10 Popular Shirt Sewing Patterns for Women (From The Indies)
Shirts are a versatile clothing item. We wear them to the office (well, I don’t but you might), we wear them with jeans and skirts, and we even use them to sleep in. Yes, I do, don’t judge me!
And while there are a gazillion shirts out there ready made, what better way to spend time than making a shirt that is unique to you?
Today I’m sharing popular shirt sewing patterns for women – that are only from indie designers, you’ll find none of the big four here! – to inspire you to have a go at making a shirt!
There are currently no images for each pattern listed as I’ve not yet emailed to ask about usage rights yet, and I don’t like to use their photos without permission. 😉
Also, none of the links in this article are affiliates – I’m recommending them from community feedback on how great they are!
Archer Shirt – Grainline Studios
This has been a popular shirt sewing pattern for years, ever since I’ve been on Instagram in fact! The Archer Shirt is a women’s button up shirt pattern with the standard back yoke, two cuff types and an additional gathered lower back section on view B if you’re so inclined. I’m not, but I like my button up shirts to be more traditional, like View A.
This is such a popular pattern, you can’t go wrong with it if you’re looking for a shirt that is a more intermediate skill level. You can find the 0 – 18 size sewing pattern here and the 14 – 32 size pattern here. Yes, they have two size ranges available – win!
Bertie Shirt – Atelier Jupe
Recently released, the Bertie Shirt from Atelier Jupe is a gorgeous oversized shirt that is perfect for scrap busting those different fabrics in your stash that are just too small for one garment.
I love the shorter sleeve length on this pattern, they make for such a fun look to this shirt, and there are also pockets too which add to the colour blocking fun!
Byrdie Shirt – Pattern Scout
A great shirt pattern from Casey over at Pattern Scout, the Byrdie shirt pattern is a winner on all counts. It’s a button up – yay! – and has patch pockets on the front, like the Archer, but there the similarities end.
Byrdie can be sewn as a shirt or a dress, but what I love about this pattern is the pin tuck detailing on the second view. How gorgeous?
I adore the version Casey is wearing in a yellow-olive satin… that shine with the tucks is just beautiful, and this would be such a great shirt sewing pattern for anyone needing a gorgeous shirt for evening events. Drooling.
The pattern comes in size 0 – 28 and drafted for three cup sizes!
Butano – Friday Pattern Company
Another popular sewing pattern from the Friday Pattern Company, the Butano is a button up shirt pattern is a winner too. Another woven pattern it comes in sizes XS/0 to 7X/32.
I like the little details on this one, the loop on the back yoke for hanging the shirt on a hook, the continuous bound placket on the sleeve, and the optional neck tie which just adds a little something different.
Cameron – Helen’s Closet
I find that Helen’s Closet patterns are so well drafted, I recently purchased and made the Sunstar Swimsuit pattern. So of course the Cameron is a no-brainer when looking for a shirt sewing pattern.
It’s a unisex pattern, with the classic shirt collar and stand, and optional sleeve lengths separating the views. The sleeve placket on this one is classic rather than continuous so a nice little skill to learn too.
It comes in sizes 0 – 34 (US) so nicely size inclusive!
I can’t link to that pattern yet – Helen’s working on launching a new and shiny website! – but I will share that once it’s ready! In the meantime you can check it out over on The Fold Line website.
Classic Shirt – Liesl & Co
A classic shirt sewing pattern, with all the details you expect in a shirt. Drafted for three cup sizes (A/B, C and D) this shirt sewing pattern comes in two views, with the difference being how the button placket is created (View A – separate, View B – grown on) and the addition of pleats and flaps to the front pockets.
Jenna Shirt – Closet Core Patterns
This one has been loved since its recent release, and I can see why. The Jenna Shirt is a pattern that can be used to sew a gorgeous shirt or a shirtdress which makes it ‘usable’ throughout the year.
It’s a proper menswear inspired shirt, oversized – which I love – but with three views there’s plenty of options to really make it your own.
View A is the standard loose fit, oversized shirt with the classic curved hem, View B is the cropped version, with a straight hem and View C has a gathered panel attached to a more cropped upper to make it a gorgeous shirt dress.
As always Closet Core Patterns are available in two size ranges – and they make both available when you purchase the digital download version – covering sizes XXS to 4X. And if you’re intimidated at sewing a shirt, they even have a shirt sewing class you can buy and take online too. Win.
Leo Shirt – Belle Loves Patterns
I’ve not yet tried a Bella Loves Patterns sewing pattern, but they are often recommended to me. Their shirt pattern offering is the Leo Shirt, similar in design to the Archer and Butano shirts above, with the two front pockets and being semi-oversized.
This shirt sewing pattern also has some interesting details, including a loop on the back yoke seam for hanging, three pleats in the sleeve instead of two and a shoulder seam that sneaks towards the front.
All in all, it’s a great design, and highly recommended. I haven’t tried it myself as the size is only up to a 112cm bust, and I’m a bit beyond that.
Melilot – Deer & Doe
A pattern from Deer & Doe that looks gorgeous but will not fit me no matter how much I lust for it. And that’s a good thing – Indie pattern companies cater to different body shapes, just like ready to wear clothing brands, which allows everyone to get in on the act of sewing beautiful clothes.
The Melilot from Deer & Doe is a shirt pattern with details not found in the other patterns I’ve shared here, including a concealed button packet down the center front, a collar curved more gently than is ‘classic’ and more fitted look achieved with bust darts. I like the View B option too, with shorter sleeves and a simple band collar. Nice.
All in all it is a great shirt sewing pattern for women who fit their ‘base sloper’ shape – sadly, my curves make it the wrong pattern for me. Onwards!
Phen Shirt – Pattern Fantastique
Let’s finish on a beautiful shirt sewing pattern – the Phen Shirt from Pattern Fantastique! What a dreamy pattern! Batwing and dropped shoulder? Check. The option of a tie at the collar and cuffs? Check! A length that allows it to be tucked into waists of skirts and trousers without poofiness? Oh yes!
This pattern is like a big breezy bubble ready to be worn on all occasions, and I did just go and buy it!
The sizing is from 6 – 26 (which covers my bust size, yay!) and a shirt I will be making up as soon as possible. I’ll report back asap on how it turns out!
More Sewing Pattern Ideas To Try
There are nine shirt sewing patterns for women you didn’t know you needed… but if shirts aren’t your thing and you enjoy using sewing patterns to make your own clothes, have a look at some of my other blog posts on sewing patterns! Recent ones include:
