How much fabric for a pair of sleeves?

The rule: one sleeve length, if two fit across

Measure your sleeve from the shoulder point to where it should end, then add about 3 inches (8 cm) for the seam at the top and the hem. That is one sleeve length. If both sleeves can lie next to each other on the fabric, one length is all you buy.

To see whether they fit, take your upper arm measurement and add about 3 inches (8 cm) for ease and seams. If the result is under half the fabric width, two sleeves go across. On 44 to 45 inch fabric that works for upper arms up to about 17 inches (43 cm) in a plain, straight sleeve. Above that, or with any flare, each sleeve needs its own length and the amount doubles. On 58 to 60 inch fabric, one length is almost always enough.

Typical amounts by sleeve

For a pair, on 44 to 45 inch fabric, where both sleeves fit across. In yards, round up to the next eighth: half a yard for short sleeves, five eighths for elbow length, three quarters for three-quarter sleeves and seven eighths for full length.

• [Short sleeves](/styles/sleeves/short-sleeves): 0.3 to 0.4 m.
• Elbow length: 0.4 to 0.5 m.
• Three-quarter: 0.5 to 0.6 m.
• Full length: 0.65 to 0.75 m.
• [Bell sleeves](/styles/sleeves/bell-sleeves): 0.75 m for a gentle flare, up to 1.5 m (1.75 yards) for a wide one or a circular frill.
• Lined or doubled sleeves: the same amount again in the lining.

Net, organza and other sheer sleeves

Sheer fabrics bring their own arithmetic. Plain organza is often about 44 inches wide and net is often wider, so check the width on the roll before using the list above. Our guides to net and lace and organza describe how each behaves.

If the fabric has a scalloped or embroidered edge that you want at the wrist, the sleeves are turned so that edge runs along each hem. The amount is then counted along the border: you need the width of both sleeves, usually 1 to 1.25 metres for the pair. Embroidered net is also one-way, so both sleeves must point in the same direction. If you would like the sleeves lined for more coverage, the lining needs the same quantity as the outer fabric.

Matching the second fabric to the kameez

• Weight. Sleeves much heavier than the body drag at the armhole; much lighter ones can look like an afterthought. Similar weights sit together more easily.
• Colour. Compare the two in daylight, and pick a shade that is already in the print.
• Shrinkage. A cotton sleeve on a cotton body should be treated the same way before cutting. Our article on pre-washing fabric explains why.
• A margin. Round up to the next quarter metre. A few centimetres short can rule out a cuff or a deep hem.

Sending two fabrics for one outfit

With a Stitching Only order, list each fabric with its width and length and say which is for the sleeves. Use the Stitching Only quote form; we confirm that both are suitable and that there is enough of each before you post anything, as the unstitched suit stitching page sets out. If the reason is a suit that ran short, what to do if your suit is short of fabric lists the other options.