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One of my all time favorite garments to make are t-shirts! I find them so gratifying to make as they can often be completed in just an hour or two from cut to hem. With everything going on in my life, raising kids, keeping a home, providing nourishing meals, and running this business, it just doesn't leave me with much capacity for enduring greater challenges, especially in my hobby time. Plus, I have to admit, they are also my most worn garments, so it certainly makes sense why I enjoy making so man! I am a jeans and tee girlie, through and through!
SO with the start of Spring, we thought what better a time to host a sew-a-long dedicated to creating T-SHIRTS! Starting now, through the end of April, if you sew a t-shirt with any of our fabrics, please share them in our Facebook group, or on Instagram tagging @surgefabricshop and using the hashtag #TeeTimeSAL you'll enter to win one of our gift card prizes!
I have made so many t-shirts over the years, for myself, my husband and my kids. I have worked through fitting woo's and found my tried and true pattern and fabric combinations! I thought it would be fun to share some of those favorites with you!
Let's start with the KIDS! I have been sewing for mine since they were wee little ones. So here's a mix of my favorites for them over the years.
Chalk & Notch Mini Pixie Tee
(12M-12Y)
Fabrics: Baby French Terry (left) & Lightweight Cotton Spandex Jersey (right)
I have lost count on how many of these I have made for my daughter! Anytime she falls in love with a fabric in our shop's scrap bins she is requesting this pattern. Every single fabric I have used for this pattern has worked out wonderfully and because of the easy fit, and they last years!
DIBY Club Anything But Basic Tee
(18M-12Y in slim & regular fits)
Fabric: Organic Cotton Hemp & Yak Jersey
Another classic tee pattern that's FREE! My son is tough to sew for as he is very particular in fit and feel of the fabric. His most preferred shirt in this combination right here! This pattern is especially great because it comes in both slim and regular fit options.
Patterns For Pirates Jolly Roger Raglan
(3M-14)
Fabric: Brushed Poly & Cotton Spandex Jersey
I don't use this pattern quite as much as I used too when my kids were younger, but it's still a trusty one I turn back to from time to time for my son. The add on pack gave this pattern a lot more mileage for me as I used it to make my son countless hoodies over the years!
Patterns For Pirates Boho Babydoll
(3M-14)
Fabric: Yummy Rib Knit
I came across this pattern when my daughter was around 4 or 5 and I just thought it was the sweetest design! Modest and girly but not frilly which was key for my little one during those ages.
Now let's move on to MENS t-shirt patterns. I haven't ventured out too much in sewing tees for my husband because he's very much "if it ain't broke don't fix it type". So when we found his favorites, we just stuck to them!
The Wolf And The Tree Men's Daily Tee
(2 size ranges; 34-48" & 46-60 " chest)
Fabric: Wool Spandex Jersey
I have been making my husband this exact pattern since 2018. We have tried several other simple set-in sleeve shirts like this, but the fit was overall too large in the shoulders and body, or just a strange fit in general. This one though, fit him so well right off the bat, no adjustments needed! I've made them in 125GSM athletic brushed poly, Amsterdam Jersey, Cupro Jersey, and Tri-blend Jersey with great results!
Sinclair Patterns Tao Raglan
(34.6-58.3" chest in 3 heights)
Fabric: Organic Cotton, Hemp & Yak Jersey
A simple raglan is a must have for most men, and this pattern is drafted so well! With various height options built in to the pattern, adjustments will be minimal. The contrasting sleeves are great for using up large scraps from other projects!
Last but certainly not least are my favorite WOMENS patterns! These are the ones I come back to time and again to make tops for myself that I love!
Love Notions Classic Tee
(33-57.5" bust)
Fabric: Cupro Jersey
This top pattern is a great one to have on hand! It's easy fit nature makes it comfortable and practical for everyday wear. I made this one before knowing what adjustments I need to make for my square shoulders, but now that I know, I would like to remake this one and see if I can get those wrinkles to go away!
Sinclair Patterns Bondi Tee
(31.5-59.8" bust in 3 heights)
Fabric: Organic Cotton & Hemp Textured Stripe
A white tee is a must have in every closet. This was the first one I made using this pattern and I have made 3 more since!
The Pattern Line Franklin Tee
(28.5-48.5" bust)
Fabric: Cotton Modal Jersey
This pattern made it to my radar early in 2024 and it quickly made it to my most sewn t-shirt pattern. After making myself 5 in various fabrics (linen knit, wool spandex, 100% wool jersey and organic cotton hemp & yak), my daughter started asking for some too. Because the sizing starts at 0000, I was able to use this pattern for her 11 year old body!
Greenstyle Patterns Green Tee
(30-61" Bust)
Fabric: Our Favorite Rayon Spandex Jersey
The Green Tee was one of the first t-shirt patterns I had success in making for myself! It comes with a v-neck and scoop neck options. It's also free with a coupon code shared in their Facebook Group!
Sew Liberated Bedrock Tee
(31-58.5" bust)
Fabric: Our Favorite Rayon Spandex Jersey
This pattern became a fast favorite for its gentle a-line shape and slightly dropped shoulders! There is also an option for a set in shoulder over the dropped if you prefer that!
Michelle Design Co Ava Top
(30-58" bust)
Fabric: Our Favorite Rayon Spandex Jersey
If you are looking for a comfortable and elevated everyday tee, this is it! It's as comfortable as a tee made for lounging (esp in this fabric), but looks polished and chic. Layer with a blazer and your ready for just about any evening outing!
Love Notions Forte Top & Dress
(33-57.5" bust)
Fabric: Yummy Rib Knit
This pattern comes with several style options for you to choose from. There's a gathered peplum skirt and round neckline, a simple classic tee, and a gathered waterfall v-neck. I've made several of each version and I never tire of it. Make sure you opt for a fabric that gathers well for the most flattering fit!
Chalk & Notch Max Tee
(32-58" bust)
Fabric: Cupro Double Knit Techno
Despite the boxy fit, this top is not your average tee! The muscle tee shoulder shape, dropped armhole and facing finishes make this a more refined tee, and a fun fashion statement. I loved using this Cupro Double Knit for this pattern because not only is it lush to wear, but it adds a little structure and emphasis to those shoulder lines.
True Bias Jesse Tee
(2 size ranges; 32-44.5" & 41.5"-49.5")
Fabric: Cotton Modal Jersey
This pattern is classic and must have for every sewist. Plus it's free when you sign up for the True Bias newsletter! It's great for lighter weight knits as it is quite boxy, and a lighter weight fabric will hold les of that shape when sewing up. Cotton Modal and our Organic Cotton, Hemp & Yak jersey are perfect for this pattern.
Seamwork Orlando Tee
(33-54" bust)
Fabric: Modal Spandex Jersey
If you are looking for a truly fitted tee pattern, this is it! I wanted something very close fitting (like with negative ease) so that it would pair with some of the looser garments I have in my wardrobe. It fits like a glove and makes me feel pretty without costing me comfort!
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I'm sure there are more patterns I could share with you, but seeing as this is quite long enough as it is, I won't drone on any longer! I hope this helps you identify the perfect tee pattern for you and that you'll find the time to sew up before the month is up to qualify for some prizes during our #TeeTimeSAL!
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