Sewing a T shirt: how to sew a T shirt yourself!

A basic that no wardrobe should be without: the T-shirt. We have summarised for you how to sew a shirt for beginners, step-by-step instructions and everything you need to know on how to sew a t shirt and about choosing fabric for your T-shirt project.

Contents:
1. Origin of the T shirts
2. T-Shirt-Styles: which is the perfect T-shirt?
2.1. Fitted T-Shirt
2.2. Oversized T-Shirt
2.3. Cropped T-Shirt
2.4. T-Shirt-Dress
3. How to sew a t shirt?
3.1. What materials are needed to sew a jersey T-Shirt?
3.2. How to sew a shirt step by step instructions
4. How to sew a shirt for beginners: the ideal fabric for sewing a T-shirt
5. Finishing techniques
5.1. Printing
5.2. Tie dying
3.2. Schritt für Schritt Anleitung
4. T shirt nähen: Der ideale Stoff
5. Veredelungstechniken
5.1. Bedrucken
5.2. Batiken

1. Origin of T shirts

The T-shirt has undergone a fascinating evolution from a simple undergarment to an indispensable fashion basic. From its beginnings as underwear in the late Middle Ages and its use as workwear for the US Navy in the 19th century, it has finally become socially acceptable today. Even the big fashion houses, such as Saint Laurent, Dior and Ralph Lauren, rely on this universal classic.

The exact origin of the T-shirt is unclear, but it is assumed that it was once designed as underwear for men. T-shaped pieces made of linen or cotton served as an additional layer between the body and the garments worn over it. A clean shirt indicated the wearer’s wealth, so the T-shirt had to be easy to care for and clean even in its original form.

Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a4/5b/6d/a45b6d14ef0695f9355a65be6cc97ac4.jpg

In the 19th century, the T-shirt became increasingly important, and modern technology made it possible to produce it in a better fit and from different materials. Due to its popularity, the simple garment was eventually introduced by the Royal Navy as workwear and became an integral part of our pop culture in the 1960s thanks to Hollywood icons such as James Dean and Marlon Brando. From then on, the T-shirt was no longer just seen as underwear and was also indispensable as outerwear. Women also discovered the item for themselves. With the technology of screen printing, the T-shirt became an inexpensive and simple canvas for political, humorous or musical messages in the 1970s.

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2. T-Shirt Styles: Which is the perfect T-shirt?

Not all T-shirts are the same! Since the reinterpretation of the t-shirt by various designers and its establishment in women’s fashion, the t-shirt is now available in a wide variety of cuts, fits and lengths. With the JULIANA MARTEJEVS patterns, you can add versatile styles to your wardrobe!

2.1 Fitted T-shirt

With their figure-hugging fit, tight-fitting T-shirts are a feminine and more elegant version of the robust classic. The Basic T-shirt sewing pattern is a real all-rounder thanks to its versatile combination options and can be worn for a wide variety of occasions: With jeans and trainers in everyday life, under a chic blazer to the office or with a pencil skirt and pumps to the next event. When choosing the material, it is important to make sure that it is sufficiently elasticated to ensure that it is comfortable to wear. A jersey such as an organic cotton jersey with 5% elastane is ideal.

How to sew a t shirt? Sew yourself a close-fitting T-shirt with the “The Basic T-Shirt” pattern. The good thing about it: you can use the pattern again and again and adapt it to your taste with different colours and patterns! Use the enclosed e-book guide as well as the video tutorial on how to sew a shirt step by step.

2.2 Oversized T shirt

Airy, loose, comfortable. The oversized T-shirt sewing pattern is a fashion statement in itself and is extremely popular. With its wide fit and dropped shoulders, the casual oversized t-shirt is all about comfort. In terms of combinations, however, it is in no way inferior to its tight-fitting counterpart and is a timeless classic. Despite its association with a casual look, it is super versatile and can be styled effortlessly with a skirt and heels, for example. Thanks to the choice of a high-quality cotton fabric, it will be a long-lasting companion for many years to come.

The ‘The Oversized T-Shirt’ pattern is super quick and easy to sew and an absolute all-rounder. With just a few seams on the sewing machine, you can conjure up a staple piece for your wardrobe.

2.3 Cropped T-Shirt

Thanks to the Gen-Z, the short T-shirt has not only become a trend in recent years, but also a versatile and modern must-have. Thanks to its hemline, which is usually cropped to waist height, it can be combined well with high-waisted trousers, shorts and skirts, especially in summer. Tip: this summer, be sure to pair it with linen trousers for an effortless and classic look. Monochrome co-ords in the same fabric also add that little something extra. With The Cropped T-shirt pattern, you can easily sew the basis for your summer looks yourself. Use the enclosed e-book guide as well as the video tutorial on how to sew a shirt step by ste p

2.4 T-Shirt Dress

Another incredibly versatile version of the T-shirt is the T-shirt dress sewing pattern. Without requiring a lot of time for styling, it creates a timeless look and a statement in itself. Shoes and accessories round off the outfit, while jeans or leather jackets can be combined on cooler days. Thanks to its simple elegance, it is suitable for a wide variety of occasions and can be easily adapted to a wide range of styles.

3. How to sew a t shirt?

3.1 What materials are needed to sew a jersey T-shirt?

How to sew a t shirt from jersey requires a special approach, as the fabric can warp during sewing. How to sew a shirt for beginners? Step-by-step instructions will help you to successfully sew the T-shirt yourself. If you have never sewn with jersey before, you will find everything you need to know about jersey explained in detail in our the blog article How to Sew Jersey Fabric.

. Der Stoff: Jersey fabric is particularly suitable for how to sew a t shirt yourself, as it is usually very elastic due to its high elastane content. This is particularly important for figure-hugging fits.

2. Fabric scissors: Sharp fabric scissors make it easier to cut the fabric neatly and accurately without distorting it too much. This is particularly important with very stretchy jerseys.

3. Sewing needle: When sewing jersey, be sure to use a special jersey sewing needle or a stretch needle. Thanks to its rounded point, it stitches clean holes without damaging the fabric.

4. Sewing utensils and sewing machine: Before you start sewing, you will need an iron and ironing board. As the edges of jersey tend to curl, hot ironing can prevent this. In addition to a sewing machine, you will also need sewing thread and pins. Additional pinning when sewing can also help to prevent the fabric from warping under the machine.

3.2 How to sew a shirt step by step instructions

Prepare the pattern: Cut out the pattern pieces; choose the right size for you using the different dotted lines. Compare your measurements with the size chart beforehand to determine the right size for you.

Prepare the fabric: Steam or wash the fabric well to prevent shrinkage after cutting. Fold the fabric into a fold by folding the fabric in the centre parallel to the grain, right sides together. Then place the pattern pieces parallel to the grain on the right side of the fabric and pin in place. Place the marked pattern pieces exactly on the edge of the fold.

Shoulder and side seams: Nähmaschine vorbereiten; gegebenenfalls die für den jeweiligen Stoff passendende Nähnadel, in diesem Fall eine Jerseynadel, einsetzen und die Nähmaschine einfädeln. Die Seitennähte mit den rechten Seiten aufeinander liegend abstecken und absteppen. Bei den Schulternähten wiederholen.

Sew in sleeves: Lay the sleeves with the right side facing up; then fold in the centre so that the short sides are on top of each other. Pin and topstitch the short sides together. Then pin the sleeve seam to the matching side seam just below the armhole. When pinning the sleeve in the armhole, pay attention to the number of snaps, they must be on top of each other! Then topstitch the sleeve in the armhole.

Neckline: How to sew a vneck: fold the neck facing in half so that the right sides of the fabric and the short edges are on top of each other. Pin these together and topstitch. Pin the neckline facing to the centre back, then pin all the way round. Pay attention to the notches again! Sew the ribbon into the neck hole and steam.

Hems: how to hem at shirt with a sewing machine: Measure the seam allowances of the sleeve hems by hand, press inwards and pin in place. Then topstitch. Repeat for the bottom hem.

3.3 How to sew a shirt step by step video instruction

Watch the video for detailed step-by-step instructions on how to sew a t shirt.

4. How to sew a shirt for beginners: The ideal fabric for sewing a T-shirt:

Jersey is a popular fabric for T-shirts as it is characterised by its stretchability and smooth surface and is very comfortable. As a result, it is perfect for various T-shirt styles and is often used to make them. Jersey is a soft fabric made from cotton, wool, modal, viscose or synthetic fibres. A distinction is made between different types of jersey, such as single or double jersey.

How to sew a shirt for beginners, especially with jersey? Want to know more about jersey fabrics? We have summarized a detailed guide to sewing with jersey, the different types of jersey and which one is best suited to your project in the blog article How to Sew with Jersey Fabric!

Good alternatives for jersey are fabrics such as interlock, knits and stretch fabrics. These fabrics have similar properties to jersey, are also soft and stretchy, but can have different textures and properties depending on the material composition. It depends on your personal preferences and the intended use as to which fabric is best suited.

5. T-Shirt Finishing Techniques

There are various finishing techniques for T-shirts, including printing and batik. These techniques can give your self-sewn T-shirt a personalised touch.

5.1 Printing T shirts

One of these techniques involves printing all kinds of motifs on the fabric, be it (political) statements, your favourite picture or a cool pattern. There are virtually no limits to your imagination and preferences. Be inspired by the 70s trend and transform your T-shirt into your own personal canvas! With The Bunny T-Shirt sewing kit you can even add a cute print to your self-sewn T-shirt at home. You can find detailed instructions here.

5.2 Tie dying T-shirts

Batik is a textile dyeing process originating from Indonesia in which patterns or decorations are applied to an item of clothing, originally with wax. During the subsequent dyeing process, these areas remain free and retain their original colour. Batik, or tie dye, is now an easy way to give your garments a personalised and unique look. You can find out all about the popular tie-dye technique and how you can easily try it out at home in the sewing video for our The Sally Sweater sewing pattern.

So many ways to turn an indispensable classic into YOUR perfect T-shirt! Feeling inspired?

Use the JULIANA MARTEJEVS patterns for your next project and share your individual outfits and creations with us using the hashtag #JULIANAMARTEJEVSonME or tag @julianamartejevs_official on your photo.

The prettiest T shirt sewing patterns