Cuff attachment (shirt and jacket cuffs)
@SewingTherapy
@ateliersaison
@ProfessorPincushion
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Learn how to attach a shirt or jacket cuff properly with this step-by-step sewing tutorial, perfect for achieving clean, structured sleeve finishes every time.
Materials Needed:
- Main garment (shirt or jacket) with finished
- sleeve placket
- Cuff pieces (outer and inner if using interfacing)
- Lightweight or medium-weight fusible interfacing
- Thread matching the garment
- Sewing machine
- Pins or clips
- Iron and pressing tools
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Marking tool
- Seam ripper (just in case)
Tips Before You Begin:
- Apply interfacing to the wrong side of the cuff piece that will be on the outside for added structure.
- Press as you go—crisp edges make all the difference in a professional finish.
- Trim and grade seam allowances to reduce bulk, especially at corners.
- Always match notches and center marks before sewing to ensure alignment.
- If working with thick jacket fabric, reduce seam allowances to avoid bulky cuffs.
1. Prepare the Cuff Pieces
- Cut two cuff pieces for each sleeve, one interfaced and one not, if desired for a softer inner cuff.
- Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of one cuff piece (typically the outer cuff).
- Mark the fold line, seam allowances, and buttonhole placement (if applicable).
2. Sew the Cuff Together
- Place the two cuff pieces right sides together.
- Stitch around three edges: the two short sides and the bottom long edge, leaving the top edge open.
- Trim seam allowances and clip corners to reduce bulk.
- Turn the cuff right side out and press well, rolling the seam slightly to the underside for a clean edge.
3. Attach the Cuff to the Sleeve
- With the shirt or jacket right side out, insert the sleeve edge into the open cuff.
- Pin or clip the non-topstitched edge of the cuff to the sleeve, right sides together, matching notches and placket openings.
- Sew the cuff to the sleeve, easing any slight fullness at the sleeve edge.
4. Finish the Inner Cuff
- Press the seam allowances toward the cuff.
- Fold the raw edge of the inner cuff under by ¼”, then press.
- Fold the inner cuff over the seam allowance, enclosing it, and pin in place.
- Stitch in the ditch from the right side, catching the folded edge on the inside securely.
5. Final Pressing and Button Placement
- Press the finished cuff flat.
- Mark and sew buttonholes and buttons or snaps, according to your pattern.
- Give a final press, and check for evenness on both sleeves.
