Shirt Patterns for Sewing: Find the Perfect Pattern for Your Next Project

Shirt Patterns for Sewing: Create Stunning Shirts with These Easy-to-Follow Patterns

Apr 21 2025

Shirt Patterns for Sewing: Create Stunning Shirts with These Easy-to-Follow Patterns

Easy top sewing patterns for woven fabrics

‘Woven fabrics’ are made by weaving threads together in a grid. They generally aren’t stretchy. Cotton and linen woven fabrics are easy to sew with because they don’t shift and slip as you sew.

Short sleeve loose top (+ video tutorial)

Watch the course on Creative Bug. The pdf pattern (worth $16) is included.

I chose this top because it’s a loose-fitting, boxy shape. Getting the top to fit right will be easier, letting you concentrate on constructing the top.

There’s no separate sleeve piece to sew which I liked for beginners.

I also picked this pattern because it comes with an online video course. The teacher shows you every step, so it’s perfect for beginners. The course includes how to use a pattern, cut fabric, sew the top, make bias binding, sew hems, yokes, and buttons.

In this project, you’ll learn how to finish necklines neatly with ‘bias binding tape’. If you’re new to sewing, I recommend just buying the bias binding rather than making it. It’s quicker and easier. But the course will teach you how to make your own if you want.

You’ll also learn how to fold and sew ‘hems’ (the bottom edges of the top and sleeves).

The course includes 3 ways to change the basic design and learn new skills, like adding buttons to the front. This is optional.

  • Sizes: XS – 4XL (bust measurement: 32″ to 53″ / 81cm to 135cm).
  • Design: a loose top with short ‘grown on’ sleeves. The neckline is finished with bias binding.
  • Stretch/woven fabric? woven (in other words, non-stretch fabric).
  • File format: print-at-home pdf file.
  • Instructions included? yes, a video course. It has closed caption text.

Short sleeve lounge top (free)

Download now from Peppermint Magazine.

This is a very similar style to the Creative Bug top above, but the neckline is finished with a ‘facing’ instead (a separate piece of fabric).

20 free t-shirt sewing patterns

1. The free Plantain Tee pattern by Deer and Doe includes two sleeves lengths and elbow patches. Comes in women’s S/M/L.

2. This free flared scoop top sewing pattern from Skirt as Top is a women’s S/M size.

4. The Elise Tee from Fine Motor skills is a slouchy tee with a wide neckline in women’s sizes S/M/L.

5. For a fun twist on the classic tee, check out this Knot Front T-shirt from It’s Always Autumn, in size L/XL.

6. The free Jersey Girl tee sewing pattern from Peppermint Mag (scroll down) comes in women’s S/M/L/XL and looks super cute with contrast sleeves!

7. The Hemlock Tee from Grainline Studio is a boxy tee with a dropped shoulder sleeve, in one size fits many.

Fast and Stylish Top Sewing Patterns

These lovely free shirt sewing patterns are great for parties or just lounging around. Dress them up or dress them down, either way, these free shirt sewing patterns are useful and comfy. When you feel like your wardrobe could use an upgrade, give any of these free shirt sewing patterns a chance.

You'll end up with pretty tops you can work into your everyday outfits. Each of these free shirt sewing patterns can be completed in an hour or less! What's better than finding a trendy shirt sewing pattern that's also quick?

Made using 1 yard of knit fabric, this DIY ladies' top is a fashion-forward take on a basic t-shirt and features a scooped hem and puffed sleeves.

This free sewing knock-off pattern is a wardrobe must-have for when the weather warms up, especially if you love designer clothes.

This Beautiful Bow Tank is an elegant summer top and easy sewing project that's incredibly stylish and sophisticated.

This Magical Scarf Top will fulfill all of your fashion needs. The top is convertible, making it both a great DIY tank top and halter top.

Refashion a shirt to look like a designer piece from this Zesty Zipper Tee tutorial. You won't believe the number of cute shirts to make when something as simple as a zipper is available.

This free halter top pattern will show you how to make a top all your friends will want. Halters are always in style when the weather is warm, so it's a great idea to have on hand.

11 Easy Top Sewing Patterns for Beginners (6 FREE PDF’s)

Last time, I researched and shared 30+ free sewing patterns for tops, but many of them were for more advanced sewists.

Here’s my list of the best EASY sewing patterns for tops. I recommend these for beginners who want to start with something simple.

I’ve also found online courses that show you how to make tops. If you’re new to sewing, this will make the process easier for you.

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