My go-to T-shirt is an old one - the Renfrew by Sewaholic - at last count I think I had made 24 (over a period of about 6 years). It has bands on the sleeves and bottom - which I sometimes leave off, lengthen the sleeve by 1" and body by 2" and just hem. I also like the Union St by Hey June Handmade, but I've not made as many of those yet.
Oh wow that's a good use of a pattern!! I've just looked it up I like the different necklines, thank you for the suggestion and thank you for watching xx
Color me influenced: I just bought the Toaster sweater thanks to all your descriptions of it. So I will have to thank you for beautiful sweaters to come :)
@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress Oh thanks goodness, there is someone else like me who does not like pockets! Most sewing vloggers on RUclips positively rave about them and even add them to patterns if they are not already in there.
My go to tshirt is the renfrew. When I did the pattern fitting, I researched how to do a no-dart front which worked out well so this is the main t shirt pattern use since I know I have it fitted to me. I also like the tessuti Lola T but very different style. I now want to make a drop shoulder T and maybe a raglan. I have the linden so may try that. A few years into sewing now, I realize I wear mostly knits in real life, so I am trying to focus more on knit patterns. Am currently in the process making the square neck top from Friday Pattern Company which comes with both a knit and woven version.
Thank you for this and for the recommendations which are really helpful. I think what I'm after is a drop sleeve T shirt which is why I wonder if the Jarrah is actually my best option. Thanks for watching :) x
The Linden and Jarrah are definitely my 2 favorite jersey patterns and I have made so many. They are always my go to when I want a quick TNT make😃 I tried a lot of T-shirt patterns before I found one I like, which is the Greco Tee by Ensemble patterns. I like that it is more slouchy and has a lower neckline. Also hem and sleeve options.
I’m on the lookout for my “perfect” tshirt pattern too! I’ve made the Jackson tee by Helen’s Closet a few times, it’s a good one - it has a great boxy fit, but I find the sleeves a bit long so I’ve been shortening them by flipping up the hem and creating a cuff, and I don’t mind it! 😊
It’s a difficult one isn’t it. I’ve made the Tabitha but it’s not quite right for me for every day wear I don’t think. Thanks for the recommendation of the Jackson tee I’ll have to try that x
I love all those patterns although I haven't made all of them up yet. They are in my stash though, waiting. But the t-shirt jersey tops I make a lot are any of the Pattern Emporium tops. The patterns are amazing with really in-depth instructions, fitting and styling tips, hacks, variations, etc. I love all of them, including hacking some of the dresses into t-shirts.
Ooh thank you for that. Pattern Emporium aren't a brand I've looked into before so it's good to know of them, I'll have a look! I'm sure you'll get to making up some of these patterns eventually it's just finding the time isn't it with so much else to make ;) x
@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress yes. You should see the stack of PDF's I have with fabric all cut out and waiting to be sewn up. I keep doing pattern tests and pattern promotions and that takes time from fun for me sewing.
I’ve been trying to find a perfect tshirt too and I’ve made a couple so far. The closet core core tshirt is my favorite so far and it’s free!! I also made the Seamwork Jane tshirt which is a good one but it’s more of a very classic tshirt style. On my cutting table are also the Basic instinct t (free) and the sparrow t (free). So far I don’t really like the sparrow t because you have to guess the neckband length.
There is a formula for finding the proper length for neck bands and sleeve bands (like sleeveless tops). Measure the opening with a tape measure or flexible curve tool. Take that number and multiply by .85 (85%). Add your seam allowances and cut the band to this length. For example, say my neck opening measures 17 inches. I multiply 17 by .85 and come up with 14.45. I round that to 14.5 inches. If I’m using a seam allowance of a quarter inch (for a total of a half inch), I add that in and come up with 15 inches. That’s how long you cut your band.
Thanks for these recommendations. I can see how you feel about the Sparrow T I prefer it when the neckband is already given to you as a pattern piece too.Good luck with your search too and thanks for watching xx
@@susuburleson878 wow thank you! I figured there was but I didn’t have any idea how to go about it. That will be awesome as I did really like the shape of the t but my neckband was awful I just cut it up for something else. I’ll have to try again!
@@bettymakesclub8011 You’re very welcome. Another tip is to find the center front and center back of your neckline, BUT remember that your shoulder seams will NOT be at your quarter marks.
I have made the Lark Tee by Grainline Studio and the Nora Tee by Tilly and the Buttons, both are good patterns. Good luck in your search for the perfect t-shirt pattern.
Hi Sally I have 3 of the patterns and love them all.I have spent the last 3 days trying to make a layered skirt it’s been a nightmare I agree with you about side pockets they can really spoil the line of a garment, the first one ended in the bin the second one is heading that way.🙁
I’ve made many versions of Mandy with short sleeves, including dresses - just by leaving the sleeves off and twin needling a hem instead. I make Size 1 for a shorter, more fitted version but the extended shoulders only give a short capped style sleeve. If I want more of a short sleeve I make size 2 but the whole tee is quite a lot longer and swingier. I really need to do a mash of the size 1 with the size 2 extended shoulder I think or just extend out on the size 1! Perfection in tee tops is so hard to find! I also love Pattern Emporium but find I have to make them much smaller than my measurements on the size chart in order to get the fit I prefer - ie, not too fitted but not swamped in fabric as I am only 157 cm tall.
Thanks for introducing to many wonderful knit top patterns that I wouldn't have known otherwise. Noob question: for sweatshirt patterns, can you use sweater fabric? I think the words "sweatshirt" and "sweater" seem to be used interchangeably sometimes.
I’ve been trying to find a perfect tshirt too and I’ve made a couple so far. The closet core core tshirt is my favorite so far and it’s free!! I also made the Seamwork Jane tshirt which is a good one but it’s more of a very classic tshirt style. On my cutting table are also the Basic instinct t (free) and the sparrow t (free). So far I don’t really like the sparrow t because you have to guess the neckband length.
My other favorites are the hermann deep back t by sewing machina, the Penny pullover by steph time, and the Virginia leggings pattern by Megan Nielsen.
Thank you so much for these recommendations, I had no idea there were so many free t shirt patterns out there. I've tried the Hermann T actually, it's a nice drapey style isn't it but if I make it again I'll definitely raise the back a bit. Thank you for watching x
Loved this, thanks for sharing. My favorite T-shirt patters are Helen’s closet Dawson top and the Closet Core Core T-shirt. I’ve made many of both.
Thanks so much for sharing your favourites too ❤️
I used that cream Atelier fabric with the Toaster and it looks great
It's a lovely fabric isn't it x
Thank you for a great round up of Jersey tops. I found it very useful. 😊💐
Thanks so much for watching I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊 x
My go-to T-shirt is an old one - the Renfrew by Sewaholic - at last count I think I had made 24 (over a period of about 6 years). It has bands on the sleeves and bottom - which I sometimes leave off, lengthen the sleeve by 1" and body by 2" and just hem. I also like the Union St by Hey June Handmade, but I've not made as many of those yet.
Oh wow that's a good use of a pattern!! I've just looked it up I like the different necklines, thank you for the suggestion and thank you for watching xx
Fab video Sally - so helpful to hear about your own experiences and fitting info. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you so much for watching, I'm glad you found it helpful :) xx
If you are in a hunt for t shirt Pattern I recommend the galaxy tee by cloth paper scissors. It’s free and fabulous.
Thank you for that I've heard that one recommended a lot so it must be a good one :) x
Love the pattern choices.I prefer the Nina Lee Southbank sweater dress to the Billie.xxx
The Southbank is not one I’ve tried because I wasn’t sure about the high neck but since I was ok with the Toaster maybe I should try it x
great to see how creative you are in using same pattern multiple ways.
Thank you! I like to try and get the most out of them that I can x
My go to Tshirt pattern is the Tabitha from Tilly and the Buttons make it simple book :)
Thank you! I have used that pattern before but I did find the neck came up quite high on me so I altered it slightly. I do like it though :) xx
Loved this! Really want to start working with knit fabrics in the autumn do this was very helpful ☺️
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it! Good luck in your venture with knit fabric 😊 xx
Color me influenced: I just bought the Toaster sweater thanks to all your descriptions of it. So I will have to thank you for beautiful sweaters to come :)
Haha ah I’m sure you’ll love it too it’s taken me a while to jump on that bandwagon but I’m glad I did I’m wearing the stripe one again today x
The Core T-Shirt from Closet Core Patterns has that slightly boxy fit and it’s free! I’m only a beginner, but really liked this one 😊
Ooh ok I’ve not seen that one thank you I’ll look it up x
I totally agree with you about pockets. They do often ruin the lines of a garment, even if it is a thinner fabric than sweatshirt.
I sometimes think I’m the odd one out 😂 Yes and I don’t really like them in viscose either 🙈 Thanks for watching xxx
@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress Oh thanks goodness, there is someone else like me who does not like pockets! Most sewing vloggers on RUclips positively rave about them and even add them to patterns if they are not already in there.
My go to tshirt is the renfrew. When I did the pattern fitting, I researched how to do a no-dart front which worked out well so this is the main t shirt pattern use since I know I have it fitted to me. I also like the tessuti Lola T but very different style. I now want to make a drop shoulder T and maybe a raglan. I have the linden so may try that. A few years into sewing now, I realize I wear mostly knits in real life, so I am trying to focus more on knit patterns. Am currently in the process making the square neck top from Friday Pattern Company which comes with both a knit and woven version.
Thank you for this and for the recommendations which are really helpful. I think what I'm after is a drop sleeve T shirt which is why I wonder if the Jarrah is actually my best option. Thanks for watching :) x
The Linden and Jarrah are definitely my 2 favorite jersey patterns and I have made so many. They are always my go to when I want a quick TNT make😃 I tried a lot of T-shirt patterns before I found one I like, which is the Greco Tee by Ensemble patterns. I like that it is more slouchy and has a lower neckline. Also hem and sleeve options.
Oh thanks so much for that recommendation, not one I'd heard of so that's helpful x
Great wrap up. I didn't realize the Billy had 3/4 length sleeves. I'm still on the hunt for my fav t-shirt pattern. Good luck!
No I guess they are on the front of the pattern but not necessarily shown on the sweatshirt options 😊 Thank you for watching xx
I’m on the lookout for my “perfect” tshirt pattern too! I’ve made the Jackson tee by Helen’s Closet a few times, it’s a good one - it has a great boxy fit, but I find the sleeves a bit long so I’ve been shortening them by flipping up the hem and creating a cuff, and I don’t mind it! 😊
It’s a difficult one isn’t it. I’ve made the Tabitha but it’s not quite right for me for every day wear I don’t think. Thanks for the recommendation of the Jackson tee I’ll have to try that x
I love all those patterns although I haven't made all of them up yet. They are in my stash though, waiting. But the t-shirt jersey tops I make a lot are any of the Pattern Emporium tops. The patterns are amazing with really in-depth instructions, fitting and styling tips, hacks, variations, etc. I love all of them, including hacking some of the dresses into t-shirts.
Ooh thank you for that. Pattern Emporium aren't a brand I've looked into before so it's good to know of them, I'll have a look! I'm sure you'll get to making up some of these patterns eventually it's just finding the time isn't it with so much else to make ;) x
@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress yes. You should see the stack of PDF's I have with fabric all cut out and waiting to be sewn up. I keep doing pattern tests and pattern promotions and that takes time from fun for me sewing.
I’ve been trying to find a perfect tshirt too and I’ve made a couple so far. The closet core core tshirt is my favorite so far and it’s free!! I also made the Seamwork Jane tshirt which is a good one but it’s more of a very classic tshirt style. On my cutting table are also the Basic instinct t (free) and the sparrow t (free). So far I don’t really like the sparrow t because you have to guess the neckband length.
There is a formula for finding the proper length for neck bands and sleeve bands (like sleeveless tops). Measure the opening with a tape measure or flexible curve tool. Take that number and multiply by .85 (85%). Add your seam allowances and cut the band to this length. For example, say my neck opening measures 17 inches. I multiply 17 by .85 and come up with 14.45. I round that to 14.5 inches. If I’m using a seam allowance of a quarter inch (for a total of a half inch), I add that in and come up with 15 inches. That’s how long you cut your band.
Thanks for these recommendations. I can see how you feel about the Sparrow T I prefer it when the neckband is already given to you as a pattern piece too.Good luck with your search too and thanks for watching xx
Thank you so much for explaining this I'm sure it'll be helpful to a lot of us :) x
@@susuburleson878 wow thank you! I figured there was but I didn’t have any idea how to go about it. That will be awesome as I did really like the shape of the t but my neckband was awful I just cut it up for something else. I’ll have to try again!
@@bettymakesclub8011
You’re very welcome. Another tip is to find the center front and center back of your neckline, BUT remember that your shoulder seams will NOT be at your quarter marks.
I have made the Lark Tee by Grainline Studio and the Nora Tee by Tilly and the Buttons, both are good patterns. Good luck in your search for the perfect t-shirt pattern.
Thank you for those recommendations, I have looked at the Lark T but never actually bought the pattern. Thank you so much for watching :) x
Hi Sally I have 3 of the patterns and love them all.I have spent the last 3 days trying to make a layered skirt it’s been a nightmare I agree with you about side pockets they can really spoil the line of a garment, the first one ended in the bin the second one is heading that way.🙁
Oh no!! Well I’m sure we’ve all been there, do you think you can salvage it? X
@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress I will try but not holding much hope don’t feel quite so bad about it today have a great day.🙂🙂
I think you should try the Tessuti fabrics Mandy Boat Tee pattern for your relaxed fit T-shirt. It’s a great pattern and I think it’s free!
I have recently tried that one actually. I need to try it again because I used the wrong fabric that time. Have you made it with short sleeves? X
No, only ever with long sleeves. Sounds good though!
I’ve made many versions of Mandy with short sleeves, including dresses - just by leaving the sleeves off and twin needling a hem instead. I make Size 1 for a shorter, more fitted version but the extended shoulders only give a short capped style sleeve. If I want more of a short sleeve I make size 2 but the whole tee is quite a lot longer and swingier. I really need to do a mash of the size 1 with the size 2 extended shoulder I think or just extend out on the size 1! Perfection in tee tops is so hard to find! I also love Pattern Emporium but find I have to make them much smaller than my measurements on the size chart in order to get the fit I prefer - ie, not too fitted but not swamped in fabric as I am only 157 cm tall.
@@lindahopkins4389 Thanks so much for that it's really helpful to know :) I think I'll give it a go as a short sleeve too x
Thanks for introducing to many wonderful knit top patterns that I wouldn't have known otherwise. Noob question: for sweatshirt patterns, can you use sweater fabric? I think the words "sweatshirt" and "sweater" seem to be used interchangeably sometimes.
Yes you absolutely can, just be aware that the amount of structure or drape might affect the finished look of the garment 😊 xx
Stellan from French Navy and I think it's still a free pattern ..
Oh thank you, that’s one I’ve not tried yet x
Why don't you try the Stellan Tee by French Navy. There've been quite a few good reviews on it. It's relaxed tee and also a free pattern.
Thank you! I must try this one lots of people have recommended it! Thank you for watching :) X
I’ve been trying to find a perfect tshirt too and I’ve made a couple so far. The closet core core tshirt is my favorite so far and it’s free!! I also made the Seamwork Jane tshirt which is a good one but it’s more of a very classic tshirt style. On my cutting table are also the Basic instinct t (free) and the sparrow t (free). So far I don’t really like the sparrow t because you have to guess the neckband length.
My other favorites are the hermann deep back t by sewing machina, the Penny pullover by steph time, and the Virginia leggings pattern by Megan Nielsen.
Thank you so much for these recommendations, I had no idea there were so many free t shirt patterns out there. I've tried the Hermann T actually, it's a nice drapey style isn't it but if I make it again I'll definitely raise the back a bit. Thank you for watching x