How To Make Tulip Sleeves // Pattern Drafting & Sewing Demo

I have had a few requests over the years for tulip sleeves! So here they are, and they are rather cute, though I prefer the longer version myself. Overlap them whichever way you want, add more layers for a truly flower petal look, line them or hem them, it's all up to you.
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Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@ES-kg3qx]

"If things go wrong, I will learn even more" New Motto! Going on my wall!!!

[@cypriennezed5640]

Resolved: I am now using tulip sleeves on my next project, these are so cute! Thank you for an easy-to-follow walkthrough

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cyperienne!

[@bloodymary77]

Thank you! And yes to a whole video dedicated to the poof sleeves!

[@loretta_3843]

They look lovely! For someone with my sewing skills (skills! Ha😄), it's always like watching a magician seeing you turn scraps of paper into something lovely.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Loretta!

[@tambriggs]

Hi Bianca, awesome as ever! Since you ask, ALL the sleeves, please :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Okay can do!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Seconded!

[@yoosh-tea]

this was so cool to see! i'd love a pattern making walk through of puff sleeves/gathered sleeves. I'm like Anne of Green Gables, addicted to the puff sleeves 😂

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

I agree; I think the longer sleeves look especially good, particularly with the poof! Also, I hope you had help pinning yourself into those mock-ups! ;)

[@theycallmehotrod1940]

Oh man, the times I have accidentally made myself into a pin cushion while trying things on is just sad at this point. Anyone else have dreams (or nightmares) of being poked with pins?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I had my mom assist in pinning these yes!

[@HosCreates]

@@theycallmehotrod1940 I've done it 😬 luckily no nightmares . now I've a handy husband to help

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

"I used to make a lot of mistakes. If that's still you, don't feel bad!" I do a lot of crafts. A LOT. And making mistakes teaches you more than getting it right the first time, whether it's "ok, NOW how do I fix this?" or some happy accident that gives you ideas for future projects. mistakes are part of the process. I just try to make most of them on my mockups!!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

How simple, but beyond what I woulda simply figured for myself.

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

These would make such a pretty addition to a house dress, they give you plenty range of movement, and they would add such a darling detail to a more utilitarian garment

[@rachellynncreates2703]

Yay! I’ve wondered about this. Also, your hair is perfection.

[@ReisigSeeds]

Let’s be honest. She’s *always* perfection.

[@rachellynncreates2703]

@@ReisigSeeds true. True.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! It was not holding curl well this day, so I just victory-rolled the front out of the way 😂

[@andreaparks5348]

i love this! could you do more of these sleeve tutorials? i wanna know about ALLLL the variations lol.

[@johnpluta1768]

A classic style, timeless and elegant.

[@valzahnzahn]

Your blonde streak is looking perfect. Love how it swirls with the dark in that one curl❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Valerie!

[@kaycee5448]

That's it .... all my shirts are getting tulip sleeves from now on. So much easier to do, and great looking. Thank you.

[@KathBorup]

Hell yeah! Thank you for this! Best source on KZbin for pattern making! Interesting how these came back in the 70s too! Its time 22!

[@rhondarsf]

Yes please make a video on adding puff to sleeves!!!! I love your videos!!!!

[@elizabethmarie7828]

I really, really enjoyed that. Thanks for actually trying out the longer sleeve option, I appreciate the extra effort 😊

[@shirleypulawski8221]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I'm a fairly experienced sewist, bit I struggle with sleeves as I have big arms so I always have to make modifications. You've demystified the tulip and answered a lot of my questions about them. Thanks tons!

[@ithartheghost]

Love the hair and the purple shadow

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ryan!

[@thevintagemexican]

Tulip sleeves were so scary,, now thanks to you am pretty sure I can attempt to make them!! 😜

[@ericatomas8481]

This was so perfectly timed, as I'm about to start a project with tulip sleeves! As always, thank you for doing such a thorough walk through.

[@x1435]

So cute! I love the longer version with the puff. Thank you for the tutorial :D

[@chermarano]

Your hair rocks. Thanks for this video. It's very helpful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@mewennm4387]

Thank you so much for this, it was so useful. The book I use is clearly meant for people with a lot more experience than I have and I always end up with more questions after I read it. Your videos really make it seem a lot less like a mistake will be the end of my project. I really like your videos for that.

[@nardagates6143]

Am I bold enough to try this? 🤷🏽‍♀️ will I watch and save for later? Hell yeah! These are so flippin’ cute!!!! Yes!!! Give me all the puffy sleeves!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@samh.3421]

Wonderful video, greatly appreciated. Laughed very hard at the quip about making mistakes after 15 years.

[@jnetbeams]

Purple lights! Looks good in the background.

[@Luna-mi1dd]

Ms. Bianca you asked for ideas for future video tutorials. I would love to see how to make double layered collars - round and pointed of the 1930 and 1940 styling. Also how to make interesting patch pockets with double flaps, lace, button cover, embroidered, pleated and cording that matches with the garment. Thank you for asking and your entertaining clear instructions that I will certainly use in the future.

[@joannaerhardt7294]

This was so helpful, thank you! Also, hair, makeup, outfit.. perfection!💖

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Joanna!

[@nanettebromley8843]

Great tutorial. Thank you. Definitely love the look of the tulip. Especially the longer poofed version. Very Interested in an altering the sleeve head tutorial or 2. Its something that I struggle with.

[@lfitz3545]

B. Oh good God! Your ability to free style marking drives me nuts. Tulip sleeves? Short, good. Longer, prefer. Not been looking at your uploads for a while, but you is looking well cool👌 Lois Fitz.

[@solayange]

This is the best timed video ever im starting a bridgerton inspired dress and these sleeves are EVERYWHERE in that show

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you Bee : ) Oh, yes please to the puffy sleeves. Thank you : )

[@livinginthenow]

I have THICC upper arms. This is my favorite type of sleeve because it gives me freedom of movement and is more flattering on me, imo. Thanks for this instruction/demo video. Reading about how to do this is nice, but seeing it done is really helpful for me.

[@GiannaFiore]

I like the longer sleeve. Thank you for making this video👍😺

[@versesincolor]

Thank you for showing how easy it is make these 🎉❤

[@jenniferlindsay7053]

Oh, I just did this on a muslin for the tie top on a 40s play suit! Basically fumbled through and came up with the same, except I didn’t think to connect them instead of an underarm seam. My biceps are big from lifting my beefy cat, so I appreciate the split in the sleeve.

[@TeresaBearCFP]

I watched this video when it first came out and didn’t think about making tulip 🌷 sleeves on my own project. This weekend I watched it again and had an eureka moment! These sleeves - particularly with the puff added - are a perfect slimming effect sleeve! The way your eye is tricked to focus on a V that goes to the waist is perfect. I just made the tulip sleeve pattern and assembled the sleeve for my next dress. I also bought a used edition of Pattern Making For Fashion Design off of EBay. Thanks for all you do!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Yep! I had the same realization!

[@apollonianeumer3094]

Love these little demonstrations from you! I tend to reference them a lot while sewing!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sandiemable]

This is a very flattering sleeve. I would wear the longer one; very nice. xoxo's Sandie

[@romonaelrod7870]

I appreciate your showing how to do the tulip sleeves. They are really cute. I had a dress with the longer version of the sleeves back in the 1980's when i was in my 20's. It was red silk and it was double breasted with gold buttons in a bright red fabric and had the puffed tulip sleeves. I loved that dress.

[@Luckyladyll]

I love the second version. I wanted tulip sleeves on a kimono; now I don't have to buy the pattern for them. Thank you.

[@TheBmweed]

As someone who HATES easing in sleeves, I think I've found my new favorite... :)

[@pickledequity]

Please, pretty please make a video on puffing stuff. I would greatly appreciate it, also I'm sure many others would love it as well.

[@samandspot]

Yes, please a video on how to puff basic sleeves

[@HosCreates]

I love these sleeves but they are daunting. Thank you for this

[@MyLittleGeekery]

Not bothering to get a ruler even though you can literally just reach for it, because why, is a feeling I understand and appreciate.

[@MalteseKat]

Thank you so much. I just got started sewing again after yearsssss. I'm rusty and I always was very 'unorthodox' in my sewing. On top of that I was taught by my folks whose technique was from the 1940's . So I have had several episodes of synaptic misfiring . This ADHD kid is going to pay close attention to my favorite teacher. Being ADHD often I find certain voices and poor diction diverts my attention. Thanks for your devotion and talent you share. And you are so beautiful too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Carmen!

[@dixiehansen8226]

Yes, please video about adding puffed sleeves.

[@lauramccary6530]

Yes, please make a video about adding puff to sleeves. I need that yestereday.

[@doloresgreen1563]

How Adorable !!! I love Tulip Sleeves !!! Yes, the longer version is cuter. Your hairstyle is impeccable. Victory Rolls, indeed. :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dolores!

[@mariegarside8830]

I'm so excited because I have a piece of fabric screamng for that sleeve. More sleeve variety videos.

[@kfries1282]

I haven't made tulip sleeves for myself before, and I never thought about how the underarm seams could be combined at the pattern stage. I see many tulip sleeves in my future

[@ailsadixon408]

Hooray!! Thank you for this. Also YOUR HAIR!?! Is superb 🤍🖤🤍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ailsa!

[@trudicole3520]

It's a lot simpler than I thought so I might give it a try they do look very cute

[@coalsparks]

Yeah, definitely the longer version. I’d love to see more about puffy sleeves. Especially how to kind of guesstimate how much puff to add. Like, does 3 inches added to the shoulder seam equal an extra half inch of height? Or is that some arcane calculus involving pi and (probably) square roots and we are better off with “just try and see”?

[@Chibi-kittenplays]

yes! puff sleeve video!

[@SauronsAccntnt]

I like the long sleeve on you but I have these freakishly long arms that, inexplicably, look better in cap sleeves. I'm excited to add this video to my menagerie of sewing tutorial videos so I can have this adorable copy/paste sleeve option on future dress patterns! Thank you! P.S. I love the purpley lavender under-eye. Gorgeous :)

[@mariaantonietaazeredo8630]

I love your videos. They are very inspiring. As for ideas I would like to see different sleeves and collars. If possible something about doing matching fabric belts. Maybe some project using leftover fabrics such as a beautiful dress with a panneled skirt

[@AndreaIris86]

Oh Bianca, it's not fair, every time I see you do something new, I want to try it too...! (also, your hairstyle and colour in the intro... chef's kiss!)

[@autumn7143]

Thanks for this. I like these sleeves, but my favorites are flutter sleeves.

[@jirup]

Thanks for this, Bianca, I love the longer tulip sleeves. Another sleeve I would like to see drafted is a flutter sleeve in a knit fabric. I know the basics, but always end up with way too much fabric under the arm. I like a flutter sleeve on a summer tee for the extra ventilation.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Alas I know so little about knits that I'm not sure how one drafts sleeves differently for them specifically I'm afraid!

[@TheMagnoliaWitch]

This is perfectly timed, as my eldest imp requested tulip sleeves for the wild mushroom themed Renaissance Faire costume I was asked to make, and this has given me Ideas. 👏👏👏🙏

[@TheMMFamily9]

this is a cute sleeve , i love it in vintage

[@GrooveyBobby]

Just what I needed to get my mojo back for finishing a new blouse, 🌷 sleeves would be perfect, thank you so much for the inspiration 💜

[@sewitseams7832]

The Blue Patterning Table of Doom strikes again! Another great drafting video, thank you 😊 And yes please to the puffed sleeve tutorial

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@reneebontjes238]

Great tutorial. I have always loved tulip sleeves on dresses. I'm currently visiting Colorado. Waving 👋 It's been as cool and wet as it was when I left Minnesota.

[@mce1939]

Really good tutorial. I like the tulip sleeve longer as well. It's very flattering and fun.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@andreabendrups4768]

Another fabulous video. Thank you. You are a superb teacher.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Andrea!

[@alexandraleigh]

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you! while I have not drafted my blocks I got my Vintage Kenmore 1760 working like a dream and started making again A summer dress from fabric my late Sister gave me a few years ago and some lovely Chitons for the evening. YOU inspire so many to just get in there and Sew Thank you !!

[@kckazcoll1]

may I ask what is chitons?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Possibly garments inspired by ancient Greek chitons en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiton_(garment)#:~:text=A%20chiton%20(Greek%3A%20%CF%87%CE%B9%CF%84%CF%8E%CE%BD%2C,and%20the%20later%20Ionic%20chiton.

[@kckazcoll1]

@@TheClosetHistorian thanks, Bianca :) Looks like a kind of toga

[@alexandraleigh]

@@kckazcoll1 Bianca Nailed it My Pattern was for an Ionic Chiton and I swear it was one of the easiest things to make might have been easier if I had not made it in Heavy velvet but oh Well it was worth it!!

[@kckazcoll1]

@@alexandraleigh sounds great!

[@ReinaElizondo]

Cute! I wouldn't have thought to have the bottom petal unpuffed. I would love a video all about adding puff to sleeves! Plus what variations look like. I don't understand the difference in the shapes for cottage core puff vs. 80s puff and why are my puffs are looking more 80s? I'm wondering if it's to do with where they're set in or the shoulders? The pattern shapes seem right. 🤔😑 I've also seen more squarish sleeve head puff sleeves or tall round sleeve head puff sleeves and I'm not sure of the difference. Then there's where you tack a puff sleeve over an under layer of a shorter sleeve or use elastic for 3D puff. Ooh and combining tulip sleeves with puff *and* bell. Yeah more sleeve manipulation sounds fascinating! I'd also be into slacks variations. Like palazzo pants and epic vintage yoke shapes on pants or skirts!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I needed this! And Holly crap, your hair today!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

And Yes! I’d LOVE a video just on puff sleeves!

[@lindak8664]

That longer one was so nice! The short one was a bit too short for the tulip effect to show to its best advantage. You know what, i think tulips would be wonderful to disguise my giant bat-wings. I’m going to give those a go 😄

[@HosCreates]

Tricep kick backs with weights are effective ways to build muscle under the arms when skin sags.

[@michellecornum5856]

I love these little tulip sleeves. I can see how you'd get really confused at some point. Can you do the mutton sleeve that is fitted from the elbow to the wrist and a poof from the elbow to the shoulder, please?

[@julietokumaru3855]

How about high waisted pants, maybe with a yoke or wide fitted waist band? Like the 30's dresses you show with the tulip sleeves.

[@baharpiena9246]

The brownish lipsstick color looks good on you. This is the first time I see you wearing it. Usely you wear darker colors.😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@hailtothefire_]

I learn so much from you. Thank you for making these tutorials!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amber!

[@annenorth8553]

Hi Bianca, Would you be able to show how to draft a Butterfly sleeve at some point please? I hope you're enjoying your break in London.

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

Thank you for this video! I'm with you on the cap sleeve! They somehow manage to make my arms look chubby when they aren't so I go for the longer length! Also loving the hair and eye make up for this video! Super cute!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@ravensnestacres7218]

I’m going to try this in my next shirt. Can you show us the wrap top but have the opening in the front? Great tutorial as usual.

[@coreygilles847]

Such a cute sleeve. I will have to try the longer one with the puff

[@gowriwarrier2370]

I can imagine those longer puffy ones with multiple layers making a gorgeous sheer summer dress! Thank you for another helpful demonstration, and yes, I would love to see more puffy sleeves! Or maybe even a video about interesting types of cuffs?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@makewearmend]

What a gorgeous idea! The shorter sleeve layered over the longer, in different coloured chiffons 😍 It'd be magical. Potentially bulky at the sleeve cap, but worth it.

[@MichelleSMV]

I love love love your hair! Tulip sleeves are so adorable, I'm going have to try making them next time especially the puff ones. The tutorial is also really easy to understand. Thank you!

[@pavligesch]

hair and make up 10/10 ! so pretty :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@teresacarvalho5995]

I would love a tutorial on flairing sleeves

[@fraeuleinpusteplume2730]

Thank you. That was really helpful 🌻

[@RychaardRyder]

If you do make a video about adding puff to various sleeves could you also show how to add extra "fullness" in the bodice for appearance? Some designs have the dart fullness converted into gathers but it looks sad and sparse when even both darts combined end up being a very small amount, since the person i make clothes for has a smaller bust.

[@gowriwarrier2370]

I have the same problem! She does it in the skirt of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKClaKyApbd-f6M

[@TheClosetHistorian]

You can add more gathering in this situation by adding wedges of extra fullness in, which I have a low quality sketch about here 😅 www.pinterest.com/pin/460563499400498219/

[@RychaardRyder]

@@TheClosetHistorian thanks so much!

[@annastebelskyj580]

That was very straightforward! Thank you for once again providing such a wonderfully concise methodology! I was surprised by how much I liked the look of the short smooth-capped sleeve, but like you, I prefer a longer sleeve due to my proportions. Makes me wonder about doing a micro tulip sleeve that's more like a 40's sleeve extension, which could be really cute. I happen to have a wonderful DuBarry pattern with longer puffed tulip sleeves. It has both the front and back gathered and it does in fact result in a very puffy puff. I've made two so far, one with the wrap back-over-front as indicated in the pattern instructions, and the other front-over-back, just to see how that goes. I've found that back-over-front just fits better and gives better freedom of movement. The instructions also say to baste the two halves together before setting, presumably to control all the gathers.

[@hollybauer7123]

Just a few moments in & noticed an Ace theme to your eyeshadow, I think? Anywho, Happy Pride, B!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Unintentional 😂💜 Thank you!

[@MalteseKat]

I agree the puffy sleeve suits you ☺️

[@DoorbellQueen]

Loving your hair!

[@nerdaccount]

Your videos are always so informative and wonderful to watch.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@carolbarbee5653]

Great thing to know how to make😍

[@kobaltkween]

I'd love to see a piece on box pleats, including how to have them closed for an inch or so at the top.

[@karenbensdon4643]

That is beautiful.

[@lindagoesel3815]

Loved this, thank you. Great hair!!!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Linda!

[@suneelthapa25]

Thank you

[@Mommamacnz]

Thank you for this tutorial. It's such a lovely sleeve shape and you've made it so easy to follow how to do it. I liked the longer sleeve on you and if I make them I will also be doing longer versions. Or maybe multiple layers.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Annette!

[@jlgreer01]

Love this sleeve… will try it soon!