How To Add Buttons To A Shirt

Change a pullover style top into a button up shirt with this pattern hack

Hey y’all, today we continue Esma hacking month with this pattern hack for turning a pullover into a button up. In other words, this is how to add buttons and a placket to a shirt. I love how this keeps my favorite details of the Esma Top but adds just a little something.

I made a video showing this process, which you can watch below or on YouTube here.

For the pattern alteration, you need to add the amount of overlap you want at the center front plus a seam allowance. Then cut two mirrored fronts instead of one front on the fold.

Next you need to draft a new front facing. Make sure it matches the existing back facing width at the shoulder. Cut two mirrored facing pieces.

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For more help sewing a neck facing, you can see this post. For more help with buttonholes, you can see this post. And to get a nice finish on the bottom front corners, be sure to watch the video above. Lastly, you’ll add buttons to the placket! I used 6 half inch wide buttons spaced with my Simflex gauge (affiliate link) to finish the front of the shirt. I machine stitched my buttons on so it was super fast!

This fabric is a rayon challis from Atelier Brunette that I bought and hoarded especially for this project. I love the way it turned out and have already worn this top several times.

Check out all my other Esma hacks below

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