Introduction
Use this guide to learn how to shorten and hem a shirt sleeve.
Do you have a long-sleeved shirt you want to shorten, but don’t have a sewing machine? This guide will teach you how to shorten and hem your sleeve with a catch stitch. A catch stitch is a relatively simple stitch that can hide the raw edges of a sleeve.
In addition, being able to adjust a shirt sleeve to a desired length is a useful and cost-saving skill to have. Learning how to alter a shirt sleeve can help you repurpose old or winter clothing instead of discarding them.
Before starting this guide, be aware that Step 4 includes using sewing pins that are sharp and could cause minor injuries.
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Measure the shirt sleeve to make sure it is even in the front and back of the sleeve cuff.
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Use sewing pins to secure the sleeve cuff in place.
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In the space above the sleeve cuff, make a right-to-left stitch.
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Then push the needle right-to-left into the sleeve cuff where you made the guide lines.
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To end the catch stitch, push your needle into the starting stitch and make a small knot.
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Make a few more knots to secure the thread.
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Cut the thread with scissors.
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Turn the shirt inside out again and you're done!
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