Tutorial: Cezembre blouse with flat pleats

It is always a real pleasure to discover your interpretations of our patterns. It is often on Instagram I see beautiful realizations of yours, such as the Cezembre blouse with flat pleats realized by Angélique, aka Le Jardin d’Eden et Robin.

When I saw this blouse it was love at first sight ! And you seemed to love it as well. Therefore, Angélique gently prepared a tutorial to make the lovely pleats. I thank her a lot and invite you to discover her blog.

So, here is Angélique’s tutorial for the flat pleats Cézembre blouse 🙂

Cézembre blouse with flats pleats
Le Jardin d’Eden et Robin
Garment realized in size EU 38

> Cut the back piece making the curved line a straight line
> Cut the front piece the same way but reduce the height by approximatively 3 1/2” (9 cm)

> Cut a 36” x 3” (92 cm x 7 cm) fabric strip for the front bottom and two 21” x 2” (53 cm x 5 cm) others fabric strips for the sleeves.
> Topstitch on the length and make a fold
> Make 3/4” (2cm) flat pleats (use a ruler and an iron)

> With right sides together, stitch the pleats strip on the bottom front piece
> Topstitch on the right side of the fabric to hold the strip

> Stitch the shoulder seam
> With right sides together, pin the pleats strip on the armhole making sure to place the center strip on the shoulder seam. Stitch with a 3/8” seam allowance
> With right sides together, stitch the front and back pieces with a 3/8” seam allowance
> Neaten the armhole with a biais binding
> Topstitch on the right side of the fabric