Technique Tuesdays: Convert winter sleeves to summer sleeves

Today, I am going to show you how to convert your child's winter wardrobe into a summer one.  Since it is rare that a child will wear the same size from one winter to the next, I always convert the long sleeve shirts into short sleeves or sleeveless. 

First, you find a short sleeve shirt with your preferred length.  

Measure the top shoulder seam to edge.

Measure the bottom seam from sleeve seam to edge.

 Measure the seam allowance used by the manufacturer.  

You don't have to use the manufacturers seam allowance measurement, you can use your own if you have preference.

 Take the measurement from shoulder to edge and seam allowance and add them together.  My measurement was 3 1/2 inches.  Measure and mark.

 Take the measurement from bottom seam to edge and seam allowance and add them together.  My measurement was 1 1/4 inches.  Measure and mark.

 Cut from mark to mark making a slight curve up.

 To make both sleeves match.  Lay the cut sleeve on top of the uncut sleeve and use it as a guide.

 Cut second sleeve.

 This is what it looks like cut. Not yet sewn.

 I usually serge the edge.  You don't actually have to serge the edge if you are cutting T-shirt fabric as it doesn't fray.

 Use your measured manufacturer seam allowance to turn under and pin.  My measurement was 1/2 inch so that is what I used.

 Turn under , measure 1/2 inch, and pin all the way around.

 Sew on serged edge.  If you didn't serge, then sew 1/8 inch from edge.

 This is what it looks like after I steam the edge.

This next one will work with a ragan sleeve or if you what to make a sleeveless shirt.

I love this shirt after finished.  It's my favorite. And, perfect for hot summer days.

 I cut the sleeve off leaving a 1/4 inch piece of fabric from seam.

 I turn the 1/4 inch piece of fabric under and sew.

This is what it looks like after sewn.

I actually had two colors.  So, this is the shirt in pink after altered.