DIY Shoulder Pads for Set-In & Raglan Sleeves

A handmade shoulder pad stitched inside a set-in sleeve to add structure, balance, and professional shaping to the finished garment.

A Simple Way to Shape Your Garments Without Buying Ready-Made Pads

Shoulder pads come and go in fashion, but from a sewing perspective, they never truly disappear. They add structure, balance proportions, improve drape, and give garments a polished look. The good news? You don’t have to buy shoulder pads unless you want the convenience. They’re easy and inexpensive to make yourself — and you can match them perfectly to your garment fabric.

This DIY method works beautifully for:

• ½" set-in sleeves

• Raglan sleeves

• Jackets, blouses, dresses, coats, or knit garments

• Structured or softly shaped shoulder looks

You can make covered or uncovered pads, permanent sewn-in pads, or removable ones, depending on your needs.

Let’s walk through it.

Why Make Your Own Shoulder Pads?

Besides saving money, homemade shoulder pads give you control:

• Exact color match to your garment

• Adjustable thickness and softness

• Custom shaping for your shoulder slope

• Better comfort than some commercial pads

• A professional finish without extra cost

And if you’re sewing multiple garments, making your own quickly becomes second nature.

Materials You’ll Need

Basic shoulder pad supplies:

• Fabric scraps (matching garment fabric if desired)

• Cotton batting, fleece, felt, or flannel layers

• Thread to match garment

• Hand sewing needle

• Scissors

• Pins or clips

Optional supplies:

• Muslin lining for covered pads

• Velcro, snaps, or ribbon strap for removable pads

• Tailor’s chalk or washable marker

Making the Shoulder Pad Base

Start simple.

Cut two crescent shapes from batting or fleece.

Layer 2–4 pieces, depending on the desired thickness.

Taper the outer edge slightly for a smooth transition.

Hand-stitch layers together loosely to stabilize.

Tip: Try the pad inside the garment before finishing. Adjust thickness if needed.

Covered Shoulder Pads (Professional Finish)

Covered pads look polished and blend seamlessly inside garments.

Steps:

Cut fabric slightly larger than your pad shape.

Place the pad on the wrong side of the fabric.

Wrap fabric around pad edges.

Slip stitch closed by hand.

Matching your garment fabric works beautifully here — especially for sheer or unlined garments.

Muslin can also be used if matching isn’t important.

Uncovered Shoulder Pads (Quick Method)

This is the fastest option.

Simply stitch batting layers together and insert directly into the garment. This works well for:

• Casual garments

• Jackets with lining

• Knit tops

• Practice pieces

It’s functional, quick, and perfectly acceptable.

Positioning Shoulder Pads Correctly

This step makes all the difference.

For ½" Set-In Sleeves:

Turn the garment inside out.

Align the center of the pad with the shoulder seam.

The pad should extend slightly toward the sleeve cap.

Hand tack at the shoulder seam first.

Add two or three additional small stitches along the edge.

The pad should feel natural — not bulky or forced.

For Raglan Sleeves:

Raglan sleeves don’t have a traditional shoulder seam, so placement is slightly different.

Position the pad where the shoulder naturally curves.

Align toward the upper sleeve seam intersection.

Tack lightly along seam allowances.

Try the garment on before final stitching.

You want a lift without distortion.

Note about raglan sleeves: Unlike set-in sleeves, where a ½″ shoulder pad thickness is commonly referenced, raglan sleeves don’t have a traditional shoulder seam, so pad thickness isn’t standardized. Instead, choose a softer, tapered pad based on the garment fabric, desired shaping, and your natural shoulder line. Most raglan garments look best with thinner pads (about ¼″–½″ at most) to support the shoulder without creating an overly structured or raised look.

Sewing Shoulder Pads Permanently

If you plan to keep pads in long term:

• Hand stitch only through seam allowance

• Use loose whip stitches

• Avoid stitching through outer fabric

This keeps stitches invisible and flexible.

Optional Removable Shoulder Pad Method

This is a favorite for versatility.

Shoulder Strap Method:

Sew a small ribbon or fabric strap to the underside of the pad.

Attach a matching snap or Velcro inside the garment's shoulder.

The pad can be removed for washing or styling changes.

This is especially helpful for:

• Delicate garments

• Seasonal clothing

• Travel wardrobes

• Multi-use pieces

If shoulder pad styles change, your garment remains adaptable.

Fabric Matching Tips

Using garment fabric creates cohesion:

• Structured jackets look tailored

• Sheer fabrics stay discreet

• Prints align visually

• Color harmony improves overall finish

Even a small scrap works perfectly.

Thickness Guide (Helpful Reference)

Soft shaping:

2 thin batting layers

Medium structure:

3–4 layers of fleece or batting

Strong shaping (jackets/coats):

Felt + batting combination

Always test inside the garment first.

Making your own shoulder pads is one of those classic sewing skills that quietly elevates your finished garments. It saves money, improves fit, and gives you flexibility that store-bought pads sometimes don’t offer.

And honestly, once you make your first pair, you’ll likely keep scraps specifically for future shoulder pads.

Store-bought convenience shoulder pads are always an option, but DIY shoulder pads give you full control over your garment's shape.

That’s the real beauty of sewing.

Love practical sewing tips like this? Subscribe to The Designer’s Needle in the sidebar so you never miss new tutorials, DIY ideas, and garment-shaping techniques. And if you’re ready to sew something new, visit my Payhip shop for sewing patterns, fabric, and notions carefully selected to help you create beautiful, professional results with confidence.