One Pattern, Many Looks: Blouses
Sarah Holden
Class Preview
0:38
- In-depth Instruction; over 162 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction & Making a Muslin
12:21
Meet your instructor, designer Sarah Holden, and learn more about the pattern she'll be using as a foundation for building a sloper and design variations. Follow along with McCall's M6649 -- included with your class purchase -- or choose your own favorite blouse pattern to build upon. Then dive right into taking essential measurements and testing the fit with a muslin.
Creating a Sloper
41:05
Quickly turn your commercial pattern into a sloper with Sarah's guidance. You'll trace off the tissue pieces onto sturdier paper, remove the seam allowances and transfer the markings, making adjustments according to your own measurements as you go. Sarah will show you how to true up the front, back and sleeve pieces and transfer the dart bulk. If your pattern has a back yoke, you'll see how to combine it with the back piece. You'll make a second muslin that can serve as your model for future projects, and create master pattern pieces using poster board or oak tag.
Bodice Variations
37:32
Now that you have a master pattern, it's time to start designing! Lengthen or shorten your hem, or give it a sweet curve. Add fullness evenly around the bodice without compromising the fit. Create front and back yokes, or a combined yoke that eliminates the shoulder seam (perfect for lace!). Move the bust dart or transform it into gathers at the yoke, shoulder or center front. Sarah shows you how!
Facings & Closures
25:46
Customize your blouse with pretty closures. Add a facing at the neckline and turn it into a closure, or create a keyhole closure for a high neckline. A hidden button placket will give your garment a smooth finish, and it's easier to create than you might think.
Collar Variations
20:12
Sara shows a variety of collars you can try: cowl, tie-neck and flat-falling (or Peter Pan). Using your sloper, they're simple to draft, and you can choose from several ways to attach them for a smooth finish.
Sleeve Variations
24:55
Alter your sleeves to suit your style. Changing the length is easy, even on cap sleeves. You can add fullness or make your sleeve more slender. You can even go sleeveless or try an elegant bell sleeve. Sarah's ribbon-ruching technique is so clever, you might want to make a blouse just to try it out!
Breeze through pattern modifications for bodices, collars, closures and sleeves with fashion designer Sarah Holden. Turn a basic blouse pattern into a template you can use to create a wardrobe of custom-fit garments. Modify the length and shape of hems, reimagine garment silhouettes, create any style of yoke and manipulate bust darts to unlock new looks. Bring your garments together in flawless fashion as you learn to add facings, keyhole closures and hidden button plackets. Add boutique appeal to your patterns with cowl, tie-neck and flat-falling collars. Adjust sleeve length and fullness, and create sophisticated ribbon-ruched sleeves and elegant bell sleeves. Build the blouses and tops you’ve been looking for starting with a single commercial pattern.
Important Pattern Information
The blouse sewing pattern on which this class is based — McCall’s 6649 —is not included with your purchase and may be out of print — check with online retailers. This class is rich in essential sewing techniques, so if the pattern is out of print, we encourage you to look for an alternative pattern with similar style details. You might also be able to find the original pattern through a private reseller.
Sarah Holden
Sarah has been sewing and making clothes for as long as she can remember. Her first and most beloved teacher was her grandma. After graduating with a degree in studio art, she started her career in theater, working in the costume shops for the Santa Fe Opera, The Denver Center Theater Company and Opera Colorado. She then studied patternmaking at Apparel Arts in San Francisco. After working in California for the womenÂ’s label Catherine Jane, Sarah moved to New York City. She currently works in sample development for the Coach Collection, a womenÂ’s luxury clothing line.
Bonus materials available after purchase