Make your own Pattern Tutorial
Some years ago, I found a really old silk top at my grandmother’s dacha. I am sure it was older than I and yet it fit perfectly.’ This past year its taken a beating from my very active two year old. I was sad, and then I decided it really couldn’t be that hard to make a pattern from this top and make a new one out of linen. It turned out to be a great way to make a new piece of clothing that I knew would look great.
Today, I would love for you to think about making a project of this sort this week. Pick a shirt, tshirt or a tunic you look fabulous in and make one for yourself out of linen. No excuses’ ladies.’ I’m so happy I took out the time and made me a new sleeveless shirt. I shall be going through my closet and making more of my own patterns that I know work for me.
Have a try.
Note: If you are interested in making this particular sleeveless shirt (I am a small size 4, please leave a comment below. I can post a pattern and tutorial in the next couple of weeks.)
Materials:
Linen (I used 1 yrd of IL020 Autumn Gold)
Scissors
Pins
( You could use a pencil, I just pinned and cut)
An old garment that you can cut up.
1. Pre wash your fabric, as linen shrinks slightly in the wash.
2. Iron your fabric and your shirt’ you are about to make your pattern from.
3. In order to have a more precise measurement it would be good to cut up your shirt. Carefully cut alongside all stitches.
4. Lay down the front of your shirt and pin it to the fabric.
5. Step away about an inch and cut all around the outline of the shirt. You could mark it out first, I cut straight into the fabric.
6. Take pins off and check that all edges align by folding the cut out linen in half.’ 
7. Repeat for the back part of the shirt. Pin, cut, check for alignment.
8. Lay the back wrong side facing you, lay the front part- right side facing you. Pin together and check for alignment. Take care to check the sides, the bottom line, and the straps. All should align. If not, pin down and cut away access fabric carefully.’ Fold in half and double check that all four sides align.
10. At this point it’s a good idea to go and try on your pinned together linen shirt. Be careful with the pins. Check everything is sitting straight and that the shape is right for you.
You are ready for sewing!
Wear it like a pro.
Note:‘ If you are interested in making this particular sleeveless shirt (I am a small size 4, please leave a comment below. I can post a pattern and tutorial in the next couple of weeks.)
Really keen to hear what you will make.
Leave a comment
Related posts
Tutorial: How to Make Fabric Buttons
If you’ve ever considered trying fabric covered buttons, this is one of my favorite projects and I am delighted to encourage you to try them. I hadn’t made the buttons with linen before so I was so excited about this project. When I first made fabric covered buttons years ago, I chose cottons with tiny…
From Farming to Folk Art: Sara Buscaglia
There is a remarkable symbiosis between Sara Buscaglia’s life and work; she seamlessly blends her charmingly old school textile art – mostly exquisitely handcrafted quilts, but also knitting and clothing – with running a successful and prolific organic farm, where she is currently raising a family of four children alongside her husband. Based in La…
Tutorial: How to Trace Off a RTW Garment
You know that one well-worn, probably damaged-beyond-repair item in your closet you bought off the rack ages ago that you still hold on to because you just love the way it looks and fits? Or maybe it’s a garment you think would look amazing in another fabric that the original wasn’t offered in? Well, have…
Tutorial: How To Make A Quilted Linen Vest
A few years ago, I started to play with quilting clothes. The first few pieces turned out less than ideal. I didn’t know the paths to avoid the foibles of quilting. But after a few playful experiments and failed garments, things started to fall into place. I’ve put together this tutorial to share the things…
Tutorial: Valentine’s Day Treat Bags
Most people usually say their favorite holiday is Christmas. Occasionally, you’ll hear someone claim New Year’s Eve, some may say Thanksgiving… but mine is Valentine’s Day, without a doubt. All the pinks and reds, laces and ruffles, themed treats and gifts; it’s so much fun! As a maker, I find myself always looking for opportunities…
SEW THIS LOOK
Latest Posts
10 Comments
Anna Bertalli
I would love the pattern too please!! xx
Delycia
What an adorable top. I would love a pattern in L. Thank you.
clara walker
would love a pattern to try to make. thank you
April Bailey
Thank you! I would love to be able to use a shirt that I already love to make a new shirt! Thank you for a chance to learn!
Ronda Halvorsen-Ferns
Ditto! I have been “Collecting” all this fab linen from fabric-store, a lot of it from the “doggie bag” where I have multiple less than a yard pieces of every kind, so I guess some color blocking will come into play…. Also very interested in a tute for doing the same for skirts and your take on fusible lining or a recommendation! Thanks for sharing your fabulous talent!
Ronda in Oregon
Patty D
Would love a pattern! I want to try this with some of my things!
Susan
Will you make a pattern for M or L also? Love this!
Susan
Seems so easy! I’d love a pattern.
Tami M
Just in time! I love this shirt would love to have the pattern! My daughter is a size small and I am a medium. It’s adorable! Thank you!
Mardee
This is really cute – I’d love to see your pattern if possible. My daughter is about your size.