Hey everyone! I'm Stephanie, here today to show you how to take one of my favorite patterns, Be the Leader, and make it sleeveless. Don't get me wrong, the sleeve is super cute, BUT I live on the surface of the sun, so getting rid of the sleeves makes such a big difference in staying cool and beating the heat. So let's free those underarms! LOL. This blog contains affiliate links.
*note that this “hack" is for the flounce version only 😉
To begin, measure your armcyses and multiply that number by 2. Save that number. Then, cut all your pieces for Be the Leader, minus the sleeves. Instead of sleeves, you will cut two strips of fabric. I made my strips 1.5" by the measurement you saved. You should now have 2 bodice pieces, a flounce, and the two strips of fabric.
Take one strip and press in half lengthwise.
Press the bottom edge up to meet the middle crease, and press the top edge down to meet the middle crease.
Find the center of your binding strip.
Match the binding strip center to the center seam of the armcyse, right side of binding strip to right side of armcyse.
Pin the entire length of armcyse.
Stitch ¼” away from the top, raw edge.
Turn the bottom edge of binding up and over to the wrong side of armcyse, covering the seam.
Turn once more so the binding piece is completely turned to the wrong side.
Pin in place.
Stitch in place, and trim off any excess binding that may protrude past the bodice. Your armcyse is now finished and you can attach the flounce per the tutorial! The “slack" left at the armcyse now becomes the “shoulder”.
Feel the breeze on those underarms! Isn't it awesome! Such an easy modification to an already perfect pattern!
