Plus Size Gathered Wide Neck Blouse with Shirred Hem

Plus Size Gathered Wide Neck Blouse with Shirred Hem

A plus-size women's peasant-style blouse in silk with short raglan sleeves, a wide neckline gathered by two rows of elastic-thread shirring under a frilled edge, and six rows of shirring forming a stretch band at the lower edge. Only three pieces: front, back and sleeves.

When To Wear

• Summer, with skirts, shorts or wide-leg trousers.
• Holidays and warm evenings, worn on the shoulders or pulled down off them.

Key Design Features

Silhouette: Loose, gathered body drawn in by the shirred band at the lower edge.

Length: Hip length.

Neckline: Wide neckline formed by the upper edges of the front, back and sleeves, turned 4 cm to the wrong side and shirred with two rows of elastic thread 2 cm and 3.5 cm from the fold, leaving a frill above.

Sleeves: Short raglan sleeves sewn to the armhole edges of the front and back; the lower edge is turned 4 cm and shirred in the same way, giving a puffed sleeve with a frilled edge.

Front: One piece, pulled on over the head; no fastenings.

Back: One piece.

Waist: Lower edge finished with a rolled hem, then six rows of elastic-thread shirring 1.5 cm apart, starting 1.5 cm from the edge.

Finishing: Side and sleeve seams stitched in one, overlocked and pressed towards the back.

Level Of Difficulty

Beginner. Three pieces and no fastenings; the main skills are a rolled hem on silk and even rows of shirring with elastic thread.

Fabric Recommendations

Silk fabrics.

Additional Supplies

• Elastic thread