Gathered Button up

So I just started two sewing classes for this semester, and I'm loving them! My first class is sewing with knits, which is super cool and is convincing me that I need a serger. I also have an alterations class which is really exciting for me, so I can finally learn proper techniques for doing what I do.

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The tutorial is for another button up that I finished just before school started. I had seen tops like the one at the left, and hoped I could do something like it.








You will need a shirt at least 2 sizes larger than your normal clothing size, another shirt that fits for a pattern, and elastic thread. If you've never used elastic thread, don't worry, it's cheap, and easy to use, but if you're still intimidated, you can skip the that part entirely.

Step 1: Remove the sleeves, and pocket, if it has one, from your large shirt. I also ripped out the side seams, although I'm not sure I had to.

Step 2: Where you want the gather in the front, cut straight across. I used my well fitting shirt to help me see where the finished gather would be.  I followed the stripes to help me cut straight, but if you need, you can draw a line to help you.

Cut all the way through the plackets. When you're finished you should have a separate piece.

Step 3: If the back of your shirt has a seam, like mine did, take out the stitching. Otherwise, decide where you want the gather and cut across the back.

Step 4: Cut the remaining piece with the collar to size, using the shirt that fits as a guide.
Step 5: Along the shirt back, sew a basting stitch, then matching the back center to the collar back center, gather (by pulling on one thread) and pin together. when you are satisfied, stitch together. I concentrated the gathers in the center of the back.

(This is what it looks like underneath)

Step 6: Do the same with the front, gathering pinning and sewing in place.

Press the seam from your gathers up, away from the bunchy side.

Step 7: Sew up the sides

Step 8: Gather the sleeves in about the top 1/3. I gathered on the top of the shoulder between the yellow pins.

With the shirt inside out, pin the sleeves in place, right sides together. Start by matching the underarm seams, and pull your gathering stitches as needed.

Step 9: (This is optional, but I love how it looks!) Using your elastic thread sew a straight line up the center of your sleeve. The elastic will gather as you go. Be sure to knot the threads where you start and stop.

That's it! Now you have a cute blouse to wear.