This double-layered blouse is particularly special –it is elegant, easy to make and wear, as well as being both comfortable and versatile. What more could you want from a piece of clothing? It is a truly tried and tested style, with the earliest images and drawings I could find dating all the way back to the ancient Romans.
Did I mention it can also hide a few extra pounds obtained in the recent lockdown?
This blouse has a scooped neck to slim your neckline and shows a bit of cleavage. The top inside is closed to the body, but it is not meant to be tight.
The see-through layer is for coverage for the ladies who hate showing their arms while still giving you that slimming and elegant effect.
The key with this blouse is to make it with two fabrics that have analog colors, or one color next to each other in the color wheel.
I have used for the top layer silk chiffon in a biased soft colour print with a lot of white in it and for the bottom layer, a white 4-way stretch jersey knit.
Avoid using a light color inside and a dark color outside because this will make you look larger.
Materials
- 1 1/2 to 2 yards of Silk Chiffon, very lightweight Crepe, or Voile for the top layer
- 3/4 to 1 yard of 4 way Stretch Jersey Knit or Bamboo
- double Point or Jersey Needle (optional)
- size 60 (9) or 70 (11) Universal Needle or Sharp size 70 (11)
- thread to match
Tools
Recommended Fabrics From Fabric.com
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Print and assemble the pattern before you cut the fabric.
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Pattern Layout For The Double Layered Blouse
Body Measurements
| Size | Bust | Length |
| S | 34-37″ | 26 1/2″ |
| M | 37-40″ | 27 1/2″ |
| L | 40-43″ | 28 1/2″ |
| XL | 43-46″ | 29 1/2″ |
| 2XL | 46-49″ | 30 1/2″ |
| 3XL | 49-52″ | 31 1/2″ |
Preparing Your Double Layered blouse pattern
In order to save you paper and save me time, you will have to retrace both parts of the double-layered blouse.
Retrace the other side of the inner layer at the centerline so you do not have to cut the jersey on a fold. When working with knits it is always better to retrace the other side of the pattern.
I have shared only 1/4 of the pattern for the outer layer. Since we are working with a woven fabric we can work on a fold.
Here is where it is different than other blouses I have shared with you. Cut the outer layer with the fold at the shoulders, so you need to retrace the blouse at the center front as you did with the inner layer.
Sewing Instructions
Sewing Level: Basic Intermediate
The seam allowance of 1/4″ is included.
Although this blouse is relatively easy to make, a double-layered blouse with sheer fabrics is not as easy. You need a perfect understanding of grainline and patience to work with these delicate fabrics. This is the perfect project to give you that experience since it does not require any fitting.
We will start by sewing the inner layer first then the outer layer.
It is possible to sew this top without a sewing machine using the stitches I showed you in this article.
Step One: Sewing the inner layer
Sew the shoulders and the sides using only three threads in your serger.
If you do not have a serger/overlocker, sew the shoulders at 1/4″. After, using a 3 step small zigzag, sew over the seam then cut the seam allowance to finish the seams.
You need to leave a seam allowance no larger than 1/8″ since this seam will be visible through the sheer fabric. Serge or zigzag the arm and hem.
Step Two: Sew the outer layer
Sew the outer layer on the sides using your serger, if you do not have a serger use the french seam.
Serge the hem of the sleeves and bottom.
Step Four: Sewing the layers together
The easiest way to do sew the layers together is to join both layers at the neckline right sides together. Use a medium straight stitch, this is to avoid the top from stretching at the neckline.
You will notice through the first layer that you can see the seam allowance, this is fine with me since I am using a serger. You might feel different since you are using a zigzag, in that case, you can sew the wrong side of the inner with the right side of the outer layer so when you wear the top, the seam allowance is inside and cannot be seen through the sheer fabric.
Topstitch around the neckline leaving the sheer fabric flat and sewing on the jersey side.
Hem the sleeves 1/2″, you can hem the bottom as well but I have decided to leave it without it. I find it looks more natural without the hem, but maybe it is because of my choice of fabric. If you do not have a serger a rolled hem would be ideal to use instead.
And that’s it. Let me know how you went in the comments below, particularly, how well did you handle the sheer fabric if you chose to use it.
Stay safe, And Until Next Time, Happy Sewing!
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