A classic button up shirt is a wardrobe staple, but it can be a challenge to sew; collars, plackets, buttons, oh my! And if you’re on the busty end of the spectrum, gaping buttons and pulling across the chest might have foiled your plans to add one to your closet.
In this post, we’ve rounded up our best resources for shirt making, so that you can get professional finishes the first time around. We’ve also included some fabulous fit resources, so you can say goodbye to popping buttons and tight sleeves.
If you’re ready to master the fit and construction techniques required to make a well-fitting button up, now is a great time to sign up for our Shirt Making for Curves online sewing workshop. This workshop features the Cashmerette Harrison Shirt— a double princess-seamed shirt designed with full busts in mind.
How to Choose the Right Size When Making Your Own Button Up Shirts
Cashmerette patterns are designed to give curvy sewists a head start on fit. The Harrison Shirt pattern is available in sizes 12-28 and cup sizes C–H.
- Find out our sizing recommendation right away using the Cashmerette size calculator.
- Most people who sew for themselves need to grade between sizes—use this guide to grading between sizes on garments with princess seams.
- You might need the full bicep sleeve on the Harrison; if so, check out the free add-on here.
Construction and Fit Tips for Shirt Making
How to Get a Crisp Collar with Perfect Points: Check out this clip from Jenny’s Shirt Making for Curves class for a neat trick to get a super sharp collar point.
How to Get a Perfect Bust Fit: The Harrison Shirt has double princess seams to accommodate a generous bust. If your bust is higher or lower than the pattern apex, you may want to check out this post on how to raise and lower the fullness of a princess seam.
If you’re starting with a pattern that’s not the Harrison, you may need an FBA, and we have tutorials on how to do those here!
Make Sleeves the Right Size: If you’ve got bodacious biceps, we have a full bicep expansion for the Harrison.
If you’re using a different pattern, check out our post on how to make sleeves larger here.
Preview the Shirt Making for Curves Online Sewing Workshop
If you want step by step video instruction on fitting and constructing a button up shirt, sign up for the Shirt Making for Curves class!
The class goes beyond the instruction booklet, like only Jenny Rushmore on camera can! Here are some of the things you’ll learn:
- How to choose the perfect fabric for the type of shirt you want
- Sewing a shirt using just a sewing machine or together with a serger
- How to sew a smooth princess seams without wrinkles or tucks
- Sewing a button band with a clean finish at the hem
- How to create a completely clean yoke using the “burrito” method
Have you taken on shirt making? Which pattern did you choose? Tell us in the comments!
