Let your sleeves do all the work. More and more designers are moving the focus from embellishments to sleeve silhouettes when it comes to making a garment unique. Bold sleeves have been seen across virtually every collection for the past few seasons, so with this pattern we’ve decided to follow suit. Go with a solid shade for a more classic vibe, or one of Mood’s stunning new exclusive prints to create a look that’s as gallant and extravagant as you!
Fabrics & materials used:
- 2.5 yards Mood Exclusive Ganesh’s Epiphany Stretch Cotton Sateen
- 1 yard Coral European Braided Trim
- Dritz Size 2 Nickel Hook & Eyes
- MDF063 – The Torenia 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 30.
The main focus of this pattern is the sleeve, so let’s begin there.
The lower panel of your sleeve needs to be evenly gathered into your upper sleeve. Since this is an unlined garment, I opted for French seams – meaning I pinned and sewed the wrong sides of the fabric together first. Note, the longer section of your lower sleeve panel goes toward the back of your garment.
Next, trim your seam allowance and sew the same seam with the fabric faces together to complete your French seam. Repeat with your sleeve inseam.
Fold your sleeve cuff in half along the length and stitch it to the bottom of your lower sleeve panel.
Instead of closing your sleeve cuff so it’s one continuous ring, fold your raw edges inward and stitch so only the bottom inch or so is open, like you see below. This is where you can thread your braided cord through and tie it at the wrist to create your balloon sleeve.
To complete the remainder of your blouse, attach your front and back panels at the shoulders and sides. Add your sleeves along the arm holes, making sure to place the longer part toward the back. Roll about 4″ at the top of your center back seam, like you see below, and sew down the remainder of the seam.
Lastly, roll the neckline and hem of your shirt and your lavish new blouse is complete!
What’s your plan for this pattern? Will you be going with a timeless solid or will you be vamping it up with a bold print? Let me know in the comments!
11 comments
I plan to use a nice solid print (or maybe a simple floral print hmmm…not sure yet), but either way, I’m definitely making this. I’m a beginner sewist so challenge accepted!
Very beautiful!
Would it be possible to provide a A0 version of the PDF patterns? I’d rather print it out once on a couple big sheets instead of piecing the pattern together.
Unfortunately not at this time.
Aww, bummer. Nevertheless, these free patterns are much appreciated! 🙂
I love this top, Thank you for the opportunity to download this pattern. I about to construct my top. I will send you the pictures. I am a beginner sewist and I love Mood Fabrics.
Thank you for all these free patters, a lot of work but it’s worth it. I Downloaded the Torenia Blouse, and I am at this moment, August 18, 2018 cutting out my Blouse from Mood Fabrics #308266 Candy Striped Voile. I am following your instructions, and so far my sleeves are looking so professional with the French Seams. I also backed my fabric with the fusible Pelon lining. I don’t have a website. I will post my finished Blouse on Instagram “FranGemma” I truly love this Blouse.
Oh, oh!! This is THE cutest top!! One fabric for me, another for my granddaughter!! I’ve been sewing w/machine for 57 yrs & have been teaching that granddaughter, like I learned from my grandmother!! In all of these sewing yrs, I can probably count on one hand the number of free patterns I’ve gotten!! Mood online is my new fave candy shop!! Thanks a million for these sweet offerings!! Will be buying some of that velvet soon!! U ladies r sooooo talented!! Keep it up!!
looking forward to making
Can I use elastic instead of trim?
Yes, you certainly can! 🙂