One Pattern, Many Looks: Blouses

Class Preview

Create unique blouses and tops that fit you and your style perfectly, starting with a single commercial pattern. Note: Pattern not included.

Introduction & Making a Muslin

Meet your instructor, designer Sarah Holden, and learn more about the pattern she’ll be using as a foundation for building a sloper and design variations. Follow along with McCall’s M6649 — included with your class purchase — or choose your own favorite blouse pattern to build upon. Then dive right into taking essential measurements and testing the fit with a muslin.

Creating a Sloper

Quickly turn your commercial pattern into a sloper with Sarah’s guidance. You’ll trace off the tissue pieces onto sturdier paper, remove the seam allowances and transfer the markings, making adjustments according to your own measurements as you go. Sarah will show you how to true up the front, back and sleeve pieces and transfer the dart bulk. If your pattern has a back yoke, you’ll see how to combine it with the back piece. You’ll make a second muslin that can serve as your model for future projects, and create master pattern pieces using poster board or oak tag.

Bodice Variations

Now that you have a master pattern, it’s time to start designing! Lengthen or shorten your hem, or give it a sweet curve. Add fullness evenly around the bodice without compromising the fit. Create front and back yokes, or a combined yoke that eliminates the shoulder seam (perfect for lace!). Move the bust dart or transform it into gathers at the yoke, shoulder or center front. Sarah shows you how!

Facings & Closures

Customize your blouse with pretty closures. Add a facing at the neckline and turn it into a closure, or create a keyhole closure for a high neckline. A hidden button placket will give your garment a smooth finish, and it’s easier to create than you might think.

Collar Variations

Sara shows a variety of collars you can try: cowl, tie-neck and flat-falling (or Peter Pan). Using your sloper, they’re simple to draft, and you can choose from several ways to attach them for a smooth finish.

Sleeve Variations

Alter your sleeves to suit your style. Changing the length is easy, even on cap sleeves. You can add fullness or make your sleeve more slender. You can even go sleeveless or try an elegant bell sleeve. Sarah’s ribbon-ruching technique is so clever, you might want to make a blouse just to try it out!