowicz
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.
    Mia Danilowicz
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but make sure that your machine is set on the setting meant to work on lace.
  • Question
    How do you pin lace on a sleeve?
    Mia Danilowicz
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.
    Mia Danilowicz
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Expert Answer
    Position the lace where you want it on the sleeve. Then, use stick pins to secure the lace in place so you can sew it.
  • Question
    What type of needle should I use to sew with lace?
    Mia Danilowicz
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.
    Mia Danilowicz
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Expert Answer
    When sewing lace with a machine, you will need to use a thinner machine needle. I also recommend using a poly blend thread, as it is stronger than cotton.

Things You'll Need

Making a Laced Cuff

  • Shirt
  • Lace
  • Needle or sewing machine
  • Thread

Making a Lace-Inset Sleeve

  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Lace
  • Needle or sewing machine
  • Thread

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.trinketsinbloom.com/diy-t-shirt-lace-cuffs/
  2. ↑ Mia Danilowicz. Master Tailor. Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.
  3. ↑ Mia Danilowicz. Master Tailor. Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.
  4. ↑ https://www.trinketsinbloom.com/diy-t-shirt-lace-cuffs/
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSFDPoshbyM
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSFDPoshbyM
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSFDPoshbyM
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSFDPoshbyM
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSFDPoshbyM
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSFDPoshbyM
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSFDPoshbyM
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSFDPoshbyM

About This Article

Mia Danilowicz
Co-authored by:
Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
This article was co-authored by Mia Danilowicz. Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management. This article has been viewed 8,406 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: March 17, 2021
Views: 8,406
Categories: Sewing Tops | Fabric and Clothing Reuse | Lace
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