Shirt Sewing Patterns

14 Shirt Sewing Patterns for Beginners: Easy Instructions and Techniques

Nothing is more exciting than sewing unique shirts using different shirt sewing patterns for your or your husband’s wardrobe yourself. With these shirt sewing patterns, this exciting task is now easier than before!

We have compiled 14 of the best shirt sewing patterns that will help you create various types of shirts. 

From basic t-shirts to dressy tops and more, we hope these tips will give you the inspiration and knowledge needed to take your sewing skills to new heights!

Women’s Shirt Sewing Patterns

Image source: Sewaholic Patterns

You might not have given it much thought, but the type of shirt you wear matters. The kind of shirt you choose can make a big difference in how you feel and how others perceive you.

These women’s shirt sewing patterns are trendy and on par with modern trends. They are also easy to sew, so you can whip them up in a day or two to wear the next day.

You will need to know how to sew buttons on a garment for most of these patterns, so make sure you’ve learned to sew them first before buying a pattern for yourself.

Best Shirt Sewing Patterns from Style Arc

Below is a list of the best shirt sewing patterns from Style Arc. This site has the trendiest shirt and t-shirt sewing patterns, and we adore their collection! 

You can either go with our recommendation or browse through their site to choose a personal pick for yourself. 

Either way, you’re sure to end up with one of the coolest shirt sewing patterns with easy-to-follow instructions.

Image source: Style Arc

You can get these patterns in the following formats:

1. 1. Single-sized paper format
   2. Multi-sized hard copy 
   3. Single-sized digital PDF pattern
   4. Multi-sized digital PDF pattern

The most remarkable feature of the site is that it allows payments in various currencies. The primary currency the site operates in is the Australian dollar, but you can also choose to pay in:

• • USD
  • GBP
  • EUR
  • CAD
  • NZD
  • JPY

All shirt and blouse sewing patterns are available in the size range 4-30.

Pattern name	Description	Fabric recommendations
Archie woven shirt	The Archie woven shirt is a boxy-shaped shirt with a traditional collar and dropped shoulders.  This button-up shirt sewing pattern for women has a double yoke and provides a loose fit. It features long sleeves and ends above the high hip, more like a cropped shirt.	Silk Linen Poplin Crepe
Monty shirt and dress sewing pattern	This pattern speaks versatility with a shirt and a dress sewing pattern in one. Both patterns have the following features in common: Deep yoke Revere collar  Pocket flaps Extended shoulder line The dress features side splits and touches mid-calf while the shirt falls above the hip.	Crepe Linen Rayon Silk
Lennie overshirt	The Lennie overshirt provides the most relaxed fit, perfect for lounging in on a Sunday evening. It features a collar and rolled-up sleeves held up by a button.	Crepe Cotton Linen
Lauren boyfriend shirt	This boyfriend shirt takes inspiration from a man’s shirt, but the extra-long cuffs with front opening and the loop over box pleats make it feminine. It is essentially an overshirt with a more casual style. It features a front patch pocket as well.	Shirting Linen Poplin

Gilbert Top by Helen’s Closet Pattern

Image source: Helen’s Closet Patterns

The Gilbert top is a classic front-tie collared t-shirt. It is a pretty trendy t-shirt style that is also available as a plus-size sewing pattern our plus-size babes love trying for themselves.

The size range is 0-30 for this top. Women with a bust up to 58 inches can sew this for themselves!

This classic top has the following features:

• • Button front
  • Relaxed fit
  • Front-facing
  • Back yoke
  • Camp-style burrito collar
  • Optional patch pocket on the front

You can make this top in two different designs:

1. 1. View A is a crop top sewing pattern with short sleeves and ties into a neat knot at the front. Wear it with a midi skirt for a spring look. To sew a skirt at home, check out our list of best skirt sewing patterns now.
   2. View B is a long shirt sewing pattern with fluttery bell sleeves. It is perfect for tucking into your favorite pair of jeans with a belt. 

This sewing pattern is only available as a PDF file for purchase. You can either print it on A4 sheets at home or get it printed at a copyshop, whatever you prefer. 

Note: This is not a beginner sewing pattern. We recommend this sewing project to intermediate sewers with some sewing expertise. 

Lucienne Long Sleeve Shirt Sewing Pattern by Makerist

Image source: Makerist

The Lucienne shirt by Makerist is again a long sleeve shirt sewing pattern with a boxy shirt style and a traditional collar. 

It is a pretty loose shirt that you can wear over a pair of tight-fitting jeans for a rather casual look. Check out these pants sewing patterns for some inspiration.

You can sew this in three different lengths:

1. 1. As a shirt that ends just by your hips
   2. As a tunic that ends by your high hip
   3. Or as a simple t-shirt dress sewing pattern that ends above your knees.

The fabric recommendation for this sewing pattern is a delicate cotton voile, which means the shirt will be see-through. This makes it perfect for a sunny day.

This pattern is available in sizes 36-46. The instructions for this pattern are available in two languages: 

• • English
  • French 

The simple design and charm of this dress will appeal to both beginner and intermediate sewers alike. Purchase this for around $12 from Makerist.

Amsterdam T-shirt by Makerist

Image source: Makerist

We have another recommendation from Makerist. The sewing patterns on this site are too cute to resist. 

This one is the most basic t-shirt sewing pattern with no complicated stitches or notions. It’s the most straightforward sewing project that will take a confident beginner a few hours to whip up.

The sewing pattern has three neckline variations and two sleeve length variations to choose from. You can select either style and mix and match according to preference.

This t-shirt is the most versatile piece of garment you could add to your wardrobe. Based on your fabric choice, you can sport a t-shirt perfect for casual wear, sports, or school wear.

You can either wear this t-shirt with shorts or with bell-bottom pants. Sew a complementary pair of shorts at home using these cool short sewing patterns now!

The instructions for this sewing pattern are pretty straightforward, with relevant images along with each step, so you don’t get stuck somewhere. 

Things you will need for this project:

1. 1. Matching thread
   2. Ballpoint needle
   3. Optional twin needle (for hemming) 
   4. knit fabrics such as viscose, cotton, modal, or jersey

You can buy this sewing pattern as a digital PDF file for around $11.

9231 Simplicity Top Sewing Pattern 

Image source: Fabric Land

The 9231 Simplicity product is just a basic full sleeve t-shirt sewing pattern with pleats by the neck. You can also choose to keep the sleeves short.

The sewing pattern is available in sizes 6-14 and 16-24. 

The fabric recommendations for this particular sewing project are:

• • Challis
  • Charmeuse
  • Cotton lawn
  • Crepe de chine
  • Double georgette
  • Lightweight linen
  • Shirtings
  • Silk
  • Voile 

You are not allowed to use these patterns to alter them and sell them as yours. You can, however, create different shirts using these patterns for commercial use. 

Do not forget to add custom woven labels or hangtags if you decide to sell these items in retail stores.

Adding care labels with washing instructions is also a great way to amp up your clothing business.

Men’s Shirt Sewing Patterns

Below is a list of the best sewing patterns for men’s shirts. The list also includes free shirt sewing patterns beginners can use to sew a shirt for themselves or their loved one.

1670 A, Men’s Shirt Sewing Pattern by Vogue 

Image source: John Lewis

The first on our list had to be this super handsome semi-fitted shirt by Vogue Patterns. This one has snap and button closures on the front.

This button-up shirt sewing pattern features a traditional shirt collar with a collar band. It also has breast patch pockets with button closure.

You will be able to hone your sewing skills and learn the following sewing hacks when working on this project:

1. 1. Applying a yoke
   2. Topstitching details
   3. Narrow hemming
   4. Sewing buttons
   5. Adding pleats
   6. Placket opening

The sewing pattern is available in sizes S-XL so that you can sew it for men of all sizes.

Sew this shirt in:

• • Denim
  • Chambray
  • Broadcloth 

Best Men’s Shirt Sewing Patterns by Wardrobe by Me

Image source: Wardrobe by Me

Wardrobe by Me is an independent pattern-making and pattern-selling brand. The website has a fantastic collection of sewing patterns for kids, men, and women. 

The table below highlights the features of the top four men’s shirt sewing patterns we love from them!

Pattern name	Available sizes	Features	Fabric Recommendations
Men’s overshirt	2XS-3XL	This overshirt sewing pattern is a jacket-style shirt. The shirt has multiple pocket options and a convertible collar. Full cuffed sleeves and a double yoke add style to the shirt. This project is not beginner-friendly, and we recommend it to experienced sewers only. Refer to our blog on best sewing tips and tricks to become a sewing expert now!	Woven fabrics only Cotton Linen Wool
Tropical shirt	2XS-4XL	This one is a sewing pattern for a shirt that has short sleeves and a breast patch pocket. This sewing pattern will show you how to do a double yoke and stitch a convertible collar. Other features include back pleats and slits on the side.	Cotton Linen Silk
Tanktop	2XS-3XL	This sewing pattern isn’t a shirt but rather a tank top for men. We thought this pattern was too cute to miss, and most men will be thankful to us for including this in our list. This tank top is long and provides a breathable fit. This sewing pattern is perfect for beginner sewers who have no sewing expertise.	Fabrics with stretch: Jersey Cotton

Free Shirt Sewing Pattern by Melly Sews

Image source: Melly Sews

MellySews brings you the easiest fun men’s shirt sewing pattern at zero cost!

This shirt sewing pattern is too good to give away for free, but the generous Melly Sews does it for her followers!

This one is a button-up shirt sewing pattern with a collar. The shirt has short sleeves, but of course, you can even keep the sleeves long. 

Now, because it’s a free pattern, it doesn’t have multiple sizes available. For this particular sewing pattern, you will need to learn how to alter sewing patterns to make them fit your size. 

Choose a fabric with a slight drape to it for this shirt. We suggest using patterned fabrics to bring out the vibrance the shirt is supposed to bring out in you.

You will need a few supplies for this that you can already find lying in your drawer at home. Here’s what you need:

• • Fabric preferably rayon (2 yards)
  • Lightweight interfacing (1 yard)
  • Snaps or buttons
  • Lastly, the sewing pattern itself, which you can download as a PDF file here.

For instructions on how to sew, watch this Youtube video tutorial that’ll help you create this comfortable shirt for your husband or yourself if you’re a guy reading this shirt sewing patterns blog!

Free T-Shirt Sewing Pattern by Made Everyday

Image source: Made Everyday

This one is again a free sewing pattern for men’s t-shirts by Made Everyday. 

This free t-shirt sewing pattern is essentially for a small boy, but you can always resize it to create an adult’s t-shirt. Or, use an existing men’s t-shirt and trace it on a pattern piece to create a sewing pattern for your use. 

Then, follow the instructions on the Made Everyday blog or watch their Youtube video to follow the sewing process step by step. They have provided a free downloadable pattern for a t-shirt, but that’s only one size for little boys aged 4-5.

The blog also outlines the printing instructions for this t-shirt pattern, so if you’re using a pattern for the first time, you’ll know what to do exactly! It also shows how you can assemble the printed pattern to use as a guide for sewing. 

You can use a large men’s t-shirt (preferably in jersey fabric) and cut it to upcycle it into a smaller-sized t-shirt. The blog by Made Every day shows you how to do that too!

You will also learn how to do ribbing while working on this sewing project! Each step has relevant pictures to help you through the stitching process. 

If you’re looking for more sewing patterns like this, check out our blog on free sewing patterns to find another excellent sewing pattern for yourself completely free of cost!