Friday Pattern Company Adrienne Blouse

I made another Adrienne Blouse in a Lady McElroy print (Epic Spectacle)! This is my second version of this Friday Pattern Company design. I decided to make size XL instead of L. I made size L for my first Adrienne Blouse and it was too snug in the bust for me — that’s just my preference. You can read more about this Adrienne in my blog post here.

This pattern has just three pieces — bodice, sleeve, and neckline ribbing. The bodice piece is the same for the front and the back. How simple is that? And there’s 1/2″ (1.27 cm) elastic at the shoulders and sleeve. I really love this pattern. It is simple to sew, but you do have to be accurate in cutting the pattern pieces, especially at the neckline. If you don’t cut and sew the neckline pieces accurately, the neckline ribbing will not line up with the elastic at the shoulders.

When I traced size XL, I made the waist an inch smaller by using my French curve to come in 1/4″ on the side. That’s the only adjustment I made, other than sewing a larger size.

Size XL is for bust 40-43″/102-109 cm, but my bust is really the Adriene Blouse size L (38-39″/95-99 cm). I’m also an A cup but size L was just too fitted for me. If you want a tight fit, pick the size for your measurements. If you want something that has a some ease, go up one size. If you have a full bust, you'll need to do an FBA. The pattern includes instructions for that.

Your fabric will affect the neckline. The neckline for this version was higher than the one in my floral version.

I love a jersey top with a bit more to it than a plain old t-shirt and the Adrienne fits that category perfectly! I made my version in some lovely micro modal jersey from 1st For Fabrics and the weight and drape has worked very well with the pattern. I graded from a size S bust to a M waist and added an inch in length (personal preference) and I'm really pleased with the fit. It was SUCH a speedy sew and came together incredibly easily! I used bra strap elastic as recommended in the pattern and it's given my top a really lovely finish. I'm wearing it here with my Merchant and Mills Harlene dungarees, which I would wear every day if I could!

This was my 1st but not my last. Really comfortable top and the instructions were very clear as usual from Friday Pattern Co. Can't wait to try the dress hack version as on their YouTube channel

Having seen this blouse on many Instagram posts, I was keen to make it for myself! I wasn’t sure about the width of the sleeves but after reading Fold line reviews saying I could easily reduce them, I took the plunge! The sleeve adjustments were easy to do and apart from that, I made it as the instructions. I didn’t need to lengthen the top as the measurements came out to mid hip on my frame. I went for this beautiful viscose jersey called “Watercolour” and took time with the pattern placement. I am thrilled with the result and will definitely make more Adriennes!

There are just three pattern pieces for this pattern - it uses the same pattern piece for the front and back and then there's the sleeve and the neck binding. And that's it. You fold over the top and bottomof the sleeve to create the channel for the elastic you insert at the shoulder and the wrist.

There is very little ease around the bust, which I didn't realize until I made it. I don't like such a tight fit there, my personal preference. Luckily, the pattern has a 5/8″ seam allowance, so I just reduced the seam allowance to 3/8″ (1 cm) when I sewed the side seams. I also used a 3/8 seam allowance when I attached the sleeves to the bodice.

If you plan on using a serger, you may want to baste it first or use a sewing machine with a zig zag stitch to test the fit after you sew the side seams. I sewed it on my sewing machine and checked the fit after I sewed the side seams and that's when I realized it was a bit too snug for my tastes. I ripped out the 5/8" seam I sewed and then did a 3/8" seam allowance to give me slightly more ease.

I sewed size L and graded up at the hips. My bust (39") was size L, hips (42.5") are size XL. But as I said above, it was too fitted at the bust.

I will definitely sew it again but will sew size XL for a fit I'm more comfortable with. If you like a snug (revealing) fit, sew the size that's within your measurements. If you want a slightly looser fit, sew the next size up. Sew a mockup to test the fit. I didn't do that. lol

I love the neckline and the sleeves. It is simple to make and looks more complicated than it is. To see more photos, check out my CSews blog post on the Adrienne Blouse.