How to Make a Boy's Short Sleeve Shirt 

Project Level: Easy

Recommended Fabrics & Notions

Instructions

Download the PDF pattern. Print the pattern ensuring you do not check the box on the print dialogue that says "Scale to Fit" or "Fit to Page" and check that the test box has printed at the correct size of 5cm.

Step 1.

With the right sides together, pin the shoulder seams to the back of the shirt and stitch. I pinned the shirt facings to the shirt so I didn't catch them in the seams.

Mitre the seams (trim the corners) and press the seams towards the back of the shirt.

Step 2.

Sleeves

With the right sides together, pin the curved edge of the sleeve to the armhole matching the centre dots to the shoulder seam. Do not sew the seam under the arm, we'll do that later.

It's easier to pin curves together when the pins are placed vertically.

Stitch and press.

Step 3.

Collar

Pin the collar pieces together, right side to right side (if you have a pattern make sure its the right way up!)

Stitch along the sides and back edge. 

Clip the corners and notch the back edge (snip into the back seams - this gives a smooth shallow curve).

Turn the collar the right way round, carefully poke the corners out, press and top stitch close to the edge around the hemmed edges. Press again. 

Step 4.

Pin the collar to the back of the shirt, right side to right side with the raw edge at the top of the shirt.

Again, it's easier to pin curves together when the pins are placed vertically. 

Baste (tacking stitch) the collar to the shirt, easing it into the curve.

With the right sides together, pin the back facing to the facing on the front of the shirt, (this was cut with the front of the shirt). Stitch and press the seam allowance towards the back of the shirt.

Step 5.

Keeping the fabric right side down, turn the raw edge of the front and back facing to the wrong side, stitch and press.

Step 6.

Fold the front facings along the fold lines, right side to right side, matching the notches along the shoulder line.

The collar should be sandwiched between the facing and the back of the shirt. Stitch along the curve of the neck through the three layers.

Clip the corners and notch the curved edge.

Keep the front facings the wrong way around. I know you're wanting a quick peek!

Side Seams

With the sides of the shirt right side to right side, line up the sleeve seam, pin and stitch from the bottom of the shirt up to the end of the sleeve.

Repeat for the other side.

I zig-zagged the internal seams to prevent fraying.

Step 7.

Sleeves

With the fabric right side to right, fold a 5mm hem over the wrong side of the fabric. Press and fold again, 5mm. Stitch, press and repeat for the other sleeve.

Folding the sleeves twice means there are no raw edges to fray.

Step 8.

Remember the front facing that you aren't allowed to turn around? Here's why....

Bottom Hem

As in the picture above, fold the right side in, press & stitch across to hem the bottom.

Now you can turn your facings the right way round. Give the shirt a penultimate press as it can crease through general handing and you want a clean crisp finish on the edges.

Top Stitch

Start at the back of the neck and as closely to the edge as you can, carefully top stitch on the right side of the fabric. When you reach the bottom hem, fold it it up 5mm (your second ironing mark) and stitch a second hem. This stops raw edges fraying. Top stitch all along the bottom, up the side and around the back of the collar to join up. Press.

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