Do you have a crisp, white button-up shirt in your closet? It’s a wardrobe essential that often gets overlooked due to it’s simplicity, but its nothing if not versatile. From Marilyn Monroe to Julia Roberts, style icons across the decades have proved that its possibilities are absolutely endless. Try a wide collar or tuck it into some high-waisted capris for a retro feel, add on some statement sleeves for a bit of flare, or go purely classic for great office wear look. Still need inspiration? We’ll be taking a look at our Melia Blouse to show off some of the simple ways you can alter a basic button-up!
Fabrics & materials used:
- 2 yards Ravello White Mercerized Cotton Shirting
- 7 Rimmed Gray 4-Hole 18L Buttons
- 1/2 yard Off-White Weft Fusible Interfacing
- MDF041 – The Melia Blouse Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 22.
As you can see in the pattern flats above, the Melia Blouse does feature a puff panel on the lower sleeve. Since this version is a more simplified, classic silhouette, I modified the sleeve just slightly.
To make your own simple sleeve, fold the Sleeve Puff panel along the middle until the width at the top aligns with the width of the Upper Sleeve and the bottom aligns with the Cuff. Next, overlap the Upper Sleeve and Puff a full 1″ to account for the 1/2″ seam allowance and tape into place. Voila! A brand new sleeve pattern.
Have you given the Melia a shot yet, or have you altered one of Mood’s free patterns in a cool way? I’d love to hear about your projects in the comments!
22 comments
Finally got the courage up to make this blouse and I LOVE it! Such a flattering cut, and took no time at all to stitch up- My NFP! (New Favorite Pattern). Now, onto the Ercilla Suit Redux… Wish me luck!
That’s awesome to hear! If you use Instagram, tag @moodfabrics or #madewithmood so we can see the finished product – and good luck on the Ercilla Suit!
Which pattern are the trousers¡?
Hi Fiona! The pants are from our Ercilla Suit pattern. 🙂
Thank you so much for the free blouse pattern.
Is seam allowence included in the pattern
Yes, a 1/2″ seam allowance is included.
Merci pour le patron
Hello! I’m wondering what the silhouette differences are between this Melia Blouse and the Hollyhock shirt? (Apart from the sleeves and the collar) Is one more fitted in the bodice than the other?
Hi Grace! Other than the sleeve and collar, the fit of the two are the same. 🙂
Hello,
First time receiving a free pattern download here. I was able to download the pattern but it does not contain the sewing instructions. Where can I find the instructions?
Hi Kenisha! The instructions for the Melia Blouse are in the original blog post here. 🙂
I clicked the link in the email. I copied and pasted the link into the browser, but I keep getting the message that it is “Not a Valid Verification Number.”
Sorry about that! It should be working now, if you re-enter your info in the download box. 🙂
Do you have to add seem allowence?
A 1/2″ seam allowance is already included! 🙂
This blouse is my current sewing project. I do keep wondering: the schematic drawing shows a fitted blouse, but the pattern is completely straight around the waste. Is the schematic for a different blouse? Or do I have to adjust the pattern at the waste? The sleeves are adjusted in this blog post too.
Natasja, we’re sorry for the delay in responding to your question! We get dozens of comments and questions each day, and so many questions get buried and, unfortunately, unanswered. We are now focusing user support on patterns 2 years and newer. We hope this will prevent questions on our more current patterns from going unanswered. Although this is late, we wanted to respond in case anyone else has the same question: As this was a redux, the changes made from the original pattern were self drafted, thus our older patterns are missing this information.
Hello! You state here that this pattern “is available up to a size 30”, however the pattern I received is only up to size 22 🙁
Hi Maja, we’re so sorry about that 🙁 this is one of our earlier patterns, and has been updated to reflect the correct sizing. If we extend it up to a size 30 we will let you know!
What are the finished garment sizes?
Hello! We’re sorry for the delay in responding to your question! We get dozens of comments and questions each day, and so many questions get buried and, unfortunately, unanswered. We are now focusing user support on patterns 2 years and newer. We hope this will prevent questions on our more current patterns from going unanswered. Although this is late, we wanted to respond in case anyone else has the same question: Our older patterns unfortunately don’t have finished garment measurements. But use our size chart to find your size, and then take a few quick measurements of the pattern to determine your desired ease.