Design Ideas for Button-Back Blouses

So, you've probably noticed by now how I love my button-back blouses. I've made five of them at this point, using either my vintage VoNBBS pattern or Colette Patterns Sencha. I've recently noticed some fabulous ready-to-wear blouses with similar shapes. For instance, the above blouse is from ModCloth and I think it's gorgeous. Wouldn't it be fun to use a simple lace overlay like this on a blouse project? The back is also strikingly similar to a vintage pattern with its tucks and covered buttons. This got me thinking about how to customize these patterns even further. So grab on to your Sencha patterns, everyone! Let's look at some design details that you can draft yourself.

I've done some more research into button-back blouse patterns of the 40s and 50s, and I've found that there are lots of ways that you can spice these tops up. And there's no need to spend a load of cash on vintage patterns. Just one basic (like the Sencha) pattern that you've fitted to your body can serve as the template for all these ideas. Just have a good patternmaking book handy, like Adele P. Margolis's Make Your Own Dress Patterns.

1. Yokes

An interesting yoke can add a fabulous touch to these blouses, and all it takes it the addition of a seam. I love the unusual yoke on McCall 7597.

Simplicity 1868 has a curved yoke. I love the look of the lace overlays on a yoke too!

2. Lowered Necklines

Another great way to vary these blouses is to draw in a lower neckline, in either a scoop or U shape. Look at the awesome addition of rickrack trim to a u-neckline on Simplicity 2345:

3. Collars

Collars are a classic addition to a simple blouse pattern. (See the first two parts of my Peter Pan collar tutorial here and here!)

This pattern combines gathers with a Peter Pan collar to great effect.


4. Waistbands

I love the idea of adding a waistband to a blouse, as in the pattern below (notice the pin tucks and Peter Pan collar too!) In fact, I might just try this next . . .

5. Neckline gathers and drapes

To amp up the soft feminimity of these blouses, try lovely neckline gathers, like on McCall 6453.

And check out the dramatic draping on this pattern. I die.

As you've probably noticed, a lot of these patterns combine two or more of these elements. Go crazy! How about neckline gathers with a waistband and a Peter Pan collar? The sky's the limit! Got any other ideas to make some fab blouses? Let's hear 'em!