Winters are hard on me because my hands and feet always get cold very easily. Nighttime can be especially challenging. I solved my cold feet issue with layers of socks and a warm rice bag (tutorial here). But my hands still get cold while reading in bed. I’ve always dreamed about having a long sleeve shirt or sweater that covered my hands. Finally, at the end of last year, I decided that it was time that I just made myself a long sleeve shirt with thumbhole cuffs.
For this hack, you can use any long sleeve shirt, dress or sweatshirt pattern that is designed for knit fabrics. You’ll want to use knit fabric with some stretch for this fabric so that your hands will be nice and comfy as you move about. Watch the video and then check out the diagrams for how I drafted these cuffs.
I did a little research on how to sew thumbhole cuffs and it was actually a little trickier than I had expected. But, once I started sewing it, the process became much clearer. In the video, I go over the measurements you’ll need to draft your cuffs and then show you how to sew them. For extra help, make sure to check out the diagrams below.
How to draft and sew thumbhole cuffs
Step 1: Measure the length of your hand from end of sleeve (or wrist bone) to knuckles. Next measure from knuckle to inside of thumb. Remember, you’ll want a little bit of ease so that the shirt is not too tight on your hand. See diagram on how to draft cuffs. Cut two cuffs.
Step 2: In center of cuff, stitch twice the length you measured from knuckle to thumb. Backstitch at beginning and end and use a stitch that stretches such as a zig zag or lightning stitch. Press seam open.
Step 3: With right sides together, stitch one side of thumb hole.
Step 4: Stitch remaining thumb opening with right sides together. Press gently.
Step 5: Try on your shirt and mark where the thumb opening should be located using a removable fabric marker or chalk. Pin cuff to sleeve opening and stitch. Serge or overlock if desired. (For more on stitching cuffs, check out this post from the Ali Sweatshirt sewalong.)
I’ve loved wearing my thumb hole cuff shirt. Even when I’m not sleeping, it’s nice to have a bit of extra warmth in the winter. I really want to try this hack on my Ali Sweatshirt pattern to wear while walking outside. Let me know if you make your own thumb hole cuff hack. I’d love to know how you like them.
