How to sew drawstring cuffs

Looking to make a sleeve with drawstring cuffs? Watch and learn!

To achieve the effect shown in the video, you’re going to need an allowance of 6 cm (2 3/8”). After that, follow the instructions:

1. Fold the sleeve lengthwise so that the side edges are aligned. Measure and mark 14 cm (5 1/2") from the bottom of the sleeve upwards. At the marked level (through two layers) make a 9 mm (just under 3/8”) deep snip.
2. Below the snip, fold the seam allowance twice by 5 mm (just under 1/4") and stitch at 1 mm from the edge. Repeat on the other side.
3. Fold the bottom edge under by 1 cm (3/8”) and press in place.
4. From this fold upwards, measure and mark 10 cm (4”). Fold the bottom edge of the sleeve so that it aligns with the marked line. As a result, the sleeve hem allowance is going to be 5 cm (2”).
5. Stitch at 1 mm from the folded edge. Then sew another seam parallel to the first one at a distance of 1.2−1.5 cm (1/2−5/8”) to create a casing.
6. Fold the sleeve face-to-face and stitch the side edges with a 1 cm (3/8”) seam allowance. Taper the seam allowance smoothly towards the folded allowances at the end and secure the seam by backstitching.
7. Finish the side seam allowances on an overlocker and press them towards the back of the sleeve.
8. Sew a drawstring. To do so, cut out a 4 cm (1 5/8”) wide strip of fabric.
9. Fold it in half lengthwise and press. Unfold it and fold the edges towards the center crease on the wrong side.
10. At the short edges, fold 1 cm (3/8”) seam allowance to the wrong side. Fold the strip in half again and then stitch at 1 mm from the folded edges to secure them together. Press the assembled piece.
11. Attach a safety pin to one end of the strip and thread it through the casing.
12. Adjust the volume of the sleeve at the wrist and tie the ends into a knot or a flirty bow.

This type of design looks great on summer blouses or flowy dresses, like those made of rayon or viscose. Looks pretty cute, don't you agree?

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