How to Sew a Blouse

Few things are more rewarding than getting compliments about a garment you made yourself. Making your own blouse is a great way of expressing your creativity in a practical way. Depending on your level of experience, you can create an elaborate piece or a simple blouse. Each time you wear it, you can have a sense of pride, knowing you made a beautiful blouse.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric Blouse pattern Sewing machine Pins Scissors Thread Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Take your measurements using the measuring tape. You will need measurements for your bust, waist and neck, as well as a measurement from shoulder to wrist and from the base of your neck to your waist.

2. Choose your blouse pattern. Patterns should never be too expensive, and fabric stores often have sales on them. Choose a pattern that is your style while still falling within your skill range.

3. Choose your size. The back of the pattern will list sizes. Pick based on your measurement. If your measurements do not fit perfectly, choose for the largest measurement.

4. Cut out and adapt your pattern pieces to your size, based on the instructions included in your pattern. Narrow down any large measurements by pinning pieces together or cutting them down.

5. Pin your pattern pieces to your pre-washed and ironed fabric. Cut your fabric on the fabric's grainline.

6. Pin your pieces together, according to your pattern's instructions. Sew them, making sure to sew the darts in the bust and back area. Your specific pattern's instructions will be more detailed. Every blouse, though, will have darts, side and shoulder seams.

7. Press your fabric after each step. Trim away any excess thread. Your new blouse is ready to be worn.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care when turning out points in the sleeves. When doing this, clip corners close but not through the corner seam and gently push out the point, making sure to not push through the fabric or seam. With more-advanced sewing knowledge, you can create your own pattern with butcher paper and a T-square. Take your own measurements, and use them to draft the pattern.