I’m all about white lace when summer hits, and this year I had the urge to make a lightweight top. I found the prettiest embroidered fabric at Joann Fabrics & Crafts, and adapted a free download from Colette Patterns to be my perfect summer blouse. The finished top is breezy and cool with just the right amount of detailing: sweet ruffle sleeves, and a little flounce across the front. The embroidered fabric means there is no hemming involved making this a quick and easy project– perfect for a beginner sewist!
Materials:
Aprox. 1.5 Yards of fabric (what I used)
Bias tape, store bought or homemade
All purpose thread
The Sorbetto Top pattern from Colette Patterns
A sewing machine
An overlocker (optional)
An iron
Scissors
Method:
Begin by cutting out the back and front pieces using the Sorbetto top pattern. If using an embroidered fabric, make sure to line up the pattern hemline along the embroidered edge. Cut a 5 inch wide rectangle for the front flounce making sure there is enough length for it reach across the front of the top when gathered. I cut mine to six inches (30%) longer than the blouse front across. Cut two rectangles for the sleeve ruffles. Mine were twelve inches across and 5 inches high.
If you are making your own bias tape, now is a great time to do that. Here is a tutorial on how to make bias tape if you are unfamiliar with the method.
Construct the top:
Press all seams as you go. Pin and sew the darts with a straight stitch. Pin and sew the shoulder seams, finishing the edge with an overlocker or zig-zag stitch. Pin and sew the side seams, and finish the edges. Follow the pattern’s instructions for applying bias tape to the neck and arm openings.
Embellishments:
Trim the sleeve ruffle corners to create an arch shape. Finish the edge, and gather, pulling the gathering stitches until the curve becomes a straight line. Pin the sleeve ruffle to the arm opening and topstitch in place. Hem the short edges of the front flounce and gather the top edge. Adjust gathers so that the ruffle fits the front of the top. Apply Bias tape to the raw edge as you did for the neckline. Fold bias tape to the front of the ruffle. Pin to the front of the blouse and topstitch on all four sides of the bias tape for a neat finish.
The finished top is so cute, and I know I’ll be wearing it often this summer. There are so many ways you could personalize it, so if you make your own version, be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see what you make!