The Elevated T-Shirt
Let's talk a bit about the T-Shirt. What makes a shirt a T-shirt? If you lay your shirt on a flat surface with the sleeves spread out, it will resemble the letter T. Once worn as purely an undershirt this mostly cotton or cotton blend jersey has come into the limelight. We have since taken the simple style of the T-Shirt and kicked it up, or "elevated" it to another level. The Elevated T-Shirt is taking the old basic and making it your own by changing the neckline, hemline, or sleeve shape, adding twists, gathers, pleats or color blocking or anything else under the sun. We can now fill our wardrobes with Elevated T-Shirts of all designs and fabrics that can be worn for just about any occasion.
At PatternReview we are well aware of what is trending among our reviewers. Our members love to make Elevated T-Shirts in all shapes and sizes. We are here to introduce you to many new and old T-Shirt patterns from all over our shop from various designers. Let's take a look at the most popular Elevated T-Shirt patterns available in the PatternReview shop.
Pamela's Patterns - The Perfect T-Shirt
One of the most reviewed T-Shirt patterns on PatternReview is an older and original pattern that can be elevated to the perfect fit. Pamela's Patterns perfect fit is a T-Shirt pattern unlike any you have ever tried before. It is made for a "real" woman, and addresses the most common fitting issues we face, including high round back, forward shoulder, full hip and bust, and a good fit through the shoulder and neck. Design details include an "essence of waist", flattering shirt tail hemline, three necklines, and four sleeve lengths.
Buy Pamela's Patterns The Perfect T-Shirt
PatternReview Members in their Perfect T-Shirts: Moxie Carol* and Coastal Connie*
*Click on PR name to read review
Butterick 6848 - Palmer Pletsch
Our most popular of the Big 4 t-shirt patterns uses the Palmer Pletsch tissue fitting method to create the perfect fit. This pattern is also an older pattern that was in the McCall's catalog and then re-issued by Butterick, with 67 reviews to date. Close-fitting, pullover t-shirts & tank tops have neck binding variations & stitched hems.
NOTE: This pattern was formerly McCall's 6964. Click for reviews.
PatternReview Members in their Palmer Pletsch Tees: pmthorell* and Veggiedelite*
*Click on PR name to read review
Cashmerette - Concord T-Shirt
Cashmerette has a TNT (Tried n True) top, the Concord, your new favorite tee. Fully customizable and designed for curves, this knit T-Shirt is a classic wardrobe staple. Choose from three hem lengths (cropped, mid-length or long curved), three necklines (high, V-neck, or scoop), three sleeve lengths (short, medium, or long), two sleeve finishes (cuffed or hemmed), and optional sleeve tabs. Whether you layer them over jeans on Friday night, or pair them with floral skirts at the office, you’ll want a closet of Concords.
Buy Cashmerette Concord T-Shirt
PatternReview Members in their Concord T-Shirts: dianelwilson* and msdenisewill*
*Click on PR name to read review
J Stern Designs - The Tee
Jennifer Stern, one of the master teachers here on PatternReview, has created a T-shirt like no other, which is made to fit perfectly over any bustline. This is an elevated fitted tee with a unique above the bust seam detail. It also has a choice of sleeveless, short sleeve or 3/4 length.
Buy J Stern Designs The Tee
PatternReview Members in their J Stern Tees: Crabtree* and MVi14*
Grainline Studio - Lark Tee
Grainline is known for their classic styles, so if you are looking for the best fitting basic tee they have you covered. With a modern, slim fit ideal for layering, the Lark Tee is your closet's new best friend. It's great on its own or under your favorite button up, sweater, or blazer. All four sleeves are interchangeable with each of the necklines resulting in 16 potential different tees in one pattern.
Buy Grainline Studio Lark Tee
PatternReview Members in their Lark Tees: Chickey17* and IsaPrune*
*Click on PR name to read review
Hey June - Union St. Tee
Many of our members have found their true fit with Hey June. The Union St. Tee is a great wardrobe basic to have in your pattern stash. It comes with the option for a v-neck, scoop neck, or crew neck, and has four sleeve lengths included – short, elbow, 3/4, and long. There is an optional chest pocket and a separate front piece that has been adjusted for a full bust (FBA).
The Union St. Tee is incredibly versatile depending on what options you choose, your fabric, and any embellishments you choose to add. Embroider, applique, screen print, stencil, dye, or sequin, this tee is a perfect blank slate for anything you can dream up.
Buy Hey June Union St. Tee
PatternReview Members in their Union St. Tees: Geot* and LauraLexington*
Jalie - Mimosa Scoopneck T-Shirt
Jalie is one of the leading activewear pattern designers in our shop. They have produced many great fitting T-shirts over the years and the Mimosa being no exception. This relaxed fit t-shirt sports a curved hem, side slit hem, banded scoop neckline and choice of sleeve. A: With chest pocket and short rolled sleeve B: Long sleeve with optional flounce at the shoulder C: Short self-tie sleeve.
Buy Jalie Mimosa Scoopneck T-Shirt
PatternReview Members in their Mimosas: Left: hpsauce* Right: Stephanie C.* and loribee*
Itch to Stitch - Isidora Top
Itch to Stitch is another indie designer that has created so many winning t-shirt options to choose from. I settled on the Isidora basically due to a comment from our reviewer, grays08 saying"neck scoop is not too low, not too high and comfortable to wear." This is what we all strive for in fit. The Isidro Top is versatile, you can wear it underneath a jacket, or standalone on a warm day. Pair the Isidro with a flare skirt, maxi skirt or voluminous pants to create a balanced outfit. The Isidro comes in sleeveless and gathered butterfly sleeve options.
Buy Itch to Stitch Isidora Top
PatternReview Members in their Isidors: Left: sewingandalterations* Right: Cmarrie* and grays08*
*Click on PR name to read review
Forget-Me-Not Patterns - Iris Pleated Tee
Forget-Me-Not Patterns were in our most recent Indie Round-up due to extended sizing of their favorited Iris Pleated T-Shirt. The Iris is a t-shirt pattern designed for knit fabrics which is easy to sew and easy to wear. If you want to stick with a classic basic, there are plain sleeve options in short and three-quarter lengths. But if you crave something just a little more interesting, there are two pleated options for the sleeves. Both pleat designs feature cleverly intersecting pleats which are surprisingly simple to sew. Iris features a classic women’s t-shirt fit which includes waist shaping without being clingy. The neckline is a classic crew neck.
Buy Forget-Me-Not Patterns Iris Pleated Tee
PatternReview Members in their Iris Pleated Tees: dolorousrattus* and jamSews*
Sew House Seven - Skyline Tee
One of the most popular t-shirts for this summer is Sew House Seven's newest pattern. The Skyline Tee is a classic, body contouring t-shirt that includes five different necklines and four different sleeve options that can be interchanged to make a t-shirt for every season and occasion. Choose between a full length hem or a cropped hem. This pattern has been designed for use with stretch knit fabrics with at least 50% vertical and horizontal 4-way stretch.
Buy Sew House Seven Skyline Tee
PatternReview Members in their Skyline Tees: Raye Ann* and Deepika*
Made By Rae - Jade Tee
If you are a true lover of boat or ballet necklines, than the Made By Rae Jade is your tee. Jade is a fitted tee for knit fabrics. The pattern features a curved hem and two necklines to help you customize your tee: a classic boat neckline or a unique ballet-style neckline with scoop front and back. Choose from four different sleeve lengths including short, elbow, 3⁄4-length, and long to create versions of Jade for every season.
Buy Made By Rae Jade Tee
Jennifer Lauren - The Emmie Tee
And finally, Jennifer Lauren has created the perfect tee to help you create a colorblocking or upcycle project. The Emmie comes complete with two bodice versions, plain or slashed, as well as two different bodice lengths and a long sleeved pattern piece for those of us heading into the cooler months.
View 1 is ready to tackle your knit fabric scrap pile by combining the classic 80s slashed and pieced bodice with grown-on sleeves and a rounded neckline. The fabric combinations you can put together are endless – go for full rainbow, neutral colour-block or pattern clash perfection. You can even keep your top more subtle by using the same plain fabric for all pieces and letting the design lines sing for themselves. If a classic t-shirt is more up your street, there’s also a cut-on-the fold front bodice (View 2), making construction even quicker and simpler for those just starting on their knit-fabric sewing adventure.
With a more relaxed fit through the bodice and a very gentle dropped shoulder/grown-on sleeve, both views include cut lines for a classic length t-shirt bodice as well as a long-line hem.
Buy Jennifer Lauren The Emmie Tee
I hope this inspired you to create your own Elevated T-Shirt! All of these T-Shirt patterns are available for sale on PatternReview by clicking on the green buttons. If you have already made one of your own or for a loved one, don't forget to share it with us!
