Sometimes, I want/need to make a new dress shirt for my kiddo but I want to make it as quickly as I can.  The collar and button plackets take enough time as-is, so the only thing I can truly eliminate (and save time on) is the cuffs.  Most of the time, Louis is pushing and rolling his sleeves up anyway, so I thought maybe I could cut some corners and give him a shirt with the rolled up sleeve look.  It’s cool and casual, but still has a “dressy” appeal to it.  I love the entire look and idea of it.

First, you will need to get your hands on the Lumberjack Shirt pattern.  If you don’t own this yet and you have a little person in your life, you should probably get on that.  The Lumberjack is great in that it can be made lined, with a hood, and be this super awesome fall/spring jacket.  Or you can make it unlined and with a collar and have yourself a custom-fit buttondown shirt.  I’ve done both versions plenty of times now.

To achieve the faux rolled sleeve, it’s just a few easy steps.  Promise.

After cutting out all of your pieces (you won’t need the cuff or placket!), per the pattern’s instructions lay out your sleeve pieces and take two inches off of the bottom edge.  Why?  Because when you roll the sleeves, it is tighter at the bottom and it might be too snug.  Even with those little arms that are fitting into the top.

Sew the shirt as you the instructions direct you.  When you get to the cuff/sleeve part, all you’ll need to do to finish the sleeves themselves is a simple three step process.

#1: Finish the edge.  Serge it or do a small rolled hem.  Anything to keep the edge from fraying, as it will not be fully enclosed.

#2: Turn the edge up 1/4″ and press.

#3: Turn the edge up 2″, but do not press.  You want this to allow the “rolled up” look of the sleeve.  Once rolled, hand tack the sleeve in two places (I chose the arm seam and directly opposite of it).  The tacking will help the sleeve stay in place but still allow for the look to be pulled off.

Finish the rest of the shirt as instructed.  And then sit back and enjoy the new beauty you just created.

I adore how the simple change of sleeves moves from a more formal shirt to something more casual.  It’s such a fun look for a little dude, especially one who is singing in a Christmas concert at his school.

Followed one of the hacks shared on this site?  Or maybe you came up with something of your own?  We are DYING to know!  Share your latest make on the Patterns for Pirates facebook group and let us see.

And while you’re at it, make sure to pick up your very own copy of the Lumberjack Shirt.  Happy sewing!