DIY Romantic Shirred Blouse
Sew your own version of this dreamy shirred blouse with this easy, step-by-step tutorial!
In the linked video, l teach you how to draft this sewing pattern yourself based on your measurements using only 4 rectangles of fabric, as well as all the steps to put it together. For this post, though, we'll focus on just the sewing steps. Happy making!
Materials:
- Min. 1.5 yards Fabric
- Shirring Elastic
- 1/4" Elastic
- Fabric Shears
- Bodkin / Safety Pin
- Sewing Machine
- Pins
- Iron + Ironing Surface
- Serger (optional)
Step 1: Using either a serger or the zig-zag stitch on a standard sewing machine, finish off the edges of your fabric pieces
Step 2: Lay the two bodice pieces together, right sides facing. Pin along the side seams.
Step 3: Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew down the side seams, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam. Press the seams open.
Step 4: Press both the top and bottom hem up a 1/4" twice. Press and pin in place.
Step 5: Sew the top and bottom hems, close to the opened edge, all the way around. Press.
Next, we'll move on to sewing the sleeves.
Step 6: Fold your sleeve piece in half lengthwise and pin along the opened edge. Sew, and press the seams open.
Step 7: Press the edge of the sleeve up 1/4" twice. Press, and pin in place. Sew along the bottom hem, close to the opened edge. Give the hem a final press.
Step 8: Fold the top of the sleeve 1/4" and press. Then, fold it another 1/2" and press again. In in place.
Step 9: Sew along the opened edge of the sleeve top.
Be sure to leave a 1" gap in order to feed your elastic through.
Step 10: Attach your bodkin or safety pin to one end of your elastic and thread it through the channel using the gap you left open in the hem. (I show you how to determine the length of elastic needed in the first part of the video when we draft our pattern pieces 
)
Step 11: Set your machine to a zig-zag stitch and sew the two ends of the elastic together, making sure not to get it twisted within the channel as you do so. Reset the machine to a straight stitch and sew the gap closed.
**Repeat these same steps for the second sleeve**
Next, we'll begin shirring the bodice and sleeve cuffs. If you're brand new to shirring, be sure to check out this post where I show you how to get started and even share a few of my top shirring tips :)
Step 12: To shirr your sleeve cuffs, start at the bottom edge of the sleeve and place your shirring rows 1/4" apart. (I used the side of my presser foot as a guide to help keep my rows even.) Continue until your shirring rows measure about 4" total.
Step 13: Steam your shirring and give the cuff a good press to shrink your elastic into place. Repeat the same steps for the other sleeve.
Step 14: Using the same method as the sleeves, shirr the entire bodice. Steam and press to complete.
Last, reset your sewing machine with standard thread for sewing the top pieces together.
Step 15: Attach the sleeves to the bodice, matching the side seams. Pin in place.
Step 16: Sew the sleeves to the bodice 4" close to the opened edge. It's best to try to keep the spacing fairly even here, so aim to sew about 2 inches on either side of the center seams.
You did it! Now all you have left to do is enjoy your gorgeous new blouse!
This top is the *perfect* piece to pair with a cute pair of jeans and low heels for a night out. If you end up making your own version, please feel free to tag me as I love seeing your makes!
Thanks for hanging out with me in the Sewing Spacement today! Until next time, happy making 
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