Easy DIY Milkmaid Blouse Sewing Tutorial
Today’s tutorial is a variation of my free blouse sewing pattern. I’m going to show you how to modify it into a ruched bust top with lined puff sleeves.
I’ve also added a side zipper and I’ll explain exactly how to insert it. I used leftover fabric from another project, so this is a very budget-friendly DIY blouse. Let’s begin!
Tools and materials:
- Free pattern
- Paper for pattern
- Cotton mix fabric
- Lining fabric
- 8 inch (20 cm) zipper
- Glue stick
- Half inch wide elastic
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Fabric marker
- Seam ripper
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
1. Modify pattern
Print out the pattern.
Watch the video from 1:24 - 2:32 to see exactly how I modify the pattern.
2. Cut out
Cut out the pattern pieces as shown.
Transfer all pattern markings to the fabric.
3. Sew darts
Pin and sew the two back and two front waist darts.
Press the darts to one side.
4. Assemble bodice front
Fold both edges of the front bust pieces in twice and sew in place.
Sew the front edges together for 3 inches (8 cm) from the bottom edge, with the right sides together.
Gather the lower edge of the two joined pieces to fit the front under-bust, concentrating the gathers in the center.
Pin and sew together with the right sides facing.
5. Insert zipper
Pin the front to the back at one side seam, with the right sides together.
Place the zipper tape 1.6 inches (4 cm) from the top edge and mark the beginning and end of the teeth.
Sew the seam and press it open.
Rub a glue stick on the seam allowance between the two zipper marks.
Press the zipper tape right side down against the glue, with the zipper opening at the bottom of the seam.
Sew the zipper tape in place along both sides and across the zipper stop.
Working from the right side, open the seam above the zipper teeth.
Sew the free ends of the zipper tape in place.
Join the other side seam.
6. Make straps
Cut two straps, each 20 inches (50 cm) wide by 1.6 inches (4 cm) deep.
Turn in the short edges. Fold the long edges to the center of the strap. Fold the strap in half lengthways, pin and sew.
7. Insert straps
Fold the top edge of each front piece to the wrong side by 3 inches (8 cm).
Sew in place along the lower edge.
Mark the width of the straps 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) from the stitching.
Sew a second row of stitching parallel to the first to make a channel for the straps.
Feed a strap through each channel, starting at the center front. Pin and sew the straps in place at the outer edge.
8. Back elastic
Turn down the top edge of the back section by 0.8 inches (2 cm) and sew in place.
Cut a piece of elastic 9 inches (22 cm) long, or your bust separation measurement. Insert the elastic through the back casing and secure at each end.
9. Sleeves
Place the sleeve over the lining fabric with the wrong side uppermost.
Fold the lower edge of the sleeve up by 2.75 inches (7 cm).
Mark 6.4 inches (16 cm) either side of the center of the folded edge.
Fold the corners of the sleeve in from that point to create the shape for the lining. Cut two.
Cut two cuffs 10.2 inches (26 cm) wide by 4 inches (10 cm) deep.
With the right sides together, pin and sew the cuff to the lining.
Gather the sleeve hem to the width of the cuff and sew them together with the right sides facing.
Open out the sleeve, cuff and lining.
Fold them lengthways with the right sides together and sew in place.
Turn right side out. Pin and sew the lining to the sleeve head.
10. Insert sleeves
Matching the seams, pin and sew the sleeves to the bodice.
Fold the sleeve head 0.8 inches (2 cm) to the inside and pin.
Sew, leaving an opening at one end.
Insert a 9 inch (22 cm) piece of elastic through the casing and secure at either end.
11. Hem
Make a narrow double hem on the lower edge.
DIY blouse
You can wear this DIY blouse with the straps tied behind your neck or in a bow at the front. The cuffs can be worn folded or straight, however you prefer.
The top looks wonderful in many different kinds of fabrics.
I hope you have fun making it. Please drop me a comment and let me know.
Next, learn How to DIY a Cute Ballerina Wrap Top.
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