I’ve been a little obsessed with t-shirt sewing patterns as of late. There aren’t many occasions in my current stage of life that require anything more than a t-shirt, so it makes sense that I’d want to wear and sew them all the time.
They’re comfortable, stylish, classic…and…well, SUPER quick and easy to sew - especially if you have a serger. I tend to use all three of my machines (sewing, serger and coverstitch) when making t-shirt sewing patterns, but it need not be that complicated. You can create great-looking t-shirts with just a conventional sewing machine, especially if you have twin-needle functionality to sew the hems.
Please note that I have not sewn ALL the t-shirt sewing patterns featured in this post, but they have all been highly recommended to me by others in the sewing community. They are listed here in no particular order for your handmade wardrobe planning!
(Click on any image to go to the corresponding t-shirt sewing pattern product page.)
Centerfield Raglan T-Shirt by Greenstyle Creations
First up, we have the Centerfield Raglan t-shirt sewing pattern by Greenstyle Creations. Sooooo…I have a confession to make. I had never heard of Greenstyle Creations until I moved to Portland. I was out on a fabric shopping date with a few other sewing bloggers, and they kept talking about “Angie’s this pattern” and “Angie’s that pattern.” Finally, I said, “Who is this ANGIE?!” They replied with horror (that I didn’t know about her), “GREENSTYLE CREATIONS!”
I have been educated. Greenstyle Creations features so many great, stylish patterns. And from what I’ve heard, they are wonderfully executed. The Centerfield Raglan T-Shirt sewing pattern, in particular, includes a ton of options including:
- Regular neckline
- Scoop neckline
- Long Sleeves (three different cut lines for the long)
- 3/4 sleeve
- Short sleeve
- Ruched sleeves
- Two different elbow patch shapes
- Straight hemline
- Curved hemline
- Side ruching
You’re sure to find a combination that works for your style!
Union St. Tee by Hey June Handmade
Next up is the Union St. Tee by Hey June Handmade (modeled by the lovely Anna of Noodle-Head). I have actually had the pleasure of sewing this beauty up, and I. LOVE. IT. It includes both a scoop and v-neck, and you have a couple different sleeve options as well. For my first one, I did the v-neck with short sleeves using a lovely tissue knit purchased at A Fashionable Stitch in Salt Lake City. I made a medium since I wanted a slouchy tee, but I think I’ll go down to a small for future versions. (Stay tuned for a full post!)
There have been a ton of Union St. Tees all over the internets, but some of my favorites are Tara’s, Kat’s, Sabra’s, Teresa’s and Kristin’s.
Renfrew by Sewaholic
I feel like most people think of the cowl-neck version of this pattern when they hear “Renfrew” since it’s been a long-standing favorite among many sewing bloggers. But did you know there are other options in the envelope, too? Oh yes, it also includes a v-neck and scoop neck, and you can choose short, 3/4-length or long sleeves with this t-shirt sewing pattern.
Another misconception about Sewaholic patterns is that they are ONLY for the pear-shaped among us. But here’s the thing - while their patterns are designed for gals with a little more curve than I have going on, I can easily grade between sizes to get a perfect fit. For example, if I measure a 10 in the bust, an 8 in the waist and a 6 in the hips (which I think I might, if memory serves me well), I can just join the lines from each point on the pattern to create my very own, custom fit.
Oh and there’s more - this pattern includes bands at the waist and cuffs, so if you aren’t too keen on the double needle or don’t have a coverstitch machine handy, you can easily just serge the bands on your t-shirt and be done.
Alexa by Tessuti Fabrics
Next up, I have three…YES THREE…t-shirt sewing patterns from Tessuti. There’s something about Tessuti patterns that evokes a sense of simple femininity, and I absolutely love that look. I have only sewn one of these three (Brigitte), but I am dying to do the others (and pretty much all their other patterns). This first one, Alexa, has a higher neckline for more coverage and beautiful half sleeves.
Lola by Tessuti Fabrics
Another Tessuti pattern I’m lusting after is Lola. That low neckline…that slightly flared hem…those perfect-length sleeves…ahhhh…can you say MOMMY WARDROBE (and not in a bad way)? I have to add this one to my stash soon.
Brigitte by Tessuti Fabrics
And my final featured Tessuti t-shirt sewing pattern is the Brigitte. This one is a classic, mariniere-style boatneck that can be dressed up or down for perfect, Audrey-Hepburn style. I’ve had the pleasure of sewing this one, and it’s one of my absolute favorite handmade garments. I found it to be a leeeeetle narrow in the shoulders (or perhaps it’s just the style of this particular shirt, or perhaps I just have unusually broad shoulders, or perhaps I just really like loose things, or some combination of the three), so I will probably go up a size next time from what the size chart suggested. This shirt looks particularly amazing in stripes, and if you can find some, panel stripes are a real winner.
One quick note about Tessuti sewing patterns: they are hand-drawn. Yes, hand-drawn. When I printed my first one, I was taken aback at first since you guys know I’m for all things digital. But the quality of the drafting and the way these patterns are put together makes the hand-drawn pattern pieces have zero consequence. In fact, I now find them charming because the patterns are just. that. good.
Digital Metro T-Shirt by Oliver + S
Everybody knows that Oliver + S produces some of the cutest kids’ sewing patterns around. But did you know they also make adult patterns, too? This particular t-shirt sewing pattern, the Digital Metro T-Shirts, comes in a pack of patterns for the entire family! You can make some for yourself, your spouse and your kids. Voila. I haven’t personally sewn this one, but it looks like a versatile, basic tee that could be modified in all sorts of ways to suit your personal taste.
Briar Sweater and Tee by Megan Nielsen
For a slightly more edgy (but still classic) look, Megan Nielsen gives us the Briar Sweater and Tee. I love that this top can be sewn in a cropped OR full-length version (shown here in the full length), and it has a couple different necklines and several sleeve options. Oh, and it also includes a couple pocket pattern pieces so you can customize this one to your heart’s desire!
I absolutely LOVE Sophie’s cropped, layered look and Sonja’s lace, full-length version!
Plaintain by Deer & Doe
Ohhhh…the Plantain. I have one word for you: FREE. Yes, this t-shirt sewing pattern is FREE! Gratis! And just look at it - it’s gorgeous! I love the low-ish, scoop neckline, the 3/4-length sleeve option and the adorable, optional elbow patches (pattern piece included). I have this one printed out and ready to cut on my “sewing island” (as my husband calls it - it’s an IKEA kitchen island in the middle of my sewing room), and I can’t wait.
I see this one in a medium-weight, solid-color jersey. There’s just something crisp and timeless about the shape that doesn’t require anything special to look amazing. It’s quite special all on its own!
But don’t ask me…ask Kelly; she’s made a million of them!
Lane Raglan by Hey June Handmade
Last but DEFINITELY not least is the Lane Raglan by Hey June Handmade. This t-shirt sewing pattern took the sewing blog world BY STORM a few months ago when it was released, and it’s no wonder since it looks fabulous on pretty much everyone. The best thing about this pattern is its versatility - it can be a comfy sweatshirt, a sequined going-out top, an everyday tee or a sporty and functional exercise top. You can also experiment with going up a size to make a slouchy, on-trend version.
I just adore Sabra’s comfy sweatshirt version, And if you need some more inspiration on the zillion ways this one can be customized, just check out Indiesew’s amazing post!
So…
Are you as psyched as I am about t-shirt sewing patterns?! Which one is YOUR favorite? Did I miss one that we all must know about??
All photos used with permission.
