Gypsy Blouse
Gypsy Blouse
Gypsy Blouse
blouse
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to stretch your shirring skills
Creating something casual and cute can still be
technically satisfying, and this issue is your chance
to get stuck in with shirring. Amanda Walker’s
lovely gypsy blouse, which can be worn either
on or off the shoulder, deploys the technique to
create a versatile fitted waist that’s guaranteed to
give you a snug fit, whatever your shape. With just
two pattern pieces and the opportunity to work
with the easy charms of Broderie Anglaise and
ribbon work, this sweet make is your ticket to a
groovy fashion trip!
ESSENTIAL KIT
Broderie Anglaise, 1.7m
Satin ribbon, 4m x 5mm
Reel of shirring elastic
Matching thread
MEASUREMENT:
Custom sized
Find guide
online makeit
today.co.uk
Make it Today!
“Shirring is a great way to add detail to a garment and
it also serves a purpose. In this project, it is used to pull
in the waistline of the top, but it could just as easily be
used to pull in the waist at the top of a skirt.”
AMANDA WALKER, DESIGNER
CUTTING GUIDE:
Front and back: Cut two on fold
Sleeve: Cut one pair
Use 1.5cm seam allowances
GYPSY BLOUSE
1 Match the two front and back top
pieces together with the right sides
of the fabric facing. Pin the side seams
and stitch together. Neaten the seam
allowances and press towards the back.
FABRIC L VE
creating a channel. Leave a small gap in
the centre front. Repeat around the base
of the sleeves, leaving a gap in the centre
of the stitching line.
SHIRRING
Helpful hints from the
WI’s Sarah Cleverly
Shirring works best with
lightweight fabrics, so choose
summery cotton lawns,
quilting cottons or even
lightweight jerseys.
Wind your bobbin with
shirring elastic by hand without
pulling it taut.
Your top thread will usually
be in a co-ordinating colour, but
there’s nothing to stop you using
SHIRRING
a contrasting shade to really
make a feature of it.
After marking out your first
line of sewing, use the edge of
your machine foot to keep each
row of stitching an even width
apart. Don’t worry if the first
rows don’t gather up; the
more rows you sew, the more
it will gather.
Give the shirred fabric a blast
of steam from your iron to pull
the gathers up when you’ve
finished sewing. Hover the iron
rather than pressing.
AFTER
THE KNOWLEGE
YOU CAN APPLY THE SHIRRING
ELASTIC IN ONE OF TWO WAYS
Make it Today!