how to add stripes to sleeves Archives

Let’s talk game day attire… I know we have some sports fans in the Facebook group and if your house is anything like mine, it revolves around football. Even if it doesn’t, the Varsity style sweater is a nod to a throwback classic look. Some months back Judy showed us how to add a stripe accent to a raglan sleeve during our #P4PRaglanWeek (read more about it HERE) . Using the same idea, I hacked the Cpt. Mack’s Cardigan to replicate a Varsity sweater.

Print, assemble and cut your pieces as instructed in the pattern.

After looking at a few Varsity style sweaters I decided to go with 2 stripes on the left sleeve only. You can choose a number of different fabrics to use for the stripes. I ended up using a flocked heat transfer vinyl but you could also use knit scraps. Placement of your stripes is your preference depending on size and quantity. My stripes are 3/4″ wide and are placed just below the short sleeve cut line and above the 3/4 sleeve cut line. (Note: the left sleeve is with the back of the sleeve to your right hand side when looking at the fabric with right side up. The elbow patches are show on the pattern piece.)

I also added an applique to the left front body. I used the flocked heat transfer vinyl again and pressed it directly to white knit and then used Heat & Bond Hem Tape to secure in place. Top-stitching is optional but decided to keep it as is. If you choose to add an applique, embroidery or any additional embellishments to the main body, do it prior to construction. It is much easier to add when your pieces are not sewn together yet.

Another design element that I noticed when searching for inspiration was the contrasting pocket bands. Using Patty’s idea during #P4PRaglanWeek (details HERE) I added the feature to the patch pockets.

That’s it! Easy, right?!?! Use your favorite team colors or maybe even your little one’s school colors for the perfect school pride cardi. This of course can be used to hack the women’s Grandpa Cardi as well.

We’re nearing the end of the #P4PCardiWeek but be sure to take a look at our jam-packed schedule of cardigan love!

Saturday, January 21: #P4PCardiWeek Announcement

Sunday, January 22: Cocoon Lace Hems and Butterfly Ruffle

Monday, January 23: Ribbon Tie Closure Hack

Tuesday, January 24: Carefree Cardigan Fringe Hack

Wednesday, January 25: Duster-Length Adjustment

Thursday, January 26: Kimono Ruffle Sleeves + Hem

Friday, January 27: Varsity Sweater Style Hack

Saturday, January 28: Carefree Cardigan Flannel + Vest Hack

Monday, January 30: #P4PCardiWeek Winner Announcement

You can follow along on the blog here, or in our Facebook group. Search #P4PCardiWeek to be able to find our posts all over social media. And please feel free to sew-along with us on one or all of the days. The more the merrier!

But wait, there’s more! We wanted to create a friendly pirate-y competition with our P4P Cardi Week!

Between tomorrow and Saturday, January 28, sew up a Patterns for Pirates cardigan using one of our hacks, or by keeping the pattern as-is. Share your photo with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group and use the tag#P4PCardiWeek We will pick our favorite and the winner will win a free P4P pattern of choice AND be featured on this blog. Fun right?

To make it even better we have put all the cardigan patterns in the shop on sale all week (no code needed)!

Now get out there and sew some cardigans, matey!

We’re rounding out the end of #RaglanWeek and I’m excited to share another way you can add some flare to your raglans!

I love the sporty look for my little guy since he is so active! Adding a simple stripe accent to raglan sleeves is such an easy, cute, sporty look!

Here is how you can add them to your raglans!

Decide how thick you would like your stripes. Cut your stripe of knit fabric double that for the length and as wide as your sleeves where you will be adding the stripe.

Example: I wanted my stripes just a bit over 1″- so I cut my strip 2.5″ and the width matching the sleeve width.

Press the strips in half lengthwise and create a crease. Please excuse my ironing board… I swear taking pictures of it makes it look 1000X dirtier than it looks in person!

Press bottom raw edge up to center crease.

Press top raw edge down to center crease.

I used a fabric pen to mark a straight line across my sleeve. Since they’re both knit fabrics you can find your self ever so slightly off easily, so I’d highly recommend this for a flawless stripe!

Pin your stripes carefully along your marked line or lines if you’re doing multiple stripes. I did 2 on each sleeve for mine. You can also use a wash away hem tape to hold them in place while you stitch. I recommend not doing this with your baby in the room— or you MIGHT sew the stripes onto the back piece of the shirt rather than the sleeve 😉 OOPS!!

Edge stitch along the top and bottom fold of your stripes. I used my single chainstitch on my coverstitch for mine- you will want a stretch stitch since we’re working with knits.

Complete the shirt as the tutorial directs you— only noting to align your stripes carefully along the sleeve seam when you stitch up your sleeve and side seam.

I also added a little number 4 since Little Guy is about to turn 4 next week.

He also picked out the pirate theme lining for the hood for a little pop of “coolness” 😉 .

His Jolly Roger is a size up from his width measurement in a thick and cozy sweatshirt fleece. I kept the length what he measures on the chart, this is the banded shirt length, long sleeve with cuffs and regular hood from the new Jolly Roger Add on Pack.

He’s not much for modeling for Mama!

But, we were both so happy with his new hoodie he has already requested another one!

If you’ve added some fun stripes to the sleeves of your raglan during P4P Raglan week, we would love for you to share it with us! Head over to the Facebook Group or share on Instagram. And be sure to use the tag#P4PRaglanWeek so we can find you!

Curious about what else has been happening during our raglan-loving week of fun?

Just take a look at our schedule!

Monday, September 19:Jolly Roger Raglan Pattern Update + Jolly Roger Add-On Pack Pattern Release

Tuesday, September 20:JRR Woven Fabric Hack

Wednesday, September 21: JRR Animal Faces Add-On

Thursday, September 22: Contrast Band Hack for Kangaroo Pockets

Friday, September 23:Women’s Keyhole / Scoopback Raglan Hack

Saturday, September 24:Off-The-Shoulder Raglan Hack

Sunday, September 25: Adding Stripes to Your Raglan Sleeves

We’ve had such a blast seeing everyone’s raglans this week! We will be picking a winner from those who shared with hashtag #P4PRaglanWeek! Tonight is the last chance to pick up any of the P4P Raglans on sale- though midnight US CST.

P4P Cardi Week:: Varsity Sweater Hack

P4P Raglan Week: Adding Stripe Accent

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