Dolman Sleeve Rayon Top with Bow and Gathered Neckline

Dear Internet,

What do you call a sleeve that you cut as part of the shirt but it isn't actually cut-out? You know, the sleeve that isn't really a "sleeve"? If you cut around the outside of your shirt but don't actually cut out sleeves, what do you call that?

Sincerely,
Clearly Clueless

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce to you the Dolman Sleeve:
So that's what it's called!
Thank you Internet for understanding me, in spite of myself.

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This whole Dolman Sleeve hoopla started when I made my first polka dot blouse last week, with sleeves, but without a pattern (I'll be posting about it later this week). As it turns out, making sleeves without a pattern for the 1st time, was a little more aggravating than I expected.

So...as I contemplated my next torturous sewing exercise, the thought came to me. I've seen shirts with sleeves already part of the garment. I have no idea what they're called, but I want to make one! [insert jumbled clueless internet search words = Dolman Sleeves].

*You're welcome for making a short story even longer.

Without further delay, here's my Dolman sleeved, rayon blouse with a gathered neckline and coordinating polka dot bow. I even added a ruffled hemline for kicks.

Dolman sleeve in all its glory

I decided to use a couple remaining pieces from my polka dot blouse as a bow, to give it a little contrast.
I gathered the neckline to give it a little more interest.

Making your own Dolman Sleeved top is actually really pretty easy.

• I just laid down an oversized t-shirt and cut around it for my pattern

• I cut a lower neckline for the front and a higher neckline for the back.
• Just make sure your seams match up on both pieces (shoulder, arm, & hem).

• For your basic top, just hem the neckline and arm holes, stitch together the shoulders, then the sides, and finish with the bottom hem.

Easy breezy, loose fit!

▶▶▶Here are a few great summer shirt sewing ideas◀◀◀

They are now all on my to-do list!!

Quick Tee with Dolman-type sleeves

Add Sheer piece to a top

Cute top made with 2 scarves

Lace overlay top

Basic fitted T-shirt Pattern

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