How to Sew a Blouse with Balloon Sleeves: Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to your ultimate guide on how to sew a blouse with balloon sleeves! In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make the stunning Aziza tunic, perfect for various occasions. With detailed instructions, this blog is designed for both beginners and intermediate sewists looking to enhance their skills in sewing modest fashion.

Gather Your Materials

Before diving into the sewing process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fabric for the top (cotton recommended)
• Fuse fabric
• Fabric scissors
• All pattern pieces for the Aziza tunic top
• Iron and ironing board

For this project, I’m using a CMC exclusive Block Print Blue and Brown fabric available in our Spoonflower shop. Use the above link to purchase this fabric.

Cutting Out the Fabric

Let’s start by cutting out the fabric pieces. Make sure to cut out the front and back pieces, with the front piece placed on the fold. Don’t forget to cut all your notches accurately, as they are crucial for the assembly process.

For the balloon sleeves, you’ll need to fold the fabric lengthwise to accommodate the width. This is necessary because balloon sleeves are quite wide and cannot be cut on the fold like other pieces.

Preparing the Collar

Next, we’ll prepare the collar. For the Pelon fuse, you only need to cut one collar piece. Once cut, take the collar to the ironing board and press the fuse using a piece of fabric to protect your iron.

Sew the top of the collar, then under stitch on the right side of the fabric to ensure it lays flat. This involves pushing the seam allowance to the wrong side of the collar lining and sewing about an eighth of an inch parallel to the seam.

Gathering the Neckline

Now, let’s gather the neckline of the front piece. Sew between the notches at a quarter-inch first, followed by a half-inch stitch. This will create the gathers needed for the neckline.

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Sewing the Back Seam

With right sides together, sew the back seam up to the notch of the opening, maintaining a half-inch seam allowance. Be sure to finish the edges; I prefer using a serger, but you can use any method you like.

Attaching the Collar

After finishing the back seam, it’s time to attach the collar to the front piece. Start by matching the front notches on the collar and the front piece. Pin everything into place, ensuring that all notches align correctly.

Once pinned, sew a half-inch from the edge. After sewing, clean up any loose threads, then press the collar with your iron for a professional finish.

Top Stitching the Collar

Next, fold the collar lining to meet the seam and pin it in place. Top stitch on the face side of the fabric about a sixteenth of an inch from the seam. This will give a clean finish, but remember to turn it over occasionally to ensure you catch the collar on the other side.

Sewing the Hem

We’ve now sewn the back hem, and it’s time to sew the front hem using the same method. Fold it twice at a quarter of an inch and use the hem foot to sew along the bottom edge.

Attaching the Sleeves

Now, let’s move on to the sleeves. Pin the sleeves together and ensure to match all the notches: front, back, and shoulder seam. Once everything is aligned, sew at a half-inch seam allowance.

Gathering the Bottom of the Sleeve

Time to gather the bottom of the sleeve! Set your machine to a wider stitch and sew a quarter-inch from the edge, followed by another stitch half an inch in for gathering. Pin the notches to keep everything in place while gathering.

Preparing the Cuff

Next, we’ll sew the cuff together, leaving about an inch and a half space for the elastic to come through. After sewing, fold and press the cuff.

Now, pin the cuff to the sleeve, matching the seams and notches. Ease the sleeve onto the cuff, adjusting the gathers as necessary.

Inserting the Elastic

With the cuff pinned, sew at a half-inch seam allowance. Make sure the opening for the elastic is on the inside of the cuff. After sewing, turn it over and finish the edges with a serger.

Insert the elastic through the opening, sewing at a quarter of an inch seam allowance to secure it in place. Finally, blind stitch the opening closed.

Adding the Back Closure

To finish off the blouse, add a back closure. I’m using a hook and eye, but you could also opt for buttonholes. Attach the hook on the left side of the garment and the eye on the right side, ensuring both line up with the back seam.

Hand sew the hook and eye in place carefully to avoid visible stitching on the right side of the garment.

Final Touches

Clip all edges and threads, and give your blouse a final press with the iron. And just like that, you’ve created a beautiful Aziza tunic with balloon sleeves!

If you have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments. If you enjoyed this tutorial, please like and subscribe for more sewing projects.

Conclusion

Sewing our Aziza Tunic Top blouse with balloon sleeves is a rewarding project that adds a stylish touch to your wardrobe. With this guide, you can now create your own beautiful tunic that fits perfectly and flatters your figure. Happy sewing!