How to Attach Sleeves the Easy Way: Beginner Sewing Guide

Attaching sleeves can be one of the trickiest parts of sewing, but with this fast and effective method, you'll achieve clean results without the frustration! Whether you're working with knit fabrics or woven garments, this guide will help you master inserting sleeves flat—a technique that simplifies sewing and improves accuracy. Check out the video version of this tutorial on YouTube (link).

Why Sewing Sleeves Flat Is Easier

Most beginners assume sleeves should be sewn in the round, but sewing them flat first is often the better approach. By inserting sleeves before sewing the side seams, you reduce puckers, ease fabric naturally, and speed up the process. On this t-shirt I made, I attached the shoulder seams and collar before attaching the sleeves.

Key Points for Attaching Sleeves

When matching a sleeve to an armhole, focus on these five essential points that should be indicated by notches on your pattern:
✅ First underarm point – Aligns with the front of the shirt.
✅ Single notch – Indicates the front of the garment.
✅ Shoulder seam to sleeve notch – Ensures correct sleeve cap placement.
✅ Double notch – Marks the back of the sleeve.
✅ Second underarm point – Matches the end of the sleeve cap. (You will start stitching here.)

Using sewing clips to secure these points before sewing helps achieve a smooth, even fit.

The five key points to match your sleeve to the armhole. Also note here that the shoulder seams are stitched together, while the side seams are open.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sew Sleeves Like a Pro

1. Clip (or pin) the sleeve into the armhole, right sides facing.

2. Sewing Machine Setup

• Place the sleeve cap toward the feed dogs (this helps ease the extra fabric naturally). In most cases, the sleeve cap is actually a little bit longer than the armhole. Most patterns will tell you to use basting stitches to create tiny gathers, but we’re going to do this with the feed dogs instead.

• Use your left hand to guide the sleeve cap while your right hand stabilizes the armhole.

Why you should place the sleeve directly on the feed dogs.

3. Sew with Confidence

• Keep the weight of the fabric supported to prevent stretching.

• If you're new to this method, test it first on a regular sewing machine before using a serger.

• For knits, the stretch makes matching easier.

• For wovens, the feed dogs help ease the longer sleeve cap into the armhole.

Left hand steers the sleeve cap (underneath, and setting on the feed dogs), right hand steers the armhole on top.

Final Steps: Check for Puckers & Finish the Shirt

Once stitched, flip the shirt inside out—if there are no puckers, you're good to go! Now, sew the side seams and underarm seams in in long continuous seams. Then, finish the few remaining steps to complete your garment.

Why This Sleeve Sewing Method Works

🚀 Faster – No extra basting stitches, just straight to sewing.
✔️ Cleaner results – The feed dogs ease the sleeve cap smoothly.
✨ Works on knits & wovens – A versatile technique for any project.

More Sewing Tips & Supplies

Looking for the best sewing tools to make your projects easier? Check out my Amazon storefront below for recommendations—your support helps keep my tutorials coming at no extra cost to you! And next time you can use this method to attach the sleeves are your favorite Carl Wesley Sewing Pattern!