Flutter sleeve : Definition and 3 ways to Draft a Pattern

A Flutter sleeve is a very flared short sleeve; it is supposed to flutter around you because of the flare.

Flutter sleeves are the cutest sleeves you could add to any pattern. This is one of my go-to patterns for kids’ dresses when adding extra sleeves. For adults, there are not many sleeves that give a dramatic touch ( in a nice way) like this one.

If you are planning to make this pattern for an adult, please note that this sleeve is not ideal for someone with a heavy upper body or broad shoulders, like an inverted triangle body shape. The fullness of these sleeves may give the illusion of more heaviness. That is not to say you should not wear it. 

Draft a Flutter sleeve Pattern

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Method 1 A gathered flutter sleeves

Step 1

Fold a piece of fabric 7 inch wide and 25 inch long ( for one sleeve)

Mark the following pattern on it. Cut it out

Step 2

Gather the sleeve cap 4 inch to either side of the center fold line to half the width. Use basting stitches to gather as shown in this tutorial for gathering fabric. Stay stitch the gathers in place. Finish the edges of the sleeve. Finish the hem as well.

Step 3

Stitch the Sleeve to the top, as you would a regular sleeve.

If you add this sleeve to a sleeveless dress/top, keep the sleeve under the armhole line and top stitch the sleeve. Stitch the side seams.

Method 2. Small flutter sleeve

This is a sleeve that mostly suits a kid’s dress. Fold a piece of fabric ( for one sleeve) with a length of about  20″ and a width 4″. 

Mark the pattern as in the picture below. You need to cut two pieces of fabric for one sleeve. One is used as a facing/ lining. Cut out the four pieces of sleeve pattern for two sleeves.

Sew the main piece and the lining, the right sides together at the hem edge with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Turn the sleeve inside out. You will get a piece as the picture below.

Gather the sleeve cap with basting stitches.

Sew the sleeves to the bodice armhole.

Method 3. Flutter sleeves

This one is my favourite type of flutter sleeve –  it gives a real fluttery flowing sleeve, without any gathers.

A similar but with more flare is given in this post Flutter sleeve top sewing pattern and tutorial. 

Step 1

Decide on the length you want for the sleeve.

Make a half circle with this measurement as radius.

Step 2

Extend the line A – B down 7 inches ; if your bust round is over 38 inch make this 7.5 inch.

Step 3

Divide the line A- E by 3 and mark the two points 1 & 2 . On the point 2 draw a horizontal line 2 inches to either side.

Step 4

Join points A-F-E & A-G-E in a soft curve

Step 5

Extend 2 inches from E to H. Join points C and D to H

Step 6

Cut open the line E-H and cut out the inside portion of A-F-E-G

Once you have drafted this pattern onto the paper, keep the pattern on to the fabric, which is folded on the bias.

Check out this article on How to cut fabric in sewing

How to stitch the flutter sleeves

Keep the sleeve piece with center point ( Point A) aligned to the center of the armscye of the garment. Start stitching from the middle point to one side. After one side is stitched, start again from the center to the other side.

For more sleeve patterns check these posts – Sleeve Types; Tulip sleeves pattern; Puff sleeves; Leg of mutton sleeves; making different Sleeve patterns.; Flounce sleeve; Cap sleeves