DD3 has wanted big, oversized plaid shirts for a while, but we’ve not been able to find any that both fit properly and that she liked. And, since she’s taller and much more shapely than most 13-year-olds, it just is a whole lot easier to make clothes for her. Initially she was going to do the sewing after I did the cutting, but that wasn’t happening as the weeks passed, so I just decided to get on with the project and let her finish them by sewing on the buttons.
She shopped my pattern stash and decided on the boyfriend shirt from Burda’s 2013 February issue.
I asked if she wanted interesting touches like a bias front binding, or bias cuffs or a bias back yoke.
No. Plain as day. Nothing interesting fancy. Thanks, Mom!
But I cheated. I deliberately offset the front bands on both shirts, although it fit the check pattern perfectly in the blue.
And added a bias pocket to the blue check.
From these photos you can see how much wearing ease there is in this design. I did a 2cm FBA by cutting away the seam allowance spreading the front armscye, hinging at the outer shoulder point.
And I decided on a bias yoke simply because it meant no matching stress. Lots of room in the back. The red fabric is a rayon, and it hangs beautifully. The blue is a cotton flannel.
I’m stating the obvious, but this is not a fitted shirt, so DD3 usually wears it open over a tee or tank.
I have nothing special to say about this straight-forward pattern. The sleeve plackets are a simple bias binding, not a fancy placket. I must say, though, as someone who is used to the very precise markings on a Vogue collar/stand pattern, Burda leaves a lot to be desired. These collars took a lot of checking and double-checking because there was no point on the collar stand marked where the collar edge should be. Just a personal (slight) annoyance. Vogue spoils their sewists with their markings, that’s for sure.
Mezzo Couture 
I love a check shirt! Goes with everything. And it’s great to see this made up – I’ve been toying with this pattern for a while. Can I aks, did you make it in your daughter’s size? Basically what I’m asking is: is it really that oversized as is? Or did your daughter want it extra loose?
I cut her size. It is really this loose as drafted!
That’s good to know. I’m thinking of making an oversize Shirt dress and this pattern is in the running, so I guess I would go down one size for a dress.
Great shirts. I love the plaid – much nicer than my daughters choice of baby cord in the same pattern.
DD3 looks very pleased with her fancy plaid shirts.
She has been wearing them non stop!
They are both great. I love the “embellishments” you added.
I do love a plaid shirt. I am having trouble envisioning the FBA though. My lack of imagination I am sure!
I traced this shirt a little while ago although in the end I decided to go with my more fitted TNT shirt and add back pleats. You did a nice job here. I am sure DD3 is pleased. Love the red especially!
Hi, Steph! If you don’t have a copy of Fitting & Pattern Alteration, buy one! It’s worth every penny. Word of caution: it is the gateway to the world of over-fitting. HOWEVER, here’s a picture of what I did. Here’s a picture of what I should have done. 🙂 Hope this helps!
Ah…that more or less what I was imagining, but this helps. Thanks!
And PS Thanks for the book recommendation!
I”m sure these fit much better than anything she could have bought. Nice work.
Plaid shirts are timeless! These two are beautiful and beautifully made.