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Belcarra Sew-Along #6: Hemming our Blouses

By on June 6, 2014 in Patterns, Sew-Alongs

Sew-AlongWidget_BelcarraLast day of the Belcarra Sew-Along! It’s a quick and easy day, because all we’re doing is hemming! You can click the badge to the left to see all posts relating to the sew-along.

 

Today: Hemming our Blouses

Alright, let’s get this blouse finished, shall we? I will be hemming my blouse by machine, so the hem will be visible. You could also catchstitch (or blind stitch) your hem, if you prefer a more invisible finish or if you’d like more control with a slippery or tricky fabric.

photo-1   First let’s press up our hem allowance by 1 1/2″ (3.8cm).

photo-2

Before actually hemming the blouse, let’s finish the raw edge. I like to press the hem before finishing the raw edge, just so that my overlocked edge doesn’t show through the other side from pressing. You can go in whichever order you’d like, it’s really just a preference thing.

photo-3Go ahead and sew the hem now.

photo-4Our blouse is finished now! It’s time to clip loose threads, give it a good press if necessary… and try it on!

photo-5

If you have any questions or feedback about the sew-along, I would love to hear from you in the comments. Happy sewing everyone!

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86 Responses to Belcarra Sew-Along #6: Hemming our Blouses

  1. Katie Schulz June 6, 2014 at 6:10 am #

    I’m late to the sew-along but I bought my pattern last night and I’ll print it out today and tape it together this weekend. I’ve got 2 yards of beautifully drappy rayon challis in my stash that will be perfect for this blouse.

  2. sonia June 6, 2014 at 6:29 am #

    Thanks Caroline, fun sew a long. Yay finished instagram@embroidered!

  3. LizontheHill June 6, 2014 at 6:35 am #

    My Belcarra: http://instagram.com/p/otHSbLRqF0/ Thanks for the pattern and the sewalong!

  4. Helen June 6, 2014 at 7:11 am #

    I LOVE this pattern. I am a complete beginner and am super proud of completing a top I’m happy to wear. Thanks for the awesome sew-along too.
    http://instagram.com/p/oy0_TzvTw5/ (hope this works!)

  5. aspen @ little green orchids June 6, 2014 at 7:13 am #

    Yay! Thanks for another great sew-along caroline! I had a disaster (an “accidentally cut a hole in the center of the blouse while ripping out neckline stitches” disaster. ugh) and had to throw away my nearly completed first blouse so i’ve been quiet around here, but I started over and sped through another one. :) I love love it! definitely will be making more. :)
    And I LOVE the tip you gave about keeping an eye on the fold side while top stitching to keep it even. here’s my top!

    http://www.littlegreenorchids.com/a-belcarra-blouse-victory/

  6. Karin June 6, 2014 at 7:18 am #

    Thanks for this great pattern and the sew along. I blogged my first belcarra here: http://www.dreikah.de/belcarra-sew-along/ and at flickr
    I’m so happy, that I can buy this pattern as a pdf.
    Greats from Germany Karin

  7. Ruth June 6, 2014 at 8:23 am #

    Hi I’m really pleased with my first sewaholic pattern a lime Belcarra here http://ruthcreates247.blogspot.co.uk/

  8. Miss Crayola Creepy June 6, 2014 at 9:20 am #

    I’m making mine this weekend! Thanks for taking the time to do this sewalong!

  9. Teri June 6, 2014 at 11:28 am #

    Here is mine! I really like this pattern and I’m hoping to get another one made really soon.

    http://wp.me/p4t5zl-lS

  10. jessica June 6, 2014 at 11:50 am #

    The Belcarra is my new favorite blouse pattern! Thank you for hosting the sewalong and giveaway. :-) You can see my Belcarra blouses here: http://where-is-my.blogspot.com/2014/06/belcarra-blouse-times-three.html

  11. AnneLyth June 6, 2014 at 1:10 pm #

    This was a really funnet blouse to make. I made mine inn sandwash silk and matching viscose Jersey. I think it turned out great.

    Herre is ny link. I hope it works, ås I have never used flikr before.

    https://m.flickr.com/photos/124439698@N07/14358052561/

  12. Catherine June 6, 2014 at 1:27 pm #

    Hi! I’m going to be catching up with the sewalong over the next week or two — I’m a newbie with a vintage sewing machine (my mom’s Singer Featherweight), so overlocking isn’t an option for me. For the inside seams, I was planning on just using pinking shears, but I’m concerned about the bottom. Do you have any suggestions?

    • Rachel June 6, 2014 at 2:09 pm #

      If you need a seam finish to replace the overlock on a woven, I use a rounded zigzag stitch – more than just the simple side to side. Or you could use the pinking shears – either are a finishing options.

    • Sarah June 6, 2014 at 5:31 pm #

      Featherweights are straight stitch only. I learnt on a 99k and even though I have a fancy new machine I can’t break my straight stitch habits :).

      I would fold the hem twice before stitching it so the raw edge is encased in the hem. If you really want it to be secure you can stitch the first fold down before topstitching.

      Your other option is to use bias binding on the raw edge and then stitch the hem.

  13. Michelle June 6, 2014 at 1:45 pm #

    Definitely going to have to make this one again, I love it! Made mine from a silk/cotton voile and added a little keyhole on the back neckline just for fun. :)

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/121517927@N03/14174494238/in/set-72157645058342963/

  14. Mariann June 6, 2014 at 1:52 pm #

    I’ve had a bernina for many years and have that wide hem thing and never knew what it was for. It sure beats masking tape on my face plate to mark the hem width. I learned something new!!!

  15. Crafty Albumine June 6, 2014 at 3:46 pm #

    Hello Caroline!
    Thank you for this great sew-along
    I had a few misadventures, mostly around measurements. But I finally made it. Here is my top
    http://www.craftyalbumine.com/?p=231

  16. Amy June 6, 2014 at 3:51 pm #

    Wow! So many lovely finished Belcarra blouses. Here’s my finished blouse to add to the collection:

    http://sew-well.com/2014/04/23/pattern-testing-the-belcarra-blouse-take-two/

    Thanks again for another great sew-along. I really enjoy getting the extra detail since there’s always something I could learn to do differently or better, but I know it must be so much work. It is very much appreciated!

    • Aspen @ little green orchids June 6, 2014 at 4:38 pm #

      Amy, seeing yours a while back was what made me decide to make one for myself. I love yours. :)

  17. Bella June 6, 2014 at 5:12 pm #

    Here’s mine! http://hollyannabella.wordpress.com/2014/05/31/julia-and-belcarra/
    It’s my new favourite hand made item, I wear it all the time and feel so great in it. I plan to make many more.

  18. Erica June 6, 2014 at 7:15 pm #

    Caroline, would you consider doing a post on how to do an adjustment to make the arms/cuffs larger for us gals that have larger biceps? I’m a beginner and am not quite sure how to handle that one. Otherwise my Belcarra is wonderful – thanks so much for your great instructions!

    • Caroline Amanda June 8, 2014 at 8:24 am #

      Hi Erica! I’m not sure I’ll have time to do a full tutorial on that one, but please do send me an e-mail at info[at]sewaholic[dot]net and I will be happy to give you guidance on how you can do that :)

  19. Rhiannon Owens June 6, 2014 at 9:02 pm #

    http://sewknitcook.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/sew-tapestry-rose-belcarra.html thanks so much! Love this pattern.

  20. Simona June 7, 2014 at 7:54 am #

    Hey! Wanted to do my tops with the sewalong, but could not wait and I made two of them :) And I love them:
    first belcarra is here : http://instagram.com/p/n_Y_9VCDzG/
    second one : https://twitter.com/draculashbv/status/472004326039511040/photo/1
    i love them both and do think another 2 are planned once i find the right fabrics :)

  21. Chantal June 7, 2014 at 2:47 pm #

    Thanks for the sewalong, Caroline! Here’s my first Belcarra: http://ahandmadewardrobe.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/belcarra-blouse-cascade-skirt/

    I’m hoping to make a couple more soon – it’s the perfect wardrobe staple!

  22. Caitlin June 7, 2014 at 5:37 pm #

    I just finished my first Belcarra to go with a pink pencil skirt:

    http://midwestcoastsewist.wordpress.com/2014/06/08/my-first-belcarra-blouse/

    Thanks for doing the Sewalong!

  23. Jodie June 8, 2014 at 3:57 am #

    Loved making this top and have tons more planned!
    http://scaredstitchless.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/belcarra-in-black-crepe.html/

  24. Lisa P June 8, 2014 at 6:05 am #

    Hi I love the Belcarra pattern. This is my third version and I plan on making many more.I added a FBA hence the dart. I think I may learn to love this pattern as much as the Renfrew ( 20 times and counting )

  25. LaTonya J June 8, 2014 at 10:40 am #

    I loved making this blouse. This is the first sewalong that I have participated in and I greatly enjoyed it. I hope to participate in many more. Here’s my blouse:

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/124488126@N02/14352471076/in/photostream/

  26. docksjo June 8, 2014 at 10:15 pm #

    Hi it really is a wonderful pattern and I love my blouse and is currently searching for an other perfect fabric to make an other one or more.
    http://docksjo.com/flower-frenzy/
    http://docksjo.com/me-made-may-26-31/
    http://docksjo.com/me-made-may-12-17/

  27. Catholic Bibliophagist June 8, 2014 at 11:22 pm #

    It was fun to make something so simple and easy. Here’s my first try made out of a soft quilting cotton. The neckline is a tad wide for me, so I’ll be trying out your tutorial on how to make it narrower when I do my second Belcarra. Here’s a photo so that I can enter your give-away:

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/catholicbiblio/sets/72157645086140075/

  28. Kerry June 9, 2014 at 1:13 am #

    This is a deceptively simple pattern, so nicely cut! Here is my first, second on its way:
    http://verykerryberry.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/belcarra-sewaholic-pattern-review.html

  29. Elizabeth June 9, 2014 at 5:04 am #

    Thank you for the giveaway along with the fab pattern. Here is my first version: http://sewnbyelizabeth.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/sewaholic-belcarra-blouse.html?m=1

  30. Ledys June 9, 2014 at 6:47 am #

    Here, mine!

    https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/68936317@N03/14381009192/

    I loved working on this project, and I love my blouse! Can’t wait to try different fabrics to see how they behave, and after seeing yours, Caroline, I think I may have to make a chambray version ;) thanks for another wonderful pattern and sewalong! And, great work on your blouses, everyone, they are all of them gorgeous!

  31. Joanne June 9, 2014 at 7:16 pm #

    I made mine, too! I missed my window for sunshiney outdoor pictures, but it still turned out pretty!

    http://bluebirdssinging.blogspot.com/2014/06/silk-belcarra.html

  32. Pips Splatt June 10, 2014 at 1:23 am #

    Fabulous pattern! I’ve made two, but haven’t had the chance to blog them yet. You can check out photos on instagram @magdalenesmuse or on my FB page, thegirlinateacup Some photo’s of the first one also on my blog at http://www.thegirlinateacup.com
    Thanks for making such an awesome pattern!

  33. Ruth June 10, 2014 at 2:42 am #

    Thanks for the sewalong Caroline! I always pick up a few tips along the way! The Belcarra is a really great, simple pattern – I’m really happy with how mine turned out, here it is: http://nightingaleanddolittle.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/sewaholic-belcarra-refashioning-dress.html

  35. Katy June 10, 2014 at 4:03 am #

    Ooooh a give-away! Here is my first Belcarra: http://madebykaty.wordpress.com/2014/05/25/the-belcarra-blouse/
    I can’t wait to make many more of these! Thank you for the awesome pattern and the sewalong :D

  36. Emily June 10, 2014 at 11:38 am #

    Great sewalong! I finally managed to finish my Belcarra – here’s the link:

    https://dressingtherole.wordpress.com/2014/06/10/belcarra-blues-plus-some-news/

  37. Kat June 10, 2014 at 1:08 pm #

    Hey Caroline, thanks for the sew-along (my first!). My version can be found here: http://herecomesthekat.blogspot.de/2014/06/its-done-belcarra-blouse-by-sewaholic.html

  38. Wexford June 10, 2014 at 2:37 pm #

    Finished up this morning right before I had to hop on a flight for work. Crappy pic of finished top done in my hotel room: http://instagram.com/p/pFCvB-v5R8/

  39. Alex June 11, 2014 at 4:36 am #

    Thanks for the sew-along!

    I love my first Belcarra and am already working on a second. Here’s the first one:
    http://www.alexandralaw.com/2014/06/sewaholic-belcarra-blouse/

    Great to see everyone’s lovely versions

  40. Sara June 11, 2014 at 10:58 am #

    My first Belcarra (added a curved hem) and certainly not my last. Needs a little tweaking on the fit front but I do love it! As always, thanks for the sewalong!

    http://hamiltonchicklets.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/a-graphic-belcarra/

  41. Isis June 11, 2014 at 11:24 am #

    Finally followed a Sew-Along as it was happening. Though this one is for Mom, I get to make one for myself fairly soon. Love the pattern!!

    https://mommyeme.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/finished-tucana-belcarra-for-mom/

  42. Elizabeth McCarron June 11, 2014 at 4:09 pm #

    I have finished my Belcarra blouse made from fabric purchased from a charity fundraiser. This is an inexpensive way for me to test a new pattern. I love the blouse, the pattern and the Sewalong was a great bonus! Thank you. I am ready to make another but will use the alteration information to adjust the neckline. Looking forward to getting the second one underway.

  43. Renee June 11, 2014 at 6:51 pm #

    Thanks for the sewalong, Caroline! I posted my Belcarra on my blog here: http://memademakes.blogspot.com/2014/06/blue-belcarra-blouse.html

  44. Stef June 11, 2014 at 8:33 pm #

    Thankyou for the sewalong, my first one. My Belcarra is on my blog: http://adayintheleaf.com/2014/06/12/belcarra-blouse/ Perfect size for remnants!

  45. Elodie June 12, 2014 at 1:36 am #

    I have finished my first version (yes i want more, this is such a great pattern)
    For photos : https://coccolesole.wordpress.com/2014/06/12/belcarra-blouse/

  47. Heather @ QA Creations June 12, 2014 at 8:29 am #

    I just finished up my first one, and can’t wait to wear it this summer!

    http://qacreations.quiltsactually.com/blog/2014/06/sewaholic-belcarra-blouse.html

  48. Anita Boeira June 12, 2014 at 8:29 am #

    http://instagram.com/p/pDAQFzyZEV/ Here is mine! Haven’t had a chance to blog it yet, but I Instagrammed it :) Lovely pattern. Will make more for sure.

  49. Mariann June 12, 2014 at 10:54 am #

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/124442787@N07/

    Here is my Belcarra. Loved the pattern and thanks for the sew-along. My bust and waist measurements fit the size 16 but my hips were much smaller. I opted for the 16 and took in the hip area a bunch. Next blouse I will make a 12 and do a full bust adjustment. Going to try it first as a muslin. Hoping to avoid some of the bunchy-ness in the arm pit area. Used a cotton lawn for this one and it was the perfect pattern for this light weight fabric.

  50. Maria June 12, 2014 at 11:24 am #

    This sew-along was the perfect excuse to start that blog that I’ve been planning for a while! Thanks for an awesome pattern, it has been great clicking through the comments to see all the lovely renditions. Here’s my first ever blog post with a Liberty silk Belcarra:

    styleincontrol.blogspot.com

  51. Elodie June 12, 2014 at 11:48 am #

    Here’s my second version http://coccolesole.wordpress.com/2014/06/12/belcarra-acte-2/
    Love it so much!

  52. Elizabeth June 12, 2014 at 12:31 pm #

    My first Belcarra blouse http://hamiltonchicklets.wordpress.com/2014/06/12/belcarra-blouse/. Thanks for the fun sew along!

  53. Donna June 12, 2014 at 5:03 pm #

    The sew-a-long was great fun and good motivation. Here is my first blecarra of many more to come http://www.sewindependent.com/blog/2014/6/13/indie-fan-girl-the-monthly-stitch

  54. Natasha June 12, 2014 at 11:48 pm #

    Just finished my Belcarra Blouse! I used a really soft loosely woven cotton that stretched quite a bit, but I think this will do for a first attempt! :)
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/61612480@N02/14410701705/

  55. Sonia Fonseca June 13, 2014 at 2:02 am #

    Hola chicas,
    Yo estoy encantada con la belcarra blouse y aqui os dejo mi version:

    http://lapequenaaprendiz.blogspot.com.es/2014/05/belcarra-blouse.html

    Besitos

  56. Bianca June 13, 2014 at 2:18 am #

    Love this pattern! Here’s mine: http://bstitching.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/winter-white-belcarra/

  57. Laura June 13, 2014 at 5:37 am #

    I had to do a few alterations, but I finished mine as well. Pretty good pattern.

    http://auxetically.blogspot.ch/2014/06/oh-my-i-can-tuck-this-one-in-aka.html

  58. Jenny June 13, 2014 at 7:23 am #

    My first muslin which needs some work but I love the shaping and it was easy to make. The sew along instructions are really good. Next up will be one with pin tucks in a blue linen mix.

  59. Louise June 13, 2014 at 8:26 am #

    http://instagram.com/p/pLRtGjjv6X/

    Belcarra number 2!

  60. Louise June 13, 2014 at 8:27 am #

    http://instagram.com/p/of5eH5Dv6R/

    My first Belcarra – this is my favourite I think but have a third planned!

    Louise

  61. Melanie June 13, 2014 at 9:04 am #

    Technically I made four Belcarras if you count three bed-sheet muslins :) I did my very first FBA — thank you, Caroline! — and it took a few attempts to get the fit just right. Here’s the link to my final version, in a delicious Liberty lawn:
    http://365by3.com/?p=1270

  62. Anne June 13, 2014 at 9:13 am #

    Hope I made it on time! I’ve sewn it last week but just posted it on my blog! Yahoo! First post of Sewaholic patterns too! I love the Belcara blouse!

    http://anneshetty.com/2014/06/project1-the-belcarra-blouse/

  63. Helen June 13, 2014 at 11:52 am #

    Love this pattern! Here’s my blouse, made up from a fabric I found at the Rag Market in Birmingham: http://instagram.com/p/pMeUiKEPPU. Next up is a plain white one.

  64. MarieHelene June 13, 2014 at 12:59 pm #

    Great pattern! Hope I made it on time for the contest. Here is my blouse:

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152255730798557&set=a.10152223825223557.1073741826.510688556&type=1&theater

  65. Jo June 13, 2014 at 1:43 pm #

    This was my first ever sewalong and I really enjoyed it! Thanks for such lovely, clear instructions!

    Here’s my finished Belcarra
    http://stuffjohasmade.wordpress.com/2014/06/13/belcarra-sewalong-done-woo/

  66. Meredith June 13, 2014 at 7:50 pm #

    Here is my first Belcarra!

    http://instagram.com/p/oHnT8RBt92/

  67. Meredith June 13, 2014 at 7:50 pm #

    And here is my second Belcarra!

    http://instagram.com/p/ot1wLBBtys/

    I have so many more ideas for so many more Belcarras! Thanks for a fantastic pattern.

  68. Deanna June 13, 2014 at 9:37 pm #

    Down to the wire but here’s my Belcarra paired with my Thurlow shorts as a bonus.

    https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/102445099080321795971/albums/6024638114221041681/6024638110742516098

  69. Jenny June 15, 2014 at 12:58 pm #

    Haven’t done the hem yet as it is toooooo late and I want a straight one, but this second muslin is better than the first and it was easier to make too.

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/67287411@N06/14450257343/

  70. Caroline Amanda June 15, 2014 at 7:26 pm #

    Giveaway closed now! We will announce the winner on Friday June 20th. Thank you everyone for showing all of your lovely versions!

  71. Andrea July 1, 2014 at 6:58 pm #

    I just have to say I looove this pattern. I am up to version two with more planned http://fabricepiphanies.blogspot.co.nz/2014/06/firsts.html

  72. Beata January 26, 2016 at 6:45 pm #

    Obviusly I’m waaaaay late on the giveaway, but just thought I would share my blouse that I finished last week! :)
    http://tatulinkastales.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/the-up-to-scratch-blouse.html

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