But if you divide a complex task into small sections, you not only reach your goal cleanly, but you also become more confident each time.
The steps are logical and, when combined, result in a wonderful sewing project. To help you achieve this, today we'll focus on the vent – also known as a shirt vent – using the 50s blouse Jette as an example, in combination with a neat cuff, one of the finest sleeve finishes.
Our recommendation is to practice the roof slit a few times with a piece of fabric, so that you can shine with perfectly executed movements on the home stretch of the targeted blouse.
For assistance, you can download our free template HERE . It's best to print the template and reinforce it with some cardboard – then you're ready to go.
✁ 01. Cut out and transfer the template
Reinforce the document with a thin insert and transfer the roof slot from the template, as shown in the picture, to the left side of the document.
✁ 02. Sew along the marked slit seam.
The template is placed precisely along the pre-drawn line of the sleeve, and the roof slit is sewn on with a straight stitch.
Note: Please ensure that the facings are placed right side down on the wrong side of the sleeve fabric.
✁ 03. Cut a slit
Next, cut the roof slit straight up to the triangle, as shown in the template. Additionally, cut the small triangle as well, leaving approximately 2 mm to the seam, and mark the seam allowance on the wrong side of the fabric.
✁ 04. Turn over the document and prepare for the move
Since the facing is sewn onto the wrong side of the sleeve fabric, it is now turned right side out through the slit. This will take some time and a bit of fiddling, but it's worth working carefully here. Trim the seam allowance of the underlap edge back to half its width.
✁ 05. Topstitch the underlap & iron the overlap
First, the lower facing (underlap), which protrudes under the 'roof', is folded over by 1 cm and then neatly folded outwards onto the previously sewn seam. The small section of the underlap is topstitched through all layers of fabric. The seam allowances of the 'roof' (overlap) are also pre-pressed to ensure all edges can be neatly turned under. 
✁ 06. Fold in and secure the roof and seam allowances of the overlap.
Press the seam of the 'roof' flat and trim the seam allowance back by half its width. Fold the overlap to the right and secure it to the seam.
Pin the tip of the overlap to the sleeve so that the end of the slit and the top of the underlap are completely concealed. Baste or neatly pin the pinned edge and tip.
✁ 07. Neatly stitch over the crossing
Starting at the top of the overlap, stitch across the overlap and along the basting line through all layers of fabric, then secure and iron.
Et voilá!
The most time-consuming part of creating the roof slot is probably shaping the overlap cleanly and positioning it on the underside. Take as much time as you need for this, and the result will be even better.
This sleeve hem style can, of course, be combined with a cuff or similar detail on all sleeves. The schwalbenliebe® template is therefore universally applicable and can transform a simple blouse into a small masterpiece.
If you're now eager to try your hand at sewing, we recommend our blouses Jette and Frl. Feinsüss . Two beautifully constructed highlights and clear recommendations if you want to do more than just overlock.
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