Baking Sleeves - The Long Ago Promised Tutorial

Several weeks - eh - months ago I posted a picture of these things - I call them baking sleeves. I made them on a whim, after trying to roll out bread dough while wearing a black turtleneck....not my brightest moment. As I fussed and fumed over my now-floury state, it occurred to me that Victorian maids often wore black dresses, but managed to stay clean. How? By wearing something like these little sleeves.

I was very gratified to discover that both my mother and mother-in-law liked the idea, which inspired me to write a tutorial. So, here goes.

1. Select a piece of cotton that is at least 36" by 30". Cut into two pieces, 18" by 15" each. (I recommend making these out of stash fabric....it's a great way to use up some otherwise neglected cotton.)

2. Fold the 18" sides (this is the long part, which should go from your wrist to just about your elbow) together and stitch a seam. I made mine using French seams (since they were to end up in my mother-in-law's Easter basket). For instructions on how to make French seams, click here.  (Note - I do not iron mine....I just finger press.) 

3. Stitch the second part of the French seam.

4. Next, turn the edges of the sleeve over twice, as you would a hem. Pin in place. This hem should be 3/4" wide. Do this at both the top and the bottom of the sleeve.

5. Stitch the hem in place, leaving an inch opening upstitched.

6. Measure the wrist and arm just above the elbow. Cut elastic to this measurement.  Attach a safety pin to the elastic, and pull through the hem at the top, being sure to leave a bit of the elastic hanging out the end. 

7.  When elastic is pulled through (the fabric should have a gathered look to it), stitch the two ends of the elastic together by hand.  (Yes, this is a different sleeve than the one in the other pics.  Sorry!) 

8.  Pull the elastic back into the hem....voila!  You're done!  Now go bake something yummy!