Sleeveless Blouse with Gathered Neckline: Complete Sewing Guide (Size 62)
A soft, gathered neckline instantly elevates a simple sleeveless blouse into something special. This pattern creates a relaxed, elegant top with gentle gathers fanning out from the neckline, finished with bias tape at the neck and armholes for a clean, professional edge — no facing required.
Here's everything you need: fabric requirements, full pattern measurements, and a complete step-by-step cutting and stitching guide.
Fabric Requirements
• Fabric needed: 1.70 m (1.86 yds)
• Recommended fabrics: viscose, linen, crepe, cotton poplin, silk
• Choose a lightweight, drapey fabric — this is essential, since the gathers at the neckline need to fall softly rather than sit stiff or bulky.
• Bias tape: cut on the diagonal (true bias) of the fabric for both the neckline and armhole finishing — this allows the tape to curve smoothly around the neckline and armholes without puckering.
Pattern Measurements (Size 62)
Pattern piece shown WITHOUT seam allowance — add your preferred seam allowance before cutting.
Front (Cut 1)
• Width: 75 cm (29.53 in)
• Length: 75 cm (29.53 in)
• Side seam: 76 cm (30 in)
• Shoulder allowance: 0.5 cm (0.2 in)
• Neckline gather allowance: 0.5 cm (0.2 in) / 0.6 cm (0.23 in)
• Side hem allowance: 0.5 cm (0.2 in)
• Bottom hem allowance: 0.5 cm (0.2 in)
• Special gathered neckline flap detail at the shoulder — this creates the soft draped fold at the neckline
Back (Cut 1)
• Width: 72 cm (28.35 in)
• Length: 75 cm (29.35 in)
• Side seam: 75 cm (24.1 in)
• Shoulder allowance: 0.5 cm (0.2 in)
• Neckline allowance: 0.5 cm (0.2 in)
• Armhole allowance: 1.5 cm (0.2 in)
• Bottom hem allowance: 0.5 cm (0.2 in)
Bias Tape Pieces
• Armhole bias tape (Cut 2): 72 cm (28.35 in) long, folded strip with 0.5/1.5/0.5 cm seam markings — includes seam allowance
• Neckline bias tape (Cut 1): 72 cm (28.35 in) long, folded strip with 0.5/1.5/0.5 cm seam markings — includes seam allowance
How to Cut
1. Pre-wash and press your fabric before cutting to prevent shrinkage after sewing.
2. Fold your fabric right sides together along the straight grain.
3. Trace the Front piece — pay close attention to the gathered flap detail near the shoulder/neckline, which is what creates the soft draped fold once gathered. Cut 1 on the fold at center front.
4. Trace the Back piece and cut 1 on the fold at center back.
5. Add your seam allowance around all edges (this pattern does not include it).
6. Cut the bias tape strips on the true diagonal (45-degree bias) of the fabric — 2 strips for the armholes and 1 strip for the neckline, each 72 cm (28.35 in) long.
7. Transfer all notches and the neckline gather point markings onto your fabric with tailor's chalk.
How to Stitch
1. Prepare the gathered neckline detail
• On the front piece, stitch a gathering thread (long basting stitch) along the marked flap/fold area near the shoulder and neckline.
• Gently pull the gathering thread to create the soft draped fold shown in the diagram, then secure with a few stitches or a bar tack to hold the gather in place.
2. Sew the shoulder seams
• Pin front and back right sides together at the shoulders.
• Stitch, then press the seams open.
3. Attach bias tape to the neckline
• With right sides together, pin the 72 cm (28.35 in) neckline bias tape around the neckline, easing it gently around the curve.
• Stitch using the 0.5 cm (0.2 in) seam allowance.
• Fold the bias tape to the inside, press, and topstitch close to the folded edge to secure it flat.
4. Sew the side seams
• Pin front and back right sides together along the side seams from armhole to hem.
• Stitch, then finish the raw edges with a serger or zigzag stitch.
5. Attach bias tape to the armholes
• With right sides together, pin the armhole bias tape strips around each armhole opening.
• Stitch at the 1.5 cm (0.2 in) allowance marked on the back armhole.
• Fold the tape to the inside, press, and topstitch to finish.
6. Hem the blouse
• Fold the bottom hem allowance under twice (double fold) to enclose the raw edge.
• Press and stitch evenly around the entire hem.
7. Final press
• Give the finished blouse a thorough press, paying special attention to the gathered neckline so the folds sit smoothly and evenly.
Styling Tip
This blouse pairs beautifully with high-waisted jeans, tailored trousers, or a midi skirt — the soft gathered neckline adds a feminine detail without overpowering the simple, relaxed fit of the rest of the top.
Happy sewing!
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