Getting a great fit is one of the most empowering parts of sewing your own clothes. In this post, we’ll walk through how to choose your size and approach fitting for the Frida shirt sewing pattern, so you can sew with confidence from the very start.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- How the Frida shirt is intended to fit
- Whether you need to make a toile (mock-up)
- How to take your measurements and choose your size
- Common fitting adjustments you may want to consider
- Extra resources for more in-depth fitting help
The good news? Frida is relatively easy-fitting, so in most cases only minor adjustments may be needed. Hooray!
How is the Frida shirt designed to fit?
Frida has a modern, boxy silhouette inspired by menswear. It’s deliberately relaxed and easy to wear.
Design features that affect the fit:
- No darts – it’s intentionally loose-fitting
- Sizes 7–15 (UK 18–34) include extra length at the front to accommodate a larger bust
- Dropped shoulders, with armhole seams sitting lower on the shoulder
- Slightly forward shoulder seams as a design feature
- Short sleeves finishing above the elbow
- Long sleeves finishing slightly past the wrist
- Choice of cropped length (low waist) or hip-length (low hip) hem
There is approximately 35cm (13in) of ease at the full bust, so you have a little wiggle room if you’re between sizes.
However, try not to over-fit this pattern. Frida is designed to feel relaxed - embrace the easy, modern shape.
What sizes are included in the Frida sewing pattern?
Whether you buy Frida as a printed or PDF pattern, there are 15 sizes included, from UK 6-34 / US 2-30 / EUR 34-62.
Sizes UK 6-16 (TATB sizes 1-6) and UK 18-34 (TATB sizes 7-15) have been drafted, fitted and graded separately to create a better fit. The latter sizes account for a different set of proportions with a fuller bust (dressmaker's D cup as opposed to B cup in the smaller sizes) and to allow a bit more room at the waist.
Do you need to make a toile?
A toile (or muslin) is a practice version sewn in cheaper fabric to check fit and test adjustments before cutting into your main fabric.
Normally, it’s a good idea to toile a pattern you haven’t made before. But because Frida is loose-fitting, you could skip this step if you prefer.
That said:
- Consider making your first version in a more affordable fabric
- It allows you to test techniques without pressure
- You’ll feel freer to tweak the fit if needed
Taking your measurements
- Stand normally - no posing
- Breathe as usual
- Check in the mirror that the tape is level all the way around
- Full bust – around the fullest part
- Waist – your natural waist (where you bend at the side)
- Hips – the fullest part (turn sideways to check in a mirror)
- Arm length – from armpit to just below the wrist (or where you’d like the cuff to finish)
Compare your measurements to the Body Measurements chart in the instructions and circle the closest numbers.
Choosing your size
If your measurement falls between sizes:
- Usually, choose the larger size (it’s easier to take in than let out).
- With Frida’s generous ease, you may choose either size depending on how relaxed you want it to feel.
Common fitting adjustments for Frida
Adjusting bodice length
Tilly and the Buttons patterns are drafted for a height of 5’5”–5’6” (165–168cm).
If you are taller, shorter, or have a long or short torso, you may want to lengthen or shorten the bodice using the lengthen/shorten lines marked on the pattern.
When adjusting the bodice:
- Make the same change to the front bodice, back bodice and button stand
- Redistribute the buttonhole markings so they remain evenly spaced
Adjusting sleeve length
For short sleeves:
- Use the upper lengthen/shorten line
- You can also fine-tune before hemming
For long sleeves:
- Adjust the pattern before cutting
- This ensures the placket, pleats and cuff align correctly
The finished underarm length (including cuff) is 43.5cm (17 1/8in).
Compare this to your arm measurement, remembering the sleeve starts lower than your armpit due to the dropped shoulder. You may want it a couple of inches shorter than your exact arm measurement.
Grading between sizes
If your bust, waist and hip fall into different sizes:
- Use your bust size at the top of the side seam
- Blend smoothly to your waist size at the second notch
- Blend again to your hip size at the hem
Redraw the side seams on both the front and back bodice pieces to create a smooth line.
Use your bust size for the remaining pattern pieces so everything matches correctly.
Find out more about grading between sizes.
Bust adjustments
Sizes 1–6 (UK 6–16) are drafted for a B cup (5cm / 2in difference between high bust and full bust).
Sizes 7–15 (UK 18–34) are drafted for a D cup (10cm / 4in difference between high bust and full bust).
If you have a fuller bust, you can make a full bust adjustment (FBA). The bust notch is marked on the pattern to help with this.
Before making an adjustment, remember:
- There is already around 35cm (13in) of ease at the full bust
- You may not need additional room
If you do make an FBA, the adjustment adds length at the side seam. You can:
- Turn this into a dart, or
- Sew ease stitches and ease the extra length into the back bodice when stitching the side seams
Want to dive deeper into fitting?
Fitting is a huge topic, and this guide covers the most common adjustments for Frida.
If you’d like more in-depth support, our Bodice Fitting for Home Sewing online workshop, led by a professional pattern cutter, explores upper torso adjustments in much greater detail.
Want extra support sewing Frida?
If you’d love friendly, step-by-step guidance, and the reassurance of sewing alongside Tilly Walnes, the Learn to Sew a Classic Shirt online workshop takes you through the entire process from start to finish.
You’ll be guided through:
- Choosing your size with confidence
- Making simple fitting adjustments, if needed
- Sewing shirt details like collars, stands, plackets and cuffs neatly and accurately
- Building skills in a calm, structured way
The workshop includes the Frida sewing pattern in the full size range, so you have everything you need in one place - no extra purchases required.
If you’ve ever felt hesitant about sewing a button-up shirt, unsure about fitting, or intimidated by collar construction, this workshop breaks it down into clear, manageable steps - helping you sew a beautifully finished shirt you’ll feel proud to wear.
Get the Frida shirt sewing pattern →
Sign up to the Learn to Sew a Classic Shirt online workshop →
