There are a million worries that probably go through an expecting mother’s head during pregnancy, but her wardrobe needn’t be one of them. The Olea Shirt is the perfect transitional blouse, looking stunning as a tunic in the early stages, and equally gorgeous as a maternity top. Try out a silk printed charmeuse for an evening look, or keep it casual with this unbelievably soft and slimming cotton chambray I used!
Fabrics & materials used:
- 2 yards Navy Striped Cotton Chambray
- MDF047 – The Olea Maternity Shirt Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Sizing is based off of your bust measurement. All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart above for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 22.
Approximate Finished Garment Measurements:
MDF047 – Olea Maternity Shirt Free Sewing Pattern – Size Chart – Finished Garment Measurements – Mood Fabrics Sewciety Blog
How To Sew:
This fabric is lightweight and airy, perfect for spring and summer, but opaque enough that a lining isn’t necessary. Essentially, it’s the bomb.
Step 1
Since there’s no lining, attach the front and back panels of your shirt at the shoulders and sides using French or Hong Kong seams.
Step 2
Take a 1.5″ strip of the same fabric (or a contrast, if you so choose), and sew it around the neckline and each of the armholes of your garment with the faces together.
Step 3
Double fold the strip of fabric toward the inside of the shirt so the raw edges are hidden. Pin into place and edge-stitch around the neckline and armholes. Press after sewing.
Step 4
Lastly, finish off the bottom of the shirt with a small rolled hem and press.
Step 5
For the belt, attach both belt panels along one of the short sides so you have one super long strip. Finish the raw edges with a 1/4″ rolled hem and iron the full length.
Step 6
Wrap under the bust twice and tie with a bow!
This is super cute but wouldn’t bias strips be better & lay flatter around the neckline and armholes?
Yes, you could definitely do that too! That would lay very nicely.
Hi there, I am so sorry to trouble you. I entered my information to obtain this lovely Olea maternity shirt. But for some reason it never gave me the link to the pattern. Could you please be so kind to assist me. If I try again, it tell me that the email address has already been used. Thank you for your kind assistance. Enjoy your day. Regards Lynda
Good afternoon! I just resent the email, let me know if you still haven’t received it 🙂
Thank you for the great pattern. I am making this for an associate at work. Our dress code states that we must have sleeves of some sort. Could you possibly suggest how I can make a cap and/or short sleeve for this top? Thank you for your assistance
So excited for this pattern. I want to make this as a non maternity shirt. Should I just take a wedge off each side of the front piece?
Hi Laura – you could do that! It also pleats very nicely as a non-maternity shirt with no alterations made. Either would still be cute!
Can I use bon bon and stretch h materials that I mostly all I have and don’t forget scuba
Yes, those fabrics can also work well with this pattern!
Do you have other samples of maternity blouses?
We have SO MANY patterns that could be maternity dresses/tops.
1. The Mendocino A-Line Dress
2. The Tulip Dress
3. The Florin Sleepwear Set
4. The Rhodes Infinity Dress
5. The Nettle Wrap Dress
6. The Mal Dress
Love it! The top will make a great maternity gown in taffeta or satin/crepe/lace. Imagine the possibilities
Amazing! I have just finished it, also added sleeves and its great and flowy! Thank you for this pattern!
That sounds amazing! We love hearing how you made the pattern your own—adding sleeves is such a great idea. So glad you’re enjoying the flowy fit. We’d love to see your finished look if you share it with #MadeWithMood!
Hello! Thank you for such a lovely pattern. I was wondering how to add sleeves to this pattern. Could I use the sleeves from other Mood Fabrics patterns?
Hi Sara! We actually have a really cool sleeve pattern pack that comes with a bunch of different sleeve options that can be added to any other pattern. Check out the Valli Sleeve Pattern Pack on our blog!
As a novice seamstress and six months pregnant, I managed to sew it. Thank you so much.