On hot days, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable, moisture-absorbing fabrics are the most comfortable choice. Tencel is also an excellent option for making a summer blouse – a material made from lyocell fibers derived from wood cellulose. Its smooth surface and softness make it particularly suitable for garments with minimal seams. Read on to learn more about choosing and sewing with this fabric.
How to Sew a Loose-Fitting Summer Blouse with Short Sleeves
For beginners, a straight-cut pattern with dropped shoulders is a good starting point. Before cutting, it is advisable to wash the fabric according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as lyocell may shrink. Planning the sewing process in advance will also make the work easier. A simple blouse can be made in five stages:
- Taking measurements – measure the bust circumference, desired garment length, and sleeve width.
- Cutting – prepare the front and back pieces, leaving appropriate seam allowances.
- Shoulder seams – sew the shoulder seams and finish the raw edges.
- Assembly – join the side seams and finish the sleeves.
- Finishing – finish the neckline with a facing and hem the bottom of the blouse.
A size 70–80 sewing machine needle is generally suitable for lightweight fabrics. When choosing a loose-fitting design, avoid making the armholes too deep if the blouse is intended for office wear.
How to Finish Delicate Seams on Soft, Flowing Fabric
Lyocell can shift under the sewing machine’s presser foot, so it is helpful to baste the pieces together before stitching. The stitch length is usually set to approximately 2–2.5 mm, but it should always be tested on a fabric scrap first. French seams are an excellent choice for creating a neat finish on the inside of the garment. First, sew the pieces together with their wrong sides facing each other. Then turn the fabric and enclose the raw edges within a second seam. The bottom edge of the blouse can be finished with a narrow double-fold hem measuring 5–7 mm.
Avoid stretching or pulling the fabric while sewing. The finished garment should be dried flat and ironed at the temperature recommended on the fabric’s care label. If the cut edges tend to fray, finish them immediately after cutting. Testing a seam on a fabric scrap will also help you adjust the thread tension correctly.
The Atlas online store offers free delivery to collection points throughout Ukraine on orders of 1,000 UAH or more. Customers can also receive samples of fabrics they are interested in along with their purchases. The store offers an excellent balance of quality and affordability.
