The Bygone Blouse was born of a desire to knit the beautiful vintage patterns I found in online archives that sadly are only drafted for one or two sizes. I wanted to make a size and shape inclusive piece inspired by these timeless designs that would become a really classic, wearable part of a modern wardrobe! The vintage aesthetic and sporty vibe are offset by the maximal comfort. With a comfy, negative ease cropped fit in the body and 5 bust shaping options, as well as sleeves with only a gentle puff to keep them wearable under modern cardigans and jackets, it’s stylish, extremely well fitted, and super easy to move around in. The pattern also includes instructions for lengthening and shortening your garment.

It is important to me that this pattern is financially accessible and so for low-income customers, this pattern can be purchased at 33% off using the code ‘LOW33’ and at 50% off using the code ‘LOW50’. This is an honours system - please respect that I also am trying to make a living from my designs and if you can afford the full price I’d appreciate if you paid it.

The body begins worked in the round then separates for front and back to be worked flat separately. It is joined at the shoulders with a 3-needle cast-off, and stitches are picked up for the sleeves, which are worked seamlessly in the round to the cuff. Finally, stitches are picked up and knit for the button placket, and again for the shirt-style collar. This pattern will also give instructions for how to embroider your own design for the perfect final touch!

At the chest, there are optional short rows which can be added to accommodate breasts. This pattern is graded using ‘women’s’ sizing charts and is designed with a wide variety of body shapes in mind. This style should also fit a lot of cis men and other people who usually use ‘men’s’ sizing charts, but there’s always the chance this may not be the pattern for you- please check the final measurements in the schematic and note the intended negative ease at key fit points, for example the shoulder width and armhole depths often differ in typical ‘men’s’ sizing.

It is important to me that this pattern is financially accessible and so for low-income customers, this pattern can be purchased at 50% off using the code ‘LOW50’ or 66% off using the code ‘LOW66’. This is an honours system - please respect that I also am trying to make a living from my designs and if you can afford the full price I’d appreciate if you paid it.

Choosing a Size:

Choose the size that most closely matches your upper chest/upper bust measurement: Sizes 1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10) 11 will fit upper chest measurements of 67.5 (77.5, 85.75, 93.75) (102, 110, 118.25) (126.25, 134.5, 142.5) 147.5cm / 27 (31, 34.25, 37.5) (40.75, 44, 47.25) (50.5, 53.75, 57) 59in.

This is a negative ease garment. If you choose a size larger than indicated, the garment may not fit the way you expect.

To measure your upper chest/upper bust measurement, place a tape measure around your body underneath your armpits at an angle and keeping arms relaxed at your sides.

Finished bust: 57.25 65.75, 74.25, 82.7500, 108.5) 117.25, 125.75, 134.25 142.75cm / 22.75 26.25, 29.75, 33.250, 43.5) 46.75, 50.25, 53.75 57.25in, intended negative ease of 10.25 11.75, 13.25, 14.757.5, 19) 20.25, 21.75, 23.25 24.75cm / 4.25 4.75, 5.25, 5.75, 7.5) 8.25, 8.75, 9.25 9.75in.

The rest of the finished measurements are shown the schematic in the pattern notes.

Choosing Shaping:

If you have breasts, and often feel the front of your garments are shorter than the back, there is the option to work short row shaping over your chest to add length at the front only. This shaping is available in 5 cup sizes, adding 3 (6, 9, 12) 15 cm / 1.25 (2.5, 3.5, 4.75) 6 in. If you wish to work to a different length, yardage information is provided. You will add/subtract 10 rows of work for each inch you wish to add/subtract from the length, this will be noted at the correct location in the pattern.

Size 8 with Cup size 2 is shown on page 1 and throughout the pattern on a model with an upper chest measurement of 50”.

Yarn:

Ginger Twist ‘Splendor 4ply’ (50% Merino, 50% Silk, 400m/437yds per 100g) in colourway ‘Breakfast With Ginger’

Yardage is shown in chart form is shown in pattern photos.

Gauge:

Main Gauge:
28 sts and 40 rows/rounds per 10cm / 4in in stockinette stitch worked flat and in the round with a 2.75mm / US 2 needle.

Gauge for waistband, cuffs, button placket, and collar stand:
39 sts and 49 rows/rnds in 4” in k1, p1 ribbing worked flat and in the round with a 2.25mm / US 1 needle.
The same piece of fabric stretched gently in a horizontal direction should have a gauge of 39 sts and 44 rows/rnds in 6.5” / 16.5 cm.

Needles:

• Ribbing Needle - 2.25mm / US 1 or size 0.5mm smaller than Main Needle in your preferred lengths for small circumferences worked flat and in the round (I used 12in / 30cm)

• Main Needle - 2.75mm / US 2 or size needed to obtain gauge in your preferred lengths for small and large circumferences (I used 32in / 80cm for large circumferences, and 12in / 30cm for small circumferences)

Supplies Needed:

• Tapestry needle
• 2 stitch markers (can be made from a loop of waste yarn)
• 4 removable stitch markers
• sewing needle
• sewing thread
• 3 buttons
• optional elastic thread

I’d like to say a special thanks to the team who helped me put this pattern together. It was important to me to make the best pattern possible and it would have never been possible without the help of these guys:

Jen Parroccini - Grading, ghost writing and technical consultation
www.jpknitsthings.com

Heather Storta - Technical Editor
https://heatherstorta.com

Dave Morrow - Graphic design
@boxdog.inc on instagram

Rose Dagul- Additional support
@rose_dagul on instagram

As well as all my amazing testers- thank you all!