As the finale to our virtual Tabula Rasa Knit Tee and Tunic class, we will take a look at a variety of unique cuff finishes for the Tabula Rasa Knit Tee & Tunic, or any knit top pattern with sleeves you are stitching. Choosing a cuff design often comes toward the end of the sewing project, so it is based not only on a design vision, but also on the amount of fabric that remains and what fabrics need to be repeated again if mixing fabric.
Simple rectangles that align with the size of the sleeve hemline are an easy way to begin exploring knit cuff edges. Check out the post Knit Sleeves Tabula Rasa Style to see how an inserted fabric plus a basic band finish makes a great statement in this multi-fabric top.
The Soft Pink Cardigan has a faced cuff with flat selvage edge piping inserted between the cuff and the top. It pulls together all the fabrics in this fun cardigan. I could have done a ruched cuff to match the collar but decided that this utilitarian sweatshirt needed a practical edge finish.
The Clever Crossings Variation has a formula for creating cuff pieces for a classic 1½” wide cuff on page 9 of its instruction book, in the sidebar “Details for Shaped Band Tops.”
Expand the rectangles in length and width to create the dramatic cuff featured in the Scrolls and Dots Tee. The cuff was gathered and attached to the edge of the sleeve for a whimsical effect. The cuff was controlled with the cover stitch machine and two lines of topstitching.
Take advantage of the rectangular cuff pattern with shaped ends, found in the Twin Set Variations, to make the cuff featured in Twin Set Feature: the Tailored Cardigan.
Face the rectangular cuff pieces, encasing the raw edges, to create the cuff on this tunic featured in the post New Knit Cuff. Turn it back and anchor the ends with some coordinating buttons for a very unique look.
In the Sweater of My Dreams, achieve the look by stitching an opaque cuff onto a lacy sweater knit sleeve, then wrap it to the back, topstitching the top of the cuff above the seamline. This creates a casing for a one wide elastic. You can read why this is so practical in this sweater.
Stack the rectangular cuffs made to align with an expanded width sleeve, as seen in Lace Godets Dress up a Tee. Stitch them to the sleeve and create a casing with the seam allowance so that 3/8″ elastic feeds into it easily, creating a very romantic cuff finish.
Use this same technique but roll the hem edges of the cuff with the serger rolled edge setting for a little lettuce edge effect as in Knit Tees for Fall.
Use the flared cuff pattern in Wide Neckline Variations to create a similar but more tailored cuff that can be faced or finished with the rolled edge on the serger as in the Coral Pink SewBatik Tee.
Here are a few samples I made considering options for the Olive Pieced Tiger Tee, which is constructed completely with serger rolled edges. I chose a very simple cuff to complement the already busy top.
Interfaced facings are the trick to create the clean scalloped edges of the cuff in the Elegant Scalloped Tee.
Check out our recent post Same Knit—Different Styling to see a variety of cuffs side by side.
Take advantage of our Pinterest board, Sewing Knits, to view other cuffs. That is often where I start for new ideas. Then make some samples, like those pictured above from the tiger tee project, until you find the cuff finish that complements your new tee or tunic perfectly.
Happy Sewing, RAE
Fantastic! Ideas I will try all of them. Thank you for your giving us such good stuff for free