SILK BLOUSE | BUTTERICK 6856
Another beautiful blouse has been added to my new wardrobe and I’m thrilled about it. Sewing separates is a joy because they offer such flexibility in styling. This blouse is very comfortable and I look forward to sewing it again already. Let’s get into the details.
Pattern Information
Butterick 6856 is a button-front top with bust darts, band collar, front pockets, long sleeves with plackets and cuffs, and a shaped hem. All views have a tab inside the sleeve with button on outside for holding sleeve in a rolled-up position. View A has patch pockets without flaps. View B has pleated patch pockets with buttoned flaps, and shoulder epaulets. Finally, View C has pleated patch pockets with button-free flaps.
The pattern is available is both print and PDF options, in sizes 8 – 24. The company rates the pattern as “EASY” and I must respectfully disagree. I am an advanced sewist and it took lots of studying the illustrations for me to figure out the sleeve placket construction. I do not recommend this pattern for beginners.
As a beginner, there are lots of design details that you may not be prepared for if you haven’t had a lot of sewing practice. I would recommend this design for Intermediate sewing level and above. The instructions are a bit lacking, in my opinion. However, if you study the illustrations along with the written instructions, you may be able to figure things out. I looked at some reviews for the pattern on Pattern Review after I was done. I usually do this beforehand but forgot this time. Three of the four reviews said the instructions were easy. I wondered if I should demote myself back down to Intermediate sewist after reading that. Hahaha!!!
Fabric Information
I chose this beautiful Designer Habotai Silk Deadstock fabric from Core Fabrics in the color Cardinal. This is an affiliate link. It is a very lightweight fabric and has a luxurious feel. I had originally planned on sewing a dress with the fabric but when I received it in the mail, I changed my mind and made a blouse. You can definitely sew a dress with the fabric if you’d like but it’s too thin for my taste to wear as a dress. Unless, of course, I design an underdress or slip to go with it.
The Silk is available in several beautiful colors. I received this fabric as part of an ongoing collaboration with Core Fabrics. You can receive 15% off your entire order at corefabricstore.com when you use my code ANITA15 (excludes sale items).
I wanted to use a high quality interfacing for this blouse. Unfortunately, the company that I used to purchase my interfacing from disappeared. I have no idea what happened but one day their website was just gone. It’s so sad because their product was top notch. So, I decided to try the Recycled Lightweight Woven Fusible Interfacing from Core Fabrics. It’s available in white and black. Oh my goodness! It reminded me of the quality from the other supplier. It’s super soft and gave my silk blouse bands and cuffs just the right stability without being too stiff. I’m so happy and can’t wait to try more of their interfacings.
Inside the Garment
I used my Baby Lock Chorus Sewing Machine to sew all the main stitches, and the Baby Lock Vibrant Serger to finish the armhole opening with sleeve insertion. I’ll explain my seam finishes in the alterations section. Here are some close up photos of the blouse on the inside.
Notions Information
The pattern calls for thread and buttons. Core Fabrics sent me this beautiful Gütermann All Purpose Recycled Thread in Dark Red (Cardinal).
They also sent me very unique buttons. The Agoya Buttons are cut from the inside lining of oyster shells. They are an iridescent cream color on the front side and natural shell color on the back. No two buttons are alike and not all are completely flat. I used the back side of the buttons for my blouse.
Alterations Information
I cut a size 8 for my blouse and I really wish I had gone up to a 10. When I sewed my muslin, it was a great fit. However, the fit is a bit more snug with the silk fabric. Next time, I would lower the pockets too because they sit too high, in my opinion. That could be a matter of needing a larger size blouse also. Finally, I sewed French Seams for this blouse because the fabric is so delicate and I wanted a more structured finish. However, when I inset the first sleeve, I totally forgot I was sewing French Seams. I don’t know about you, but unpicking a sleeve is not fun after gathering and trying to fit it in without too many, or any, folds sewn in. I said, forget it! It’s my blouse and I’ll have different finishes if I want to. Hahaha!!!
Cutting Silky Fabrics
Working with slinky, slippery fabric can be a challenge. But there are steps you can take to eliminate some of the problems you may encounter with these fabrics. Follow these tips for the best results when cutting this type of fabric.
- Press all your pattern pieces to remove any wrinkles. Wrinkled pattern pieces will distort the cut pieces of fabric.
- Use lots of pattern weights to anchor your pattern pieces securely to the fabric. This prevents the slinky fabric from shifting while cutting.
- Use a sharp rotary cutter and cutting mat. The rotary cutter eliminates any movement in the fabric, but the blade must be sharp. Test your blade on a scrap piece before you start cutting. As you’re cutting along the pattern, the fabric stays flat. When cutting with your dressmaker sheers, the bottom blade lifts the fabric just a little and this could distort your cut fabric.
- Most important: Take your time. Rushing is not a good idea because the fabric is very delicate, lending itself more easily to mistakes.
Sewing Tips for Silk Fabrics
Sewing with silk fabrics can be intimidating but being prepared in advance may relieve some of the tension. As a pre-requisite, always practice these tips on a piece of the silk fabric you will be using for your project. Practice until you have achieved the outcome you desire. Practice the following: stitches, interfacing, hems, darts, pleats, pressing, buttonholes, snaps, seam finishes, topstitching, transferring markings. The more comfortable you are with performing the necessary tasks included with the pattern you’re using, perhaps the less intimidating it will be to sew with silk. And sew a muslin (practice garment). Silk is costly and you don’t want to mess it up. Invest the extra time and sew the muslin first.
- Pre-treat your fabric following the manufacturer’s care instructions.
- Use a good quality interfacing equal to the thickness of your fabric.
- Use a good quality thread.
- Use a Microtex Needle.
- Press with a dry iron (no steam) – Full disclosure: I did use steam on my silk with press cloth.
- Always use a press cloth.
- Set iron to silk setting.
- French Seams are not necessary, but look really nice.
- Take your time! Take your time! Take your time!
Styling Options
The styling possibilities are endless for this blouse. Here, I’ve styled it with my SisterMag Flounce Skirt, red open-toe pumps, DIY Clutch Purse, rhinestone earrings and a simple chain with rhinestone heart. I can’t wait to style it with dressy trousers and a blazer. And, of course, dressing it down with a pair of jeans is a must.
What do you think?
I would love to hear your feedback. Scroll to the very bottom of this page to leave a comment.
Thank you for stopping by today! 💕
Other Related Links
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Learn to SEW Course
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
- Baby Lock Chorus
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
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This Post Has 38 Comments
Hi Anita I, too, have made muslin garments prior to cutting and sewing the expensive fabric. And I, too, have discovered that often the sample garment fits well but the finished expensive garment does not fit the same. I’m glad others have experienced this too. About the outfit. Love the styling of the red blouse and the smart skirt with the animal print bag. Yes, you did it again. I can see the red blouse styled in many other ways. It was a good choice of fabric. I’ll be looking at Core Fabrics in the future. Barb
Anita, your style and your sewing skills are both impeccable! I found your blog from a Core Fabrics email, and from this lovely silk blouse just had to read about the flouncy skirt, too. I haven’t sewn in years, but that faux cashmere almost makes me want to start again. I’ll be a regular reader from now on. Just as my Mom used to love to read cookbooks, I truly love to read about sewing, great tailoring, beautiful fabrics and great notions. I can see I’ll be reading about all those wonderful topics in your blog. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents with us!
Looking fabulous as always! A beautifully sewn and fitted shirt. It is always such a joy to read and see your blog posts, and you always make me smile when I see how amazing you look when modelling your makes. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise
Oh my goodness, that is a stunning blouse and the way you styled it is superb!! It’s so amazing how you can look at a pattern and see its potential. When I look at this pattern, I don’t see what turned out to be. I actually was not inspired by the pattern photos, but oh my, the end result is amazing. That’s talent! I have never been very good at choosing patterns because of that. Just beautiful. Thank you for all the tips on how to sew this sort of fabric!
Excellent!
Thank you so much, Delores!
This is a stunning garment with excellent details! Congratulations.
Your skill is unmatched.
Thank you for the detailed description.
You are very welcome. I love my new blouse so much.
You are so incredibly talented! Your attention to detail is what makes your garments so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Oh, t hank you so much, Kathleen! I really enjoy the details. ❤️
Anita, you always do just a beautiful job with accompanying your projects with lovely style. Gorgeous job and red is my favorite color. I believe I’ve purchased this pattern already. I have took a pause on sewing right now in to get my house prepared in moving my sewing area to the basement. Working with contractors to finish my basement so it will be more comfortable to sew. Love how your wardrobe is coming along and you give me lots of inspiration. Love you sis!
Hi Canita! How exciting that you’re getting a new sewing space. Well have fun sewing your new blouse in your new space.
It is beautiful and looks awesome on you.
Thank you Debra.
Anita, this is a great looking top. I love the color and I can envision this pairing with a lot of pieces. As always, your sewing is impeccable. I’m going to comb through my fabric to see if I have this pattern. It is definitely a keeper. You did it again!
Thank you De! It’s a keeper indeed. And I will definitely style it with lots of pieces in my wardrobe, old and new.
Who would have thought that a simple red blouse could make such a bold statement! The color is a total match for the name Cardinal and the style is a perfect blend of modern and sophistication. Just looking at the pattern by itself does it no justice. Pairing it with the red silk knocked it out the park. This blouse finished is now a higher end piece instead of an everyday piece. Your work is so impeccable Anita.
Hey Anita!!! Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for your beautiful words. I totally agree with you. The fabric totally leveled up the blouse. Yes, even when I wear it with my jeans, it will still look high end. Oh, I love it so much.
I love your red silk shirt! am curious to know something though… did you make the skirt, too? I couldn’t help but to admire the skirt. If there’s a pattern for the skirt, I’d love to know more about it. Thanks 🙂
Thank you Melanie! Yes, I made the skirt a while ago. There is a link to the skirt in the post. You will find it in the Styling Options section (first paragraph).
Anita,
I love the blouse and fabric you chose. I have the same pattern in my collection. I am going to try making this blouse out of linen and if it comes out fine, I will make one out of the silk fabric you used. Thanks for all your pointers!
You did a fantastic job! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Laura! Thank you. You’re going to love this blouse. I plan to make another in the future too. Have fun making your blouses.
Your Butterick red silk blouse is gorgeous! Like you, I can’t believe they rated the pattern ‘Easy’. Thank you for the many tips & photos. Glad I signed up for your newsletter!
Hi Jo! You are very welcome. I’m so glad to have you here. ❤️ And I’m glad you enjoyed the post.🤗
Beautiful. I am in love with this pattern/blouse. I like the French seam
Thank you so much, Edna! ❤️
Your blouse is beautiful! So much nicer than the pattern pictures. I love your white skirt too. Such a pretty outfit. Do you have a post for the skirt also?
I love everything you make! 😊
Thank you Nancy! Yes, there is a link to the blog post for the skirt in this post. You will find it highlighted in the Styling Options section.
Hi Anita,
What a gorgeous piece, which goes beautifully with the white skirt. You certainly have a talent of styling and this blouse will see you through many occasions.
Thank you for your opinion that this is not a pattern for beginners, as something like this would throw me completely.
Thank you also for the excellent photos of the step by step process and what the blouse should look like from the inside.
Kind regards,
Jill from Scotland, UK xx
Thank you, Jill! I’m so glad to know that you appreciate the honesty and my process when posting to the blog. ❤️
Another Stunning Sewing Inspiration! I love your posts. You take detailed pictures. You are honest about your process and results. You inspire me to keep trying and not be defeated by perfectionism. Thank You Anitia.
Thank you Marcia! This comment blesses my heart because I do put a lot of effort and my heart into the posts. I love it when readers enjoy the content.
Oh my goodness! The finished pics of this are lovely but simply stunning on you! I find it encouraging that you had some issues with this pattern. I sometimes struggle with pattern directions so it’s good to know it’s not just me.
Thank you, Patty! And you are certainly not alone. Even the BEST, most advanced sewists will face challenges sometimes.
Very nice. Totally agree with French seams. Especially for delicate fabrics. Silk is wonderful when sewn carefully and interfacing added. Love the flow and drape.
Thank you, Sharon! Yes, I agree with you.
Hello Anita,
Once again you have created a beautiful piece. I also love how you styled it and can’t wait to see more styling options.
Thank you so much, Kathelia!