In this lesson, I demonstrated how to use fitted bodice blocks to create a blouse or shirt foundation pattern. I relaxed the fit by lowering the armholes, adding ease to the side seams, and incorporating darts for a better bust fit.

I showed how to draft a relaxed blouse/shirt foundation from personal bodice and sleeve blocks. I adjusted the armholes, shoulders, and side seams for added ease while keeping optional bust darts for shaping.

Lesson Steps:

• Trace the back bodice block onto dotted paper
• Relax the shoulder by extending it out slightly
• Lower the armhole by marking down and out from the original armhole curve
• Connect the new armhole markings to create a larger, dropped armhole
• Add ease to the side seam by squaring out from the lowered armhole
• Trace the front bodice, repeating the armhole adjustments
• Close the bust dart, then square down from the waist
• Add a waist dart by marking down from the apex
• Trace the sleeve block and extend the bicep area out
• Reshape the sleeve cap to match the adjusted armholes
• True the sleeve cap to ensure it matches the bodice armholes
• Transfer the pattern lines to create a final block