March 30, 2022

Vernon & Harrison: which button-up is right for me?


Ever since we released our curve-friendly double princess-seamed Harrison Shirt, we’ve had requests for a darted shirt sewing pattern. Enter, the Vernon Shirt! Today we’re comparing the two designs so you can find your best button-up shirt fit.

What’s the difference between the Vernon and the Harrison? There are quite a few differences, and we’re going through each one in this post. But both patterns have something in common: they’re designed for a full bust in cup sizes C-H. That means a gape-free fit—so long, safety pins! As a sewist with big boobs, you deserve to have a button-up shirt that doesn’t gape at the bust or hang off your shoulders. Whether you choose the Vernon or the Harrison or both, we want you to get the button-up of your dreams at long last.

So let’s dive right in:

Vernon Shirt vs Harrison Shirt: How do they compare?

Vernon vs Harrison: Comparison Chart

Vernon ShirtHarrison Shirt
Size range0-32, with cup sizes C-H12-32, with cup sizes C-H
Sewing levelIntermediateIntermediate
ViewsTwo views: View A is a classic shirt, while View B is a fashion-forward version with a dramatic collar, covered button placket, and lantern sleeves.One view
Bust fitBust darts with 3 3/8″ ease

Bust darts are easier to sew and fit
Double princess seams with 2″ of ease

Double princess seams offer a closer fit but are more challenging to sew and fit
Waist fitRelaxed fit with 9″ of easeCloser fit with 6″ of ease
Hip fitStandard fit with 5 5/8″ of easeStandard fit with 5 7/8″ of ease
Sleeve fitView A: slightly full sleeve; View B: lantern sleeve
Full bicep sleeve option included for View A in sizes 12-32
Standard sleeve fit

Full bicep sleeve option included
Sleeve cuff View A: Narrow cuff with continuous bound placket and single button closure; View B: wide cuff with continuous bound placket and two-button closure
Standard cuff with tower placket and single button closure
Suitable fabricsLight- to mid-weight woven fabrics such as shirting, lawn, chambray or flannel.

The lantern sleeves of View B work best with a medium weight fabric for a more structured look.

The design of this shirt makes it easier to pattern match and play with prints.
Light to mid-weight woven fabric such as shirting, lawn, chambray or flannel. Also suitable for stretch woven fabrics.

The design of this shirt makes it harder to pattern match. 

Ultimately, we think there’s room for both button-up shirt designs (and many more!) in a curvy sewist’s closet. So if you can’t decide which you like better—go for both! Depending on the occasion or the look you’re going for, you may find yourself reaching for a different one each time.

New to sewing button-ups? We have an entire online workshop dedicated to sewing the Harrison Shirt called Shirt Making for Curves. Follow along with Jenny as she walks through every step of the Harrison process, from picking your fabric to sewing the buttonholes. You can watch the lessons as many times as you’d like, and the class includes a free copy of the Harrison Shirt pattern (or a different Cashmerette pattern if you already own the Harrison).

We hope this post helped you understand the differences between the Vernon Shirt and the Harrison Shirt! If you have other questions, drop them in the comments below.

8 thoughts on “Vernon & Harrison: which button-up is right for me?

  1. Question: On the Vernon can you use the cuffs from view B for view A?

    1. Ayelet says:

      Hi Jacqueline, the two cuffs aren’t designed to be interchangeable but you could make it work with some tweaks!

      -Ayelet at Cashmerette

  2. Sue Hastwell says:

    I love the look of the Harrison shirt and want to make one, are there any plans to draft it for the smaller sizes? I need a size 10 according to your calculator.

    1. Ayelet says:

      Hi Sue, we’re still working through which patterns will be updated and when, but I’ll share your feedback with the team!

      Ayelet at Cashmerette

      1. Sue Hastwell says:

        Thanks, 🤞🏼

  3. robbie says:

    I like the Harrison shirt because of the double princess seams but I like the narrow cuff sleeve on the view A of the Vernon. I’m also not a fold over collar lover — double chin and short neck. I’d also prefer a band collar. Is this possible? Will there be a possible expansion pack?

  4. Heidi says:

    Hello. Have you made it so that collars and arms are interchangable between the two patterns? Since they are both made for woven fabric it could have been done. Some designers do make sure arms are interchangable and I think it is a good idea. I own both patterns, looks like I`ll sew the Vernon first. I find it easyer to get a good look with a printed material when the patternpieces are bigger like on the Vernon. The Harrison I`ll stay with solids or tiny prints. I am also hoping for smaller sizes since I have lost weight. I`ll only buy new patterns if I can get the smaller sizes from now on.

    1. Ayelet says:

      Hi Heidi, unfortunately the collars and sleeves are not interchangeable between the Harrison and Vernon. The Vernon is available in sizes 0-32, and while the Harrison is in sizes 12-32 at the moment, we may expand it to 0-32 at some point in the future.
      -Ayelet at Cashmerette

Let me know what you think!