A T-shirt is a knit top with a neckband, sleeves sewn in flat and simple hems. Once you have one that fits, you will sew it again in other lengths, necklines and fabrics. Sewly drafts the front, back and sleeve from your bust or chest, shoulders and arm length, with the ease of the fit you pick, and works out the neckband length so it lies flat.
T-shirt options
- Fit: fitted, regular (the default), relaxed or oversized. The oversized fit drops the shoulder seam onto the upper arm, a drop shoulder.
- Neckline: round (default), scoop, V-neck or boat, with a depth adjustment from 4 cm (1 1/2 in) higher to 10 cm (4 in) lower.
- Sleeves: sleeveless for a tank, short (default), elbow, three-quarter or long.
- Length: cropped, waist, high hip, hip (default) or tunic, plus a length adjustment of up to 25 cm (10 in) either way.
Sizes for women, men and children
Use your own measurements or a standard size: women's EU 32–54 (US 0–22, UK 4–26), men's XS to 3XL, or children's 2 to 14 years. Height, bust or chest, waist and hip are enough to start; adding your shoulder width and arm length refines the sleeves and shoulders.
Best fabrics for a T-shirt
This pattern is for knits only: cotton jersey, cotton elastane jersey, bamboo jersey, linen jersey, rib knit or merino jersey. A jersey with good recovery (it springs back after stretching) keeps the neckband flat. The neckband is cut with the stretch running along its length and shorter than the neckline, about 85 % of it, so it hugs the neck. For a V-neck, Sewly gives a binding strip instead of a band.
How hard is it to sew?
An advanced beginner project. Knits curl and stretch, but you do not need a serger: a ballpoint or stretch needle and a narrow zigzag or stretch stitch on a regular machine are enough. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a first T-shirt, less once you know the steps. Our guide to sewing knit fabrics on a regular machine covers needles, stitches and stabilizing.
What's in the pattern
- Front and back, each cut on the fold
- Sleeve, cut twice
- Neckband, given as cutting dimensions, or a neck binding strip for the V-neck
- Armhole binding strips for the sleeveless tank
Notions: a ballpoint or stretch needle, and clear elastic or stay tape to keep the shoulder seams from stretching. Seam allowances are 1 cm (3/8 in) by default on knits. The guide gives the fabric quantity for 110, 140 and 150 cm (45, 55 and 60 in) wide fabric with a cutting layout.
How to sew a T-shirt
- Sew the shoulder seams with stay tape or clear elastic.
- Join the neckband into a loop, quarter it and stretch it evenly onto the neckline.
- Sew the sleeves in flat, before closing the sides.
- Sew each side seam in one pass, from the hem to the sleeve end.
- Hem the sleeves and the body, and press with steam.
For a first project with photos of each step, see sew your first T-shirt that fits.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for a T-shirt?
A short-sleeved, hip-length T-shirt usually takes 1 to 1.5 m (1 1/8 to 1 5/8 yd) of 150 cm (60 in) wide jersey. Long sleeves, a tunic length, an oversized fit or a larger size bring it to 1.5 to 2 m (1 5/8 to 2 1/4 yd). Sewly computes the exact quantity for your size and fabric width.
Do I need a serger to sew a T-shirt?
No. A regular machine with a ballpoint or stretch needle and a narrow zigzag or stretch stitch sews knits well. A serger is faster and neater inside, but it is not required.
Can I make a tank top with this pattern?
Yes. Choose Sleeveless: Sewly replaces the sleeves with binding strips for the armholes. Combine it with a scoop neckline and a fitted cut for a classic tank.
Can I sew this T-shirt in a woven fabric?
No, it relies on the stretch of a knit to go over your head and fit closely. For cotton, linen or viscose wovens, use the woven top and blouse pattern, which has darts and an opening.
