After a reader comment on this post, I realized that though I have shared how to make a t-shirt pattern and multiple variations you can add to t-shirts, I never covered how to sew a t-shirt together. So today I’m remedying that.
To make a basic t-shirt, start with a front, back, two sleeves and a neckband. Note: You DON”T need a serger to do this. I sewed t-shirts for years using my 1950s Singer 503 and a zig-zag stitch. Now that I have a serger I prefer it, but again, you don’t have to have one.
Place the front and the back right sides together and sew one shoulder.
Open up the shirt and pin the neckband in, stretching it from shoulder to shoulder. Be careful not to stretch the t-shirt, just the neckband. Stitch it in.
Sew the other shoulder and neckband together in one seam, making sure to match the neckline seam and to press the neckline seam allowance up.
Pin in the sleeves by placing them right sides together on the shirt. Line up the top center of the sleeve with the shoulder seam, then pin the ends of the sleeve to the end of the armhole, then ease the rest of the sleeve into place. Stitch.
Fold the shirt right sides together and sew the underarm seam and the side seam in one (red line).
Fold the neckband to the inside of the shirt, covering the neckband seam, and pin. Use a zig-zag stitch on the right side of the neckline to stitch in place.
If desired, hem the sleeve edges and bottom edge – though you don’t have to – knits don’t ravel. I prefer to hem with a twin needle; you can find more about that here.
For t-shirt patterns, I have a free one in this post for children sizes 2-4. For women’s sized t-shirts, there’s a free pattern here. For some fun variations on t-shirts that come with free patterns, hover over my Sewing Tab in the menu bar and choose “Free Patterns” from the drop down menu.
Want to mix up your t-shirt? Try any of these variations:
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Tammy
Great neckband tip, I have made only a couple of tees but always did the neckband last and struggled to get a tidy finish. I will definitely be trying your way!
AG
Agree – great neckband tip. Quick ques (or if you dont mind doing a tut) – how do you measure the ribbed knit for neckband?
Veronica
Great tutorial! I’m still scared of knits, but maybe someday I’ll get up the courage to make a t-shirt. What is the neckband material? Is it just a wider ribbed knit? I am so unfamiliar with the different types of knits. I’m about to search your site for more info!
Theresa
Melissa, thank you so much for this tutorial (and pattern). I just finished two long sleeved t-shirts for my boys. I used daddy’s old shirts for the material. For the neckband I just cut the neckband from the old t-shirt, worked perfectly. Thank you once again for a wonderful tutorial!!!
*I wrote about the project, and linked back to you here: http://theresastodos.blogspot.com/2013/02/t-shirt-refashion-for-toddlers.html
Sheryl
Thanks again! Love your tutorials!!
Sara Narveby
I just found your site and I love it, thank you very much for sharing all this beautiful sewing!
Kimberly
Wonderful tutorial!!! Easy enough for even a beginner like myself…and when I say “beginner”, I’m talking first-shirt-I’ve-ever-sewn beginner. That’s how great of a tutorial it is, so thank you so much for sharing!!