Dolled Up Blouse

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Back in the 1950s, women knew it took just as much time to throw on a skirt and sweater as it did a sweatshirt and dungarees, so why not pick the classier option? The Dolled Up Blouse is your key to looking styled, yet comfy, and it’s super easy to make.

This pattern is worked seamlessly in one piece, because who wants to be bothered with sewing at the end? And it also includes simple bust dart shaping for an enhanced fit, plus suggestions on how to modify the pattern to make it just perfect for you.

Photos by Atomic Cheesecake Studios.

Finished Size: XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

Pattern Level: Intermediate

Materials:

  • 4 (5, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9) skeins Cascade 220 Superwash Sport
  • Size H-8 (5.0mm) crochet hook
  • 3 stitch markers (one unique from the other two)

Gauge Square: Wavy Chevrons. Ch 19. Row 1. Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next ch, (2 dc tog over next 2 ch) twice, dc in next ch, (2 dc in next ch) twice, dc in next ch, (2 dc tog over next 2 ch) twice, dc in next ch, 2 dc in last ch. Row 2. Ch 3; turn. Dc in flo of first dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc in flo of next dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in 3 ch of t-ch. Rows 3-6. Rep row 2. Finish off. 2 chevrons and 6 rows = 3 inches

Note on Bust Shaping: If your bust does not stand out much from your waist, or if you would prefer a more modest fit at the waist, you may wish to omit Bust Shaping from your blouse. If this is the case, choose the size in which the waist measurement most closely corresponds to your bust measurement, then skip the Bust Shaping section and work Front Armhole Shaping on its own. This will result in a blouse that is the same width at the waist as it is at the bust.

Note on Fit: Blouse is designed with negative ease, which means the finished garment will measure smaller than your body measurements. This is to account for the stretch of the fabric and ensure that the finished blouse hugs your body. If a looser fit is desired, consider making one size up than you would normally wear or using a hook one size larger than that required for the gauge.

Other Pattern Notes: Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parentheses.  To avoid confusion, it may be helpful to circle the numbers corresponding to your size before beginning this project.  When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.

Waist

Worked in the round from hem to armholes. The “joins” will placed at one of the underarms during Armhole Shaping.

Ch 115 (131, 147, 171, 195, 203, 219, 227, 243), leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving.

Row 1 (WS). Dc in 4th ch from hook (first 3 ch count as 1 dc now and throughout the pattern), dc in next ch, (2 dc tog over next 2 ch) twice, dc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch, *2 dc in next ch, dc in next ch, (2 dc tog over next 2 ch) twice, dc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch; rep from * across. Join with sl st in top of first dc to form a ring, taking care not to twist the stitches. Use the 6-inch tail from the beginning ch to join the bottom of the ring, weaving in the rest of the tail as you go. 14 (16, 18, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30) chevrons.

Row 2 (RS). Ch 3; turn. 1 dc in flo of first dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across, ending with 2 dc in the same st as the previous row’s joining. Join with sl st to first dc in this row.

Rows 3-19 (3-19, 3-17, 3-15, 3-13, 3-13, 3-13, 3-13, 3-13). Rep row 2.

Row 20 (20, 18, 16, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14). Ch 3; turn. 1 dc in flo of first dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * 6 (6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 13, 14, 14) times. Dc in flo of next dc; place unique st marker for Front Armhole Shaping. Dc in flo of same dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, **2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from ** 0 (1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 3) times. Dc in flo of next dc; place st marker for Bust. Dc in flo of same dc, dc in flo of next 6 dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, ***2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next 6 dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from *** 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5) times. Place st marker for Bust. ****2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from **** across, ending with 2 dc in the same st as the previous row’s joining. Join with sl st to first dc in this row.

Bust Shaping

Bust Shaping is worked at the same time as Front Armhole Shaping. Pay attention to row instructions on the Front Armhole Shaping as you work the Bust Shaping. Bust Shaping directions apply only to the section between the 2 stitch markers placed for the Bust in the Waist section. When you get to a stitch marker, remove it, work the indicated stitch, and then replace the stitch marker, so that the stitch markers “move up” each row.

Row 21 (21, 19, 17, 15, 15, 15, 15, 15). Dc in flo of first dc marked for Bust; replace st marker. Dc flo of same dc, dc in flo of next 8 dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next 8 dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across to second dc marked for Bust, ending with moving the st marker up to the second dc worked in the marked dc.

Row 22 (22, 20, 18, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16). Dc in flo of first dc marked for Bust; replace st marker. Dc flo of same dc, dc in flo of next 10 dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next 10 dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across to second dc marked for Bust, ending with moving the st marker up to the second dc worked in the marked dc.

Row 23 (23, 21, 19, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17). Dc in flo of first dc marked for Bust; replace st marker. Dc flo of same dc, dc in flo of next 12 dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next 12 dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across to second dc marked for Bust, ending with moving the st marker up to the second dc worked in the marked dc.

Remove st markers and continue with remainder of Front Armhole Shaping.

Front Armhole Shaping

Front Armhole Shaping is worked at the same time as Bust Shaping. Pay attention to row instructions on the Bust Shaping as you work the Front Armhole Shaping.

Sizes L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X only:

Rows – (-, , 17-18, 15-18, 15-18, 15-16, 15-16, 15-16). Rep row 2, working Bust Shaping as indicated between the Bust Shaping stitch markers, and moving the Front Armhole Shaping up to the the dc closest to the top “point” of the chevron when you get to it.

All sizes:

Row 21 (21, 19, 19, 19, 19, 17, 17, 17). Turn. Sl st over first 8 dc, ch 3, dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across, working Bust Shaping as indicated, until 7 dc remain before Front Armhole Shaping st marker. Leave rem chevron un-worked. Remove Front Armhole Shaping st marker.

Front is worked in rows separate from Back from this point forward.

Rows 22-30 (22-30, 20-30, 20-30, 20-30, 20-32, 18-32, 18-32, 18-32). Ch 3; turn. 1 dc in flo of first dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across, working Bust Shaping as indicated.

Note: At this point, we recommend trying the sweater on. Position the sweater so that the bottom falls at your natural waist. If more coverage is desired over the bust before the netting starts, continue repeating the previous row until desired coverage is achieved.

Front Netting

Row 31 (31, 31, 31, 31, 33, 33, 33, 33). Ch 6; turn. Skip first 3 dc, sc in next dc, *ch 5, skip next 3 dc, sc in next dc; rep from * across. 16 (20, 20, 24, 24, 28, 32, 32, 36) ch sp.

Row 32 (32, 32, 32, 32, 34, 34, 34, 34). Ch 6; turn. Sc in first ch sp, ch 5, *sc in next ch sp, ch 5; rep from * across to last ch sp, sc in last ch sp, ch 2, dc in first ch of t-ch. 17 (21, 21, 25, 25, 29, 32, 32, 37) ch sp.

Row 33 (33, 33, 33, 33, 35, 35, 35, 35). Ch 6; turn. Skip ch-2 sp, sc in first ch-5 sp, *ch 5, sc in next ch sp; rep from * across. 16 (20, 20, 24, 24, 28, 32, 32, 36) ch sp.

Rows 34-35 (34-37, 34-37, 34-37, 34-39, 36-41, 36-41, 36-41, 36-41). Rep previous two rows.

Note: We recommend trying the sweater on again at this point. Front Netting should reach to the collarbone when stretched up. If the sweater is too short, continue repeating the last two rows until the Netting can be stretched to reach the collarbone. End Netting on an odd row. Finish off.

Back Armhole Shaping

With WS facing, skip next 8 un-worked dc of Waist to the left of where the Front Armhole Shaping begins. Join with sl st in the 9th dc.

Row 21 (21, 19, 19, 19, 19, 17, 17, 17). Ch 3, dc in flo of same dc as joining, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across to first sl st, working the last 2 dc in the first sl st and leaving rem sl st un-worked. 7 (7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 14, 15, 15) chevrons.

Rows 22-30 (22-30, 20-30, 20-30, 20-30, 20-32, 18-32, 18-32, 18-32). Ch 3; turn. 1 dc in flo of first dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across.

Note: If extra rows were added at this point in the Front Armhole Shaping, add the same number of rows to the Back Armhole Shaping so that the front and back will match.

Back Netting

Rows 31-35 (31-37, 31-37, 31-37, 31-39, 33-41, 33-41, 33-41, 33-41). Work the same as for Front Netting.

Note: If extra rows were added at this point in the Front Netting, add the same number of rows to the Back Netting so that the front and back will match.

The next row joins the Front and Back at the shoulders. Make sure Blouse is right side out.

Row 36 (38, 38, 38, 40, 42, 42, 42, 42). Ch 3; turn. Sl st in first ch-sp of Front Netting, ch 2, sc in first ch-sp of Back Netting, (ch 2, sl st in next ch-sp of Front Netting, ch 2, sc in next ch-sp of Back Netting) 5 times, *ch 5, sc in next ch sp of Back Netting; rep from * across until 5 ch-sp rem. Ch 2, sl st in 5th to last ch-sp in Front Netting, ch 2, sc in next ch-sp of Back Netting, **ch 2, sl st in next ch-sp of Front Netting, ch 2, sc in next ch-sp of Back Netting; rep from ** across. Ch 1, dc in last sc of Front Netting. Finish off.

Sleeves

With RS facing, join yarn with sl st in bottom of either Armhole.

Row 1. Ch 1; 80 (80, 80, 96, 96, 96, 112, 112, 112) sc evenly around Armhole.

Row 2 (WS). Ch 3; turn. 1 dc in flo of first sc, dc in flo of next sc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 sc) twice, dc in flo of next sc, 2 dc in flo of next sc, *2 dc in flo of next sc, dc in flo of next sc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 sc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next sc; rep from * across, ending with 2 dc in the same st as the previous row’s joining. Join with sl st to first dc in this row. 10 (10, 10, 12, 12, 12, 14, 14, 14) chevrons.

Row 3 (RS). Ch 3; turn. 1 dc in flo of first dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across, ending with 2 dc in the same st as the previous row’s joining. Join with sl st to first dc in this row.

Row 4. Ch 3; turn. 1 dc in flo of first dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across.

Rows 5-6 (5-6, 5-6, 5-8, 5-8, 5-8, 5-10, 5-10, 5-10). Rep rows 3 & 4.

Do not turn.

Row 7 (7, 7, 9, 9, 9, 11, 11, 11). *Sc2tog over next 2 dc; rep from * all the way around Armhole. Join with sl st in first sc. Finish off.

Rep all rows for second Armhole.

Edges

Neckline

Join yarn with sl st in any ch sp. Ch 1. Sc evenly around, working 1 sc in ea sc or sl st and 3 sc in ea ch sp. Join with sl st in first sc. Finish off.

Waist

With WS facing, join yarn with sl st in any unused loop of beg ch in Front or Back piece. Row 1. Ch 7 (counts as 1 tr and 3 ch). Skip next 3 unused loops, tr in next unused loop, *ch 3, skip next 3 unused loops, tr in next unused loop; rep from * around. Row 2. Ch 3; turn. Dc in tr, dc in next ch, (2 dc tog over next 2 st) twice, dc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch, *2 dc in next tr, dc in next ch, (2 dc tog over next 2 st) twice, dc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch; rep from * across. Row 3. Ch 3; turn. Dc in flo of first dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc, *2 dc in flo of next dc, dc in flo of next dc, (2 dc tog in flo of next 2 dc) twice, dc in flo of next dc, 2 dc in flo of next dc; rep from * across. Finish off.

Abbreviations

  • ch (chain)
  • dc (double crochet)
  • flo (front loops only)
  • rem (remaining)
  • rep (repeat)
  • sc (single crochet)
  • sl st (slip stitch)
  • sp (space)
  • t-ch (turning chain)
  • tog (together)
  • tr (treble crochet)

Size Chart

DimensionXSSML1X2X3X4X5X
Bust30″34″38″42″46″50″54″58″62″
Waist24″27″30″34″38″42″45″47″50″
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