After spending hours sifting through 102 (!) sewing patterns for shirts, we handpicked the best 29 for you to scan through. This list includes professional-looking button-down shirts, casual ones, and even unique ones with ruffles and puff sleeves. We rated each pattern based on how beginner-friendly it was, tips for suitable fabrics, and important sizing and design info.
For similar patterns, check out our list of free tops, casual tunics, feminine blouses, crop tops, tank tops, camisoles, and t-shirts.
Contents list:
- Free patterns
- Classic button-down shirts for women
- Collarless / Grandad / Mandarin collar shirts
- Bowling / Cuban / tropical shirts
- Puff-sleeved shirts
- Casual shirts
- Boxy & loose-fitting shirts
- Shirt dresses
- Men’s shirt patterns
Free patterns:
“Noa” classic straight-cut button up shirt
Download now from Fabrics-Store – FREE
- Sizes: US 0-30. Bust: 33”-56” (84-142 cm).
- Design: Classic button up shirt. Relaxed, straight fit. Classic shirt collar with collar stand. Long sleeves. Sleeve plackets and cuffs.. Back yoke with a small box pleat. Button band. Curved hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure. For example, linen, cotton blends, batiste, silk, or twill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Fully illustrated instructions are available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Although some of the details like the sleeve plackets, the collar, the collar stand and the button band could be challenging for a beginner, the instructions are quite detailed and there are additional tutorials linked for some of the trickier steps. I think an advanced beginner could try this pattern for their first shirt making project.
“Genia” relaxed button up shirt with fitted Mandarin collar
Download now from Fabrics-Store – FREE
- Sizes: US 0-30. Bust: 33”-56” (84-142 cm).
- Design: Clean cut, classic, button up shirt. Slight A-line shape. Fitted shoulders. Fitted Mandarin collar. Front button placket. Long sleeves with sleeve plackets and cuffs.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics without too much drape, such as chambray, linen, cotton blends, gauze, batiste, cotton lawn, or twill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Fully illustrated instructions are available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, although some steps like sewing the Mandarin collar and the sleeve plackets require precision, the instructions are nice and detailed so I think a confident, advanced beginner could make this pattern.
“Rosalie” shirt dress with short sleeves and waist tie belt
Download now from Mood – FREE
- Sizes: US 00-32. Bust: 31”-59.5” (79-151 cm).
- Design: Classic fit-and-flare shirt dress. Bust darts. Front button placket. Shirt collar with collar stand. Short, semi-fitted sleeves. Wide tie belt. Flared knee length skirt.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as linen, chambray, poplin, cotton lawn, gauze, and batiste.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Photo illustrated instructions are available within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think a complete beginner without any previous sewing experience would struggle to sew this dress. There are some fiddly techniques involved requiring some precise sewing such as the stand up collar. However, the pattern does suggest that it is an ideal design for beginners to sharpen their sewing skills so a confident, advanced beginner could enjoy sewing this pattern.
“Push the Button” fitted short sleeve shirt
Download now from Craft World – FREE
- Sizes: UK 6-20. Exact bust measurements are not provided.
- Design: Fitted hip-length shirt. Short sleeves. Turned up cuffs. Stand up notched collar. Curved side seams and princess seams for shaping. Hidden button placket.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as cotton poplin, cotton lawn, linen, chambray, gingham, gauze, and batiste.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. No instructions are available to download. A tutorial is included in Love Sewing Magazine issue 71, which needs to be purchased separately.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Since there are no instructions included with this download, a beginner would likely struggle to put this shirt together. There are some advanced techniques involved such as sewing a hidden button placket and collar, and some fitting knowledge is required since this is a more fitted style. I think an intermediate sewist would better suit this pattern.
“Wren” shirt with optional statement sleeves
Download now from Mood – FREE
- Sizes: US 00-32. Bust: 31”-59.5” (79-151 cm).
- Design: Classic button up shirt. One piece shirt collar with no collar stand. Front button placket. Long sleeves. Large cuffs. Sleeve placket. Optional statement sleeves with puff / bubble shape.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as shirting, cotton poplin, cotton lawn, linen, chambray, gingham, organza, and voile.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Photo illustrated instructions are included on the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate level sewist with some previous garment making experience. There are some difficult techniques involved in making this shirt such as sewing sleeve plackets, the collar and the statement sleeves. The instructions aren’t too detailed, so some existing sewing knowledge would come in handy.
Customisable, historically inspired shirt with optional ruffle jabot
Download now from V&A Museum – FREE
- Sizes: A-I. Chest: 33.5”-49” (85-125 cm).
- Design: Classic, 1800s-inspired shirt. Half button placket with optional ruffled jabot. Slightly dropped shoulders, straight fit. Different collar options: classic shirt collar, mandarin collar, high stand collar, ruffled collar. Different sleeve options: straight sleeves, voluminous puff sleeves. Gathering or pleating at the back. Back yoke.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics are suggested, like cotton, linen, chambray, twill, needlecord, cotton lawn, cotton voile, and chambray.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Illustrated instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think the techniques involved in sewing this shirt would better suit an intermediate level sewist. The instructions are thorough but do not include photos so a beginner not feeling confident with the process might struggle. If you’re an adventurous beginner looking to make this shirt, choose a stable fabric and the simpler design details for your first time.
“Beau” tuxedo style shirt with pleated front tucks
Download now from Fabrics-Store – FREE
- Sizes: US 0-30. Bust: 33”-56” (84-142 cm).
- Design: Relaxed fit, tuxedo-inspired shirt. Pleated tucks on the front panels. Fitted shoulders. Concealed button placket. Mandarin collar. Long sleeves. Sleeve plackets. Back yoke.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics that can hold a crease, such as linen, cotton poplin, cotton lawn, chambray, batiste, or twill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Fully illustrated instructions are available here.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist. The hidden button placket, the pleating for the tucks, the collar, the sleeve plackets and the cuffs can be too much for a beginner to handle. If you’re a confident beginner who want to try this pattern, choose a stable fabric that can be easily pressed, and take your time when following the instructions.
“Clay” relaxed cropped shirt with camp collar and dolman sleeves
Download now from Mood – FREE
- Sizes: US 00-32. Bust: 31”-59.5” (79-151 cm).
- Design: Relaxed fit, cropped shirt. Short dolman sleeves with turnups. Camp collar. Patch pockets with flaps on the chest. Slightly curved hem. Front button placket.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape. For example, cotton voile, linen, viscose, chambray, gingham, rayon, and Tencel.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Photo illustrated instructions are included on the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this pattern would suit a confident beginner with a bit of previous garment sewing experience. This shirt is easier to sew than a tailored shirt due to its flat camp collar and grown-on sleeves. Using a stable fabric, such as a cotton or linen blend, will make the sewing process easier. This would be a good introduction to shirt making for someone wanting to advance their sewing skills.
Classic button-down shirts for women:
“Mélilot” semi-fitted shirt with sleeve and collar variations
Buy now from Deer and Doe – €12 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: EU 34-52. Bust: 31½” -45⅝” (80-115 cm).
- Design: Semi fitted, classic button up shirt. Slightly dropped shoulders. Options for long sleeves with sleeve plackets and cuffs, or short sleeves with cuffs. Options for rounded or mandarin collar. High low curved shirt hem. Patch pocket. Hidden button placket option.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape, such as silk, cotton voile, satin, linen, batiste, viscose, Tencel, or flannel.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate sewist with plenty of sewing experience. The shirt involves some difficult sewing techniques such as sewing sleeve cuffs and a hidden button placket. If a less confident sewist was to attempt this pattern I would suggest starting with version B and using a cotton blend fabric that is easy to work with, rather than the drapier options like silk, voile, or crepe.
“B6747” classic button up shirts with optional ruffle jabot
Buy now from Simplicity – $13.97
- Sizes: US 6-22. Bust: 31½”-44” (78-112 cm).
- Design: Classic, semi-fitted shirts. Shirt collar with collar stand or Mandarin collar. Front button placket. Sleeve placket. Option for short sleeve with turn up and tab. Optional patch pockets. Option for tunic length. Optional princess seams. Option for ruffled jabot detail on the button placket.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like poplin, shirting, chambray, lightweight linen, cotton lawn, or voile.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is also available here. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? The pattern level is rated as “easy”, however, I think some of the techniques involved in sewing these shirts could be described as intermediate level. For example, sewing the collar, the ruffle, the button placket, and the sleeve plackets. If an advanced, confident beginner wanted to sew this pattern, I would recommend sewing option B in a cotton blend fabric.
“M6436” button up shirts with collar and sleeve variations
Buy now from Simplicity – $17.95
- Sizes: US 8-24W. Bust: 31½”-46” (78-117 cm).
- Design: Classic button up shirts. Option for stand up point collar or mandarin collar. Front button placket. Two sleeve options: sleeveless with shoulder tabs, or long sleeves with sleeve plackets and cuffs. Front and back darts. Optional patch pockets with flaps on the chest.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as shirting, cotton voile, cotton lawn, linen, crepe de chine, challis, or charmeuse.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate sewist with some previous garment sewing experience. There are some tailoring techniques involved in sewing these shirts which could be difficult for a beginner to manage. The pattern also suggests lightweight fabrics which can be difficult to work with. Version D would be the easiest to sew, use a more stable fabric like poplin or linen for an easier project.
Collarless /Grandad / Mandarin collar shirts:
“Bonn” shirt and shirt dress with open mandarin collar and sleeve variations
Buy now from Itch to Stitch – $12
- Sizes: US 00-20. Bust: 30⅞” -49¼” (76.5-125 cm). (A-DD bust cup sizes are available)
- Design: Relaxed button up shirt. Bust darts. Open Mandarin collar. Front button placket. Sleeve options include long sleeves, ¾ length sleeves, short sleeves with a cuff and flared sleeves. Can also be sewn as a knee-length shirt dress.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like shirting, broadcloth, lightweight denim, chambray, linen, and rayon challis
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great pattern for an advanced, confident sewist to use as an introduction to shirt making. The style of the shirt is fairly simple and a mandarin collar is easier to sew than a classic shirt collar. That said, some sewing experience would be helpful for sewing the collar, as this step can be too fiddly for a complete beginner.
“Cap sleeve shirt” with stand up collar and sleeve cuffs
Buy now from The Assembly Line – £17 (approx. $21.50)
- Sizes: XS-3XL. Bust: 31½”-54” (80-138 cm).
- Design: Relaxed button up shirt with short grown on / dolman sleeves with turn up cuffs. Stand / mandarin collar. An add-on pack featuring four different collar designs can be purchased here.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as cotton lawn, poplin, linen, chambray, gingham, rayon, and voile.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version and a digital bundle containing all the sizes are also available at an additional cost. Instructions are included with all versions.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this pattern would be a great option for an advanced, confident beginner looking to make their first shirt. The design is fairly simply with no sleeves to set in, and the mandarin / stand collar is easier to sew than a classic shirt collar. Use a stable fabric such as a cotton shirting for an easier make.
“M7360” loose fitting Henley shirts with sleeve and pocket variations
Buy now from Simplicity – $13.97
- Sizes: US 6-22. Bust: 31½”-44” (78-112 cm).
- Design: Loose fitting Henley style shirts with half button plackets.. Neckband collar. Back yoke with pleats. French darts. Three sleeve options: Sleeveless view with bias bound armholes, rolled sleeves and button tabs, or long sleeves and cuffs. Option for straight or curved hem with or without side splits. Optional patch pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like chambray, poplin, linen, voile, lawn, or crepe de chine.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is also available here. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I would consider this to be an intermediate level sew as there are some advanced techniques involved such as sewing the self lined back yoke and setting in the sleeves. Some previous garment sewing experience would be helpful for this. Using a stable fabric will make the sewing process easier.
Bowling / cuban / tropical shirts:
“Tropicana” loose convertible collar shirt with raglan sleeves (+Video)
Buy now from Wardrobe by Me – €11 (approx. $12)
- Sizes: US 0-24. Bust: 30½”-50” (77.5-127 cm).
- Design: Loose, casual fit shirt. Elbow length raglan sleeves. Front button placket. Patch pocket. Convertible, notched collar. Side splits. Split sleeve cuffs.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape, like cotton voile, viscose, linen, chambray, rayon, crepe, or Tencel.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included. A video tutorial is available to watch on YouTube here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this pattern could make a good introduction to shirt making for a confident, advanced beginner. Although some steps require precision, the raglan sleeves and the convertible camp collar are easier to sew than some of the more traditional alternatives. The video tutorial would be helpful for a beginner as well.
Puff-sleeved shirts:
“S9467” misses button up shirt with front and back yoke
Buy now from Simplicity – $14.67
- Sizes: US 6-22. Bust: 31½”-44” (78-112 cm).
- Design: Button up shirt. Classic shirt collar with collar stand. Front button placket. Front and back yoke. Pleated, floaty bodice. Long, gathered puff sleeves. Tall sleeve cuffs. Options for sleeveless look and a mandarin collar.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure and volume, such as cotton shirting, cotton poplin, cotton lawn, crisp linen, or chambray.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instructions.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. There are some difficult techniques involved in the shirt such as sewing in the collar, setting in the gathered sleeves and sewing the front and back yokes which a beginner might struggle with. Some previous garment sewing experience would be helpful here.
“Thea” fitted boho shirt with sleeve and collar variations
Buy now from Liberty – £17.50 (approx. $22)
- Sizes: UK 6-22. Bust: 31”-44” (77-112 cm).
- Design: Button-up fitted shirt. Cap shoulder and shoulder pleats. Back yoke. Mandarin or classic shirt collar. Long, voluminous sleeves with gathers at the shoulder and the cuffs. Sleeve cuffs. Other views include short sleeves, long sleeves with tiered ruffles, and panelled puff sleeves.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure and volume, such as cotton lawn, poplin, linen, silk noil, or chambray. Using a more structured fabric will make the sleeves look more dramatic, while using a drapier fabric like silk, crepe, rayon, or viscose will give a softer appearance.
- Format: Paper pattern with printed instructions.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Although the skill level is rated as easy, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate to advanced sewist with plenty of garment sewing experience. There are some difficult techniques involved like sewing the collar, the back yoke, and the voluminous sleeves. It also requires some fitting knowledge as the bodice is quite fitted.
Casual shirts:
“Lennie” over shirt with half placket and rolled up sleeves
Buy now from Style Arc – AUD $15+ (approx. $10+)
- Sizes: AUS 4-30. Bust: 30”-58 ¼” (77-148 cm).
- Design: Casual over shirt with half button placket. Classic shirt collar with collar stand. Long sleeves that can be rolled up and secured with a button tab.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as cotton shirting, flannel, linen, chambray, viscose, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is also available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would best suit a sewist with some experience of garment sewing. There are some tricky parts to sew in this shirt, such as sewing in the half placket and the collar on a stand. Use a cotton or linen rather than a crepe if you’d prefer an easier sew.
“Jodie” shirt with revere collar and patch pockets (+Video)
Buy now from Sew Over It – £13.50 (approx. $17)
- Sizes: UK 6-30. Bust: 31” -57” (79-145 cm).
- Design: Crisp, semi-fitted casual shirt with a revere / notched / camp collar. Partial collar stand. Elbow length sleeves. Sleeve cuffs. Back yoke. Front button band. Patch pockets with flaps on the chest.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as shirting, cotton lawn, linen, poplin, or chambray.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Copy shop printing is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included with all options. A free video sew along in two parts can be found here and here.
- Suitable for beginners? No, this pattern is better suited for intermediate sewists with some sewing experience. The shirt includes some techniques that a complete beginner would struggle with, such as sewing the collar, the back yoke, and setting in the sleeves. Choose a more stable fabric and check out the video tutorials for an easier time sewing this shirt.
“Rosa” shirt with princess seams and topstitching detail (+Video)
Buy now from Tilly and the Buttons – £11.50 (approx. $14.50)
- Sizes: UK 6-20. Bust: 30”-44” (76-112 cm).
- Design: Fitted button up shirt and shirt dress. Princess seams on the back and front with optional piping detail. Pointed, Western style back yoke. Classic shirt collar with collar stand. Long sleeves that can be rolled up and secured with a button tab. Curved hem. Optional patch pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton poplin, cotton lawn, linen, chambray, gingham, chambray, light needlecord, or rayon.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included. A video workshop featuring this pattern can be purchased here.
- Suitable for beginners? No, this pattern is better suited for intermediate sewists and above since there are some advanced techniques involved, such as sewing a stand collar and princess seams. Some fitting knowledge and experience would also be needed since this is a more fitted style. If you’re a beginner, consider getting the video workshop and choosing a more stable fabric for an easier time.
Boxy & loose-fitting shirts:
“B6689” loose fitting shirt with pleated collar and pockets
Buy now from Simplicity – $20.95
- Sizes: US 6-22. Bust: 30½”-44” (78-112 cm).
- Design: Very loose fitting shirt. Pleated, stand up collar. Bust darts. Pleated back yoke. Pleated patch pockets. Long sleeves. Split, turned up cuffs. Front button band.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, like shirting, cotton poplin, linen, broadcloth, or chambray.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate level sewist. Sewing the pleated stand up collar would be tricky and require precise, accurate sewing, which a beginner would likely struggle with. Previous garment sewing experience would definitely be an advantage for this pattern.
“Olya” relaxed fit shirt with interesting yoke style lines (+Video)
Buy now from Paper Theory – £15.50 (approx. $20)
- Sizes: UK 6-28. Bust: 31½”-56” (80-142 cm).
- Design: Relaxed fit shirt. Front yoke that is combined with the sleeves. Back yoke. Front button band. Classic shirt collar and collar stand. Sleeve plackets and cuffs. In seam pockets. Slightly curved hem. A dress view is also included.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as linen, cotton shirting, cotton lawn, poplin, flannel, cotton drill, light denim, crepe, or rayon georgette. You can achieve a more jacket-like finish by going with a heavier weight fabric like corduroy or denim.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included. A free sew along video is available here, and a photo illustrated written sew along is available here.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would be better suited for an intermediate sewist. Some of the unique details like sewing the in-set squares on the shoulders and the in seam pockets make this pattern a bit more challenging than more classic options. However, choosing a more stable fabric and following the sew along tutorials would help along the way.
“La Chemise” oversized shirt with angled front yoke and batwing sleeves
Buy now from Atelier Brunette – €8.33 (approx. $9)
- Sizes: XS-XL. Bust: 33”-41” (84-104 cm).
- Design: Loose fitting shirt. Angled front yoke. Shirt collar with stand. Front button placket. Long batwing sleeves. Sleeve plackets and double button cuffs. Rounded hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with drape, such as viscose, cotton voile, linen, chambray, rayon, Tencel, or crepe.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate level sewist. Some of the techniques included such as the bevelled yoke and sleeve plackets could be difficult for a beginner to sew.
“Boxy shirt” with dolman sleeves and relaxed fit (+Video)
Buy now from Wardrobe by Me – €12 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: US 0-24. Bust: 30”-50” (76-127 cm).
- Design: Loose fitting, boxy shirt. Short dolman sleeves. Classic shirt collar with stand. Patch pocket. Can be sewn with long sleeves with cuffs. Straight hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape, like cotton voile, linen, poplin, chambray, crepe, or viscose.
- Format:PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included. A free video tutorial is also available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced, confident beginner could have a go at this pattern as an introduction to shirt making. Some previous garment sewing experience would be helpful for sewing in the collar, but the dolman sleeve version is a fairly simple sew otherwise. Using a cotton blend fabric will help make the sewing process easier. The video tutorial would be helpful for beginners as well.
Shirt dresses:
“B6702” fit and flare shirt dresses with sleeve and hem variations
Buy now from Simplicity – $13.97
- Sizes: US 6-22. Bust: 30½”-44” (78-112 cm).
- Design: Fit and flare shirt dress. Waist and back darts. Back yoke. Shirt collar with stand. Long sleeves. Option for straight sleeves or sleeve cuff and placket. Princess seamed, flared skirt. Option for straight or dipped hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape and structure. For example, cotton blends. poplin, challis, lightweight denim, chambray, linen, or rayon
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is also available here. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I would consider this dress to be an intermediate to advanced level sew. There are some advanced tailoring techniques involved such as sewing in the collar on a stand and sleeve plackets which a beginner would likely struggle with. Some fitting knowledge and experience would be needed as well.
“M8139” belted shirt dress with sleeve and length variations
Buy now from Simplicity – $14.67
- Sizes: US 6-22. Bust: 30½”-46” (78-118 cm).
- Design: Fitted shirt dress. Stand up collar. Bust and waist darts. Front button placket. Back yoke. Center back seam. Straight skirt. In seam pockets. Option for short or long straight sleeves. Optional belt. Optional patch pockets.
- Fabric: Medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as shirting, cotton twill, chambray, denim, needlecord, linen, faux leather, or drill.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is also available here. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think a complete beginner would be likely to struggle with some of the sewing techniques required for making this dress. However, an advanced, confident beginner wanting to improve their sewing skills might enjoy the challenge. Aside from the collar, the dress is a reasonably easy sew with straight lines and straight sleeves. Use a cotton blend fabric rather than a faux leather or needlecord to make the sewing easier.
Men’s shirt patterns:
“M6044” classic button up shirts with yoke variations
Buy now from Simplicity – $13.27
- Sizes: EU 34-56. Chest: 34”-56” (87-142.5 cm).
- Design: Classic men’s shirts. Front button placket. Shirt collar and collar stand. Optional back and front yokes. Optional patch pockets. Option for short or long sleeves with plackets and cuffs. Curved hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as cotton shirting, linen, cotton lawn, chambray, washed silk, or denim. You can also choose a more drapey fabric like viscose, rayon, or silk for a more fluid finish.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is also available here. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? I think an intermediate level sewist would best handle this pattern. A beginner would struggle with some of the tailoring techniques involved such as sewing the yokes or sleeve plackets without experience. The easiest version to make would be version A sewn in a cotton blend fabric for an easier sewing and pressing experience.
“All day” classic shirt with optional button down collar and patch pockets
Buy now from Liesl + Co. – $13.27
- Sizes: XS-2XL. Chest: 32”-49” (81-125 cm).
- Design: Classic men’s shirt. Front button placket. Shirt collar with collar stand, optional button down collar detail. Back yoke with two pleats. Long sleeves with plackets and cuffs. Curved hem. Patch pockets with optional button closures.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as quilting cotton, poplin, cotton lawn, shirting, linen, broadcloth, denim, chambray, and flannel.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No, I think an intermediate level sewist would best handle this pattern. A beginner would struggle with some of the tailoring techniques involved such as sewing the yokes or sleeve plackets without prior experience. An advanced beginner might enjoy sewing this pattern if tey are already familiar with some of the basic garment sewing techniques. Using a stable cotton poplin will make the process easier.
“Tropical” casual shirt with convertible collar (+Video)
Buy now from Wardrobe by Me – €13 (approx. $14)
- Sizes: 2XS-4XL. Chest: 27½”-49 ½” (72-124 cm). There’s also a kids’ version available here.
- Design: Casual shirt. Button closure down the front with a facing finish. Convertible collar. Short sleeves. Patch pocket. Side slits. Straight hem. Back yoke. Two back pleats.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some drape, such as cotton voile, linen, silk noile, viscose, crepe, or chambray.
- Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included. A free video tutorial is available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced, confident beginner could enjoy sewing this pattern as a great introduction to shirt making. The style of the shirt is less tailored than the more classic styles. The short sleeves mean you get to skip sleeve plackets and cuffs, which can be tricky for beginners. Some sewing experience would be helpful for sewing the collar and back yoke but using a stable fabric and following the YouTube video will help.
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This article was written by Sally Gauntlett, and edited by Nisan Aktürk.
Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…