How to sew a Ragalan Sleeve Top (Sewing pattern & Tutorial)

A raglan top is a variation of the basic top pattern with the difference being that its sleeves extend to the collar/neckline in one piece and has a diagonal seam from the underarm to the collarbone. This is a tutorial to make a very easy and flattering waist clinched, ragalan sleeved top.

The pattern is for a raglan top with flared sleeves and a shirred waist. The casual fit makes this a flattering and forgiving (to most figure types) top. You can make this top in a soft flowy fabric.

Ragalan sleeve top pattern

Mark the pattern for the top on 2 pieces of folded fabric – for the front and the back bodice.

Mark A- G as the full height of the top + 2 inches ; I have taken 30 inch
Mark  A- F 10  inches – armhole length

A-B = 4″ ; this is the neckwidth
A-C = 3″ This is the back neck depth

E-F = 1/4 of bust round + 2.5″ ; Mark this on the line E-F

G-H = 1/4 of hip round + 2.5″ ; Mark this at the bottom edge
I-H = 6″ ; This is the marking for making a dip hem

The point D is marked from C such that it is 1/2 of the measure from B-C + 1/2 inch for seam allowance.

Your Raglan Bodice  pattern is ready.

Cut out the pattern – 2 pieces – back bodice and front bodice – cut both the same

Separate one and keep aside. We will be cutting the neckline and hemline in the front bodice as per the pattern below

The front bodice of this pattern has a v neckline with a drawstring casing. To make this v neck mark as per the pattern above. Lower the neckline some 1″ (4 inch from A) ; Mark and cut out K-L-J; Cut out M-G-I after marking 3 inch up from G

Cut out the sleeves as per the pattern. 

Hem the sleeve edge 

Join the bodices and the sleeves together . 

Make a facing for the V neckline; A square fabric piece 5″ wide and 5″ long would do. Place this on the top of the neckline. Pin in place. From the back stitch along the edge of the v-neck marking, close to the edge. Cut the inside close to the stitching. Turn the facing to the backside of the top. Top stitch in place. Use a hand-sewing needle to stitch the facing in place on the wrong side.

Now take measurement around the neckline and add 1″ extra. Cut out a piece of bias tape in this measure. Keep it on top of the neckline and stitch them together. Remember to fold the bias tape edge at the start and ending

Turn the bias tape to the inside and stitch in place. This should make a casing for you for the fabric tubes. 

Make a 60-inch long fabric tube with a 60-inch long bias tape which is 1.5-inch wide. Follow the tutorial here for making fabric tubes. 

Insert the fabric tube inside the casing with a pin.

The ends of the fabric tube can be finished with a bead or a tassel.

or maybe this one

Finish the hem of the bodice – front and back with a bias tape.

Remember to clip the seam allowances at 1-inch interval. 

Turn to the inside and stitch in place. 

Mark the place where you want the shirring to  be done; 17 inch from the shoulder. Join the side seam – one side seam only. 

Do the shirring where you marked. Checkout this tutorial to do shirring for more details. Shirring is nothing but sewing with thin elastic thread (on the bobbin). If you do not have this thread, you can make a casing on the waist and thread 1/4 inch elastic as well. 

Join the other side seam now.

Related posts: Sew knit tops; Sew offshoulder top.