With a new series of The Great British Sewing Bee lighting up our TV screens this month, we've launched a new series of Sewing for Beginners videos over on our Youtube channel Gathered Makes. So if you've caught the dressmaking bug, but don't know your darts from your interfacing yet, never fear! Let's start simple eh? in this post, we'll show you how to make a tshirt without needing to use a traditional paper pattern. Read on for our step by step instructions and video guide.
This free tshirt sewing pattern isn't technically a pattern as instead of needing to cut out lots of fiddly bits of fabric to assemble, you'll simply use a top that already fits you from your wardrobe to draft your very own two piece top pattern from a new piece of fabric. It's really simple we promise! If you're new to sewing, you might find our how to sew jersey fabric guide handy, and you can find more fun creative alteration projects on our free sewing patterns page. You might also find it useful to check out our how to use a sewing machine guide, beginners guide to sewing and sewing patterns for beginners.
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This project was designed by Karoline Dahrling for Simply Sewing magazine – we've joined forces with them to make the video below to talk you through how it's done. See more of Karoline’s work on her website skandimama.com or head to her YouTube channel Skandimama DIY. Photo: Sarah L.Andersen, Model: Amalie K. Gade.
Which fabric should you choose?
A soft fabric that drapes well, such as a crepe viscose, cotton voile or sandwashed silk. We've used this from Stoff and Stil.
Notes
- Use a 1cm (3⁄8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated.
- The instructions given are to make a top that fits up to a UK size 16. You will need more fabric if you would like to make a longer or larger top.
- You may find it more economical to draft the pattern for the top onto paper first and then purchase fabric, depending on the width and length of your pieces.