Effortless
A thorough spring clean has revealed my wardrobe love affair for shirts. They are my definite capsule wardrobe workhorse: the one-sided tuck into classic jeans, the knotted front, the undone-over-a-dress. Shirts always showcase effortless style, yet when it comes to sewing a shirt, it's anything by effortless!
Thinking of giving shirtmaking a go? Here's my sewing guidance from pattern selection to fabric, facing fears and finishes!
- Just start. Step 1, then step 2, and so on. If you break your shirt sewing project down into more bite-sized steps and embrace the skill building that follows, you'll be proudly wearing your very own shirt in no time!
- Reframe what you're worried about or what a sewing block or fear might be for you with this project. Take "I'm not ready for buttonholes and buttons" and spin the positive, "I can give buttonholes and buttons my best go!"
- Use an indie sewing pattern for your first make. Independent pattern designers usually have more detailed, easy-to-follow instructions and usually with a video tutorial. You can search on socials for the pattern and find other sewists who've made it. They're sure to have shared valuable insight into the pattern and sewing experience too!
- Choose an easy fabric. Cotton for the win - an easy to sew, soft to wear and breathable fabric. It isn't tricky to sew like linens and rayons can be, plus it's easy to cut, notch, mark and add fusible interfacing to.
- Choose a colour you know you'll wear often - shirts are a great capsule piece that you can wear with much of your current wardrobe! My all-time favourite is my white Marais. It goes with everything and has been worn to the beach, restaurants, cafes and teaching! Steer clear of stripes and prints that need to be matched. Simpler is better for your first round!
- Shirts as a PJ set are a fun start and wearable even if there are mistakes here and there during the process.
- Play! Try colour blocking your cuffs, collars and pockets. Choose interesting or unique buttons. These small design choices give a more premium feel to your shirt and get your creative juices flowing!
I recently made a lobster linen shirt dress from a vintage Calvin Klein sewing pattern and it is resortwear, dreamy and easy to wear. I've put aside more vintage shirt patterns and voila, a new 2026 hobby!
Happy shirtmaking! When you're unpicking your collar and there's fusible interfacing stuck to your iron, just remember...
You are sew blooming lovely xo
