Birgitta Helmersson ZW Soft Blouse PDF

Buy the ZW Soft Blouse sewing pattern from Birgitta Helmersson. This is an oversized top made using zero waste pattern cutting. It has a dropped shoulder and comes with two sleeve options: a gathered and twisted double layer sleeve, or a long sleeve with a gathered and elasticated wrist. The front has side bust darts for shaping. The neckline is a minimal crew neck finished with a back binding and a split with a loop and button at the centre back to close.

This pattern also comes with two hack options: a sleeveless top with darts on the shoulder for shaping, and a dress with V-neck front, side pockets and gathered skirt.

NOTE: With the exception of some small templates, this zero waste pattern has no pattern pieces. You will draw the pattern directly onto your fabric by following the step-by-step instructions in the pattern booklet and using small templates which you can print easily on your home printer.

This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following format:

– PDF (available to download immediately after purchase). What is a PDF?

Suggested fabrics: This style works beautifully in a woven lightweight (approx. 80 - 160 gsm) linen, cotton, silk or viscose. The twisted sleeve with gathers into the armhole can become quite bulky if the fabric is too thick, so be mindful of this when choosing a fabric. Also note the ZW Soft Blouse is cut on the crosswise grain, so keep this in mind when choosing a fabric, such as one with a directional print or stripes.

Fabric requirements: 

Recommended widths by size:

EU 36/38/40: 110 - 145 cm (43" - 57")

EU 42/44/46: 125 - 145 cm (49" - 57")

EU 48/50/52: 135 - 155 cm (53" - 61")

Recommended yardage by size and sleeve option:

EU 36/38/40: Twisted Sleeve: 140 cm (54 1/2") // Long Sleeve: 126 cm (50")

EU 42/44/46: Twisted Sleeve: 140 cm (55") // Long Sleeve: 139 cm (54 1/2")

EU 48/50/52: Twisted Sleeve: 140 cm (56") // Long Sleeve: 152 cm (60 1/2")

Sizing: This pattern includes three size options: EU 36/38/40, EU 42/44/46 and EU 48/50/52 (approx. UK 6/8 - 26, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements.

Notions: 1 button, approx. 10 - 12 mm (1/2") wide; 75 - 85 cm (29 1/2" - 33 1/2") length of lightweight binding/bias strip, 30 mm (1 1/8") wide. You can cut your own binding using an off-cut or contrast fabric. If cutting your own you will need a length of fabric approx. 50 cm (19") in order to cut a long enough strip on the bias. If cutting your own consider cutting as many strips as you can from the same length of fabric and save for future projects where binding is required. If you are purchasing ready cut binding on a roll by the metre, make sure you choose something that is lightweight. Templates are provided for cutting your binding and are different for each size.

Additional tools: Chalk or dissolvable pen; large right angle ruler and/or long straight ruler.

PDF pattern includes: Instruction booklet; A4/US letter print-at-home templates (3 pages for each size). With the exception of some small templates, this zero waste pattern has no pattern pieces.

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