Vintage Scoop Neck Blouse: Effortlessly Chic and Timeless
The Vintage Scoop Neck Blouse, originally featured in Knit and Crochet Style Parade by Coats and Clark’s (1954), captures the essence of mid-century elegance with its flattering scoop neckline and refined silhouette. Perfect for layering or wearing on its own, this blouse blends practicality with sophistication, making it a timeless addition to any wardrobe. The pattern is designed to flatter various body shapes while maintaining an air of understated charm.
Ideal for knitters with intermediate experience, the pattern includes techniques such as shaping for the neckline and shoulders, which lend the blouse its graceful structure. The scoop neck adds a touch of femininity without being overly dramatic, making it suitable for both formal and casual settings. While the pattern provides ample guidance, even knitters newer to garment construction can learn and master these techniques with ease, making it a rewarding project for those looking to expand their skills.
Versatility is a hallmark of this design, as it can be styled in countless ways. Pair it with a pencil skirt or high-waisted trousers for a vintage-inspired look, or wear it with jeans for a more casual vibe. Whether you follow the original 1950s color suggestions or choose a modern palette, this blouse is sure to become a cherished piece in your handmade wardrobe.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Knit and Crochet Style Parade by Coats and Clark’s in 1954. While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are ©Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2024. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
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Materials
- Yarn: Chadwick’s Red Heart Orlon “Fashion-Glo,” 3 Ply
- Skeins Required (Bust Sizes):
- 32: 6 skeins
- 34: 7 skeins
- 36: 8 skeins
- 38: 9 skeins
- 40: 9 skeins
- Needles:
- Pair of No. 2 knitting pins (2.75 mm)
- Circular knitting needle No. 2 (2.75 mm)
- Notions:
- 7 small rhinestone buttons
- 8 large rhinestone buttons
- Gauge:
- 8 stitches = 1 inch
- 10 rows = 1 inch
Front
- Cast On:
Using No. 2 knitting pins, cast on:
- 32: 108 stitches
- 34: 116 stitches
- 36: 124 stitches
- 38: 132 stitches
- 40: 140 stitches
- Ribbing:
Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 1 ¾ inches. - Body:
- Switch to stockinette stitch (k1 row, p1 row).
- Increase 1 stitch at both ends of every 6th row until there are:
- 32: 128 stitches
- 34: 136 stitches
- 36: 144 stitches
- 38: 152 stitches
- 40: 160 stitches
- Work without increasing until the piece measures:
- 32–36: 9 inches
- 38–40: 10 inches
- End with a purl row.
- Cap Sleeves:
- Cast on at the beginning of the next 12 rows:
- 32–34: 4 stitches per row
- 36–38: 5 stitches per row
- 40: 6 stitches per row
- For Sizes 36–40, cast on an additional 4 stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows.
- Total stitches on the needle:
- 32: 176 stitches
- 34: 184 stitches
- 36: 200 stitches
- 38: 208 stitches
- 40: 224 stitches
- Mark Sleeves:
- Place a marker at both ends of the next row to indicate the start of the sleeve edge.
- Increase 1 stitch at both ends of every:
- 32–36: 2nd row
- 38–40: 3rd row
- Continue increasing until there are:
- 32: 188 stitches
- 34: 192 stitches
- 36: 204 stitches
- 38: 228 stitches
- 40: 236 stitches
- Shape Neck:
- Knit across the first:
- 32: 84 stitches
- 34: 88 stitches
- 36: 95 stitches
- 38: 99 stitches
- 40: 106 stitches
- Bind off the center stitches for the neckline:
- 32–36: 28 stitches
- 38–40: 30 stitches
- Work the remaining stitches for the other side of the neckline.
- Neck and Sleeve Shaping:
- Increase 1 stitch at the sleeve edge every 3rd row for 10 rows.
- Bind off 2 stitches at the neck edge every other row for 3 rows.
- Continue decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge every row for 26 rows.
- Total stitches remaining on the needle:
- 32: 62 stitches
- 34: 66 stitches
- 36: 73 stitches
- 38: 77 stitches
- 40: 84 stitches
- Shape Shoulder and Sleeve Top:
- Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every other row:
- 32: 11 times
- 34: 12 times
- 36–40: 13 times
- Bind off 5 stitches at the sleeve edge every other row for:
- 32: 7 rows
- 34: 6 rows
- 36: 8 rows
- 38: 12 rows
- 40: 7 rows
Back
- Follow instructions for the Front, making the following adjustments:
- For the back closure, knit in two halves (Right Back and Left Back).
- Add a ribbed button band at the edge of each half.
Finishing
- Block: Block all pieces to the specified measurements.
- Seams: Sew the shoulder and side seams.
- Button Bands: Sew the rhinestone buttons in place along the back closure and at the sleeve cuffs.
- Ribbon Detail: For an elegant touch, add velvet ribbon trim if desired.
