Cutting a bolero

Learning to make a bolero is a beginner's sewing project. It takes about an hour to make a bolero and the cost is reasonable. The project uses about a yard of fabric and can be done without a pattern, although I recommend using patterns for more difficult styles of boleros. In this how-to article, I suggest that the reader make a small paper mock-up to understand the shape of the garment and why it can be made with out a formal pattern.

1. Sketch the shape of the bolero on paper. Cut the paper into the shape. Glue the edges as though they were seams.
2. 2
   Measure your body for width and length of the garment. Add 1 inch on the length for the hem.


3. 3
   Purchase enough fabric to match the length and width requirements. Fold the fabric right sides together as you did the paper model. Leave an extra 1 inch on both sides of the width for ease. Leave an extra 1 inch on the bottom for hem. Using a chalk fabric marker, make the neck curve. Using chalk fabric marker, draw the sleeve and side useam lines. Pin just inside the seam line and cut away excess yardage.
4. 4
   Sew the underarm and side seams. Steam the seams open. Turn the garment right side out. Check the fit.
5. 5
   Finish the raw edges with either seam binding or iron-on interfacing and hem.

   
   

   How Do I Add Sleeves to a Strapless Dress?

   

   For some, a strapless dress provides a wonderful addition to a warm weather wardrobe, but sometimes sits in the closet during the colder months of the year. For others, it is a piece that requires constant tugging and readjustment. Whatever your relationship with the strapless dress, it is a piece that can be easily altered and perfected to your liking. Begin by deciding which sort of alternate style you prefer: spaghetti straps, cap sleeves or long sleeves.

   Skill level:

   Easy

   
   

   What's Your Style?

   1. 1

      

      A thin strap provides minimal coverage and will keep dress in place.

      There are many types of straps that you can add to a strapless dress. A simple spaghetti strap would provide you with some support and can be detachable if you so desire. Find and attach finished straps that match or coordinate with your dress colours.
   2. 2

      

      Cap sleeves provide extra shoulder coverage and will keep your dress secure.

      Cap sleeves would provide more shoulder coverage. In a casual situation, find a matching or coordinating cap-sleeve T-shirt and simply wear it underneath your dress
   
   
   3. 3

      

      Adding a shawl or bolero is a quick way to change the look of your strapless dress.

      If long sleeves are more your style, find a stylish bolero or shawl to add to your dress.

   Prefer to Permanently Alter Your Garment?

   1. 1

      

      Pick a matching fabric or stylish ribbon to accentuate your dress.

      If you'd like to add permanent spaghetti straps to your dress, find matching fabric or ribbon and tack both the front and back of the dress.
   2. 2
      To arm your dress with cap sleeves, measure your fabric and cut into a horseshoe shape. This piece should be able to cover your arm, reaching from the front of the dress to the back. Be sure to pick a fabric that meshes well with your dress. Sew a simple hem along the long sides of the horseshoe. Then, attach the unhemmed edges to the strapless dress.
   3. 3
      If working with a shawl, use it to add sleeves to your dress. Find the centre of the shawl and attach with a pin to the front centre portion of the dress. Drape the ends over your shoulders and fix them in to the back of the dress. Adjust according to how much of a tail you desire.