Batwing Blouse

This pattern is a concept. Working on new photos and sample, this is a great top. The neckline is left high so you can design your own. I recommend a toile with emphasis on the shoulder/sleeve seam for adjusting - leave a wide seam allowance here and you can always extend a bit in the center front and back to grade up or for the advanced re-drape on you drape on your dress form. There is only one main pattern piece to this design which is cut twice, making this project a fast one!  The Batwing is cut on the straight grain at the front and back (with a fold or a seam), causing the cut-in-one sleeve to fall on the bias and drape softly against the body. The hemline shapes to the hip with a bias gusset and the wrists fit closely. The pattern may also be left open in the front as a cardigan. It coordinates well with the Cocoon Coat with its similar dolman sleeves.  Due to the unusual bias cut, this pattern requires intermediate to advanced sewing skills -- not for beginners.

On the Body:  This design is ideal for a person with a fuller or smaller bust line compared to the hip since the sleeves conceal the difference either way.  Also, since there is no definitive waistline or specific armhole fit at the shoulder, it works well for those with waist or shoulder fitting problems.  It drapes on the body with a minimum of seaming that requires special fitting. Measurements:  Bust line measurements include sleeve at that level.  SM = 48" (122 cm), MD = 50" (127 cm), LG = 53" (134.6  cm).

Fabrics:  If the Batwing is done in directional fabrics, it will appear to wrap around the body, going from straight grain in the front to cross grain in the back seamlessly.  It could be quite interesting in plaids, stripes or directionally light reflective fabrics like crepe de chine and the bias gusset at the hip may be done in contrasting fabrics.