French seams are my favorite way to finish any seam, but especially an armscye. It’s a durable finish for an area that experiences a lot of wear and tear. Plus it’s beautiful and tidy. Check out my video tutorial below! I also include written instructions under the video.
*You should have the shoulder and side seams finished on your bodice, and the sleeve assembled.
1. Turn the bodice right side out. Turn the sleeve wrong side out.
2. Insert the sleeve into the armhole of the bodice, aligning the side seams and any notches.
3. Ease the sleeve into the armscye.
I like to work from the side seams, going up each side of the sleeve a few inches at a time. When I get to the top, I divvy up any remaining bodice fabric and ease it back down toward the side seams.
4. Sew at 1/8″ and trim the edges so they are clean.
5. Pull the sleeve through the bodice so both Right sides are out. Turn the bodice to the wrong side.
6. Smooth out the seam and press it. You can get away with just using your fingers if your fabric is light.
7. Pin the seam and sew at 3/8″. Press the seam toward the bodice.
Thanks for reading <3
