Does anything work harder in your wardrobe than the basic tee? I think not!
A perfect project for beginners or those who want to dip their toes into the world of sewing knits, we LOVE sewing t-shirts here at Jenny Stitches!
Say goodbye to cheap thin fabrics, twisting in the wash and practically disposable garments and hello to comfortable, smart and durable me-mades.
I've compiled 5 free t-shirt sewing patterns for you to try, let's get stuck in.
The Stellan Tee by French Navy Patterns
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Style : Minimalist and slightly cropped, with long sleeves and a relaxed vibe.
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Why It’s Lovely: It’s a dream to layer over high-waisted jeans or skirts, I've made this one several times and it's a wardrobe win!
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Sizes Covered: Bust 31.5" to 59.5", Hip 34.5" to 62.5"
- Get The Pattern Here
Closet Core Patterns - The Core Tee
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Style: Classic crew neck with a modern, boxy fit. Comes in cropped or hip-length.
- Why It’s Lovely: It’s the perfect everyday tee – comfy and chic, it's another tried and true for me!
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Sizes Covered: Bust 35.1" to 60.7", Hip 36.9" to 66.9"
- Get The Pattern Here
Mood Fabrics - Brando Tee
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Style: Unisex, relaxed fit – easygoing and cool.
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Why It’s Lovely: Super versatile and ideal for experimenting with bold prints.
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Sizes Covered: Bust 34" to 52", Hip 33.5" to 51.5"
- Get The Pattern Here
Friday Pattern Company - Friday Bateau
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Style: A chic, boat-neck T-shirt with a slightly cropped fit.
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Why It’s Lovely: This "pay-what-you-can" pattern is inclusive and stylish, making it accessible to a wide range of sewists. There's a sew along video too!
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Sizes Covered: Bust 32" to 62", Hip 34" to 63"
- Get The Pattern Here
Unfettered Patterns - Loose T-Shirt
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Style: Slouchy, dropped-shoulder tee. Pure comfort!
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Why It’s Lovely: Great beginner project and perfect for lounging.
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Sizes Covered: Bust 33" to 47.8", Hip 36.2" to 50.4"
- Get The Pattern Here
Which fabrics are recommended?
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Cotton jersey - Breathable and kind to the skin, our core range of cotton jersey is excellent quality and won't fall apart after a few wears! A great option for beginners, it's easier to press and handle than some drapier options, so it's the perfect place to start.
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Bamboo jersey - Absorbent, breathable and super soft, bamboo jersey is like a soft warm hug. Finer and more fluid than cotton jersey, it's great for softer more flowing styles and perfect for nightwear.
- Viscose jersey - With excellent drape and available in a gorgeous range of prints, videos jersey is a fantastic option for those all important layering pieces.
Do I need any special tools?
- Ball point needles - made with a rounded or "ball" point, these needles are an essential for creating neat stitches in knit fabrics, as they won't snag the loops.
- Twin Needles - A great way to finish hems with a professional look, giving the impression of more industrial finish.
- Rotary Cutter - Not essential, but helpful when cutting knit fabrics, this "pizza wheel" style cutting tool is great for getting round curves neatly.
- Maraflex Thread - A relatively new product from Gutermann, this slightly elasticated thread removes the need for using a zig-zag stitch, handy for hemming or closer fit garments that may be subject to more stretching.
I hope you enjoyed this article! Happy Sewing 💜
Jenny xxx