A classic t-shirt is the kind of sewing pattern you'll return to again and again. It's speedy to make, easy to wear and oh-so versatile.
Over the next few days I'm taking you through the patterns in my new book Make It Simple (see the previous post for the Safiya trousers if you missed it). The second pattern is the Tabitha T-shirt, which you can also make as a drawstring dress. If you're familiar with my previous book Stretch!, I reckon this pattern is going to be the Freya of Make It Simple - in other words, the one that people will make over and over again :)
Tabitha has a classic straight shape, not too tight, not too loose. Some of our testers said they had finally found the perfect shaped t-shirt. As you can see in the technical drawing above, you can make Tabitha in multiple versions - with a choice of three sleeve lengths, as a drawstring dress, as a ringer T... so many options!
Like the other patterns in the book, the Tabitha T-shirt comes in ten sizes, from UK 6-24 / US 2-20. The patterns are included in the back of the book ready to trace off, or there's a link in the book to where to download them, as either A4/Letter or A0 files, if you prefer to print them at home or at a copyshop.
I reckon it'll take you around 2 hours total to cut and sew the T-shirt version. There's minimal fitting required, no fastenings, the sleeves are inserted while the pieces are still flat, and you can either whip it up on an overlocker (serger) if you have one or use a regular sewing machine and don't worry about finishing the seam allowances as jersey doesn't fray - yay! And don't be scared if you've never sewn with knit fabrics before - I've summed up the essentials of stitching knits like jersey in the introductory section of the book.
The dress is cinched in at the waist with a drawstring - it turns out that this style is going to be super trendy in 2020, so get in there now!
This style looks soooo different depending on the sleeve length, skirt length and fabric that you choose. Opt for a short sleeve jersey version for a go-to weekend spring/summer dress, or make a midi version in stretch velvet for the office or date nights. I've made one in shimmery navy stretch velvet and it is deliiiicious!
The second variation is to turn the short sleeved t-shirt into a seventies style ringer T with little cuffs on the sleeves. I love this look, it's so cute, and works with both prints and solids.
Aaaaand then you can pimp it up with some iron-on vinyl! Once you try this, you'll be hooked - it's such an easy and addictive way to embellish your clothing. You don't need any special equipment, just the iron-on vinyl sheets (mine was gifted by Happy Fabric), and you can create pretty much any design you can imagine!
FABRIC SUGGESTIONS
Make the Tabitha t-shirt and dress in light- to medium-weight knit fabric with at least 10% crosswise stretch, such as jersey, interlock, stretch velvet, lightweight French terry or sweater knit. Use ribbing for the neckband so it can stretch over your head.
For this version shown I used Tilly and the Buttons lilac stripe organic cotton jersey.
HOW MUCH FABRIC DO I NEED?
If you're out and about fabric shopping and forgot to check how much fabric you needed before you left the house, we've got your back! Here's what you'll need:
T-shirt version
If your fabric is around 150cm (60in) wide:
Short sleeves: 1m (1 1/8yd) fabric
Three-quarter sleeves: 1.3m (1 ½yd) fabric
Long sleeves: 1.5m (1 ¾yd) fabric
If your fabric is around 115cm (45in) wide:
Short sleeves: Sizes 1–4 (UK 6-12 / US 2-8) - 1m (1 1/8yd) fabric / Sizes 5–10 (UK 14-24 / US 10-20) - 1.7m (1 7/8yd) fabric
Three-quarter sleeves: Sizes 1–4 (UK 6-12 / US 2-8) - 1.3m (1 ½yd) fabric / Sizes 5–10 (UK 14-24 / US 10-20) - 2m (2 ¼yd) fabric
Long sleeves: Sizes 1–4 (UK 6-12 / US 2-8) - 1.5m (1 ¾yd) fabric / Sizes 5–10 (UK 14-24 / US 10-20) - 2.2m (2 ½yd) fabric
Plus:
- 0.1m (1/8yd) ribbing for the neckband, 70cm (27in) wide
- Matching thread
- 30cm (12in) of 6–8mm- (¼in-) wide satin ribbon, clear (swimwear) elastic, stabilizing tape (AKA ‘stay tape’) or strips of knit interfacing to stabilize the shoulders
- Ballpoint sewing machine needle
Drawstring dress
As listed for the main T-shirt project, plus:
If your fabric is around 150cm (60in) wide:
Extra fabric to your preferred skirt length minus 10cm (1/8yd)
If your fabric is around 115cm (45in) wide:
Sizes 1–2 (UK 6-8 / US 2-4): Extra fabric to your preferred skirt length minus 10cm (1/8yd)
Sizes 3–10 (UK 10-24 / US 6-20): Extra fabric double the length of your skirt minus 20cm (¼yd)
Plus:
- For the drawstring, 3cm (1¼in) of solid-colour jersey (pick something that looks nice from the wrong side as it will show)
- Safety pin
- Small scrap of interfacing (knit, if you have it, but any will do)
- Optional: Two 5mm (¼in) eyelets (plus spares to practise with) and hammer – choose an eyelet set that comes with a piercing and fixing tool
- Large sheet of paper
Ringer T-shirt
As listed for the main T-shirt project plus 0.1m (1/8yd) extra ribbing (in one, two or three colours)
Iron-on vinyl design
As listed for the main T-shirt project plus:
- Heat-transfer/iron-on vinyl suitable for fabrics, in your chosen colours (I used flock foil from Happy Fabric)
- Greaseproof paper
I really hope you enjoy making and wearing the Tabitha t-shirt... the only question is which version to make first?
Please share your makes with us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtags #SewingTabitha #MakeItSimpleBook so we can see!
*****
Author: Tilly Walnes
Make It Simple is published by Quadrille (Hardie Grant)
Model photography: © Ellie Smith
Model shoot props and styling: Clare Nicolson
Step photography: Jane Looker
Models: Kristabel Plummer & Samantha Waude
