How to Sew...French Seam Set-In Sleeves EASILY!

Yes that's right, it's easy! It's almost easier than setting a sleeve in the usual way.
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
0:31 Prepare your pieces
2:24 Sew an Easing Stitch (or basting stitch)
3:11 Draw up the Bobbin
4:26 Check the Fit
5:03 Line Up your seams
5:31 Sew your first seam
9:31 Trim
10:29 Press seam one direction
11:29 Press along edge
13:13 Final Seam
13:48 No gathers!
16:21 Remove Easing/Basting Stitch
Enjoy!
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THANK YOU!

[@paulpostle7113]

Excellent tutorial. Perfect pace, I found I could follow along easily, and as a beginner that's really helpful.

[@SewSewLive]

That’s awesome!

[@barbarasalisbury5718]

Love this! Definitely going to try it.

[@julsbendandi9374]

I DID it and I‘m never going back! Thank you so much for showing us and being so reassuring about those little pleats on the first pass! My Gilbert shirt is looking good! ❤❤❤❤

[@SewSewLive]

Yesss! 🙌🏼

[@robingockley7242]

What excellent teaching skills you have! You led me through the entire process, of course the second sleeve was less intimidating. Your explanations and demonstrations of all the steps were perfect. I earned how to sew by my mother when i was a young teen and wanted to make my own clothes. Now, at 68 years old I’m relearning and discovering seam finishes and proper pressing and fitting to make garments that are far above in quality than what I can get in a clothing store. Thank you so much!

[@SewSewLive]

There’s always so much to work on with sewing! It’s sort of fun to be able to revisit things we know and try something new! Glad you liked the video.

[@drcynthiagreen]

This is the first time I’ve seen a sleeve put. In with a French seam. The demo and verbal instructions were easy to follow. I will try this in a future sewing project. Thank you.

[@SewSewLive]

Good luck! I find it almost easier to set one in with a French seam.

[@mamasaidsew4843]

I so appreciate these short instructional videos. I keep a reference list and it makes it so much easier to be able to just watch the instructions for the thing I'm doing and not to have to search a video for a particular part. Thanks.

[@SewSewLive]

That’s exactly my goal Terri. I’m hoping if someone can’t find a video for a garment they’re making I’ll at least have the step for a part they need assistance on.

[@francoisederocher]

Strangely enough, we call these English seams in French. A little tricky either way! Why don't you set the sleeve before sewing the sides? It seems so much easier but there might be a good reason. Great instruction.

[@SewSewLive]

I’ve heard that! So funny. You can sew the sleeve in the other way if you prefer. I find the sleeve fits and hangs better when you keep the armhole in a complete circle. And it isn’t disrupted by the underarm seam going through it. Do I how you like best 🙂

[@sirwillll]

Great tutorial to those who doesn't have a serger. Thank you!

[@SewSewLive]

Awesome! And yes! No serger necessary!

[@CollieMakes]

Thank you very much, it worked on the first try :) I started trying french seams for lighter fabrics and it works like a charm now.

[@SewSewLive]

Nice!!

[@tricialye3424]

First time sewing the sleeve with French seam using your tutorial. I did it beautifully, quite a feat to me for a first try. Thank you so much!

[@SewSewLive]

Wonderful! Nice job!! You are a master! 🙌🏼

[@baileyhaskins5029]

This is so helpful! I’ve used it to coach me through three sleeves so far 😉

[@SewSewLive]

Ooh! Thats awesome! Nice job!

[@NadoCrowFriend]

Thanks for this clear video on setting in a sleeve with a French Seam!

[@SewSewLive]

My pleasure!

[@lynngates1662]

I am in open-mouthed awe! 🤩 No pins in sight! I'm going to try that on my next sleeves; I've had problems in the past with curved seams binding or pulling when done this way, so I just stopped. For sleeves, I'm of the set-in, hand-basted school - this allows me to sew in the sleeve evenly without any pins. Great video!

[@SewSewLive]

I’m so glad it’s helpful! I’m not anti-pin I just find they get in the way sometimes when I have my machine to help. And I do think some folks use too many because it leads to pin management. Not fabric management which is what we’re doing. We’re the boss of that fabric! 🤣

[@elaine58100]

Like the previous tutorial, Just brilliant. Going to give this a go. I do like garments to look good on the inside as well on the outside. I also think it makes them last longer :)

[@SewSewLive]

I totally agree. I find them more comfortable sometimes too!

[@christiesteckelberg8366]

Very first time I’ve seen this demonstrated and am going to try

[@SewSewLive]

It’s a great way! I would argue it’s easier to set-in a sleeve with French seams than without 🙂

[@svloo86]

Very helpful tutorial, thanks. Have already tried this on several projects and it always comes out great. This has become my go-to seam.

[@SewSewLive]

There’s something about it that makes the garment feel so nice. 😊

[@ConnieRace]

I used this tutorial today and my sleeves are beautiful! Thank you!

[@SewSewLive]

That’s great! Congrats!!

[@Alymarie91]

This tutorial is great! I used it today and my sleeves turned out perfect! Thank you 🤗

[@SewSewLive]

That’s wonderful!!

[@AngelikaUnicorn]

Thank you so much for this video. With your help I was able to successfully sew a beautiful french seamed set-in sleeve!!!

[@SewSewLive]

Woot! So glad to hear!!

[@user-ou5xv1vm2m]

Thank you sooo much! I followed your basic “setting a sleeve” tutorial last night when I got home from work and wanted to finish my first set-in sleeve (Helen’s Closet Ashton expansion: straight short-sleeve). It only took me about 2hours to sew the rest of the top together, but took me about another 2 hours to do the sleeves (I figured out the French seams, but wanted to make sure I had it right this morning, or ways to make it easier, after I got some sleep lol). I thought I’d never do that again when I went to bed at midnight, exhausted but successful, but as usual, your positivity, patience, and reassurance watching this has me thinking maaaybeeee…. You’re sew great! (Sorry, I just couldn’t resist-I really tried)😊

[@SewSewLive]

I’m so glad. It’s a really nice finish and I’m convinced you’re probably hooked and you’ll definitely try it again. You’ll be a pro at it one day! You can sew anything!

[@libbybennett3067]

This is fantastic. I will give it ago next time l have to put in set in sleeve. I have just come across your videos . Thank you so much l am loving the ones l have watched so far.

[@SewSewLive]

Nice! I’m so glad they’re helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@SusanC-oj3vr]

Yay! Glad I tracked this down. I'll be using this technique on the dress shirt I'm sewing.

[@SewSewLive]

Awesome! I added it to the Course Material of the Button Up Sew Along the other day too along with other videos that can help if you want to jump ahead.

[@randylls5341]

I love French seams. 👍

[@SewSewLive]

Me too! We need a club.

[@corfey10]

thanks for the tutorial, after seeing your method it gives me the confidence to change the pattern instructions to sewing a set in sleeve and I'll see how I go,

[@SewSewLive]

Absolutely! Make sure you give yourself enough seam allowance (I think I used 5/8” in the video so adjust yours to match). Once your seam allowance is what you need you can follow the video. You need your shoulders and side seams sewn on the garment. And the underarm seam of the sleeve sewn. Then you can go for it! Good luck!

[@bethysboutique]

In awe of how gorgeous this is! Thank you for the instruction!

[@SewSewLive]

It’s very satisfying!

[@shielagrippando4025]

Very nice tutorial in an appropriate colored material to see

[@SewSewLive]

Thanks for saying so! It’s always a struggle and I hope the materials work.

[@americanoldoakandvelvetgre4145]

So wonderful! Thank you!

[@SewSewLive]

My pleasure!

[@annettedeutschendorf3419]

Thank you for explaining this so well. Also thank you for the demonstration at Alice and Co ❤

[@SewSewLive]

You are so welcome! It was a pleasure. Happy sewing!

[@jacquelinemcgreevey]

Thank you!! I haven't yet learned how to use my serger so until then,, this is a Great tutorial to help me have a nicely finished garment !!

[@SewSewLive]

Nice! I prefer French seams most of the time and I do have a serger ☺️

[@vermiliongamboge155]

I tried this today, and it is truly amazing. I used pins for the first, 1/4" seam, but for the 2nd, 3/8" seam I only pinned it at the armhole seam. They turned out perfectly. Thank you!

[@SewSewLive]

I’m so glad!!

[@CymruN81]

I'd heard/seen you talk about french-seaming set-in sleeves, so it's really cool to see you actually do it! I tend to sew with slippery fabrics like silk, so whenever I see you casually sew something like this without using 50 pins, I'm petrified and in awe at the same time. :D

[@SewSewLive]

Oh you haven’t heard me say I don’t sew with slippery fabrics have you? 😂 if anyone is impressed it’s me with the fabrics you sew! And I certainly use pins sometimes. They’re really helpful! Maybe I’ll do a video on this sometime. There’s nothing wrong with using them! A good pattern that is accurately cut out of fabric helps a lot to line things up without too much fuss. And I find sometimes pins will slow me down. Just do what works for you!

[@rachellawton9809]

Wow I’m going to do this on my next project! Thank you for this clear and simple tutorial!

[@SewSewLive]

Nice!

[@catherineh8606]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@SewSewLive]

Great to hear, Catherine!

[@mickiconnor8305]

Your videos are very helpful.

[@SewSewLive]

Awesome! Happy sewing!

[@julsbendandi9374]

Thank you so much! I‘m doing this for the first time and now I know it‘s going to be ok! Thank you again! ❤

[@SewSewLive]

You got this!

[@dawnmichelledance]

This was very very helpful. Thank you so much!

[@SewSewLive]

Absolutely! Happy sewing!

[@bbs3470]

Love it, thanks.

[@SewSewLive]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@Aoneify]

Wow that's a beautiful sleeve!

[@SewSewLive]

Thank you! It’s hard to find the right fabric for a video sometimes. But this one worked pretty good showing the sleeve cap. Happy sewing!

[@joygreig7768]

A terrific demonstration, lovely job.

[@SewSewLive]

Thank you very much I’m glad it was helpful!

[@TheGardenKitten]

just found this video. SO very helpful. Thank you so much!

[@SewSewLive]

Nice! Glad it helped!

[@sojournertruth2359]

Bravo! Excellent video!

[@SewSewLive]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it.

[@barelypedestrian]

i just got into sewing shirts for myself and this was godsend, thank u very much! also sewing sleeves with little to no pins?? my jaw is to the floor the whole time haha

[@SewSewLive]

Welcome to sewing shirts! And I’m glad it was helpful!! Thanks for watching.

[@chiefthe-rock7351]

Amazing results

[@SewSewLive]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 Nice!

[@elizabethdevito6221]

i've wanted to know how to do a french seam on a sleeve! Thank you so much, you made it look doable.

[@SewSewLive]

Absolutely! I do it live a lot on projects too but it’s nice to have a dedicated video.

[@CootiePootieTootie]

Really liked that, thanks!

[@SewSewLive]

Nice! Happy sewing!

[@brendanejedlo4978]

This is brilliant! Thank you for such an excellent tutorial!

[@SewSewLive]

You're very welcome!

[@kavinraveendran5108]

Thank you 😊

[@SewSewLive]

You're welcome 😊

[@pinkvelvetlingerie4939]

Love love love this. I’m an intermediate sewer and looking to upgrade my makes. I am making a shirt currently and will give this a go x

[@SewSewLive]

Nice Pink Velvet! Let me know what you make!

[@jillchrencik5663]

Love your videos…I am an old dog learning new tricks! Will use this method today-making Vogue 8772, and I made French seams on the garment. Question…what type of iron is this? Love the long pointed front! 😊

[@SewSewLive]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching. The iron is a Rowenta -not anything exclusive. I purchased it at Target for about $80. It’s the most expensive one they carry if that helps identify it. I have same for my home too. It’s great.

[@mateuszmrowiec4265]

fantastic!

[@SewSewLive]

😊

[@racheldonner233]

I just put together the body of a shirt with French seams for the first time and planned in advance I would skip the arm holes….but your video is so nice and clear that I am awfully tempted to attempt it now, thank you!

[@SewSewLive]

Wow nice job in all the French seaming for your shirt! I do prefer French seaming set in sleeves. But whatever method will be great!

[@vicky52557985]

awesome way to do the sleeve

[@SewSewLive]

😊

[@FaveLush]

Wow

[@SewSewLive]

Happy sewing!

[@bellaadoraa]

lovely hair!

[@SewSewLive]

haha! Thanks Florentine.

[@39houndsteps]

I have obviously over thought this in the past and worried about how I was going to not get any tucks or pleats in the first seam. Hence I have only attempted this on sleeves with very little ease. Thanks for this. I feel excited by the possibilities😍

[@SewSewLive]

Awesome! Yes it feels wrong to sew down those ticks on the first pass but it makes the second and last seam a breeze!

[@ruthirwin8222]

I sew the sleeve the other way only in stretch fabric

[@SewSewLive]

Cool! This tutorial is definitely for wovens.

[@annelowry2937]

I was wondering how this was done! Thanks

[@SewSewLive]

You bet!

[@lydzphens]

❤️❤️❤️

[@SewSewLive]

☺️

[@christinet415]

Thank you for this! I am making a simple dress from double gauze using French seams. Because it frays, I am thinking about first using a zig zag stitch for the edges and then sewing the French seam. I am wondering if I do this, should I zig zag the two pieces of fabric separately or together? Is there a better approach I’m not thinking of? Much appreciation for all you do for the sewing community!

[@SewSewLive]

I think if you’re doing a French seam, securing the fraying edge isn’t necessary but if it helps make it more manageable, go for it. And I’d do the layers together. There are folks who Serge the first pass when French seaming. This is a nice little trick for some fabrics but it can make it bulky or the texture of the threads can show through your finished French seam. Double gauze is so awkward to work with. I wonder if a zig zag close to the edge might make it scrunch up a bit. You might find it better to straight stitch the edges together instead. It’s more stable. Good luck!

[@christinet415]

@@SewSewLive Thank you so much! I hadn’t thought to use a straight stitch. Luckily I bought the fabric for an entirely different project so have extra that will allow me to practice a few times before I do the real thing. Again, thank you!

[@SewSewLive]

@@christinet415 excellent idea! I personally find double gauze to be tricky so I love that idea!

[@thedarthflagger]

Cam you top stitch a French seam? I'm going to try it on my dress shirt.

[@SewSewLive]

Yep. You can. Good luck!

[@andreasfort1599]

Can you do this technique with male intended garments?

[@SewSewLive]

Absolutely. Just about anything can be done no matter the gender. Even fit adjustments. 🙂

[@charlottegladstone-millar595]

Would this technique also work with seeing princess seams on a bodice where I find it tricky to avoid tucks normally?

[@SewSewLive]

Absolutely!

[@lindahoward9396]

I’ve been looking to find the type of fabric you were using. Will you reply to this comment. I enjoyed watching your video.

[@SewSewLive]

I’m using a quilting cotton. This isn’t a typical fabric for a blouse but it’s closer to the weight of a button up shirt. Most blouse fabrics will have more drape. Hope that helps!

[@lindahoward9396]

@@SewSewLive Thank you for getting back with me. From the video I liked the weight of the fabric.

[@aprilhoover6191]

When drafting your own sleeve, how do you know where to put your front and back notches? Is there a standard measurement? This is the best sleeve technique I've seen. :)

[@SewSewLive]

You can put them wherever you like! Especially since it’s YOUR pattern. But yes this is one of the handful of standards: 3” for the front on the seam line and 3” and 3.5” for the back. (From the underarm).

[@aprilhoover6191]

@@SewSewLive Great, thank you!

[@estela6226]

Hello! It's me again! Did you ever do french seam for ruffles?

[@SewSewLive]

Do you mean a seam that has gathers? Or the sides seams of a ruffle?

[@estela6226]

@@SewSewLive I mean a seam that gathers

[@estela6226]

@@SewSewLive I'm making the McCall's 8085 pattern

[@SewSewLive]

Yes you can French seam a gathered edge. It’s not my favorite since it’s a little thready to manage. Make sure you have 5/8” seam allowance or similar. You’ll need it to wrap around the bulk. Make sure you manage the seam very well. Tidy it up, straighten the gathers, trim, press. All of that. And it’ll be just fine.

[@estela6226]

@@SewSewLive Thank you! It's all new to me. I'll let you know how it turns out!

[@andreacatura3382]

Total beginner here. I tried this method putting the wrong sides together when initially inserting the sleeve into the bodice as instructed. I ended up with the seam on the outside of the sleeve. Do I need to put the right side sides together? Help

[@SewSewLive]

It’s ok! You did the first half of the step. You might have paused the video and didn’t keep going. Just keep watching and it’ll turn out just fine!

[@estela6226]

Just curious, what type of fabric is this?

[@SewSewLive]

It’s a simple quilting cotton!

[@estela6226]

@@SewSewLive oh! It looked like it shines a little bit!

[@shirleycovey7309]

I thought a French seam was like a flat-fell seam...meaning no raw edges showing.

[@SewSewLive]

Ah! No they’re quite different. And neither has raw edges showing. They both clean finish the seam. Here’s a short video about the difference and where to use them: Flat Felled Seams vs. French Seams The Difference and How to Sew kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5mYkqKenLKnbZI