Ribbon Blouse, 1952

March 10, 2010

Stunning vintage knitting blouse pattern from 1952.

A delicate and textured blouse worked in fine ribbon yarn with metallic gold accents. The design features an openwork slip-stitch pattern, subtle shaping at the waist and armholes, and ¾-length sleeves. A zipper closure and optional elastic at the neck and waist give a polished, tailored finish. This lightweight, airy blouse is perfect for formal wear or layered over a camisole for a vintage-inspired look.

The blouse combines ribbon yarn for soft drape with metallic gold yarn for visual interest, producing a unique, shimmery texture.

Ribbon Blouse — Vintage Pattern

Sizes: 12 (14, 16, 18)

Materials

Ribbon Yarn: Nomotta Ruban d’Art, 100 yds/spool – 4 (4, 5, 5) spools
Metallic Yarn: Gold Fildor, 100 yds/spool – 3 (3, 4, 4) spools
Knitting Needles: No. 9
Steel Crochet Hook: No. 1
Slide fastener (zipper): 7″
Gauge: 5 sts = 1″
Blocked Bust: 32 (34, 36, 38)”

Pattern Stitch (Slip-Stitch Lace)

Row 1 (Gold): K1, *yarn to front, sl 1 as if to purl, yarn to back, K1; repeat from * across.
Row 2 (Gold): Sl 1, *P1, sl 1; repeat from * across.
Row 3 (Ribbon): Yarn to front, sl1 as if to purl, *yarn to back, K1, yarn to front, sl1 as if to purl; repeat from * across.
Row 4 (Ribbon): P1, *sl1, P1; repeat from * across.

Repeat these 4 rows for the pattern throughout.

Back

Using ribbon yarn, cast on 65 (69, 73, 77) sts.
Tie in gold yarn, work in pattern stitch for 3½”.
Increase 1 st at each end every ¾”, 8 times → 81 (85, 89, 93) sts.
Work even until piece measures 12 (12, 12½, 12½)”.

Armholes

Bind off 5 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end every other row, 4 times → 63 (67, 71, 75) sts.
Work even until armhole measures 3¼ (3½, 3¾, 4)”.
Bind off remaining sts.

Front

Work exactly the same as back.

Sleeves

Using ribbon yarn, cast on 59 (63, 67, 71) sts.
Tie in gold, work in pattern stitch for 2½” (or desired length to underarm), matching blouse pattern at underarm.

Shaping Cap

Bind off 5 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end every other row, 7 (8, 9, 10) times.
Work even until cap measures 3¼ (3½, 3¾, 4)”.
Bind off remaining sts.

Finishing

Press pieces lightly.
Leave lower left side open for 7″, then seam underarms and sleeves.
Sew in sleeves.
Using ribbon yarn, work 2 rows single crochet around neck, sleeves, and lower edges.
Sew in zipper.
Optional: run narrow round elastic inside neck and waistline for a more fitted finish.
Press lightly to finish.