Button-Back Blouse

This easy button-back blouse is made up of only five pattern pieces, including interfaced facings that are used to neatly finish the neckline and accommodate the back closure. This creates a more flattering silhouette that promises comfort and wearability. Follow straightforward dart and buttonhole techniques, using zigzag stitch or an overlocker to neaten the seams for a professional finish.

Essentials

Liberty Tana lawn, 1.5m x 1.5m

Fusible interfacing, 50cm

Six buttons

Dimensions List

Front: cut one on the fold
Back: cut one pair
Back facing: cut one pair each from Tana lawn and interfacing
Front neck facing: cut one each on the fold from Tana lawn and interfacing
Sleeve: cut one pair
1.5cm seam allowance used throughout.

1 Download and print the pattern at sewmag.co.uk/templates. Cut out the pieces according to the cutting guide, then iron interfacing onto the back and front neck facings. Match these at the shoulders, right sides together, then pin and stitch. Press the seams open, then neaten the outer edges.

2 Stitch darts into the front piece, sewing from the base to the marked points, then repeat on the back piece. Press the darts towards the centre, then neaten the edges of the shoulders. Match the front and back shoulder seams, pin and stitch. Press the seams open.

3 Lay the joined front and back pieces out flat, right sides up. Place the facing pieces on top, right sides down, matching the necklines. Pin, then sew around the neckline and down each side of the back facings. Clip the curved seam allowances and trim the corner bulk. Understitch the neckline, stopping 4cm from each centre-back edge.

4 Neaten the blouse side and long sleeve edges. Pin the back and front pieces along the sides, right sides together. Sew, then press open. Work a row of gathering stitches around the sleeve heads. Match, pin, then sew the long sleeve seams, right sides together. Press the seams open and turn right sides out.

5 After pulling the gathering threads slightly, place each sleeve into an armhole. Match the side seams and the long sleeve seam, and the notch in the centre of the sleeve to the one at the end of the shoulder seam, adjusting the gathers to fit the armhole. Pin and stitch, then neaten around the armhole seam allowances.

6 Fold and press the sleeve cuff by 1cm, then a further 2cm. Repeat at the base of the shirt. Unfold the base of the back facings and sew in line with the pressed hem. Fold to the inside, and edgestitch the hem. Mark six buttonholes on the left-hand side of the back opening and sew. Hand-stitch corresponding buttons on the opposite side.