If you have been following my blog, you may notice that I have a thing for comfortable clothing – the kind you can literally “live” in. And I just discovered a design that I felt interested in – one that is roomy enough for you to be comfortable, but still has details so that it would not look boring. That’s why the Marlene gathered panel blouse was created – based on a design sold on The Iconic.
Let’s have a view of different angles of this love ly Marlene blouse:
My pattern is made in 10 sizes from XXS to 5XL so you may find a suitable size for yourself no matter how skinny or chubby you are. If you are not sure which size suits you, take a look at the measurement table before doing anything here: SIZE GUIDE.
The pattern is made using layered PDF, please check for your desired size before printing so you won’t waste your paper. I have included a first page with many details about sizing and printing, so please first read the first page and make sure you know what size you need! If you still do not know how to print a layered PDF, please check for the printing instruction in this post: PRINTING GUIDE.
You can print this using your home printer and A4/Letter paper. I calculated the printing area so that you will be able to use either type of paper to print the pattern out perfectly. Always print the first page first and check with the test square if you are printing at the right scale before you print out the whole pattern – avoid waste of ink and waste of paper, save the earth!
Some PC may print smaller than actual size even when you choose 100% scale – I don’t know why this problem exist, but my HP laptop cannot print true to size. I have to scale up to 103% to get the right size. You may need to check with your PC to see if it prints true to size, if not, scale up a bit.
SEWING INSTRUCTION
You will need
- Fabric of your choice. This pattern is made for both woven fabric. I am in love with the linen so it is definitely my recommendation.
- Buttons for closure at the back
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine/Serger or needle and thread
- Printed pattern
How much fabric do you need for this piece of garment? To be precise, you may need to check how much fabric you need before buying. It will depend on the selected pattern size, the width, and design of the fabric you plan to use. Just to be sure, print all the paper patterns and lay them out at the width of fabric you plan to use (usually from 90 to 150 centimeters or 35 to 60 inches). Measure how much fabric you will need. Don’t forget to account for pieces that need to be cut multiple times and pieces that are cut on the fold.
Cutting instruction:
After printing out and taping all the pattern pages together, you will get something similar to this image:
You will see that there are 2 sets of lines on each pattern size. The inner lines are sewing line (and you sew along these lines), and the outer lines are cutting lines (you cut the fabric along these lines, remember the folding lines where you have to fold the fabric before cutting). The distance between sewing line and cutting line is seam allowance, and it varies from point to point. For example, the side seam allowance is about 1/2 inch (1.2cm), and seam allowance at hemline is 1 inch (2.5cm). This is the reason why I do not remove the sewing lines from the pattern. Please use it as a guide to know how much seam allowance you need to give at each seam.
Fabric will be cut into following pieces:
- Front: cut 1 on the fold
- Back: cut 1 on the fold
- Sleeve: cut 2
- Sleeve Cuff: cut 2
- Front Yoke: cut 2 on the fold
- Back Yoke: cut 4
Make sure to mark all notches and other design features such as darts, pleats etc. from the pattern pieces onto your fabric. When sewing the garment, pay attention to notches, they must match up.
Sewing instruction:
1. Serge/zig zag stitch the raw edge to prevent fabric from unraveling.
2. Place 2 pieces of the Front Yoke right side facing, pin and sew the neckline curve. Trim and clip the seam allowance, stay stitch the seam allowance to one piece of the Front Yoke that will be on the inside of the garment. Press to flatten.
3. Repeat step 2 with Back Yoke pieces.
4. Sew 2 parallel lines using longest stitch length ½ and ¼ inch from the top edge of the Front. Pull lower threads to gather the Front piece to match the bottom width of the Front Yoke piece (remember to match the center of each piece). Distribute the gatherings evenly.
5. Place the Front and Front Yoke pieces right side facing. Pin and sew to attach the pieces together. Repeat with the back pieces.
6. Gather the cap and the bottom edge of the Sleeve piece (from one notch to the other) so that the bottom edge matches the cuff and the cap matches the armhole in length respectively.
7. Sew the side seam of the Sleeve from the armhole to the notch on the side arm seam. Fold the remaining edge in and sew to secure.
8. Fold the Sleeve cuff in half so that the right side is inside. Sew the two short sides, trim and turn it inside out.
9. Put the Sleeve in between the two flaps of the Cuff, fold the raw edge in, pin and sew as close to the edge of the Cuff as possible.
10. Place the Sleeve and the Main Garment right side facing. Match the notches on each side and pin to secure. Sew to attach Sleeve to the Main Garment.
11. Hem the garment. Make buttonholes on the Cuff and attach buttons.
This design may take you some time to finish, but it will be worth the extra labor – look at how beautiful the inspiration design is! I believe you will love it.
And here is the download link:
MARLENE GATHERED PANEL BLOUSE (SIZE XXS – 5XL)
Happy sewing! And don’t forget to share your project on my Facebook page: Tiana’s Closet Sewing Patterns
