Here's a nifty idea I've been mulling around for some time. I put it into action this fall when I knitted onto a knit sweater I had purchased retail. I added 4 1/2" to each sleeve by adding cuffs to it. The only problem was that I knew the technique but not how to execute it. I didn't know how to crochet, so Cathy from our local woolshop started me off then I went from there. So I was thrilled when Jamie taught me the basics recently. This is the pattern I used to fix up another one of my favorite shirts which sadly had shrunk in the wash. I chose to fully crochet it to keep the cuff light and lacy against the unembellished cotton top.

Materials: Size H crochet hook2 50 gram worsted weight Bernat Ultra Soft Cotton. Colour 00085 (Jute), and of course one shirt.

Gauge: measure and chain sufficient to fit circumference of your sleeve bottom. (I chained a 40 for this pattern.)

Make the chain foundation and 3 extra chains to turn.

Row 1: Work 1 DC in the 4th ch., ch 2, 2 dc i nthe same ch. (4th). * Skip 3 ch., 2 dc in the next ch, ch 2 and 2 dc in the same ch. Repeat from * to end of row.

Row 2: ch 3 and turn. 1 dcinto space made by ch 2 of previous row. ch 2, 2 dc in same space, * 2 dc in next space made by chain 2 of previous row, 2 ch and 2 dc in same space. Repeat from * to end. Repeat Row 2 throughout until you reach desired rows. I did 6 rows = 4".

Sew chain to bottom of sleeve (or if you have long enough shirt sleeves, sew the crocheting a little higher to allow some colour to peek through the lace. If you like you can sew up the side of the rectange crochet for a close cuff, but I left mine open and added little wooden buttons, like a dress shirt cuff.