One of the most frustrating aspects of sewing to me is that pattern sizing is so much different than ready-to-wear. No where is this more true than in childrens’ clothing patterns. Often, they run big, leaving me guessing, especially when I making a gift for one of my grandchildren.
My local childrens’ resale shop had a sale a few weeks ago with all of their clearance items being $1.00. I bought t-shirts and pants, one of each, in each of my grandchildren’s sizes of the brands they commonly wear. I drafted patterns from them, and now I have trusted patterns that I know will fit. Here is how I created the pattern from a tshirt:
Supplies needed:
-a ready-to-wear t-shirt that fits
–pattern tracing paper
–a design ruler with French curve
-a soft lead pencil
Directions:
- Fold the tshirt in half, making sure the edges line up.
- Lay pattern tracing paper on top.
- Rub a pencil, finding the edges and seams around the shirt—tracing the neckline, armscye and bodice for both the front and back, marking the center front and center back with a fold symbol to be cut on a fold.
- For the sleeves, rub and trace half the sleeve and armscye, marking it to be cut on a fold.
- Using a styling ruler, true all the lines and curves.
- Add 1/4” seam allowance to the sides, shoulder seams and armscye, and ¾” to the bottom for the hem allowance.
- The neckline is left as is without seam allowance for now to be finished in the style of your choice– you will trim if you are adding ribbing, or add seam allowance if you are folding under.
- Voila! You have a perfectly fitting t-shirt pattern!
My little grandson, Mr. S is obsessed with Thomas the Train. I found the cut file for purchase on Etsy, and used transfer vinyl on my Silhouette machine to add to this cute tshirt. Christmas gift sewing has begun in my house!
