Sometimes, the cutest dresses do not have sleeves. If you do not like wearing sleeveless dresses, do not pass them up. Instead, add your own with these sleeve patterns for dresses. You can even find mix and match pattern pieces to create a complete outfit.
Below are 21 sleeve patterns for dresses. We have included everything from simple cap sleeves to beautiful and elaborate sleeve patterns for dresses.
1. Flutter Sleeves Pattern by SocailitePatterns
Use this beginner level sewing pattern to add sleeves to your dress. The pattern recommends using light to medium weight woven or knit fabric. The pattern includes sizes XXS to 7XL. There are both short sleeve and long sleeve options.
Included are printable A4, letter, and A0 templates, and a projector file. There is a full step-by-step illustrated tutorial.
Find the Pattern by SocailitePatterns HERE
2. How to make Balloon Sleeve Patterns for Dresses by FireflyPath
Learn just how easy it is to sew romantic balloon sleeves with this pattern. This is an adult size, one size fits all for the large and one size fits most for the small. The pattern comes complete with seam allowances.
The PDF download includes 1 printable balloon pattern for standard letter size and A4 paper. The written tutorial is 13 pages long with photos.
Find the Pattern by FireflyPath HERE
3. DIY Sleeve Sewing Pattern by Sew Can She
Add a basic sleeve to any dress using this free DIY sleeve sewing patterns for dresses tutorial. The tutorial will walk you through creating your pattern and sewing on the cute little sleeve.
You will need 1/4 yard of fabric, matching thread, Wonder Tape sewing adhesive and/or pins, a pencil, and a 9 inch x 12 inch piece of paper, and a pencil
Find the Pattern by Sew Can She HERE
4. Womens Bell Sleeve Sewing Pattern by SophieMKublyDesign
Make these delightful bell sleeves using this digital pattern. The pattern includes sizes 2 to 14. The pattern is for a long sleeve, but you can use the line markings for elbow-length and short sleeves as well.
Find the Pattern by SophieMKublyDesign HERE
5. Women’s Petal Sleeve Pattern by ByREYENA
Use this petal sleeves pattern to create blouses, tunics, dresses, and more. You can use this pattern with the designer’s mix and match patterns, or add sleeves to your existing clothes. You can even manipulate the pattern and make your own design. The pattern comes in sizes XS to 6X.
Find the Pattern by ByREYENA HERE
6. Gathered Sleeve Pattern by SocialitePatterns
This is a beginner-friendly sewing pattern. You can use it to make long or short sleeves. The pattern recommends using light to medium weight woven or knit fabric. Included are sizes XXS to 7XL. The pattern file includes A4, letter, and A0 printing options. There is also a projector file included
Find the Pattern by SocialitePatterns HERE
7. Basic Sleeve Pattern by Kim Dave
Watch this free sleeves patterns for dresses video tutorial to learn how to make a basic sleeve pattern. The step-by-step tutorial walks you through measuring for the sleeves and creating the pattern. You will need to know how to sew sleeves onto a garment.
Find the Pattern by Kim Dave HERE
8. Puffed Sleeve Patterns for Dresses by PatternCosPatterns
This is a great download for cosplayers. The PDF includes 5 patterns for dresses. There are a wide variety of styles that can add a romantic touch to your dresses or blouses. The pattern includes 6 sizes. This sewing pattern is recommended for intermediate skilled seamstresses.
Find the Pattern by PatternCosPatterns HERE
9. Women’s Fitted Knit Basic Sleeve Pattern by SophieMKublyDesign
Are you looking for fitted patterns for dresses? This is a digital, printable PDF pattern for a women’s basic sleeve block. The pattern includes sizes 2 to 14. You can use this block for fitting and drafting more complex patterns. You can also combine the block with other blocks to create a full garment.
Find the Pattern by SophieMKublyDesign HERE
10. Women’s Basic Long Sleeve Pattern by ByRAYENA
Here is a basic long sleeves pattern created for designers interested in creating their own patterns. The pattern comes in a full size selection from XS to 6X. The pattern is recommended for woven fabrics with little to no stretch.
Find the Pattern by ByRAYENA HERE
11. Bolero Puffy Princess Sleeve Sewing Pattern for Women by ActiveWearSewing
This is a wonderful puffy princess sleeve sewing pattern that can be used for proms, weddings, and dance recitals. It is recommended that you use fabrics such as lycra, jersey, spandex, lace, or mesh.
Find the Pattern by ActiveWearSewing HERE
12. Plus Size Womens Bell Sleeve Sewing Pattern by SophieMKublyDesign
Are you making a formal gown or a princess gown? These bell sleeves are long, beautiful, and flowy. The pattern is for sizes 16 to 24. You can use this pattern to create more complex patterns.
Find the Pattern by SophieMKublyDesign HERE
13. Sleeve Sewing Pattern by Lekala Sewing Patterns
Create your own sleeve sewing patterns for dresses using this free pattern designer. Simply enter your size and measurements, and it will create your free pattern.
Find the Pattern by Lekala Sewing Patterns HERE
14. Puffed Sleeve Pattern by PatternCosPatterns
Do you enjoy making outfits for cosplay? Then you need to download this sleeve patterns for dresses PDF. The set includes 6 different sleeve patterns. They are ideal for creating romantic blouses and dresses.
Find the Pattern by PatternCosPatterns HERE
15. Flutter Sleeve Pattern by Clothing Patterns 101
The flutter sleeve is perfect for summer. It is feminine and airy. Learn how to create the perfect sleeve using this free sleeve sewing pattern.
Find the Pattern by Clothing Patterns 101 HERE
16. Women’s Bell Sleeve Pattern by ByRAYENA
The basic bell sleeve works well with a large variety of styles. This pattern is easy to understand and works up quickly. Included are a full selection of sizes from XS to 6X. The pattern is intended for woven fabrics with little to no stretch.
Find the Pattern by ByRAYENA HERE
17. Off Shoulder Gathered Sleeve Sewing Pattern by SocialitePatterns
Are you searching for sleeve patterns for dresses that sit off the shoulder? This off-shoulder gathered sleeve is beginner-friendly. This pattern works great with medium weight woven or knit fabric. Included are sizes XXS to 7XL.
Find the Pattern by SocialitePatterns HERE
18. Womens Leg-of-Mutton Puff Sleeve Pattern by SophieMKublyDesign
This is a digital pattern for a women’s leg-of-mutton puff sleeve block. Included are sizes 2 to 14. The block is intended to be a starting point for drafting more complex patterns. Or you can use it with other blocks to create a full garment.
Find the Pattern by SophieMKublyDesign HERE
19. Women’s Basic Cap Sleeve Pattern by ByRAYENA
The basic cap sleeve is easy to add to your sleeveless dresses. The pattern is a basic template made for designers who like to create their own patterns. Included are sizes XS to 6X. The pattern is recommended for woven fabrics with little to no stretch.
Find the Pattern by ByRAYENA HERE
20. Bell Sleeve Pattern by SociallitePattrns
Use light to medium weight knit fabric to make these bell sleeves. You can make the sleeves with or without the bells. Included are sizes XXS to 7XL. There is a full step-by-step illustrated tutorial included.
Find the Pattern by SociallitePattrns HERE
21. Couture Cut Sleeve Pattern
Have you tried and tried to create couture sleeve patterns for dresses? They are not as easy as they look. If you have issues making a pattern, watch this free sewing video tutorial. It teaches you how to make the pattern and there are plenty of tips and tricks.
Find the Pattern by The Modeliste Studio HERE
If you love fashion and enjoy sewing, add sleeves to your sleeveless dresses using these sleeve patterns for dresses. You can even replace existing sleeves.
Sleeves are essential for clothing. They help cover your arms and add to the overall design. Depending on the sleeve you use, you can completely change the look of your dress, shirt, or blouse.
Sleeves need to fit properly to be comfortable. If you have a dress that has ill-fitting sleeves, or is sleeveless, it is time to get crafty and make your own using sleeve patterns for dresses.
Need more sewing projects, check out our Buffet Dress Patterns, Pyjamas Sewing Patterns, Dungaree Sewing Patterns, Trench Coat Patterns, Backpack Sewing Patterns, Scrub Cap Patterns and a lot more here.