Learn to Sew Custom Removable Shoulder Pads

Learn to Sew Custom Removable Shoulder Pads

Ask Angela …: There are countless women like me who must have the same question to ask, so I’ll make an attempt to speak for the group. After reaching those golden years, we start to wonder why our clothes — especially shirts and blouses — seem to have lost all sense of shape. We might just as well be wearing ponchos because our collective shoulders have gradually disappeared over the years. How about a hint on making conservative shoulder pads . . . not like the 80’s kind and not just for jackets/coats and blazers. I would like something that can be used with casual or dress shirts and blouses, so it should not be too bulky.
Sure hope you can address this problem — I’ve seen you on It’s Sew Easy many times and feel that if anybody can solve this issue, it is Angela.
Sincerely,
Sarah
P.S. My next project will be creating a bra with suspenders to keep it in place. Any ideas?

Sarah from Ohio

This was a great question from Sarah, and although I’m not going to talk about making your own shoulder pads, I am going to give you a few tips that have worked for other clients of mine in the past.

All of us have different body shapes, meaning I might not need the same thickness of shoulder pad as you or maybe I don’t need extra padding at all.  With that being said, there are just as many sizes and styles of shoulder pads.

Do you remember the shoulder pads of the 80s – they were very, very, VERY LARGE! In fact, I’m pretty sure the shoulders of the jackets extended at least 2 inches past the actual edge of any female’s shoulder.  I always laugh at some of the old photos where I am wearing enormously huge shoulder pads – my head looks SO small! 🙂

Take a look at these two shoulder pads. Both are considered a raglan shoulder pad, meaning that part of the shoulder pad will be directly on your shoulder and a small part of the shoulder pad will extend past your shoulder to fill in the sleeve cap.  These are typically used for jackets, but the smaller one will work in tops as well.

This shoulder pad is very thin and a perfect option for blouses and tops.  It gives that soft edge to your shoulder and evens out your profile, without standing out that you are wearing shoulder pads..

It can get rather expensive to add shoulder pads to every top that you own, not to mention shoulder pads turn out disastrously after being washed.  So why not design your own removable shoulder pads!

You will need:

1” wide Hook & Loop tape; which comes in a variety of colors including beige, black, foliage green, olive drab, and white

Shoulder pad options I would consider:

Hand Sewing Needle and Thread

CHOOSING A SHOULDER PAD

Shoulder pads are listed by thickness and length.  The thickness is the height of the shoulder pad, so if you are looking for the bare minimal to even out the shoulder area – start with the ¼” thick shoulder pad.  For unlined jackets and sweaters consider using the raglan shoulder pads (which is what I will be using here). For knit tops and blouses, choose a flatter shoulder pad that won’t extend into the sleeve cap but the straight edge will line up with the edge of your shoulder.

PREPARE HOOK AND LOOP TAPE

Take a close look at the hook and loop tape.  There is a softer side (which will be attached to your garments) usually referred to as the loop side.  Then, there is the hook side that is (more…)

Video Tutorial on How to Clean a Dirty Iron!

Video Tutorial on How to Clean a Dirty Iron!

<script type="text/javascript" src="https://angelawolf.evsuite.com/player/d2hpY2gtaXJvbi1xLWEtYW5nZWxhLXdvbGYubXA0/?container=evp-5GK5RUN01N"></script><div id="evp-5GK5RUN01N" data-role="evp-video" data-evp-id="d2hpY2gtaXJvbi1xLWEtYW5nZWxhLXdvbGYubXA0"></div>

Welcome to Ask Angela where your questions get answered in detail! This weeks question is from  Glenda and you can watch the video above (click here if you don’t see the video).   You will find a tutorial on how to clean a dirty iron face and even a  preview of my favorite steam iron.

Leave me a comment below with your experience cleaning irons and if you have a favorite iron you must share with the rest of us!  Feel free to submit a question for an upcoming episode.

Cheers,

Angela Wolf

angela wolf pressing 1

(items in this blog contain affiliate links)

<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=angel0df-20&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B01M8K5T2I&asins=B01M8K5T2I&linkId=084d730a56138a4a769784f6bc20da6d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=angel0df-20&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B008J4V1J8&asins=B008J4V1J8&linkId=57fa7d18fddfe4f63bad7aa5bf8ea869&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=angel0df-20&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B0006V875S&asins=B0006V875S&linkId=834ca1cce2407e48962b7052c8148a32&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=angel0df-20&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B00FZM1PUM&asins=B00FZM1PUM&linkId=60f752f3b8601b606b0a62ee69f51714&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>

325: Learn to Sew an Envelops Purse Clutch with Angel Wolf

Envelope Pattern There are three download versions for the envelope pattern: Full Layout - Use this for projector printing or printing on a plotter.   ENVELOPE PURSE Letter Size Printing - Use this when printing letter size paper (8.5" x 11").  Print pages 1-8, the...

Ep. 303 Delila Knit Top Part 3

Episode 303 🧵 Behind the Scenes with Angela Wolf The last part of our Delila Slit Sleeve Sewalong!  Have you checked out all the Delila tops posted in our private Angela Wolf Patterns Group?   So cute!!! Angie Hotchkiss ~  Angela Wolf Facebook GroupDarlene Deck ~...

Ep. 302 Delila Knit Top Sewalong Part 2

Episode 302 🧵 Behind the Scenes with Angela Wolf We are onto part 2 in the Delila sew along!  We have cut our fabric and ready to sew.  Did you have any questions about fitting?  If so, be sure to take your photos with questions to the Angela Wolf Patterns Facebook...

Ep. 301 Delila Knit Top Sewalong Part 1

Episode 301 🧵 Behind the Scenes with Angela Wolf Getting into summer and looking for stylish tops to wear with jeans, shorts, or skirts and one of my fist patterns always shows up ... The DelilaDelila Pattern has 9 Options  I designed this pattern to be able to sew...

Ep. 260 Sewing the Shirley Wrap Top with a Sweater Knit

Episode 260 🧵 Behind the Scenes with Angela Wolf ~ Sew the Shirley Wrap with a Sweater Knit The Shirley Wrap pattern is so versatile and this time we will use a thicker, sweater knit fabric.    You can find the Shirley pattern in PDF and paper patterns in size XXS -...

Sewing with CraftOptics is a Great Solution for the Eyes!

Have you see the WOW package from CraftOptics? I met Jeff Caplan from CraftOptics a few years ago in Puyallup, his booth was around the corner from Kai Scissors.   I was intrigued by the glasses and loved hearing the comments that people would say after trying them...

VLOG 250 Behind the Scenes ✂️ Unbox Craft Optics & Sleeve Hack

Episode 250 ~ At your side 🧵 Virtually!  Unboxing Craft Optics & Sleeve Hack Behind the Scenes Episode 250 Included an interview with Jeff from CraftOptics and an unboxing of my new WOW glasses.  Then I kick off Birthday sewing month with a sleeve hack for another...

At Your Side Virtually! Episode 228 Quick Christmas & Holiday Gift Decoration Ideas

Quick & Easy Christmas & Holiday Decor Quick Table Runner Instructions Fabric Requirements: a. Center fabric: Sew together seven of the quilted blocksmade in the 7 7/8 x 14 in hoop. Five of the blocks will havethe applique design and the two ends will be...

Episode 199: At Your Side Virtually! Mug Rug and Coffee Deco with Kathy Stipe and Barb Mikolajczyk

Episode 199 ~ At your side 🧵 Virtually! Create a mug run and decorate your coffee mug with vinyl Join Brother Brand Ambassador Angela Wolf and Brother Educator's Kathy Stipe and Barb Mikolajczyk Designing Mug Rugs in My Design Center-Quick and Easy Supplies needed:...

Pant Sloper Fitting Online Course

Pant Sloper Fitting Online Course Learn to fit your own pant sloper! Then take that sloper and turn it into a pattern. This class will be taught in a virtual & online setting; offering 5 live lessons with additional videos for specific fitting issues. You will...

VLOG 238 Behind the Scenes ✂️ LIVE in Angela Wolf’s Studio & Sewing the Lacy Top

VLOG 238 Behind the Scenes ✂️ with Angela Wolf ! Last week we cut out the Lacy top pattern, this week we will serge it together. And I will be drawing 3 lucky winners for the beautiful Shannon Fabric!!! Also, check out the new renovations coming to Angela Wolf's...

Episode 198: At Your Side Virtually! Create a thread catcher and pin cushion

Episode 198 ~ At your side 🧵 Virtually! Create a Thread Catcher & Pin Cushion with Jerry GranataSupply List & Instructions for Thread Catcher • Brother Stellaire XP2 or comparable machine to embroider and sew, or both• Feet you will need: - Embroidery foot, J...

Pin It on Pinterest