Sew custom-fit shirts with our PDF sewing patterns for women, men, girls, boys, and kids. Our collection includes t-shirts, button-up shirts, blouses, tunics, henley shirts, and casual tops in sizes from preemie through adult 3XL. Each instant download pattern features detailed instructions with color photos, plus options for different sleeve lengths, necklines, pocket styles, and fit variations. Create shirts that actually fit - no more too-tight shoulders, gaping buttons, or awkward sleeve lengths. Whether you need basic everyday t-shirts, professional button-ups for work, or stylish casual tops, find patterns for every skill level and every occasion. Download your pattern and start sewing today.
Finding shirts that fit well is surprisingly difficult. Shoulders are too narrow or too wide, sleeves are too short or too long, button-up shirts gap between buttons, t-shirts are too boxy or too fitted - the fit issues are endless. When you sew your own shirts, you control every measurement. Adjust shoulder width, customize sleeve length, modify body length and width, choose your preferred neckline, and create the exact fit you want. From basic t-shirts you'll wear constantly to professional button-ups for work to stylish casual tops, build a shirt collection that fits your body perfectly.
T-Shirts: Basic crew neck tees, V-neck shirts, scoop neck shirts, and raglan tees. The foundation of every wardrobe - comfortable, versatile, perfect for layering or wearing alone.
Button-Up Shirts: Classic dress shirts, casual button-downs, chambray shirts, and flannel shirts. Professional options for work and polished casual styles for weekends.
Blouses & Women's Tops: Feminine tops with special details - ruffles, gathered sleeves, tie fronts, peplums, and elegant necklines.
Henley Shirts: Casual shirts with partial button plackets - sporty, comfortable, and easy to wear.
Tunics: Longer shirts that hit at hip or thigh - perfect for layering over leggings or skinny pants.
Long Sleeve Shirts: Any shirt style with long sleeves - base layers, casual wear, and professional options.
Tank Tops & Sleeveless Shirts: Summer basics and layering pieces in various necklines and fits.
Polo Shirts: Casual collared shirts with button plackets - sporty and versatile.
Find shirt patterns for everyone. Women's shirt patterns include t-shirts, blouses, tunics, and button-ups in sizes XXS-XXXL. Men's shirt patterns offer t-shirts, button-up dress shirts, casual shirts, and polo shirts in sizes XS-3XL. Girls shirt patterns and boys shirt patterns include comfortable everyday styles from preemie through size 14. Kids and baby shirts in sizes perfect for growing children.
Shirts make excellent beginner sewing projects - they're quick, use minimal fabric, and you'll wear them constantly. Start with basic knit t-shirts - the stretchy fabric is forgiving and hides small mistakes. Simple crew neck or V-neck tees with set-in sleeves or raglan sleeves work great for first projects. These don't require closures like zippers or buttons, and the straightforward construction builds fundamental sewing skills. Once comfortable with knit shirts, try simple woven tops with pull-on construction before tackling button-up shirts with collars and plackets. Our beginner patterns include several shirt options with clear step-by-step instructions perfect for new sewists.
Most shirt patterns include multiple sleeve and neckline variations, giving you tremendous versatility from one pattern. Sleeve options: Sleeveless, cap sleeves, short sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, long sleeves, flutter sleeves, puff sleeves, bell sleeves, and dolman sleeves. Set-in sleeves offer a traditional fit while raglan sleeves provide better arm mobility - great for athletic wear. Neckline options: Crew neck, V-neck, scoop neck, square neck, boat neck, cowl neck, and collared necklines. These variations let you make the same pattern look completely different - sew a sleeveless summer version and a long-sleeve winter version from the same pattern.
Match fabric to shirt style and season. For t-shirts and knit tops: Cotton jersey is the classic choice - soft, breathable, and comfortable. Cotton-spandex blends add stretch and recovery for better fit. Bamboo jersey offers softness and drape. Athletic knits with moisture-wicking properties work for active wear. For button-up shirts and blouses: Cotton shirting, oxford cloth, chambray, linen, and rayon challis create classic looks. Flannel for cozy casual shirts. Lightweight wovens like voile or lawn for summer. For tunics: Knits with good drape like rayon jersey or modal blends. French terry for casual sporty tunics. Always check pattern recommendations - knit patterns need stretchy fabric while woven patterns need non-stretch fabric.
Sewing lets you fix the fit problems that plague store-bought shirts. Too-short or too-long sleeves: Adjust sleeve length at the marked lengthen/shorten lines. Narrow shoulders: Add width at shoulder seams or choose a larger size and take in at side seams. Broad shoulders: Grade between sizes - cut larger at shoulders and smaller at bust. Gaping buttons: Take in at side seams or add darts. Too much ease in bust: Take in side seams or choose a smaller size. Not enough room in bust: Add a bust dart or do a full bust adjustment. Too long or too short body: Adjust length between armpit and hem. Making a muslin (test garment) lets you identify and fix these issues before cutting good fabric.
Button-up shirts are more advanced projects but incredibly rewarding - a well-fitting dress shirt or casual button-down is a wardrobe staple. Key construction elements include properly interfaced collars that lay flat and hold their shape, neat button plackets with even spacing, smooth-setting sleeves, and professional-looking buttonholes. Practice buttonholes on fabric scraps first. Use quality interfacing in collars, cuffs, and plackets for structure and stability. Take your time with collar construction - it's the most visible part and makes or breaks the professional appearance. Once you master button-up construction, you'll have perfectly fitting shirts for a fraction of the cost of custom or high-quality ready-to-wear.
Thoughtful details elevate handmade shirts from basic to special. Patch pockets on casual shirts add function and visual interest. Chest pockets on button-ups are classic and useful. Hidden pockets in side seams offer function without disrupting the design. Contrasting fabrics for collars, cuffs, or plackets create custom looks. Decorative topstitching adds detail. Interesting buttons make a statement. Gathered sleeves, ruffles, or tie details create feminine touches on blouses. The beauty of sewing is you can customize these details exactly to your taste.
Adapt shirt patterns for different seasons with fabric and sleeve choices. Summer: Lightweight cotton or linen button-ups, sleeveless or short-sleeve knit tops, breezy tunics in rayon or cotton lawn. Fall: Long-sleeve tees, flannel button-ups, medium-weight knit tops perfect for layering. Winter: Cozy flannel shirts, long-sleeve base layer tees, tunics over leggings and boots. Spring: Three-quarter sleeve options in transitional weights. Having patterns with multiple sleeve lengths means you can make year-round versions of your favorite styles.
A well-planned shirt wardrobe provides maximum versatility with minimum pieces. Start with basics: several solid-color t-shirts in neutral colors (black, white, gray, navy) for layering and everyday wear. Add a few patterned or colored tees for variety. Include 2-3 button-up shirts for work or dressing up. A casual chambray or flannel shirt for weekends. A few blouses or special tops for going out. A tunic or two for comfortable casual wear. Long-sleeve and short-sleeve versions of favorite styles. With these basics, you can mix and match to create complete outfits for any occasion.
Store-bought shirts rarely fit perfectly because they're designed for average proportions. When you sew, you get perfect sleeve length without expensive alterations, proper shoulder width for your frame, the right body length for your torso, and your preferred neckline and fit. Choose quality fabrics instead of thin, cheap materials that pill and fade. Create exactly the style you want in the colors and prints you love. For people with proportions that don't match standard sizing - tall, petite, broad shoulders, full bust, athletic builds - sewing often provides the only way to get truly well-fitting shirts. Plus, handmade basic tees cost less than quality store-bought versions and last much longer.
Take accurate measurements - bust, waist, shoulder width, and sleeve length. Compare to pattern size charts and choose based on your largest measurement. Use a walking foot for knits to prevent wavy seams and stretched necklines. Stay-stitch necklines and armholes on woven shirts to prevent stretching during construction. Press seams as you sew for professional results - this single step makes the biggest difference. Use proper interfacing in collars, cuffs, and plackets on button-ups. Practice buttonholes on fabric scraps first. For knits, use a ballpoint needle and stretch stitch or narrow zigzag. Finish seams neatly with serging or zigzag. Take time with details like topstitching - visible stitching should be straight and even.
How long does it take to sew a shirt?
Simple t-shirts take 1-2 hours. More detailed knit tops might take 2-3 hours. Button-up shirts with collars and plackets take 4-6 hours. You'll get faster with practice.
What's the easiest shirt pattern for beginners?
Start with a basic knit t-shirt with set-in sleeves or raglan sleeves. Simple construction, forgiving fabric, and no closures make it perfect for learning fundamental sewing skills.
How much fabric do I need?
T-shirts typically need 1-2 yards depending on size and sleeve length. Button-up shirts need 2-3 yards. Each pattern includes a detailed yardage chart showing exactly how much fabric you need.
Can I adjust sleeve length?
Yes! Most patterns have marked lengthen/shorten lines on the sleeve pieces. You can also change sleeve styles - make short sleeves long or vice versa with some pattern adjustment.
What if the shoulders are too wide or too narrow?
For too-wide shoulders, take in at the shoulder seam. For too-narrow, you'll need to choose a larger size and possibly adjust side seams. This is easier to fix during the muslin stage.
How do I prevent necklines from stretching out?
Use a walking foot when sewing knits, don't pull or stretch fabric as you sew, and stay-stitch woven necklines before attaching bands or facings. Quality knit fabric with good recovery also helps.
Are shirt patterns good for using up fabric scraps?
Kids' shirts are excellent for scraps. Adult shirts typically need too much fabric, but you can piece fabrics for color-blocking effects or make sleeves in contrasting fabric.
