How to Sew a Linen Bolero Shrug with Long Puff Sleeves and Cuffs | Free PDF Patterns

 

Do you love sewing and want to create a unique and fashionable piece of clothing? Do you want to learn how to sew long puff sleeves and cuffs, and how to hack a basic bodice pattern to make a bolero shape? If yes, then this video tutorial is for you!

 

In this video, I will show you how to sew a stunning bolero shrug from linen fabric. This is a perfect project for beginners who want to level up their sewing skills and create a unique piece of clothing that you can wear with any outfit.

I will guide you through the whole process, from cutting the fabric to finishing the edges. And the best part is, I have included free PDF patterns of the sleeves and the bodice that you can download and print at home. Just follow the link below.

So grab your sewing machine and let’s get started!

What you will need:

To make this bolero shrug, you will need the following materials and tools:

• Linen fabric (about 1.5 meters)
• Matching thread
• Scissors
• Pins
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Bias tape
• Free PDF patterns (download link in the description)

How to cut the fabric:

The first step is to cut the fabric according to the patterns. You will need to cut two pieces for the bodice (front and back), two pieces for the sleeves, and four pieces for the cuffs.

To cut the bodice, fold the fabric in half and place the pattern on top. Make sure the grainline is parallel to the selvage. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut around it. Repeat the same for the back piece.

To cut the sleeves, fold the fabric in half and place the pattern on top. Make sure the grainline is parallel to the selvage. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut around it. Repeat the same for the other sleeve.

To cut the cuffs, fold the fabric in half and place the pattern on top. Make sure the grainline is parallel to the selvage. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut around it. Repeat the same for the other three cuffs.

 

How to sew the sleeves and cuffs:

The next step is to sew the sleeves and cuffs. To do this, follow these steps:

• Fold each cuff piece in half, right sides together, and sew along the short edge. Press the seam open and turn the cuff right side out.
• Pin the cuff to the bottom edge of the sleeve, right sides together, matching the seams. Sew along the edge with a 1 cm seam allowance. Press the seam towards the sleeve and topstitch along the edge of the cuff.
• Fold the sleeve in half, right sides together, and sew along the long edge. Press the seam open and turn the sleeve right side out.
• Repeat the same for the other sleeve and cuff.
  

 

How to hack the bodice pattern:

The next step is to hack the bodice pattern to make a bolero shape. To do this, follow these steps:

• Take the front bodice pattern and draw a curved line from the shoulder to the center front, about 10 cm below the neckline. Cut along the line and discard the lower part. This will be the new front bodice pattern.
• Take the back bodice pattern and draw a curved line from the shoulder to the center back, about 10 cm below the neckline. Cut along the line and discard the lower part. This will be the new back bodice pattern.

 

How to sew the bodice:

The next step is to sew the bodice. To do this, follow these steps:

• Pin the front and back bodice pieces, right sides together, at the shoulders and side seams. Sew along the edges with a 1 cm seam allowance. Press the seams open and turn the bodice right side out.
• Pin the sleeves to the armholes, right sides together, matching the notches and seams. Sew along the edges with a 1 cm seam allowance. Press the seams towards the bodice and topstitch along the edge of the armhole.
• Pin the bias tape to the neckline, right sides together, stretching it slightly to fit the curve. Sew along the edge with a 1 cm seam allowance. Trim the excess fabric and press the seam towards the bodice. Fold the bias tape to the wrong side of the bodice and pin it in place. Topstitch along the edge of the bias tape.
• Pin the bias tape to the front edges of the bodice, right sides together, stretching it slightly to fit the curve. Sew along the edge with a 1 cm seam allowance. Trim the excess fabric and press the seam towards the bodice. Fold the bias tape to the wrong side of the bodice and pin it in place. Topstitch along the edge of the bias tape.

 

Free PDF Patterns 

Click this link and download free PDF pattern for basic bodice and sleeve for this bolero shrug.

Step by Step Video Tutorial

If you prefer to watch a video tutorial on how to sew this bolero shrug, you can find it on my YouTube channel. I will show you how to cut the fabric, hack the pattern, how to sew bolero, and how to make some adjustments if needed.

Super easy video tutorial on how to sew this beautiful bolero shrug.

How to Style a Puff Sleeve Bolero Shrug ?

Here are some tips to style it fashionably:

• Dressy Casual: Layer your bolero over a long, lean tank top paired with fabulous jeans. Add heels and a sparkly necklace or earrings for a chic look that transitions from day to night.

• Maxi Dress Elegance: Wear your bolero over a floral maxi dress with delicate earrings and pumps. Choose a solid color bolero to complement the pattern. This combination balances the length of the dress, draws the eye upward, and can add height to your silhouette.

• Formal Flair: Pair your bolero with a cocktail dress with pumps and clutch for formal occasions. The bolero will cover your shoulders and arms without detracting from the details of your dress, providing a sophisticated layer of warmth.

• Everyday Style: For a more casual approach, wear your bolero with a simple tee or blouse ,backpack and sneakers. This can be a great way to dress up an everyday outfit while staying comfortable.

• Proportions Matter: Consider your body proportions when styling your bolero. If you have a defined waist, choose a bolero that crops at the smallest part of your waist to create a curvy silhouette.

Remember, the key to styling is to maintain balance and harmony in your outfit. The bolero should complement, not overpower, your look

Congratulations, you have just made a beautiful and trendy bolero shrug from linen fabric! You can now wear it with any outfit and enjoy the compliments. I hope you enjoyed this video tutorial and learned something new. If you did, please give this video a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel for more sewing tutorials. Don’t forget to download the free PDF patterns from the link in the description box below.

I would love to see your creations, so please share them with me on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #sparrowrefashion. You can also leave me a comment below and let me know what you think of this project or what you would like to see next.

That’s all for today, see you next time. Happy sewing!

 

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