The fabric was a nice lightweight cotton which I knew would be easy to work with but tartan being tartan, there was going to a bit of matching the plaid across the garment which was going to be tres annoying. Thankfully at the time of purchase I suggested we get about half a metre extra to account for matching the pattern. There isn't too much choice in men's shirts patterns but equally there is only so many different ways of creating a men's shirt. I opted for Simplicity 2741, mainly because it had a pocket and it said 'easy to sew' on the pattern envelope. Dad is rather obsessed with having a pocket on his shirt for his nerdy pad and pen and this pattern had a pocket. The cutting out of the pattern required a bit of time and concentration as I had to make sure the pieces when sewn together would all match up. I focused on making sure the plaid matched on the yoke, the button front, and the pocket. Trying to match the plaid on the sleeves would have just been pushing it and have eaten up all the fabric.


The shirt was as it said on the tin and was easy to sew. A great 'my first men's shirt' pattern. I used one of Dad's existing shirts to check for sizing, button placement and sleeve length also. I did slightly adjust the button placement and sleeve length as a result so its worth doing that check against an existing shirt if you can. I could have added collar stays into the collar to stabilise the collar points more, but I can get away with it a a bit here given its a casual shirt. If you were making a business shirt, I would investigae putting in collar stays. To add a bit of detail I also topstitched the armholes, button front, collar and side seams.


What I am most happy about is the totally boss pocket I put onto the shirt. Its almost invisible ;)
13 comments
Amanda · 5 years ago ·
What a generous make and rad plaid matching!
Bec · 5 years ago ·
Thanks mate, love a bit of plaid matching!
Kristin · 5 years ago ·
totally impressed with your matching skills! I didn't even see the pocket until the close ups!!! holy cow you are good. envious!
Wendy · 5 years ago ·
Wonderful shirt! And congrats on the pattern matching!
Bec · 5 years ago ·
Thanks, I was quite chuffed with myself!
Angela · 5 years ago ·
Your dad looks great in his new shirt! You did a fabulous job, both with fit and with matching -- even the back of the collar. And I had to look for the pocket to find it, too.
Sarah · 5 years ago ·
Very impressive! I have a shirt for my husband in my queue (albeit fairly far down haha!). You should be very proud of your effort!
Bec · 5 years ago ·
Thanks...haha, yep I hear ya! I'm terrible with making things that aren't for me ;)
Sherry · 5 years ago ·
Love the shirt! Good photos of your Dad! :-)
Bec · 5 years ago ·
Thanks - they are about as professional my photos get! :D
Heathersmom · 5 years ago ·
Such a fine looking shirt on your good-looking dad! It fits him wonderfully.
DonnaW · 4 years ago ·
Awesome shirt!
Bec · 4 years ago ·
Thanks Donna! :)
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