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
