Trying something new can make us feel fearful or hesitant, but sewing your own shirt is actually quite straightforward. I’ve rounded up some great patterns to try, and I’m showing you my latest shirt. Check it out!
Tag Archives: classic shirt
Have you ever had something you wanted to do so badly that once the chance came around, your expectations were so high, you were nearly frozen with fear of failing or second guessing everything? That’s me. You see, my favorite wardrobe item is J.Crew’s Perfect Shirt, the most well made, perfectly fitting, brilliantly constructed shirt I’ve ever...
Posted in Alison Glass, cotton, Custom, Fabric, Fabric, Garment Sewing, Liberty of London, Patterns, Personal, Things for me!Tags: beach, classic shirt, coastal, cotton, Duckadilly, fish, Garment Sewing, J Crew, Jones & Vandermeer, lawn, Liberty of London, shirtmaking, Shoals, the Perfect Shirt, Wiltshire
- PsychicSewerKathleenMay 9, 2017 - 10:40 am
I was so excited by your post I just had to write :) I’ve been on a blouse making MISSION for the past 3 months in my search for the perfect shirt but I do want to make it! I’ve explored several patterns – a couple of which are outstanding and have been a great success – one is the Cashmerette Harrison (which would likely be too big for you since it starts at a 12) and the one I’m working on now is the Fitted Blouse by the Cupful by J. Stern designs. I have another on order from Vogue in their Comfort Fit category that also looks really good. Your process and relentless search to duplicate your favourite was so inspiring! I’m in awe :) Congratulations on your success. You have a pattern now that you can make over and over in all your favourite fabrics…you might want to make one up in dupioni silk (I did and love it!) :)ReplyCancel
- TeriMay 9, 2017 - 1:02 pm
These both look amazing, Meredith! I’m glad you were able to recreate your favorite shirt. I also have the Granville pattern but I haven’t made it yet. I’m concerned about the sleeves not fitting me properly. I just got the new Classic shirt pattern from Liesl + Co and I’m curious to try that one. I haven’t ever worn this J Crew shirt but I sort of want to go try one on and see how I like it. It looks like a great style!ReplyCancel
- Lisa BurgerMay 10, 2017 - 12:26 pm
- JulieSeptember 14, 2017 - 7:13 pm
Wow, I’m so impressed your shirts are “perfect”! If you don’t mind, what size is the pattern you made? I want to learn to sew and haven’t purchased a sewing machine yet. My dream is to make my own shirts out of the Liberty of London fabric. I did take a class last year and made an apron but the teacher closed her business. I’ve been looking at patterns and haven’t found the “one” yet. You’ve inspired to get started! Maybe, I should start with a sleeveless, collarless top first. ReplyCancel
- MeredithSeptember 19, 2017 - 2:54 pm
I used a size zero and made my pattern from disassembling the Perfect Shirt. While shirts aren’t terribly difficult to put together, I would definitely recommend getting your feet wet with some other garments just to get the order down and also to practice differently techniques. I’d be happy to give you some recommendations of well written patterns if you are interested. ReplyCancel
- Julie SeilerSeptember 23, 2017 - 8:33 pm
- MeredithSeptember 28, 2017 - 9:41 pm
Hi Julie!! I’m so sorry for my late reply. We just moved this past week and haven’t quite settled in. Anyway, my favorite patterns to learn from are actually Oliver + S kids patterns. If you have any children in your life, the skills you would learn from those are the very best and completely invaluable. Liesl Gibson of Liesl and Co has released a women’s shirt that is classic and has all the details you would expect from a high end store bought shirt. She also has versions for men and kids which I purchased this week and am looking forward to making. I have never been disappointed by one of her patterns, and I always make them multiple times. Deer and Doe is also a great company. I love their Bruyere top which I have also lengthened to a dress. It’s straightforward and very pretty. Another staple pattern for me is the Michelle, My Belle Dress from the book Liberty Love (which is packed with great projects!) I have about ten of them. I also love the Biscayne Blouse from Hey June. It’s simple and polished, and it gets quite a lot of wear. My latest obsession is the La Parisienne en Ete from Louis Antionette (bought from Jones and Vandermeer). I have made the skirt multiple times and it is hands down my favorite skirt pattern.
I know I’ve made lots more. If you would like any more recommendations just let me know and I’ll be happy to help. I’ll try to be more prompt in answering you in the future! I’m so sorry for the delay. ReplyCancel
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Welcome to Olivia Jane Handcrafted! I'm Meredith and this is my creative journal. Here you'll find loads of inspiration for a handmade wardrobe, home decor, bags, and quilts. I even have plenty of projects and tutorials to get you started or help you along the way.
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Hi! I literally just finished my first button up shirt today, the McCalls 7575. I love the options you just posted, esp the recital shirt!! Wow! You mentioned getting your printing done at Office Depot. Are they able to handle all sizes? Like what would go to a plotter? Is the cost difference there compared to a pattern plotter printer?
Hi there, Dawnya! I always get my large printing done there. Most patterns are 36″ wide by whatever length. Generally the cost is between $8-10 for a pattern sheet, which I think is totally worth the time it saves me from tracing or taping. I wrote a big, long post about why I have converted to PDF’s, and while I found it to be hot button topic, for me, its a great option. :) You can read that post along with some other info about PDFs HERE
I second the vote for the Leisl classic shirt. I have made about 5 of them and it is a great pattern. A couple of the ones I made were sleeveless. The men’s Everyday Shirt is also a winner. I’ve made two of these for my husband and he LOVES them.
Aren’t her patterns fantastic? That’s how I’ve learned pretty much everything I know about sewing clothes! She is so thorough, and doesn’t leave out any details. I have the men’s shirt and I wanted to make it about two years ago, and yet it sits in my room. I should get on that! Thank you for the reminder. :)
I’ve tried all four patterns, and they’re all good. The one I’ve made most is the Archer – although I make it a few sizes smaller since it’s such a generous fit. My favorite is the Granville, though. I like that it is fitted, with the three separate pieces for the back panel. I do have to modify it, though, as I’m not that curvy – I add to the waist and bring the hips in, and then the fit is perfect! And I had no difficulty with the pdf, I wonder if they fixed the problem you ran into??
Another good one is the Cheyenne from Hey June – lots of options and great instructions.