UPDATE: This pattern is no longer available for free. The fully graded multi-size pattern with 3 sleeve lengths and both top and dress lengths is available for purchase here.
Did you ever have that moment, before you were a mom, when you saw a mom at, oh, say, the grocery store, and she was wearing sweats or yoga pants and you made a mental note (because little did you know) that if you ever had kids you would not be going to the grocery store in your yoga pants? And then later you became a mom and you totally have done that? Yeah. So today I’m going to share a SUPER easy boat neck shirt tutorial.
The idea for this shirt has been brewing ever since the Beachy Boatneck was released, because as soon as that happened I started getting emails about making one in women’s sizes. Well, here it is. Sort of.
This doesn’t take much time from sewing for the kids, and helps look a little more presentable than an old t-shirt and yoga pants, but it’s just as easy to put on. And just as comfy if you use a comfy fabric. Like the Nani Iro Double gauze I used for this one…
Unlike the Beachy Boatneck, this shirt can be made of woven or knit fabric, because the head to shoulder proportion for women doesn’t necessitate the stretch that kids need.
I’ve included a pattern with this tutorial, but it is going to be available for a limited time only, because I’ve decided to grade this to women’s sizes and release it for sale. When I do that I will remove the free pattern. The for purchase pattern will also have the elbow length sleeve option. Interested in possibly testing? Watch the Blank Slate Patterns Facebook page for more information.
So wear it and stand up straight like your mama told you to and walk proud into the grocery store! But don’t judge the mamas in yoga pants. Because we’ve all been there and now we know better.
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jan says
September 24, 2013 at 7:12 amperfect!!! can’t wait till it’s available for sale……as i’m no longer a size small!! 🙂
Jody says
September 24, 2013 at 7:38 amThank you so much for this pattern and clear instructions (and the mom story!).
yvonne says
September 24, 2013 at 8:20 amThis is a very nice and absolutely LOVE boat neck tops and dresses– and it’s easy. Thanks for the seam ideas, too.
Farrah says
September 24, 2013 at 8:32 amThanks for sharing! Boat necks are my favorite silhouette. Would love to test for you.
Farrah
Tori says
September 24, 2013 at 10:36 amThanks for sharing! It’s super cute, and I may just have to make this top for myself!
Anne says
September 24, 2013 at 10:36 amIt was so great hanging out with you at Sewing Summit! Your finished top is absolutely lovely!! I’m thinking I need to make a couple of them for myself! I don’t do the yoga pants, but I do the saggy old jeans and overwashed, stretched out tee thing way too often. I need to step up my game! 🙂
I’ve linked to your tutorial here:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-shoreline-boatneck-top-limited-time-only/2013/09/24/
–Anne
Heather says
September 24, 2013 at 2:13 pmI love this one!!! Can’t wait to make it!!
Jess the Sewing Rabbit says
September 24, 2013 at 3:05 pmIs this the matching boat neck short to go with your little kiddos boatneck pattern that I love so much?!!! Looks FABULOUS!!!
Mary says
September 24, 2013 at 3:55 pmThanks for the free pattern, it’s just my size, now that I’ve lost 30 lbs. It’s very cute. Can’t wait too make it.
Chelle Chapman says
September 27, 2013 at 10:27 pmWAY to GO Mary!!!
Ally and Woozle says
September 24, 2013 at 5:27 pmThank you for the free pattern and those instructions!
Ally
Velosewer says
September 24, 2013 at 7:55 pmYou’ve done a great job with this tee and offering it to others to use. Thank you again for sharing.
Olga Becker says
September 24, 2013 at 8:05 pmVery cute and easy to make. Mine kind of project. 🙂
jen says
September 24, 2013 at 10:49 pmvery cute! thanks a bunch – and in my size to 🙂
Melinda says
September 24, 2013 at 11:20 pmThank You! I had the yoga pants and t-shirt on at store today! Ugh. I didn’t have anything else. I can’t wait to make this!
Annika says
September 25, 2013 at 2:52 amOh Melly, this is perfect like always. I’m so looking forward to the version for sale as S is not quite my size… I already filled out your questionaire for testers and would be too glad if you chose my for that shirt…
Tracy King says
September 25, 2013 at 6:16 amYou are really on a roll with shirts for yourself and sharing with us!!! Yay and new shirt for me to try for Sidney and maybe up-size for me, which I think I may be ready to try 🙂
Jane says
September 25, 2013 at 11:02 amThank you for the pattern and tutorial. Love the blog 🙂 xx
Sandra says
September 25, 2013 at 1:55 pmThank you! I´m so going to sew this one for me! And I already have this nice jersey I can use for this.. great!
June says
September 25, 2013 at 3:50 pmIt’s so nice to see Nani Iro fabric on an adult! Love the simplicity and elegance of the shirt.
Jennifer says
September 26, 2013 at 3:42 amThanks for this easy pattern & tutorial. How can I enlarge the pattern to fit my size 36 (M)
I can’t wait to start sewing!!
Deanne Coombes says
September 28, 2013 at 7:46 amThank you! I have just made one up for myself!
What an easy pattern and all the pieces went together just perfect!
I will be promoting your pattern on my facebook page as soon as the sun rises again here in Australia to take some photos!
Deanne Coombes says
October 3, 2013 at 6:43 pmHere is a piccy of my top! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=610245882351680&set=a.203062983069974.51392.171905159519090&type=1&theater
Maureen says
September 28, 2013 at 11:11 amI was planning on using this to help my sister to learn to sew. I like the instructions. They are very clear and I do like the pictures that go along with the how-to’s. My questions is when did U hem the sleeves and how much of a hem did U use? I see the bottom hem is 1/4 inch turned 2x’s but not the sleeve. I may have missed this and sorry for the question if I did.
Miss Prickly says
September 28, 2013 at 8:23 pmI love this pattern. It’s so simple and easy to wear. I’ll wait to buy your pattern since this one won’t fit though.
Hanna says
December 15, 2013 at 12:45 pmThank you so much for share this simple pattern!)
Lena says
January 24, 2014 at 3:07 pmI love this neckline and it’s a perfect look for when I want to be comfortable without being frumpy.
I posted about my version here: http://buttonbridge.wordpress.com/2013/12/27/boatneck-shirt-by-melly-sews/
ladyice says
February 9, 2014 at 3:01 pmHello! Thank you for this pattern.
Plis fos from Martinique