4. Overblouse - Butterick 2564

Pattern Description: A back-buttoned overblouse with cut-on sleeves and shaping darts at front neck.

Pattern Sizing: Size 14 (Bust = 34", Waist = 26")



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very. Especially after I decided to not do the bound buttonholes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the two set of darts in the front of the bodice. There are two at the collarbone which control the shape of the top above the bust and two that shape the under bust. They are really flattering. The instructions also suggested cutting your own bias binding for the sleeve hems. That worked out really well, I love how it looks since you can see the inside of the arms while wearing it.

What I didn't like were the instructions for the bound buttonholes. Now it's been a while since I did one but these instructions seemed too fussy. Luckily, I did find these on the pattern~ scissors~ cloth blog that sound much simpler.





Fabric Used: A lovely red cotton twill that I'm also using for the Colette Patterns' Oolong dress. I also used four white pearlized buttons from my late mother's button stash.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I applied fusible knit interfacing to the front neckline and on the back facings. I made the right decision in picking a knit interfacing instead of one for wovens because it adhered really well and didn't change the drape of the fabric.

I debated long and hard on doing bound buttonholes. My mind was changed when I started having more tension problems with my machine. What if that effected my machine stitched buttonholes too? So,
I practiced on leftover scrap fabric. After doing that successfully, I then applied fusible knit interfacing to the back facings and carefully measured out my button placement. Luckily, the buttonholes worked out wonderfully, even if I forgot and used two different shades of red for them. Do I really care now? No!

Would you sew it again? I hope so, it very cute with just the right retro flavor. I would probably make any others with a button and loop closure instead of buttons though for an easy slip-on type of top.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, it's very flattering and easy. What more could you want?!

Conclusion: A great top, even though I will make any others with a button and loop closure instead of buttons down the back. Now, I want to make the coordinating jacket too!