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Sewing with pre-made cuffs: Tips & tricks for cuffs!

02.01.2020 by Sabine Schmidt

Nähen mit Fertigbündchen: Tipps & Tricks für Cuffs!

Sewing with pre-made cuffs: Pre-made cuffs make it really easy for you to tastefully modify your shirts and sweaters. In this tutorial, I'll show you how it works.

The most important things at a glance

  • In this tutorial, I will show you how to easily work with pre-made cuffs
  • All you need is the cuff and your sewing machine, and possibly an overlocker
  • You can sew the pre-made cuff onto all garments just like a "regular cuff"
  • Level: easy
  • Sewing time: 30 minutes

Have you ever sewn with these cool cuffs that are seen everywhere in the sewing world now?

For a long time, I didn't dare to because I wasn't quite sure how to handle these pre-made cuffs. In the meantime, however, I've caught the cuff fever and I conjure up the most beautiful shirts and cardigans with pre-made cuffs.

I especially like it when the cuff and fabric come in the same color combination. Like, for example, with my Oversize Raglan Sweater Kjella (also available as a paper pattern).

Sewing with pre-made cuffs

It is actually really easy to work with these beautiful cuffs. In this tutorial, I will show you how it's done.

My tip for pre-made cuffs

If your pre-made cuff is striped or patterned like mine, you shouldn't only consider the pattern when cutting.

It is also important while sewing that you maintain the same seam width all the way around. Only then will the stripes look as beautiful and even as they do on my sweat dress ROMEA, for example.

Sewing on pre-made cuffs double-folded

Can you also sew on pre-made cuffs double-folded? Of course! The advantage: The cuffs become much firmer and more stable as a result. This can be a big advantage for a neckline, for example, because it then keeps its shape nicely.

Sewing with pre-made cuffs

My cuff tip

Here I have sewn the oversize sweater from my sewing pattern book "Meine Lieblings-Oberteile"* with different cuff variations:

For the hem, I use the cuff at its full length, but I don't run it all the way around; instead, I split it so that a slit is created at the side seam. The short edges are folded over by 1 cm and stitched down with a straight stitch.

For the neckline, I joined the cuff into a ring, folded it wrong sides together, and sewed it onto the neckline with the overlocker while stretching it slightly.

Did you like this blog post? I would be very happy to receive a comment! :)

Happy simple sewing, your Sabine

Sewing with pre-made cuffs

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Step-by-step instructions

Instruction 1 / 3

Sew sleeve cuffs from Cuff Mes

For the sleeve cuffs, cut two cuff pieces to the required length. Wrap the cuff comfortably around your wrist and add 2 cm seam allowance.

  1. Step

    Finish the edges of the cuff

    Finish both sides of the cuff with an overlock or a zigzag stitch.

    Finish the edges of the cuff
  2. Step

    Secure the overlock threads

    Secure the overlock threads by pulling them into the seam with a thick needle.

    Secure the overlock threads
  3. Step

    Fold the cuff and identify the fabric sides

    Fold the cuff right sides together so that the two seams lie on top of each other.

    Sometimes the front and back of Cuffs are identical. Sometimes, though, you can see a fine Lycra thread at the firm (closed) end of the cuff, which shows you the wrong side of the fabric.

    Fold the cuff and identify the fabric sides
  4. Step

    Sew the cuff into a loop

    Sew the cuff into a loop with a straight stitch.

    If the Lycra thread is visible, it should be on the inside for this seam.

    Fold the seam allowances open and stitch them down from the right side with a short seam. This way the seam will lie nice and flat later and won't add bulk.

    Sew the cuff into a loop
  5. Step

    Pin the cuff to the sleeve

    Pin the cuff to the sleeve right sides together, stretching it evenly.

    The raw edges lie flush on top of each other. The cuff seam, with its seam allowances pressed open, lies on top of the sleeve seam.

    Pin the cuff to the sleeve
  6. Step

    Sew on the cuff with the overlock

    Sew on the cuff with the overlock, stretching it slightly.

    Secure the overlock thread.

    Sew on the cuff with the overlock

Instruction 2 / 3

naehen-mit-fertigbuendchen

Sew hem bands from ready-made Cuff Mes

Cut out the body pieces including hem allowance. Wrap the cuff around yourself at hem height, slightly stretched, and add 2 cm seam allowance.

  1. Step

    Sew the cuff into a loop

    Sew the cuff right sides together into a loop.

    Divide the hem and the cuff into equal sections.

    Sew the cuff into a loop
  2. Step

    Pin the cuff to the hem

    Pin the cuff flush to the hem of the sweater, right sides together, stretching it slightly and evenly section by section.

    Pin the cuff to the hem
  3. Step

    Sew on the cuff and secure the threads

    Sew on the cuff with the overlock or a stretch stitch, stretching it slightly.

    Secure the overlock threads as described above.

    Sew on the cuff and secure the threads

Instruction 3 / 3

naehen-mit-fertigbuendchen

Sew a neckband from ready-made cuffs

You can also sew the neckband from a cuff. Work out the length you need by placing it around the neckline, slightly stretched, and add 2 cm seam allowance.

  1. Step

    Shorten the cuff and sew it into a loop

    Shorten the ready-made cuff to the height you want and sew it into a loop with the overlock.

    Shorten the cuff and sew it into a loop
  2. Step

    Pin the cuff to the neckline

    Pin it to the neckline right sides together, stretching it slightly.

    The shortened edge sits flush with the neck opening.

    Pin the cuff to the neckline
  3. Step

    Sew on the cuff, following the pattern

    Sew on the cuff with the overlock or with an overlock stitch on your sewing machine.

    It is important that you follow the print of the Cuff as you sew it on.

    Sew on the cuff, following the pattern

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.