Batwing Blouse with Side-Tie Belt

Batwing Blouse with Side-Tie Belt

A women's cropped blouse with wide batwing sleeves cut in one with the front and back, a boat neckline with soft pleats at the front, an opening in each shoulder seam and a waistband that ties at the side.

When To Wear

• In summer with high-waisted trousers, jeans or a skirt, the band sitting at the waist.
• With a fitted skirt for an evening out.

Key Design Features

Silhouette: Loose and draped through the body and sleeves, held in at the waist by the band.

Length: Cropped, ending at the waist.

Neckline: Wide boat neckline, turned under and topstitched on the front and back; pleats on the front fall into soft folds below it.

Sleeves: Batwing sleeves cut in one with the bodice. The upper (shoulder) seam is left open between notches, giving a slit on the shoulder. The underarm edge is not seamed: it is overlocked, turned under and topstitched, so the sleeve hangs in loose drapes with pointed ends.

Back: One piece cut in one with the sleeves, with no centre back seam and no darts.

Waist: Band cut in two pieces, edges overlocked, turned under and topstitched, with tie ends hanging at one side.

Level Of Difficulty

Beginner. Three pattern pieces, front pleats, a seam left open at the shoulder and turned-and-topstitched edges; the fine fabric needs careful handling.

Fabric Recommendations

Fine silk or viscose fabrics, plain or with any kind of print.

Additional Supplies

• None listed: the blouse has no fastenings and is sewn from the main fabric only.