How to make shoulder pads yourself? Over the past few years, artists have been very persistent in offering shoulder pads for fashion items, not only for models with set-in sleeves, but also with raglan and one-piece sleeves. Is there a difference between them, what's new in their manufacturing technology? In the modern volumetric shape of things, which is achieved by cutting, shoulder pads also play an important role. They help to emphasize one or another shape of the shoulders. At the same time, there are shoulder pads for set-in sleeves, for raglan sleeves, one-piece, and also gathered at the edge. Any of them are easy to do yourself. Shoulder pads for set-in sleeves From the main or lining fabric, cut the outer details of the shoulder pads in an unfolded form along the bias. Their size depends on the type and size of clothing (1). From batting or thin foam rubber, cut out 3-5 layers of padding: the bottom and top layers are the same in size, equal to half of the outer part, and the intermediate ones - each subsequent one is slightly smaller than the previous one (2). Place the gasket pieces one on top of the other, from largest to smallest (3), and cover the top with the second large piece (4). Sweep the folded parts of the gasket and place them on the outer part (5). Fold the fabric in half, covering the spacer. Pin all layers of fabric together at the point of the shoulder pad. Sew the shoulder pad in the direction from the point to the fold, departing from the edge by 0.7 cm (6). After you give the shoulder pad a convex shape, take the excess fabric on the lower part into the dart. Trim the cuts and finish them with a zigzag stitch. Iron the shoulder pad sections through a damp cloth (7). Place the shoulder pads on your shoulders as shown in the top picture. In items made of dense fabrics (jacket, coat), the shoulder pad should extend beyond the seam by 1-1.5 cm. Secure the shoulder pad in three corners with pins, and then sew from the wrong side of the garment to the seam allowances of the armhole and shoulder seams. Shoulder Pads for Pleated Sleeves These shoulder pads are narrower supports that are typically inserted into a pleated or pleated sleeve cap. For this, hard material is used, for example, calico or starched calico. Fold a strip of fabric about 40 cm long and 10 cm wide lengthwise in half (do not iron the fold) and lay it with soft folds 2-3 cm wide, which are then fastened with a longitudinal stitch, placing it closer to the inner cut (8). The length of the finished shoulder pad should not exceed 12 cm. The shoulder pad may not be folded, but have the shape of a visor. Sew the tab to the seam of the armhole, as shown in Figure 9. Shoulder pads for one-piece sleeves and raglan sleeves Cut the details of the shoulder pad: the outer ones - from calico, preliminarily a little starched, or the border (for outer items) - 10, 11, and the lining - from batting or foam rubber (12). Stitch both parts of the upper outer piece (13). Iron the seam. Stitch the darts of the lower outer part (14) and the gasket parts (15). Place the lining parts on top of each other (from largest to smallest) and quilt a little - first in the middle, then with stitches; directed perpendicular to the oval slices. Place the gasket between the upper and lower outer parts (16, 17). Sew all layers of the shoulder pad along the contour (18), process the sections with a zigzag stitch. If necessary, cover the shoulder pads with the main or lining fabric. Sew the shoulder pads as shown in the picture: with the sharp end towards the sleeve.
Nowadays, shoulder pads bear little resemblance to their counterparts from the eighties. In those days, jackets with shoulder pads were more reminiscent of hockey equipment than an elegant model. Currently, the shape and size of shoulder pads have changed, they have become more delicate and inconspicuous, but nevertheless they are united by one common quality: with their help, each model acquires clearer lines, more style and improves the posture of its owner.
Shoulder pads come in a variety of shapes, sizes and thicknesses. They are chosen depending on what silhouette is in fashion: with straight wide or narrow sloping shoulders. With shoulder pads you can also compensate for minor posture defects.
The shape of the shoulder pad depends on the type of sleeve and the width of the shoulder. For models with set-in sleeves with a high collar, regular shoulder pads are used (1). For very wide shoulders and sleeves with a low roll, as well as for raglan sleeves and all one-piece sleeves, raglan shoulder pads are suitable (2).
Regular shoulder pads
Such shoulder pads should be inserted into clothing so that the edge of the shoulder pad extends 1 cm onto the sleeve. If the rounded sides of the shoulder pad are asymmetrical, then the longer side of the curve is turned towards the back. Pin the shoulder pad to the shoulder seam using a pin from the right side (3). Sew the shoulder pad to the shoulder seam allowance. Attach the ends of the shoulder pad to the sleeve seam allowances using small thread jumpers (4).
Raglan shoulder pads
For models with regular-shaped shoulders, pin so that the bulge of the shoulder pad is under the shoulder seam and, accordingly, the sleeve cap.
For models with wide shoulders, pin the shoulder pads so that the curves of the top sleeve seam and the shoulder seam meet the convexity of the shoulder pad. Pin the shoulder pads to the shoulder seam using a pin from the right side (5). Sew it to the shoulder seam allowances.
Self-made shoulder pads
If you were unable to buy the shoulder pads you need, follow our recommendations and sew the shoulder pads yourself.
The materials you will need are: a rigid lining, such as non-woven or felt; for the liner - a wovenfleece lining or batting. You can also use cotton wool for raglan shoulder pads.
ORDINARY SHOULDER PADS ARE SEWED SO...
According to diagram A, draw parts 1 and 2 in full size (cell dimensions 2x2 cm). From rigid padding or felt, cut out two pieces according to these patterns. For the liner, cut out several pieces 2 from the woolenfleece gasket or batting, with each subsequent piece slightly smaller than the previous one along a rounded contour. Then pin 1 layer of liner to the piece so that the smaller piece is on top. Align the straight cuts.
Lastly, pin piece 2 of rigid padding or felt (6). When sewing individual layers, hold the shoulder pad in an “arch” and pierce all layers (7). If the shoulder pads are intended for an unlined dress, blouse or jacket, cover them with a piece of the main or lining fabric. Cut piece 1 from the main or lining fabric, folded in half with the fold aligned with the straight side of the piece.
On the rounded cut, leave an allowance of approx. 2 cm. Wrap the shoulder pad with the lining and secure with pins (8). Place a zigzag stitch close to the edge of the shoulder pad. Cut the seam allowance close to the stitch (9).
THIS IS HOW RAGLAN SHOULDER PADS ARE SEWED
Draw pattern pieces 1, 2 and 3 in full size (dimensions of one cell are 2x2 cm). Cut out four parts 1 and 2, two parts 3 each with a fold of interlining or felt. Sew parts 1 and 2 according to the reference marks using a zigzag stitch. Then make the middle seam (10). Reinforce the shoulder pad with batting or wadding. Cut the lower part of the shoulder pad (item 3) along the line marked CUT and pin it to the shoulder pad from below, pushing the edges of the notch over each other.
Keeping the shape of the shoulder pad, sew the pieces (11). If the shoulder pad needs to be covered, cut out parts 1 and 2 from scraps of the main or lining fabric with allowances on all cuts of 1 cm. Cut out part 3 with allowances on all cuts of 3 cm. Sew parts 1 and 2 according to the control marks, then make the middle seam. Pin the parts from the main or lining fabric with the wrong side to the corresponding parts of the shoulder pad, and on the bottom part, place a fold over the cut. Sew the trim sections using a zigzag stitch. Trim the seam allowance close to the stitching.
Once upon a time, shoulder pads were a trendy detail of jackets, coats, dresses and even light blouses. Shoulder pads, like any trend, have gone through periods of wild popularity and almost complete oblivion, but not so long ago fashion designers remembered them again. In this video you will first see the process of making a shoulder pad, and then how to sew it in:
Modern shoulder pads are more of an external detail, decorated with rivets, sequins, chains, decorative buttons and so on. Modern trends promote an extended shoulder line in any form, but not everyone is ready to embody the bold ideas of designers and copy the images of famous fashionistas in real life. Ordinary women are afraid of shoulder pads, fearing that such things create the impression of a rough and heavy image. In fact, there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
To avoid looking like an American football player, it is enough to wear shoulder pads correctly, following a few simple stylistic rules:
1. Shoulder pads, that is, a visually expanded and enlarged shoulder line, should be the central part of the ensemble, that is, the remaining details of the cut and the image as a whole should be in a restrained style. A win-win option is a blazer or jacket with shoulder pads combined with skinny jeans, tapered trousers, shorts or a mini dress. Shoulder pads look best with tight-fitting clothes and a visually elongated silhouette.
2. If you plan to wear something with shoulder pads, it is better to minimize the presence of other accessories. This is especially true for items not with internal shoulder pads, but with decorative epaulets decorated with metal parts or glass beads; such decor is quite enough to make the overall image look bright and expressive. It is better to wear a simple, medium-sized necklace or rings with a jacket with shoulder pads. 
3. Shoulder pads and long sleeves are an ideal pair; the emphasized shoulder line looks trendy in dresses, tops and jackets with long narrow sleeves. The shoulder pad should not be too voluminous; in fact, the purpose of the modern shoulder pad is not so much to increase the shoulders, but to emphasize the waist. You shouldn’t be like Lady Gaga; such exaggerated forms are only appropriate on stage, but not in everyday life. If you wear a minidress with shoulder pads, it is better to have it with long sleeves; this cut visually elongates the silhouette and emphasizes slender legs. 
4. Be yourself and don't change your style. If you don't like things with shoulder pads, you shouldn't wear them, even if shoulder pads are the hottest trend. Broad, expressive shoulders, or rather things of this silhouette, require confidence and a certain perception of the image as a whole. If you're not passionate about the topic, it's best to avoid a fashion trend that conflicts with your sense of self. 
Whether or not to wear things with shoulder pads is a matter of personal preference, but there is no denying that shoulder pads are back in fashion and have become one of the hottest trends. Not only horizontal shoulder pads are in fashion, but also details with a pointed top, such shoulder pads create the illusion of being taller, but again, they should not be too sharp, otherwise the silhouette will look somewhat comical. Shocking style in the style of Nicki Minaj or Lady Gaga is not appropriate in everyday style.
A beautiful sleeve is the calling card of any jacket, blazer or coat. A correctly sewn sleeve should fit the arm freely without creases or distortions, the sleeve cap should be without folds or gathers, with a slight roll. To sew a sleeve correctly, you need to know a few rules that will allow you to do this.
Rice. 1. Sleeve and jacket allowances
Along the hem of the sleeve, between the control points for fitting, lay 2 machine seams with a stitch length of 4 mm.
Rice. 2. Place two lines along the seam allowances
The distance between the seams is 1-2 mm. Both seams should be laid along the edge allowance and not extend onto the sleeve (Fig. 2-3).
Rice. 3. Two lines along the sleeve hem
Take the lower threads and lightly pull the sleeve along the edge, distributing the folds so that the fabric fits, but large folds do not form (Fig. 4-5).
Rice. 4. Place the sleeve along the edge
Advice! If small wrinkles do form, loosen the thread tension a little. To make it easier to fit the fabric along the band, after gathering, steam the band with an iron with light pressure.
Rice. 5. Finished okat
In Fig. Figure 6 shows control points marked on the product and sleeve with snares.
Rice. 6. Control marks on the sleeve and jacket
Align the high point of the hem with the shoulder seam and pin (Fig. 7).
Rice. 7. Pin according to marks
Distribute the pellet between the control points, chip and sweep (Fig. 8).
Rice. 8. The sleeve cap is pinned along the marks
Rice. 9. Sleeve stitching
When sewing the upper half of the edging, to avoid wrinkles, slightly stretch the fabric to the left and right of the needle (Fig. 10).
Rice. 10. Stitching in the upper part of the sleeve cap
Cut off the folds formed on the allowances of the upper part of the edging, not reaching 2 mm from the seam (Fig. 11-12).
Rice. 11. Cut seam allowances at an angle
Iron the roll with light pressure using a steamer.
Rice. 12. Sleeve allowances
From padding polyester, cut out a strip 4 cm wide and about 20 cm long (Fig. 13). The strip is attached only along the upper side of the edging (on the planted area). Sew a strip of padding polyester along the edge.
Rice. 13. Strip of padding polyester for sleeve edging
Sew from the side of the product, as shown in Fig. 14. The stitch should be 1-2 mm to the right of the sleeve stitching line.
Rice. 14. Sew a strip of padding polyester along the edge
A strip of synthetic padding along the edge, stitched - fig. 15.
Rice. 15. Finished strip of padding polyester
Determine the center of the shoulder pad, align the shoulder pad with the shoulder seam (Fig. 16).
Rice. 16. Determine the center of the shoulder pad
Sew the shoulder pads by hand from the sleeve seam allowance using wide stitches (Fig. 17).
Rice. 17. Sew the shoulder pad by hand
Try on the product, sew the thin rounded side of the shoulder with several fixing stitches to the shoulder seam (Fig. 18).
Rice. 18. Fixing stitches along the edge of the shoulder pad
Turn the pellet to the front side, steam it and form a beautiful, even roll along the rim (Fig. 19).
Rice. 19. Formation of a roll along the top
Sew in the left sleeve in the same way. Now you know - share it with others!
Rice. 20. Finished jacket sleeve
Shoulder pads are most often used in outerwear: coats, raincoats and jackets. In clothes made of thin fabrics, blouses and dresses, shoulder pads are also sometimes used to give, at the request of the customer, an additional shape to the product or to straighten the shoulder line.
Our master class will tell you how to sew shoulder pads with your own hands to the finished product, how to cover them with the necessary material and how to sew Velcro to the shoulder pad so that you can attach them to the bra straps.
Shoulder pads: basics and nuances
How to sew shoulder pads with your own hands? You should choose shoulder pads that suit your model. Shoulder pads can be purchased at any sewing supply store. They come in different sizes, shapes and thicknesses.Standard shoulder pad sizes are 6, 13 and 25 mm. There are shoulder pads that are thicker or thinner than standard ones. Thinner shoulder pads are used when sewing light blouses and dresses. You can buy shoulder pads already covered with colored fabric; they are available in a fairly wide range of colors, and you can choose the shade that suits your model.
But if you are sewing from thin fabric, it is best to cover the shoulder pads with the main fabric of the product. We'll tell you how to sew shoulder pads with your own hands, it's not difficult at all! Make sure that the shoulder pads do not show through the main fabric. If there is no suitable shade on sale and there is no main fabric left, use nude or beige shoulder pads.
When sewing a lined product, you can use unlined shoulder pads.
If you are sewing a model and using a pattern from a magazine, you will find instructions on choosing shoulder pads in the instructions. Try to find these exact shoulder pads because the pattern was designed to fit their specific dimensions. If you do not use shoulder pads at all, without changing the pattern, the product may sag in the shoulder area, because it will lose the necessary support.
Most ready-made shoulder pads have notched edges or other markings to help position them correctly on the shoulder. Align the shoulder pad marks with the shoulder seam or marks on the garment. If you use removable shoulder pads, remove them before dry cleaning the product.
So let's learn how to work with shoulder pads!
How to sew shoulder pads
Try on the product in front of a mirror. Decide on the exact position of the shoulder pad.
Hand sew the shoulder pad to the shoulder or yoke seam allowances, following the pattern instructions. Stitches should not be visible on the front side of the product. Attach the ends of the shoulder pad to the armhole allowances.
How to Attach Shoulder Pads to a Harness
Cut two pieces of Velcro to the required length (about 5 cm) for each shoulder pad. Velcro consists of two parts: one with loops, the other with hooks.
Pin the Velcro loop pieces symmetrically to the center of the shoulder pad, about 2cm from the straight edge.
Hand sew along the perimeter of the strip, without catching the right side of the shoulder pad.
Place the parts with hooks on top of the parts with loops. Sew the ends of the parts near the straight edge; on the other side the parts should open freely.
When putting the product on, unfasten the Velcro and place the shoulder pad on your shoulder. Pass the hook strip under the strap and fasten the Velcro.
How to sew shoulder pads
Cut two squares from a suitable fabric of such a size to cover the shoulder pads on both sides with a margin.
Fold the square in half diagonally, tightly grasping the shoulder pad, and pin along the edge of the semicircle.
Sew the shoulder pad with a zigzag stitch or overlock the edge of the fabric. Cut the fabric close to the stitching.
