The Statement Sleeve

At PatternReview we are well aware of trends among our sewing community and reviewers. Over the past few years we have noticed the Statement Sleeve has come back into fashion. In this post I would like to concentrate on the puff sleeve. Whether it's a short sleeve with added fullness (puff) in the shoulder or a long sleeve with fullness (puff) from shoulder to wrist and a gathered cuff.  Our TNT (tried and true) indie pattern designers, as well as Big 4, have wonderful patterns available to help create the puffiest sleeves of your choice. I pulled out some gorgeous examples of puffy Statement Sleeves, made by members of our community, from our review gallery. Here is just a taste of what you can do with this inspiring trend.  

Closet Core Patterns - Cielo Top & Dress

The most popular reviewed puffy sleeve top on PatternReview is none other than the Closet Core Patterns Cielo Top & Dress with 52 reviews written to date. Yes, I know, there are many options in this pattern other that the puff sleeve top, but these will help in your fitting with the top as well. I would consider this a lantern sleeve as it is full and puffed from the shoulder to the wrist, then tapers to a cuff, resembling a lantern shape.

The Cielo Dress & Top is an easy, breezy take on a boxy tee and shift dress. Loaded with interesting details and interchangeable features, it will fast become a wardrobe building favorite.

 Buy Closet Core Patterns Cielo Top & Dress

PatternReview Members in their Closet Core Patterns Cielo Tops: studioblue*, melissa1lin*, LynCo* and GeoP*

 *Click on PR name to read review

Liesel + Co. - Geneva Blouse

We have a few reviews on the Liesel + Co.'s Geneva blouse that gives a slight lantern puff. This classic blouse includes a little twist. In addition to the elegant, deep-but-not-revealing V neck, the classic shirt-tail hem, and the center-back pleat, this pattern includes two sleeve options: a 3/4-length lantern sleeve and a gentle 3/4-length bell sleeve. It also includes cup sizes to help you get a great fit.

 Buy Liesel + Co. Geneva Blouse

PatternReview Members in their Geneva Blouses: Flabeth* and Itto*

 *Click on PR name to read review

Itch to Stitch - Busan Top

The next two patterns are considered bishop sleeves for knit tops. They are full through the elbow and gather to an elongated cuff.  Our first example is a pattern from Itch to Stitch. The Busan Top has statement sleeves with exaggerated narrow shoulders. Regardless of whether you have wide or narrow shoulders, the silhouette is designed to look great on you. Use jersey fabric to make a t-shirt, or sweater knit fabric to make a sweater; you will love this top either way.

  Buy Itch to Stitch Busan Top

PatternReview Members in their Busan Tops: ButtonsBobbins* (two versions) and Cmarrie*

Simplicity 9385

The other knit bishop sleeve example that I pulled from our reviews is View A from Simplicity 9385. This pattern is described as an over-the-head knit tops with banded or high neckline, pleated or plain sleeves with length and sleeve variations.

  Buy Simplicity 9385 

PatternReview Members in their Simplicity 9385: Silknvintagetc* and stitchywitch*

Vogue Patterns 1845

We can all agree the this next blouse is definitely a statement piece. This Vogue Patterns 1845 is a peplum shirt, fitted through bust and waist, has high collar and collar stand, front and back waistline tucks, and concealed front button closure. It has Bishop sleeves with gathered sleeve cap have tucks forming a cuff with invisible zipper opening, high-low hem.

 Buy Vogue Patterns 1845 

PatternReview Members in their Vogue Patterns 1845: AshwiniJ* and Salonmishawn*

McCall's 7838

I would consider the next statement sleeve example a Bishop sleeve as well, View C of McCall's 7838.  This pattern has 4 options for puffy sleeves. It is a loose-fitting button front tops with back yoke and length and sleeve variations. B: Wrong side of fabric shows on shaped hemline. C: Button cuffs.

 Buy McCall's 7838

PatternReview Members in their McCall's 7838: noxartemis* and scottishquilter*

McCall's 8181

McCall's gave us another great statement sleeve shirt, this time in a peasant top. McCall's 8181 is a buttoned prairie puff-sleeve peasant top. Hems include cropped, ruffled & pointed. 3/4 sleeves & long sleeves. Top is lined with princess seams & sweetheart neckline.

Buy McCall's 8181

PatternReview Members in their McCall's 8181: slmstyle's Friend* and mattiejs*

McCall's 8146

The next two tops I consider to have exaggerated puffy sleeves.  McCall's 8146 gives you the most dramatic effects as a peplum wrap top with cowl sleeve variations.
 

 Buy McCall's 8146

PatternReview Members in their McCall's 8146: divatailor* and Mp6534* in her Halloween version

Vogue Patterns 1704

The puffiness continues to an exaggerated state in Vogue Patterns 1704.  Aside from the extreme statement sleeves, it is a fitted top with overcast edge detail, a side zipper and side slits. It also includes fitted pants that have a fly front closure and back welt pocket.

  Buy Vogue Patterns 1704

PatternReview Members in their Vogue Patterns 1704: BeulahBirtley* and prttynpnk*

Bonus Pattern

Sew House Seven - Regalia Blouse

Our TNT independent company Sew House Seven has created a great Puffy sleeved top and be the first to write a review in our PatternReview gallery. The Regalia Blouse is a favorite at Sew House Seven. With all of its gathers, puffy sleeves and high collar, the Regalia still manages to look effortless and casual. The roomy fit of the bodice makes it so comfortable to wear. It pulls on over the head and ties at the back keyhole opening. It also features front and back yokes and a stand-up collar. There are two lengths and two sleeve designs to mix and match. Choose between a loose and flowy cropped hem to wear with high waist pants and skirts or a slightly longer tuck-in length blouse with an optional waist tie. The long sleeves (A) are gathered at the shoulder and narrow at the wrist while the short sleeves (B) are gathered at the shoulder and gathered into a cuff that lands just above the elbow. You can add an optional tulle sleeve head pouf to add a bit of volume to your sleeves. The Regalia looks best when sewn in a light-weight, woven fabric such as cotton voile or lawn but it also looks lovely in linen. Just be aware that looser weave fabrics such as linen and gauze will result in a slightly looser fitting garment.

 Buy Sew House Seven Regalia Blouse 

Be the First to Write a Review!

I hope we inspired you to create your own statement sleeve top.  All of these  patterns are available for sale on PatternReview by clicking on the green buttons. If you have already made a statement sleeve top of your own or for a loved one, don't forget to share it with us!  Write a Review