Be Mine Balloon Sleeve Top and a neater way to finish the sleeve binding.

[@Doturi]

OMG! Why didn’t I think of that. Brilliant! Deb, you made me chuckle when you said you normally iron “within an inch of it’s life” 😂 I also iron at every stage “within an inch of it’s life” LOL! I always say sewing garments is 50% pressing.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

So true Dot, none of my daughters iron, I don’t know why, clothing looks so much better ironed, and your right 50% of sewing is pressing, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@create_something_pretty]

Deb your sewing is awesome as always. It was good to hear your experiences shopping at SuperCheap. I have bought online but I've never visited. I am way too scared to drive/Park in that part of Melbourne. One day I will..I hope😊. I love your Matchy Matchy top. Just stunning. Have a great weekend ❤.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Hi Katrina, it is a nightmare to park at Supercheap. I love the Matchy Matchy top too, great sleeves. Have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@helenwood6166]

Excellent tip and exactly how it should be done for a neat finish

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Hi Helen, I sometimes wonder why pattern companies don’t use the neat way, they do in other garments 🤷‍♀️. Have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@sallyadams3981]

I like your method Deb

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

@@sallyadams3981 Thanks Sally, it’s a much neater finish, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@judychandler5822]

Thank you for giving us that tip regarding the sleeve cuff. I made my first be mine today and followed your tip and it's turned out lovely, even though I forgot to change the stitch length back after doing the gathering and only realised once id sewn the sleeves on and done the side seams 🙄

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

@@judychandler5822 your welcome Judy, glad your top worked out well, it’s a great pattern with the statement sleeve. We all do that, forget to change our machine back 😂. Have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@jennystone7586]

Thank you for you information. I have cut out a Be Mine blouse today, looking forward to making it tomorrow.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

That great Jenny, it’s a lovely blouse, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@moirahenriksen3527]

You’re amazing with your sewing, so helpful with sharing your knowledge.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Your welcome Moira, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@SewMyTime]

Gorgeous blouse- I love the fabric. I made this top a few months ago in a black satin crepe and I ignored the sleeve binding instructions and did it my way - which is the way you demonstrated. Great vlog. I have yet to make the Matchy Matchy top but I have the pattern. Yours is beautiful. Worth all the ironing!!😂😂?

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Thanks Lynne, I thought many people would change the way the binding was attached, just makes more sense. The Matchy Matchy top is gorgeous, I love wearing that top, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@noeleengayjess8416]

Another fantastic vlog. Yes that is how I saw the sleeves. Much neater.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Thanks Noeleen , it is much neater, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@libbybennett3067]

Yes Deb, that is so much neater. Love a white shirt.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Hi Libby, always room for another white shirt 🤣 have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@sallyadams3981]

I think the cotton from super cheap, would be awesome with pin-tucks running down. It's light, summery and cool

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

@@sallyadams3981 I do like pintucks, reminds me of heirloom sewing, pretty and neat, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@patgriffiths4772]

Brilliant tip. Thank you. I haven’t made this up yet but I have the pattern.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Your welcome, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@viddy8379]

Hi Deb, Thankyou and lovely bmb make. Last time I ordered fabric from that shop, it was cut sooo poorly, I refuse to buy from there again! I think you could go down to a sz10 next time. Love the other make you are wearing too. So colourful. I will definitely get some denim.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Thanks Venora, I know it can be a bit hit and miss with that shop, I probably will try out a size 10 next time, if i made a lower neckline style I would need to downsize for sure. So many denims around at the moment you really need to know what you are going to make before you buy it. Have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕👖

[@kckazcoll1]

thanks for sharing this, Deb. On my last Be Mine I did sort of the same, but should have sewed the binding to the right side first, as you suggested. I definitely prefer your finish, as besides looking neater, it also feels more comfortable without the overlocking grazing the skin at the end of the seam :) PS. Love your Matchy Matchy top in that gorgeous fabric!

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Thanks Kaz, yes, the suggested method does touch your arms, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@sewingseamswithdeb]

Hi Deb a great option for finishing the balloon sleeve. I love this option too, much neater ! Love the easy little tuck method of using your belt loop on high waisted. Good one ❤

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Thanks Deb, love a neat finish, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕👖

[@sewmuchsewing]

🙋‍♀️ Hi Deb, that is a much better way of finishing that sleeve. I put the sleeves of the Be Mine on a mash up with the Merchant and Mills Florence and I was a bit disappointed. I'd for sure use this method in the future. See you next time.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Hi Catherine, it’s much neater to fold up the binding, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@vickichisholm931]

I am an old sewer from way back; learnt from my mum and gran. I have made 3 bmb tops and didn't like the way the binding went on - I will certainly try your idea. Thank you.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Your welcome Vicki, a hidden hem is definitely the best way to go, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@raspeight22]

Thanks for tip on sewing the sleeve binding on the “Be Mine top”! I’m planning on making a second version soon.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Your welcome Ruth, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@destooprichardson7756]

Thanks Deb. Will definitely finish my BMB sleeve this way next time. Much neater.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

I agree , a much nicer finish, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@marlenede-abel1336]

Beautiful work - I overlock but I agree this looks much neater. This would work on many blouse patterns (not just the Be Mine blouse). Your blouse is beautiful.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Thanks Marlene, yes it would work for many different tops and blouses, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@fionagoswell7839]

Thanks for the demo. The way you demonstrated was the way I have learnt. I love your Van Gogh top - I still have to decide what to make with my fabric.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Thanks Fiona, the Van Gogh fabric is beautiful, I hope you make something with gathering, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@Allycat3270]

Hello Deb. Thank you for another great and informative vlog. When I made my first 'Be Mine' I used a Lise Tailor fabric and it was a gift for my friend. I did French seams and because of this I couldn't sew on the binding with the method that was in the pattern instructions and instead did the method you have done. I am in the process of making a second one for Yours Truly and am about to do the seams and was going to use the method in the pattern to do the cuffs however I will now do it this way. Also, I found that trimming back the seams with the gathering made the cuff sit so much better.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Hi Allison, yes I trimmed the cuff seams too, made it much easier to turn over the edges, I think the neat method is better, it seems a bit odd to do it the other way, quite unusual. You’ll love wearing the blouse, it’s ver comfortable. Have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@andreablayney2175]

Thank you for the tip - I'll definitely use this method for my next balloon sleeve top ❤

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Your welcome Andrea, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@catinthehat1486]

Love your white crisp version. Yes definitely a strange way to finish the sleeve from a pattern companies perspective. Very much a ready made finish. I’m a hand sewer as well. I’ve got my first be mine ready to go and imagine quite a few of these in the wardrobe. Interesting perspective on retail shopping in Supercheap. I’m in Melbourne mid year and am looking forward to fabric shopping in a big way! I will need a special suitcase for that fun time. 😂

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Thanks Cat, yes it is odd to finish a sleeve like that and put it in on the flat also, which still works fine. Well if your shopping in Melbourne fabric district you will need a special (large) suitcase. Have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@EncarnitaMason]

thanks for the tutorial. I will most certainly use that method.😊

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Your welcome Encarnita, I hope this makes a neater finish, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@angelahurst6963]

A a professional finish Deb. Can’t understand why a pattern company like Pattern Emporium would suggest such an untidy finish.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Hi Angela, it does seem like an odd finish, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@amandapipe4893]

Thank you for this. Very helpful indeed.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Your welcome Amanda, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@foxeymoore]

Beautiful blouse.🌹

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Thanks Eileen, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@farmthreads5679]

I love this pattern. Already made 4.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Wow 4, you must have mastered the Be Mine Balloon pattern, have a great sewing week, Deb🧵🪡💕

[@Yahoo1339]

Thank you for your tips I appreciate it well explained 🧵🧵

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Your welcome Maureen, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@janep2776]

I’m wearing a Be Mine Balloon sleeve today. Thanks for the tutorial, this is another way for me. I made my sleeve binding into a circle, clipped it on already folded over and then just sewed around. Probably not as neat as yours. I also did the split neckline with binding hack for a more boho look using some of the Dahlia Sewciety block print. I’ll try your way next time. I spent a ridiculous amount of time in Spotlight today looking at denim and even longer online but I don’t know what I want to make so didn’t get any yet.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Hi Jane, I did consider making it into a band and sewing it on one side and hand sewing the other side, it seems a strange was with seam through the band. You will have to decide what to make before you get your denim, there are so many options. I like the sound of the boho look in the block print, that fabric really is beautiful. Have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@robynlaszlo6128]

Thank you for this valuable information i have just done a sample and following there method didn't like it love yours better i also will have to go down a size as well thank you 😊😊😊

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

That’s great Robyn, glad the information was helpful, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@michellewallace8387]

Thanks for this tip for the sleeve for the Be Mine blouse. Would you believe I’m sewing up my second version as i was watching your vlog. Unfortunately i’ve already sewn on the sleeve facing but i’m definitely saving this tip for next time, as it looks so much neater. I love this top and will be making more.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Your welcome Michelle, so many people are sewing the Be Mine at the moment, must be the ‘Sew April Blouse’ vibe, glad this information was helpful, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@Kate-m5m]

I didn't like the finish I would get using the instructions, so I treated it like a normal sleeve, sewed up the side, gathered up the sleeve and added the binding and then set in the sleeve. I don't have an overlocker but even if I had, I wouldn;t have used the finish specified as I thought it was untidy. I have only made one of these tops and found it came out rather large, so like you I am going to size down for the next one.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Hi Kate, I think that's a good idea to size down, and to sew the sleeve into the armscye is a good idea too, I'm surprised a top like that had you sew in on the flat, I agree the binding makes the sleeve end untidy more like ready to wear. Have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@patriciaannjames8182]

I thought sleeve binding was a good idea as I followed the pattern and have a bit messy join as I haven't used an overlocker, will probably take off binding and try your neater way, thank you.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

@@patriciaannjames8182 Hi Patricia, the binding is a better method, with or without an overlocker, you will be very pleased with the result if you do it the neat way, have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@lynnewambeek2284]

Perfect way to finish off that sleeve Deb, I also popped a half circle flounce on the hem of mine to create a slightly different look 🙂 Thought I would enter the denim challenge to reignite my sewjo (has been MIA for a little while now), popped over to the weft and warp website but the discount code doesn't register....just thought I would let you know.

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Hi Lynne I believe the code is AUTUMNDENIM24. Try that I think at one stage I said 2024 but it is just 24. The flounce on the hem sounds lovely

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

I will continue on as my granddaughter sent the last reply 🤣. The flounce is a great idea, I’m glad you will be joining in the sew autumn denim challenge should be a bit of fun. Please let me know if the code AUTUMNDENIM24 does not work. Have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕

[@lynnewambeek2284]

@@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668 Thanks Deb, yes 24 works not 2024 😊 Have a great weekend 🌻

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

@@lynnewambeek2284 great Lynne, thanks for letting me know

[@justsewit_tk5477]

I don't actually have this pattern but I have the Zalia pattern from Style arc which practically looks identical. Are there any differences apart from the number of variations you could make with the Be Mine Balloon top? I do this technique all the time with my bindings, handtitching them down because it just gives a nicer finish and if you do French seams it just adds to the bespoke/ couture look of finishing a garment. I think the way Pattern Emporium show how to do it is "industry standard" but cannot be sure. I prefer to use some hand sewing techniques for a better finish and that way it doesn't unravel or irritate if you have sensitivities. I think we live in such a fast world that people "think" they don't have time to stitch. It would be the perfect thing to do instead of looking at the phone when travelling or even sitting watching the tv (which is what I do - have a hand stitching project when watching the telly).

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Hi Tamara the Zalia is very similar to the Be Mine, I think the Zalia has more of a flared body to the top but that is about all. You could easily make any of the Be Mine tops using that pattern. I’m like you and love a bit of hand sewing and I do like a French seam, it does give a high end look to the finished garment. I understand the garment industry need to make money so they will sew the fastest way, but there is nothing like a hand finished garment. Have a great sewing week, Deb 🪡🧵💕