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Got a jumper you love… but the sleeves are just a tad too long? Don’t stress – you don’t need scissors, a sewing machine, or a degree from Central Saint Martins. This no-cut sleeve-shortening method is simple, secure and completely invisible from the outside. It’s perfect if: – Your knitwear sleeves are a little too long – You want a reversible, non-destructive fix – You’d rather not cut into your favourite jumper Think of it as a mini lift for your sleeves that’s quick, effective, and totally wearable.
What You’ll Need
- Scissors
- Sewing thread
- Needle
- Needle threader
- Fabric chalk
- Measuring tape
Step 1: Measure up
Put on your jumper and fold the cuff up to where you’d like the sleeve to sit. Use a measuring tape to check how much length you want taken up.
Once you’re happy, take the jumper off and mark a chalk line above the cuff at the exact amount you want shortened. This will be your guide for stitching.
Step 2: Thread ready
Cut about 1.5 metres of thread (trust us, you’ll need the length). Tie a knot at the end.
Start from the inside of the sleeve and bring your needle up just above the cuff.
Step 3: Start Your First Stitches
Bring the needle out above the cuff, then reinsert it directly above on the chalk line you drew earlier.
Follow along the chalk line, either:
- Stitching along the knit pattern with small “two-stitch” hops
or
- Leaving small even gaps (around 1cm)
Top tip: keep your stitch line straight and consistent for a clean finish
Step 4: Work Your Way Around
After each stitch on the chalk line, reinsert the needle directly below on the cuff, then bring it out a little further along the cuff line.
Repeat this pattern, inserting your needle along the chalk line and then just above the cuff all the way around the sleeve, creating vertical lines along the arm cuff, until you meet back where you started.
This is where the magic happens…
Step 5: Pull Together
Gently pull the thread and you’ll see the sleeve begin to gather neatly, bringing the cuff closer to the chalk line and shortening the sleeve without cutting anything.
Once it’s all pulled together, tie a small knot to secure your work.
Step 6: Secure the Sleeve
Thread your needle to the inside of the jumper and turn the sleeve inside out.
Now, go around the new seam with a blanket stitch to secure everything in place. (If you need a refresher, check out our “How to Hem Trousers” video tutorial)
This gives you a clean, durable finish that keeps the sleeve at its new length. Once you’ve stitched around the whole cuff, tie off your thread and snip the excess.
And you’re done!
Shortened sleeves with zero cutting, fully reversible, and totally invisible from the outside.
You’ve just mastered one of the easiest clothing hacks out there: giving your jumper a better fit and extending its life.
By repairing instead of replacing, you're keeping clothes out of landfill and making fashion a little more circular, one sleeve at a time.
If you'd like to follow along visually, head to our YouTube for the step-by-step video tutorial.
And if your wardrobe is calling for some “new-to-you” pieces, browse our collection of pre-loved items already given a little TLC and ready for their next chapter.
Got repair questions? Drop us a message at hello@reskinned.clothing – we’re always happy to help.