Blouse Patterns and Body Styles

Your blouse patterns can, and will, consist of several body styles.

Don't limit yourself to a basic blouse - how about a flared top or a fitted shirt?

Your top can be a traditional hip length, tunic length, or cropped.

Of course, necklines, collars, and sleeves are also critical design components. 

All are based upon the bodice block pattern that you have already fit to your body measurements - so you're ready to go! Make a perfectly fitted blouse, top or shirt today!

Before you create these dress, skirt or blouse styles, you'll need a well-fitting dress block. You can create one from a commercial pattern, fitting the block to your measurements and shape.

If you'd prefer to draft a block from your own measurements, Craftsy has courses in Patternmaking Basics: the Bodice Sloper and Patternmaking Basics: the Skirt Sloper

Basic blouse - no collar or detail

The basic blouse is an easy-fit, wear-with-anything style. 

Whether or not you want to wear this style "as is", it's the basis for most of the other blouse styles you'll make, so do this one first!

You can make it without a collar, as shown, or draft the collar or neckline of your choice. You can also vary the sleeves as you choose - the options are endless!

The fitted blouse or shirt is a simple variation on the basic blouse - just nip in the waist for a more tailored fit!

The draft is also similar to the blouse draft.  Add a collar and sleeves of your choice to complete the style.

fitted blouse with waist darts and shawl collar
tunic with notched neckline


The basic tunic top can be a pull-over as shown, or have a front or back opening.

Whatever styling details you add, the tunic is a longer, and just slightly more relaxed, version of the blouse.

A flared top or swing top is a fun, casual variation on a blouse.

It can also have a front or back opening, or pull over the head (with a larger neck opening).

Keep the details simple on this one - let the swing of the hemline do the talking!

flared top

You'll be using your basic blouse block for this pattern.

And don't forget to finish your pattern! Add seam allowances, hems, and facings when you're done!

More Blouse Body Styles

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