Chic Whimsy Blouse Crochet Pattern – Easy Fingering Weight Top with Ruffled Sleeves – Sizes XS–5XL
After finishing both the Amira Sweater and Amira Cardigan, I found myself wondering—could I take that same beloved stitch pattern and transform it into something lighter, something breezier, perfect for warm days? That curiosity sparked the beginning of what would become the Chic Whimsy Blouse.
With a smaller hook and a summery cotton yarn in hand, I made a swatch. Instantly, I fell in love with the texture—the fabric felt soft, breathable, and just lacy enough to keep things interesting. From there, the idea of a summer top quickly took shape.
Now, I’ll admit—I’ve never really been drawn to ruffle sleeves. They always seemed a bit too much for my personal style. But this time, I decided to challenge myself and give them a try. I doubted them all the way through… until the final stitches were in place. And honestly? I was surprised at how much I loved the result. The ruffles aren’t over the top—they’re playful, subtle, and they add such a sweet charm to the blouse.
The Chic Whimsy Blouse is the perfect blend of simplicity and whimsy—an easy-to-wear piece that feels just as at home with jeans at a weekend market as it does dressed up for a day at the office.
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If you’re feeling inspired to make your own Chic Whimsy Blouse, you’re in the right place! Below, you’ll find everything you need to get started—from the materials and sizing info to detailed instructions for each step of the process. So grab your yarn, hook, and a cozy seat—let’s dive into making this breezy, ruffle-sleeved beauty come to life!
MATERIALS
- Yarn: Size 1 , fingering weight yarn
- Crochet Hook:
o 4.5 mm crochet hook - yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
NOTES ABOUT DESIGN
The Chic Whimsy Blouse features a straightforward two-panel construction with approximately 12 cm of positive ease around the bust. The front and back panels are worked separately, then joined at the shoulders and sides. Sleeves are worked top-down in the round, beginning at the armholes. The blouse is finished with a slip stitch edging along the sleeves, bottom hem, and neckline.
The ruffled sleeve design lends an elegant yet playful touch, making this blouse versatile enough to wear to the office or paired with jeans for a casual stroll in the park.
The stitch pattern is simple yet refined, with a slightly lacy texture that provides both breathability and visual interest.
MEASUREMENTS AND SIZES
The Chic Whimsy Blouse Pattern is available in 9 sizes, from XS up to 5X Large. The model is 168 cm tall, with a 88 cm bust circumference, and wears a size Small.
The numbers are written below as follows: XS (S, M, L) (XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL);
Final Measurements of the Chic Whimsy Blouse
*Neck Circ. a: 48.5cm (48.5, 48.5, 54.5) (54.5, 54.5, 60, 60, 60)
Bust Circ. b: 94 cm (100, 105, 112), (119, 129, 139, 149, 159)
**Armhole Circ. c: 41 cm (44, 47, 50) (53, 55, 61,64, 64)
Length e: 51.5 cm (53, 54.5, 56) (56, 57, 58.5, 60, 60)
*the neckline circ. is measured before the edging; it can be adjusted while working on the front panel
** the armhole circ. is measured at the base, not at the ruffled edge
YARN
For the Chic Whimsy Blouse, I used:Friends Cotton 8/4 Mercerized by Hobbii, in color 85.
Yarn composition:100% Cotton; Each skein has 50 grams and is approximately 160 meters.
For each size, you will approximately need: 940 (1030, 1110, 1220) (1290, 1430,1580, 1730, 1850) meters
ABBREVIATIONS
Ch – chain
Sc – single crochet
scVst – (1sc, 3ch, 1sc) in the same st or space
ss – slip stitch
St(s) – stitch(es)
R – row
** – repeated section.
TENSION
Using 6.5 mm crochet hook in scVst stitch pattern
7scVst = 10 cm
14 rows = 10 cm
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STITCH PATTERN AND TECHNIQUES
SINGLE CROCHET V STITCH
The primary stitch pattern used in the Chic Whimsy Blouse is a variation of Vst but using single crochet stitches and 3ch as separating chain
This stitch pattern requires a multiple of 3+1 stitches.
Pattern (use it for the gauge swatch)
Chain the required number of stitches
R1: ch2 (1ch will count as a sc and the second as ch-sp), 1sc into the 3rd stitch, * skip 2sts, 1scVst (1sc, 3ch, 1sc) in the next st, skip the next 2sts; *rep the section to the end of the row; finish the row with (1sc, 1ch, 1sc) into the last st, 2ch and turn;
R2: 1sc into the first 1ch-sp, *1scVst in the next 3ch-sp, *rep. to the end of the row; finish the row with 1sc and 1ch onto the last 1ch-sp, 1sc into the first ch (the second one counting from right to left)
INSTRUCTIONS
BACK PANEL
Working the Back Panel (Bottom-Up):
Legth up to the armpit
Note: The length up to the armhole is the same for all sizes in the instructions below. Feel free to adjust this section to achieve your preferred length
If you’d like to use a different yarn or hook size, and adjust the number of stitches to match your gauge, follow these steps:
Step 1: Make a gauge swatch in the scVst pattern and measure the number of scVsts and rows within a 10 cm square.
Step 2: Take your bust measurement, or refer to standard body measurements for bust circumference, and add your desired amount of positive ease. Divide this number in half to determine the back panel width.
Step 3: Using your gauge, calculate the number of scVsts needed to achieve the desired panel width.
Step 4: Multiply the number of scVsts required for the back panel width by 3, then add 1 more stitch to the total. This will be the number of stitches you need to start with.
Start: ch 101 (107, 113, 119) (125, 137, 149, 161, 167) sts
R1 (foundation row): start into the second st, 1sc in each st to the end of the row; ch3 and turn
R2:1sc into the 1st stitch, * skip 2sts, 1scVst (1sc, 3ch, 1sc) in the next st, skip the next 2sts; *rep the section to the end of the row; finish the row with (1sc, 2ch, 1sc) into the last st, 3ch and turn;
R3: 1sc into the first 2ch-sp, *1scVst in the next 3ch-sp, *rep. to the end of the row; finish the row with 1sc and 2ch into the last 1ch-sp, 1sc into the first ch
Rep. R2 until you reach the desired length up to the armpit or until you have or until you have: 49 (49, 49, 49) (49, 49, 49, 49, 49) rows; (not counting the first sc row); at the end of the last row ch only 1 and turn
Decreasing for armpit
R50: 1sc into the first 2chsp, 2ch, 1sc into the next 3ch-sp, 2ch ; Rep. form * to * 1 (1, 1, 1) (2, 2, 3, 3, 3) more times; continue with the established stitch pattern until you have 2 ( 2, 2, 2) (3, 3, 4, 4, 4) full scVsts + the last half scVst; continue with (2ch, 1sc into the next ch-sp) to the end of the row; turn without chaining;
R51: slst the next 10 (10, 10, 10 ) (13, 13, 16, 16, 16) sts, to position your yarn into the next scvst; ch3, 1sc into the same 2ch-sp, 1scVst in each 3ch-sp to the last scvst; (1sc, 2ch) into the last 3ch-sp, 1sc into the first ch/ last sc
Next, continue working in the established stitch pattern until you reach your desired armhole depth, or until you have completed 23 (25, 27, 29) (29, 31, 33, 35, 35) rows, depending on your selected size.
At this point in total you will have: 72 (74, 76, 78) (78, 80, 82, 84, 84) rows, not counting the first sc row;
Final Row (To Straighten the Edge):
To straighten the edge of the panel, work the last row as follows:
ch1 at the end of previous row and turn;
1sc into the first st, 2ch, *1sc in next 3ch-sp, 2ch; * rep. to the end of the row; finish the row with 1sc into the last st (ch)
Fasten off.
FRONT PANEL
Working the Fron Panel (Bottom-Up)
Follow the same pattern as for the back panel, but work 10 rows fewer.
For the last 10 rows, work only into the shoulder stitches to shape a lowered neckline edge.
Work into the same pattern as for the back panel until you have 49 (49, 49, 49) (49, 49, 49, 49, 49) rows (thw armpit length)
Then decrease the armpit stitches and work for the armhole depth only 13 (15, 17, 19) (19, 21, 23, 25, 25) rows
Shaping the Neckline
Place two stitch markers to indicate the neckline stitches.
You can adjust the neckline width according to your preference.
At this stage, allocate 2 additional scV sts on each side of the neckline—these stitches will be decreased later to help shape the neckline.
Marking the shoulder and neckline stitches:
For the shoulders, count the first and last half sc Vst as a scVst
Shoulder scVsts: 9 (10, 11, 11) (11, 13, 13, 15, 16) – for both shoulders
Neckline sts: 10 (10, 10, 12) (12, 12, 14, 14, 14)
Next, begin working each shoulder separately.
To simplify the neckline shaping—and since the stitch pattern appears the same on both sides—we’ll work both shoulders identically rather than as mirrored opposites.
Start from whereyour yarn is; 3ch and turn
R1: 1sc into the fist 2ch-sp, 1scVst in each scVst to the last scVst before the stitch marker; 1sc into the marked scVst; 2ch and turn
R2: 1scVst, in each scVst, (1sc, 2ch) into the last 2ch-sp, 1sc into the first ch-st of the starting ch; 3ch and turn
R3: 1sc into the fist 2ch-sp, 1scVst in each scVst to the second to last scVst, 1sc into the last scVst; 2ch and turn
R4: Rep. R2
R5: 1sc into the fist 2ch-sp, 1scVst in each scVst to the second to last scVst, (1sc, 2ch) into the last scVst, 1sc into the last sc; 3ch and turn
R6: 1sc into the fist 2ch-sp, 1scVst in each scVst, (1sc, 2ch) into the last 2ch-sp, 1sc into the first ch of the starting chain; 3ch and turn
R7 – R10: Rep. R6
Final Row (To Straighten the Edge):
To straighten the edge of the panel, work the last row as follows:
ch1 at the end of previous row and turn;
1sc into the first st, 2ch, *1sc in next 3ch-sp, 2ch; * rep. to the end of the row; finish the row with 1sc into the last st (ch)
Fasten off.
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For the second shoulder, rejoin the yarn in the first 2-ch space at the edge and follow the same instructions as for the first shoulder.
ASSEMBLING:
After completing both panels, place front panel over the back panel, aligning the side edges. Join the shoulders and side edges using your preferred sewing method. I used the ladder stitch. To ensure you have enough yarn on the needle, measure out a length that is three times the length of the seam you need to sew.
For a comprehensive visual guide, refer to the video
SLEEVES
This sample features a ruffle sleeve design. In the instructions below, you’ll find guidance on how to work a regular sleeve—or leave the top sleeveless, if you prefer.
The ruffle effect is achieved by placing the scV sts closer together, with fewer stitches between each 2-scV when beginning the first round.
The sleeves are worked in the round, turning after each round to maintain a consistent stitch appearance. Each round will begin into the first 3ch-sp;
Begin with a foundation single crochet (sc) round before starting the scV stitch pattern.
Rejoin the yarn into the first side-row at your left, after the armpit sts;
Foundation sc round: Work 1sc in each side row and 1sc into each of the armpit sts; close the round with a slst into the first sc
Adjust how you work the single crochet stitches into the side rows or armhole stitches as needed to match your tension. The goal is to create a smooth, even edge—not too many stitches, which can cause the edge to curl, and not too few, which may cause it to tighten or pucker.
To achieve the ruffle effect, we’ll work the scV sts closer together—except in the underarm area. To avoid excess fabric under the arm, scV sts in the armpit section will be spaced with 2 stitches between each.
For the rest of the sleeve, use the following ruffle pattern:
Ruffle Sleeve Pattern:
1 scV into the next 2 sts, skip 1 st
If you prefer straight sleeves, maintain 2 stitches between each scV stitch around the entire sleeve:
Straight Sleeve Pattern:
1 scV into the next st, skip 2 sts
R1: ch4, 1sc into the first st, 1scVst into the next st, skip 1st, 1scVst into the next 2sts; Repeat the section form to as many times as possible until you reach the armpit sts section; skip the next 2sts, 1scVst into the next st, skip 2sts, 1scVst into the next; Rep. the section from ** to ** to the end of the row; close the round with a slst into the fist ch; slst into the first 3ch-sp and turn;
R2: ch4, 1sc into the same space, 1scVst into each 3ch-sp; close the round with a sl st into the first ch, sl st into the first 3ch-sp to start the next round from that space; turn
R3 – R10: Rep. R2
Final Row (To Straighten the Edge) – Optional:
To straighten the edge of the sleeve, work the last row as follows:
ch1 at the end of previous row and turn;
1sc into the first st, 2ch, *1sc in next 3ch-sp, 2ch; * rep. to the end of the row; finish the row with 1sc into the last st (ch)
EDGING
Work the Edging around the Sleeves, Bottom Hem and neckline;
A few things to consider:
For the Neckline: for the Font panel Section of the neckline, you need to straighten the edge before starting to work on the actual edge;
When working into the sc, ch-2 edge—found at the last row of the sleeves and along the neckline of the back panel (and the front panel after the straightening row)—work only 1 single crochet (sc) into each ch-2 space, unless you’re using a smaller hook for the edging.
Using a 4.5 mm hook, it can be difficult to insert the hook into the second stitch of the ch-2 space, and placing two sc stitches there may cause overcrowding, as single crochet stitches are typically wider than chain stitches.
R1: 1sc in each st around; close the round with a sl st into the first sc;
R2: 1ch (place a st marker to make it easier to identify the first st in the row), 1sl st into each st around; close the round with a sl st into the first ch;
R3: Rep R2*
*Note: at this round, insert the hook into the loops that are in the back;
TO FINISH
Weave in all ends and block to measurements
💾 Prefer the Printable PDF Version?
If you’d like to support my work and enjoy a beautifully formatted, ad-free version of this pattern that you can download and print, the Chic Whimsy Blouse PDF is available in my shops:
I hope you enjoyed making the Chic Whimsy Blouse as much as I enjoyed designing it. This project reminded me that sometimes stepping outside our comfort zone—yes, even with ruffle sleeves—can lead to surprisingly beautiful results.
If you decide to make your own Chic Whimsy Blouse, I’d absolutely love to see it! Share your finished piece on social media and tag me @bykaterinadesigns so I can admire your work and celebrate your creativity. 💖
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions, feedback, or just want to share your thoughts on the design. And if you’re looking for more lightweight garments or wearable crochet patterns, don’t forget to check out my Amira Sweater and Amira Cardigan too!
Until next time—happy crocheting and stay whimsical!
