Braided Strap Wrap Front Blouse
This elegant blouse pattern features a captivating wrap-front design with distinctive braided shoulder straps and a blouson silhouette, perfect for creating a stylish layered look.
When To Wear
This versatile blouse offers a blend of casual charm and chic sophistication, making it suitable for:
- Warm Weather & Day Trips: Its light fabric and breezy design make it ideal for sunny strolls and outdoor excursions.
- Casual Gatherings: Effortlessly stylish for relaxed get-togethers, lunches, or informal social events.
- Layered Ensembles: Designed to be worn over a camisole or tank top, perfect for adaptable styling in various settings.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: Relaxed, blouson fit with a gathered hem that creates a gentle drape and comfortable volume.
Neckline: Deep V-neck formed by the crossover wrap front.
Straps: Unique shoulder straps created from three narrow braided strips, offering a delicate and decorative touch.
Back: Open back design with the braided straps crossing over, adding an intriguing detail.
Hem: Elasticated or gathered hem on both front and back, contributing to the blouson effect.
Front: Layered wrap front that creates a flattering shape and is designed to be worn over a separate base layer.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. This pattern requires experience with delicate fabrics, binding with bias tape, and the construction of braided elements.
Fabric Recommendations
This design combines two fabric types for an optimal look and feel:
- For the main body (underlayer): Knit fabric with medium to high stretch.
- For the wrap overlay and braided straps: Lightweight, drapey fabrics such as chiffon (natural or blended fibers).
Additional Supplies
Cutter's Must
- From knit fabric:
- 1. Front – 1 qty
- 2. Back – 1 qty
- 3. Lower back – 1 qty
- 4. Lower front – 1 qty
- From chiffon:
- 1. Front facing – 2 qty
- 2. Back facing – 1 qty on fold
- 3. Strap – 6 qty
Tip: Cut pieces from knit fabrics are stitched with a special elastic or narrow zigzag stitch. When serging, trim seam allowances to 0.8 cm. The hem allowance is topstitched with a twin needle to maintain elasticity. You can also stitch pieces directly on a 3- or 4-thread overlock machine.
Sewing Instructions
- Fold the strap in half lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch along the long side. Turn right side out, smooth, and press. Gather three straps, align the short raw edges, and stitch all together 0.5 cm from the edge. Braid a plait. At the end of the plait, secure the short raw edges 0.5 cm from the edge.
- Stitch the side panels of the top. Serge the seams and press towards the back.
- Serge the top edge of the top, fold to the wrong side, and topstitch.
- Stitch the side panels of the lower parts of the top. Serge the seams and press towards the back.
- Serge the edge of the opening on the front facing, fold inwards, and topstitch. Stitch the side panels on the front facing. Serge the seams and press towards the back. Finish the armhole of the facing with bias binding (the length of the bias binding is indicated on the front pattern piece).
- Attach the plait to the upper edges of the front facing and back facing. Serge the seam, fold to the wrong side, and topstitch.
- Place the top and the lower parts of the top right sides together, inserting the facing between them. Stitch the edges, stretching the knit fabric so that no folds form on the facing. Serge the seam and press downwards, slightly easing the seam.
- Serge the bottom edge of the garment. Fold the seam allowances to the wrong side, press, and topstitch.
