Adapting buttoned blouse design to non-buttoned.

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I have a sleeveless blouse pattern that has buttons on the front, all the way from the V neckline to the hem. I am not good at buttonholes and my skills are rusty. I tried one on another piece and it was not attractive. I used the buttonhole setting on my machine.

I know there are alternatives like loops with buttons, snap strips, etc., but really, I’d like to keep it as simple as possible and to save time and labor. I’d like to pull the blouse over my head. I have 4 blouses to make.

The variables that would affect being able to do that are the size of the neckline (This is a V neck so I think that would be fine) and how fitted the bodice is.

This design IS fairly fitted, with darts from the sides and gathers at a front yoke.

Does anyone know :

What are the standards / size parameters to determine if these is enough ease to pull a blouse over the head and down the body?

Have any alternative fastening ideas, if I have to stay with the front opening design?

I have a purchased sleeveless top that is also V neck, also fitted. That has a zipper about 6” long under one arm going toward the hem. I’ve never been sure if that was necessary. A side zipper I can handle. But if I don’t have to use one, I’d prefer not.

Thanks for your advice.

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Comments (4)

c t
9 years ago
The smallest point of the blouse would need to be 3-4 inches larger than your bust, if you're going to pull it on. It would have little or no shaping at your waist.
User
9 years ago
The sticking point for many people is getting it over their shoulders - it takes some wiggle room. Take a couple of blouses that are pull-over V-neck and measure them, compare to the pattern you want to alter.

if your sewing skills are rusty, I'd buy a pattern that is specifically pull-over instead of trying to modify a pattern.
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linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you! I couldn’t find a pattern that was somewhat fitted without a front closure. I couldn’t find any pull over tops at all except patterns meant for knits. I spent several hours looking at 2 stores.

I will measure the pattern against my measurements. Knowing how much clearance I need is useful.

The purchased sleeveless top that is also V neck I mentioned above: I can pull on without opening the zipper. I just checked it. It has princess styling: I think that’s the name. It has 6
panels and the cut is very flattering. Though a fitted design, it is not tight. I’ll measure the smallest part of that one.

Another alternative I thought of is to do a keyhole opening at the back with a hook and eye. (I’m not sure if that’s the right name for it) Nothing is easier than that. Or a button and one loop made out of bias tape instead of making tubes out of the blouse fabric. That would be much easier than a row of buttons. BUT: that would only help my head, right? Which is not the problem with a V neck anyway.

I have a purchased pull-on top with no closure that I always have to wrestle with. I’ll measure that too and find out where it’s too small. I’d been thinking about adding a keyhole closure at the back on that one anyway.

I read through my ancient sewing machine manual last night to figure out where I went wrong on the button hole I did. Turned out I am supposed to use a buttonhole foot. As soon as I saw the picture, I remembered having one. But with the exception of the ones I use all the time, it looks like I’ve lost most of the extra feet the machine came with a few decades ago.
c t
9 years ago
The other solution is to find a pattern for a bias cut top. The bias will give a little bit and drape a little over your body without being bulky.
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago) thanked c t