A Pleated Sleeve Blouse + Tutorial!

12:00 AM

This is my second iteration of McCall's 7542. For this one, I created an upgraded version of view B. Instead of using the pattern piece for the lower sleeve, I decided to take my blouse to the next level by adding accordion pleats.

I started with the size 14 and the D cup. Yes, this is one of those patterns that include individual cup sizes. This is great because you don't have to do a FBA. That's always a winning moment. And I used the D/E length because I knew I'd be tucking mine.

My fabric is this gorgeous Blush Poly Crepe de Chine from Mood Fabrics.com. I love it because it even has stretch! I used it before in yellow for one of my current favorite tops. A few months ago, I'd ordered this silk chiffon pleated fabric. It was my first time ordering a fabric like this and I didn't account for how once it's all pleated up how the width would reduce. So it was stored away. And how lucky was I that it was a perfect match!

I followed all of the instructions up until it was time to add the lower sleeve.

I also decided to forgo the faced neckline.

Instead, I made my own bias binding and finished it that way.

And for the back neck, instead of using the suggested hook and eye closure...

I gave my blouse a delicate finish with a tiny button and a thread loop.

I absolutely love how this blouse turned out. I love it so much that I've shared all of the details of the changes and modifications I've made in a video tutorial! I hope you enjoy!

Erica Bunker

25 comments

Myra5:51 AM
Erica, another stunning blouse! I love all of the details you created in this gorgeous top! I seriously mean everything...all the way down to the color! Fabulous job! And I hope you don't mind if you see one of these on my blog! You are truly a great inspiration!
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Grace5:54 AM
As always, wonderful job! I like the bias neck binding treatment that you did and am delighted with the video tutorial. I love the pleated sleeve detail as well.

I do have a question... how do you feel about the fit of this in the arm cap and across front (upper chest) area? I am prepping my pattern (also D cup) and the cap width looks a bit narrow to me and the armholes on the bodice are scooped out a bit at the cross front which I wonder if it makes the fit quite snug in those areas. Looking at some of the other finished blouses out there I sometimes see drag lines radiating from the front armhole. What do you think?
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Linda L6:57 AM
Gorgeous top and the sleeves are stunning!
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Catherine8:52 AM
the top is beautiful! Really enjoyed the video tutorial, too. Hope to see more of these.
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Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)10:16 AM
What a pretty pink top with awesome sleeves for spring/summer wearing!
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Joy7:10 PM
This top is stunning, so feminine and pretty. Thanks for all the great tips on working with this type of fabric. Really enjoyed the great video!
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My Love Affair With Sewing10:01 PM
Love this top! Thank you very much for the tutorial.
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Unknown12:31 AM
Very pretty top. Thank you for the tutorial.
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Unknown11:21 AM
Oh my goodness!That top looks so good. I love the pleated sleeves.
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Tomasa8:36 PM
Such a pretty and feminine top. Those sleeves are exquisite! I really like all of the finishing details. I like the neck binding and especially the button and loop closure - so much more sophisticated than a hook and eye. Gorgeous!
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Inès2:01 AM
So lovely! I Love the pleated sleeves and You chose the right color!
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That Black Chic9:53 AM
I had to watch this because I was thinking to myself if she pleated that fabric, I bow-down! *Whew* I love those sleeves because they remind me of this dress I had for Easter when I was a little girl.
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