The Soft Blouse is an oversized top made using Zero Waste Pattern Cutting which is a bit like a puzzle. It is a method of pattern drafting where you utilise a length of fabric end to end by strategically planning your pattern pieces so that everything is used. This pattern does not require the printing of large pattern pieces, instead, you draw your pattern pieces directly onto your fabric with the aid of a cutting plan and templates.

It has a dropped shoulder and comes with 2 sleeve options, a gathered and twisted double layer sleeve, or a long sleeve with a gathered and elasticated wrist. The front has side bust darts for shaping. The neckline is a minimal crew neck finished with a back bind and a split with loop and button at the centre back to close. This pattern also comes with 2 hack options, a sleeveless top with darts on the shoulder for shaping and a dress with V-neck front, side pockets and gathered skirt. All pattern options are easily mixed and matched.

Please note: This PDF sewing pattern uses zero waste pattern cutting and includes instructions to draw shapes directly onto your fabric. With the exception of some templates, there are no large pattern pieces to print out. The cutting plan/templates document for the ZW Gather Dress requires printing of 5-6 pages in A4/US Letter Paper. You will receive a link to download the digital files after purchase. 

Sewing Level: Advanced Beginner. 

Recommended Fabric: This style works beautifully in a woven fabric, approximately 80-160gsm in a light weight linen, cotton, silk or viscose. The twisted sleeve with gathers into the armhole can become quite bulky if the fabric is too this so be mindful of this when choosing something. 

Sizing: This pattern comes in 3 size ranges with all sizes included in the one pattern. Sizes in this pattern include EU 36/38/40, EU 42/44/46, EU 48/50/52.

Please refer to the FIND YOUR SIZE tab for more information. 

Recommended fabric widths by size:

EU 36/38/40 : 110 - 145cm / 43 - 57 inches

EU 42/44/46 : 125 - 145cm / 49 - 57 inches

EU 48/50/52 : 135 - 155cm / 53 - 61 inches

Recommended yardage by size and sleeve option:

EU 36/38/40 :Twisted Sleeve (Option C): 140cm / 54 1/2 inch, Long Sleeve (Option D): 126cm / 50 inch

EU 42/44/46 :Twisted Sleeve (Option C): 140cm / 55 inch, Long Sleeve (Option D): 139cm / 54 1/2 inch

EU 48/50/52 :Twisted Sleeve (Option C): 140cm / 56 inch, Long Sleeve (Option D): 152cm / 60 1/2 inch

You will need: 

• 1 button approx 10mm-12mm / 1/2 inch wide
• 75 - 85cm / 29 1/2 - 33 1/2 inch length of lightweight binding/bias strip, in a 30mm / 1 1/8 inch width. You can cut your own using an off-cut or contrast fabric, if cutting your own you will need a length of fabric approx 50cm / 19 inch in order to cut a long enough strip on the bias. If cutting your own consider cutting as many strips as you can from the same length of fabric and save for future projects where binding is required. If you are purchasing ready cut binding on a roll by the metre make sure you choose something that is light weight. Templates are provided for cutting your binding and are different for each size.