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Pattern hacking thumbhole cuffs to the Sloane Sweater

What could make the newly re-designed Sloane Sweater even better? The Sloane is already packed with options like a hood, pocket and elbow patches… what’s missing? The answer to that is thumbhole cuffs!

thumbhole hack with love notions

When I first started researching the best way to add thumbholes I found a lot of tutorials already out there. Most of them are a little fiddly. This method involves topstitching but is still an EASY and clean-cut process.

And, to make this tutorial even more of a breeze, I’m giving you a free pattern piece made especially for this hack. No need to get out the tape measure, the math is done for you. Click here to download the ladies Sloane Thumbhole Cuff pattern piece. And click here to download the Girls Sloane Thumbhole Cuff pattern piece. Note that for the girls version, you will need to select your desired size in the layers menu to see the correct pattern markings.

First things first

Cut two cuffs using the pattern piece linked above. Use pins or a fabric marker to transfer the markings.

free thumbhole cuff pattern

Fold the cuff right sides together. Straight stitch along the markings at the top, bottom and middle. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and ending of the line of stitching. The empty spaces will become the thumbholes.

Open up the seam allowances and press flat.

Fold the cuff over onto itself, with the wrong sides together. Adjust it so the thumbholes are aligned.

Use a couple of straight pins to secure the opening.

thumbhole hack foldingCarefully topstitch along each seam side, about 1/4″ away from the edge. Consider using a contrasting thread to add even more detail. Alternatively, use matching thread so the topstitching blends in.

topstitched thumbholes

Finally, to add extra support at the stress points, work a bar-tack at each end of the thumbhole.

Now, sew your cuff to the sleeve hem, matching up the sleeve seam to the cuff seam.

That’s all there is to it. You can use this method to pretty much any cuff! Try it with the Whistler, Vanguard or Samson.


We’re running all kind of contests and giveaways all week long. Today through Friday you can enter the rafflecopter below to win a Juki serger! See Courtney’s LDT Raglan hack to enter.

And don’t forget that the entire pattern shop is 50% off through Friday! No coupon needed. This is our biggest and last site-wide sale of the year.

Love Notions pattern sale


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Tami Meyer

Author Tami Meyer

More posts by Tami Meyer

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