Modkid Modified: Dakota Flounce Sleeve

Today's tutorial illustrates how to use the slash and spread method to change the straight sleeve style of the Dakota top to a flounce sleeve. 

After printing the sleeve pattern piece, draw lines at a 1" spacing starting from the overlap side of the sleeve.

Cut the markings up to the top of the sleeve, but not all the way through. You want to create a "hinge" point. The goal is to maintain the top length of the sleeve piece and widen the bottom.

Overlap the two sleeve sections at the top and tape them to a piece of freezer paper or tracing paper. Open and spread the bottom sections 1" along the bottom. Tape in place and trace out the new pattern piece. 

Once cut, your piece should look like the one above. Clip your notches as you normally would.

Sew the pattern per the pattern instructions. The only difference I suggest is a narrow hem on the sleeve since it is now such a curved piece. I used a narrow rolled hem foot on my sewing machine, but a 1/4" hem would work as well. 

Be sure to let us know if you give this technique a try!!