Like its name implies, this sleeve consists of little more than the cap itself, and generally doesn't go all the way around the armhole.

As a shoulder detail, it adds a bit of interest and coverage when you want something just a bit more than sleeveless, but less than a typical short sleeve.

And it's easy to draft and to sew!

I'll show you 2 versions.  The one at left is a set-in cap sleeve, and I'll show you an extended cap later on.

You'll start with your blouse sleeve block (the sketch shows only the upper part of the block, since we're making a very short sleeve pattern).

Start by shortening the cap itself by about 3/8" - 1/2".  This reduces (or almost eliminates) the ease at the cap; this little cap sleeve does not need it.

Then mark a point on the grainline about 1 1/2" to 2" above the bicep line.  Draw a line parallel to the bicep line at that point.

The line you just drew is the height of the curve forming the bottom edge of the sleeve. 

Starting from about 1” below the sleeve cap notches, draw a gentle curve up to the upper line and back down to below the notch at the other side (as seen in the red dashed line at left).

This curve is the hemline of your sleeve. 

The end result is a very short sleeve, which does not surround the arm. Be sure to mark where the sleeve ends on the front and back blouse pattern piece.

The extended cap sleeve also works well and is even easier to draft.

This version is simply an extention of the shoulder line. The “sleeve” is not set into the armhole, but is incorporated into the armhole instead.

As a result, there is a seam at the top of the “sleeve”, so use this method with care. In some fabrics, the shoulder/overarm seam may stretch out of shape, resulting in a rippled or uneven shoulder area.

Start by extending the length of the shoulder seam by 1 1/2" - 2".  This is the length of your "sleeve".

This line should dip a bit so that the end is a bit lower than the line of the shoulder seam (about 1/2" at most).

The shoulder seam itself will curve from the neck to that sleeve point. 

From there, draw a curve connecting that end point to the armhole.  This new armhold curve should end at about the front and back armhole notches. 

That's really all there is to it!

Make sure that your shoulder seam has a consistent, smooth curve from the neck to the end of the "sleeve".  The drafting sketch, above, shows it a bit lumpy, but the lines are smoother in the finished sketch at left. 

This version follows the curve of the body's shoulder and upper arm, and avoids the unflattering "wing" that would appear if you simply extended the shoulder seam in a straight line. 

• Bell Sleeve

• Bishop's Sleeve

• Cap Sleeve

• Flutter Sleeve

• Puff Sleeve and Full Sleeve Variations

• Sleeve Cuffs