Using McCunn Method to Construct A Basic Sleeve Pattern

This tutorial describes how to use Valentina to create the basic sleeve block based on the instructions and method from the book How to Make Sewing Patterns by Don McCunn (1977 revised edition) ISBN 0-932538-00-2. This book has been updated and may be purchased from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Sewing-Patterns-second/dp/0932538215. In this tutorial, the method described there will be referred to as “the McCunn method”.

The instructions for drafting a basic sleeve may be found on pages 71-75 in the 1977 revised edition or pages 79-82 in the 2016 second edition.

In the McCunn five measurements are required to draft a basic sleeve: Arm Length Sleeve Cap Biceps Palm Shoulder to Elbow

The measurements correspond to the following standard valentina measurements: L01 arm_shoulder_tip_to_wrist_bent L16 arm_shoulder_tip_to_armfold_line L11 arm_upper_circ D04 hand_palm_circ L02 arm_shoulder_tip_to_elbow_bent

Before attempting to draft a sleeve pattern with this method, ensure that you have created and saved a measurement file (.vit) which contains values for L01, ,L02 L11, L16, and D04. This may be accomplished using the TAPE program and is not covered by this tutorial. Figure 1 shows the basic reference lines and other major lines that will be used in constructing the main portion of the sleeve.