Sponsors
Sponsors
Posted on: 3/8/21 9:08 AM ET
This weekend I continued trying to fix my fitting issues to create TNTs. My problem is with my shoulders, they are narrow and sloping and need a forward shoulder seam.
Several years ago raglan sleeves were "in" again. I shunned using them after numerous fitting/fashion advise said someone with my type of shoulders shouldn't wear them because they make my shoulder "problems" more evident.
So I was thinking about this, started really looking how raglan sleeves worked, and had an "aha": using raglans would solve alot of my fitting hassles. The only drawback would that they wouldn't be the most flattering to my shoulders.
I'm going to be 66. My hair is graying, my waist is gone. I've been a feminist since high school. I'm happily married, about ready to retire, and am not in the business of trying to attract a mate. So why should I care? I want to sew clothes, easily and quickly. All these shoulder adjustments are discouraging my effort.
So, thoughts? Please?
Several years ago raglan sleeves were "in" again. I shunned using them after numerous fitting/fashion advise said someone with my type of shoulders shouldn't wear them because they make my shoulder "problems" more evident.
So I was thinking about this, started really looking how raglan sleeves worked, and had an "aha": using raglans would solve alot of my fitting hassles. The only drawback would that they wouldn't be the most flattering to my shoulders.
I'm going to be 66. My hair is graying, my waist is gone. I've been a feminist since high school. I'm happily married, about ready to retire, and am not in the business of trying to attract a mate. So why should I care? I want to sew clothes, easily and quickly. All these shoulder adjustments are discouraging my effort.

So, thoughts? Please?
Posted on: 3/8/21 9:21 AM ET
In reply to Upstate Linda
By all means, give them a try. What's to lose besides some time and muslin?
I find I don't have as good arm mobility with a woven raglan sleeve as a knit raglan, but it's nice not to have a shoulder seam to dig into you when you are wearing both the most common raglan and a pack.
Have you ruled out finding a local pro to help you fit a basic bodice and sleeve?
I find I don't have as good arm mobility with a woven raglan sleeve as a knit raglan, but it's nice not to have a shoulder seam to dig into you when you are wearing both the most common raglan and a pack.
Have you ruled out finding a local pro to help you fit a basic bodice and sleeve?
Posted on: 3/8/21 9:31 AM ET
In reply to Upstate Linda
I like raglan sleeves. I have family members of various sizes & widths. This past Christmas, I made the same pattern sweater for 3 of them - ages ranging from early 70s into 80s.
The raglans worked for all of them. I think the only one who "just got by" with the raglan was my mom. She's 5' tall, extremely short waisted with a normal shoulder width. I think because of her height (or lack thereof) the sweater only looked ok on her. For the other two, who are a little bit longer & leaner, they looked great.
BTW: How far "upstate" are you? I haven't seen much of my brother in Phoenicia due to the recent snow. He can probably get the car down his steep, dirt driveway by now. For a time, he was using skis. I'm waiting for him to make it down to NJ to help me with some tree removal in my yard. He's the only person I trust with a chain saw!
-- Edited on 3/8/21 at 9:33 AM ET --
------
The raglans worked for all of them. I think the only one who "just got by" with the raglan was my mom. She's 5' tall, extremely short waisted with a normal shoulder width. I think because of her height (or lack thereof) the sweater only looked ok on her. For the other two, who are a little bit longer & leaner, they looked great.
BTW: How far "upstate" are you? I haven't seen much of my brother in Phoenicia due to the recent snow. He can probably get the car down his steep, dirt driveway by now. For a time, he was using skis. I'm waiting for him to make it down to NJ to help me with some tree removal in my yard. He's the only person I trust with a chain saw!

-- Edited on 3/8/21 at 9:33 AM ET --
------
My Herd: Bernina 790 Plus Upgrade, Bernina 735, Babylock Triumph, Bernina Record 931. Sewing Makes My Crazy Life Normal.
Member #25631
Member #25631
Posted on: 3/8/21 11:15 AM ET
My twopence worth is that raglan sleeves are not the best for those with sloping shoulders, but sew what the hell you like.
------
------
With rights come duties and obligations
Posted on: 3/8/21 11:59 AM ET
In reply to traceymadeit
I'm in the Syracuse area. We are excited: today it is going up to 39 degrees!
Posted on: 3/8/21 2:20 PM ET
A couple of years ago my parents bought me what was possibly the most unflattering sweater possible for someone with my shape (shortish and busty with narrow shoulders and short arms): a boxy, cropped pullover with a massive cowl neck and lantern sleeves. In an uninspiring oatmeal color. Clinton and Stacy would have smacked my hand with a ruler.
When I unwrapped it, I looked at it with dismay.
And then I tried it on. I immediately cared NOT A WHIT whether the shape was supposedly all wrong (not to mention the fact that I have no idea what bottoms it's meant to go with). I LOVE THAT SWEATER. I feel great in it. I wear it all the time to events out in public and laugh at the style mavens when I do.
Clothes don't just have to look good. The most flattering garment in the world won't work if you don't enjoy wearing it.
***
My personal raglan sleeve experience is that they have a tendency to pinch me at the front armscye. I think this is a bust fit issue, since if the garment is roomier, it's not as much of an issue. My DH loves the sporty retro look and keeps buying me franchise T-shirts with contrast raglan sleeves, so HE must think they're flattering!
And, honestly, does anyone really notice what sort of shoulder seams you have unless you sew the sleeves from a contrast color? No. Make yourself a raglan sleeve top and see how it feels.
------
When I unwrapped it, I looked at it with dismay.And then I tried it on. I immediately cared NOT A WHIT whether the shape was supposedly all wrong (not to mention the fact that I have no idea what bottoms it's meant to go with). I LOVE THAT SWEATER. I feel great in it. I wear it all the time to events out in public and laugh at the style mavens when I do.
Clothes don't just have to look good. The most flattering garment in the world won't work if you don't enjoy wearing it.
***
My personal raglan sleeve experience is that they have a tendency to pinch me at the front armscye. I think this is a bust fit issue, since if the garment is roomier, it's not as much of an issue. My DH loves the sporty retro look and keeps buying me franchise T-shirts with contrast raglan sleeves, so HE must think they're flattering!

And, honestly, does anyone really notice what sort of shoulder seams you have unless you sew the sleeves from a contrast color? No. Make yourself a raglan sleeve top and see how it feels.
------
~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
Posted on: 3/9/21 10:43 AM ET
McCalls M7122 is my favorite raglan.
I have narrow shoulders and a big bust.
I have made it many times, various lengths and sleeves.
I have narrow shoulders and a big bust.
I have made it many times, various lengths and sleeves.
Posted on: 3/9/21 4:33 PM ET
My body sounds a lot like yours and I love raglan sleeves. Some of my shirts are a peasant style with short gathered sleeves, which I think adds volume to my shoulders, deemphasizing my narrow shoulders.
Give raglan sleeves a try. I think you might like them.
Give raglan sleeves a try. I think you might like them.
Posted on: 3/11/21 7:23 PM ET
Due to 2 different shoulder injuries Ive found that raglan sleeves are a really quick sew and fit for me. There's the ones with no fullness and I adjust the front or back seams of the sleeve to fit and easier is the peasant style because of the bullt in fullness that hides my uneveness.
Posted on: 3/11/21 7:29 PM ET
A raglan is a great option! I find them much more comfortable than a set-in sleeve for layering. I dispute that someone "can't" wear one - it gives your shape a different line but so what?
------
------
Cheers!
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics






