1. Prepare Your Pattern Pieces

• Cut out all raglan pattern pieces: front bodice, back bodice, and two sleeve pieces (left and right).
• Transfer all pattern markings including notches, grainlines, and any ease marks onto the wrong side of the fabric using a marking tool.
• Identify which edges are raglan seams: typically the diagonal seams running from neckline to underarm on both bodice and sleeve pieces.

2. Staystitch Curved Edges (Optional but Recommended)

• On the front and back bodice pieces, staystitch the curved raglan seamlines at 1/8 in (3 mm) inside the seam allowance to prevent stretching.
• Use a regular stitch length (2.5 mm) and do not backstitch at ends.
• This step is especially important for knit fabrics and bias-cut wovens.

3. Attach Front Sleeve to Front Bodice

• Place the front bodice piece right side up on your work surface.
• Take one sleeve piece and identify the front raglan edge (check pattern markings or notches).
• With right sides together, align the front raglan edge of the sleeve with the front raglan edge of the bodice, matching all notches and marks.
• Pin or clip at notches first, then add pins every 2–3 in along the curve, easing any fullness.
• Stitch the seam using your pattern’s seam allowance (commonly 1/2 in or 5/8 in for wovens; 1/4 in or 3/8 in for knits).
• If sewing knits, use a narrow zigzag (width 1 mm, length 2.5 mm) or stretch stitch to allow the seam to stretch.
• Backstitch at both ends

4. Attach Back Sleeve to Back Bodice

• With right sides together, align the back raglan edge of the same sleeve with the back raglan edge of the back bodice, matching notches.
• Pin or clip as in Step 3, distributing any ease evenly.
• Stitch the seam using the same seam allowance and stitch type.
• You now have one sleeve attached to the front and back bodice.

5. Repeat for the Second Sleeve

• Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the opposite sleeve, attaching it to the remaining front and back bodice raglan edges.
• Double-check that both sleeves mirror each other and are attached to the correct sides.

6. Press the Raglan Seams

• Press all four raglan seams toward the sleeves (away from the bodice) to reduce bulk at the neckline.
• Use a pressing ham or rolled towel to support curved seams and prevent flattening.
• For knits, use a press-and-lift motion rather than sliding the iron to avoid stretching.

7. Finish the Raglan Seam Allowances

• Serge or overlock the raw edges of all four raglan seams together.
• Alternatively, use a zigzag stitch, pinking shears, or bind with bias tape for wovens.
• For a clean finish on lightweight wovens, consider French seams (requires trimming and re-stitching).
• Press seam allowances toward the sleeve again after finishing.

8. Sew the Side and Underarm Seams

• With right sides together, align the front and back pieces along one side seam, continuing down the underarm seam of the sleeve in one continuous line.
• Match the raglan seam intersection carefully; pin or clip to secure.
• Starting at the hem edge, stitch the entire side and underarm seam in one pass using the same seam allowance.
• Backstitch at the beginning and end, and reinforce the underarm curve with a second line of stitching if desired.
• Repeat for the opposite side and underarm seam.

9. Press Side and Underarm Seams

• Press side and underarm seams open or toward the back, depending on your fabric and seam finish.
• For knits, pressing seams open helps reduce bulk and creates a flatter finish.
• Use a tailor’s ham to press the underarm curve smoothly.

10. Finish the Neckline

• Apply your chosen neckline finish: ribbed band, bias binding, facing, or neckband according to your pattern instructions.
• Ensure the neckline finish is sewn with the raglan seam allowances pressed in the correct direction to avoid lumps.
• Topstitch the neckline if desired for a professional look.

11. Hem the Sleeves and Garment

• Hem the sleeve cuffs and garment hem using a straight stitch or twin needle for knits.
• For knit hems, fold under 1 in (2.5 cm) or according to pattern, press, and topstitch with a twin needle or use a coverstitch machine for a professional finish.
• For woven hems, fold under 1/4 in (6 mm), press, fold under again by 3/4 in (2 cm), press, and edgestitch close to the inner fold.

12. Final Pressing and Inspection

• Give the entire garment a final press, paying attention to all seams and the neckline.
• Turn the garment right side out and check that both sleeves hang symmetrically and the raglan seams lie flat without twisting.
• Try on the garment and check for comfort and range of motion; raglan sleeves should allow easy shoulder and arm movement.