How to Sew Sleeve Plackets & Cuffs

(videotutorial at the bottom)

How to Sew Cuffs and Sleeve Plackets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sewing cuffs and sleeve plackets adds a professional finish to blouses, shirts, and dresses. These details may seem challenging, but with clear steps, you can achieve clean, polished results that elevate any garment.

Materials and Tools Needed

• Woven fabric (cotton, linen, poplin)

• Matching thread

• Sewing machine

• Sharp scissors

• Pins or clips

• Ruler and fabric marking tool

• Fusible interfacing (optional, for structure)

• Buttons and buttonhole foot (if adding buttoned cuffs)

Step 1: Sew the Sleeve Placket

A sleeve placket creates a finished opening that allows the cuff to close neatly.

• Mark and Cut: On the wrong side of the sleeve, mark the placket opening as indicated on your pattern. Carefully cut along the line, stopping at the marked point.

• Attach the Placket Piece: Cut a rectangular placket piece. Fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Align the raw long edge with the cut opening, right sides together. Stitch with a narrow seam allowance, pivoting neatly at the end of the cut.

• Fold and Finish: Fold the placket to the right side, enclosing the raw edges. Press well. Topstitch close to both long edges to secure.

Step 2: Prepare the Cuff

• Cut and Interface: Cut two identical cuff pieces. For added body, apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of one piece (the outer cuff).

• Assemble the Cuff: Place the cuff pieces right sides together. Stitch along the two short ends and the long outer edge, leaving the inner edge (where it attaches to the sleeve) open. Trim corners, turn right side out, and press. Optional: Edgestitch around the three sewn sides.

Step 3: Attach the Cuff to the Sleeve

• Adjust the Sleeve Opening: If needed, gather or pleat the sleeve opening so it matches the length of the cuff’s inner edge.

• Sew the Cuff On: Pin the cuff to the sleeve, right sides together, raw edges aligned. Stitch using a ⅜ inch (1 cm) seam allowance.

• Finish the Inner Edge: Fold under the seam allowance on the cuff’s free inner edge and press. Hand-stitch or edgestitch it down over the seam allowance to encase it neatly.

• Add Closure: If making a buttoned cuff, mark and sew a buttonhole on one side and attach the corresponding button.

Final Tips for Success

• Press each step thoroughly for crisp results.

• Topstitching adds durability and a professional touch.

• Practice the placket technique on scrap fabric first if you are new to it.

Mastering cuffs and plackets opens up a world of polished garment sewing, from tailored shirts to elegant blouses. With patience and precise pressing, you’ll achieve clean finishes every time.