It wasn't my intention to bring you two sewing tutorials in a row, but we have been super busy and I needed something simple for this month. Also this is something I've just been experimenting with so I wanted to share it with you.

We all know how fragile vintage garments are and how disappointing it is when we find a lovely item, only to find deodorant or sweat stains under the arms that can't be removed. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so to protect your own handmade "vintage" dresses or the antique ones you might have, here's the simplest way ever to make your own dress shields. 

Thankfully this 1940's jacket's stains are in the lining only.

As a disclaimer, there are lots of tutorials to make your own dress shields that end up with a prettier article than mine, but they usually are more involved and take longer to make. For someone like me, I figure no one will see it so I don't have to fuss with making it pretty. If you want to take the extra time, by all means do so! But here's a way to whip up a set in 10 minutes or less, if time is of the essence.

How To Details

First cut 4 5 in. squares from a nice soft cotton (flannel works too if you want a thicker shield).

Now, holding two squares together at a time, trim off the corners and edges to make a circle. If you're not too particular, like me, the circle will not be perfect. 🙂

Now for one of the time-savers, instead of stitching the edges and turning it right side out and hand stitching the opening, just serge or tightly zig-zag each set of 2 layers together. This sews them together and finishes the edge at the same time.

Next fold each shield in half to find the center.

Once you've found the center, move slightly off center and pinch it. This will be your fold line.

Stitch a 1/8 in. or 2/8 in. seam along this fold line off center.

Here's one shield with the stitched fold and one without.

Repeat with the other one, so they both look like this with the off-center stitched line.

That's it! The fold goes over the arm seam with the short side in the sleeve, and you can just safety pin the shield in place on the side and sleeve seams of whatever garment you wish to protect. (This only works with garments that have sleeves, not sleeveless or super-short sleeves.)

The fold line may look like it would be uncomfortable under your arm, but not more than any arm-hole seam, especially if the fabric you use is soft.

Then when you're done all you have to do is unpin them and toss them in the wash. You still might need to launder the garment, but at least you will have protection between you and the garment – and some added confidence important in a lady's well-groomed look.