Looking for Recommendations

[DollBaby323]

I'd like to pick up a pattern (our printer just died so I can't really use a pdf file version) for a boy's (4T) short sleeve button shirt...any recommendations? I never know which patterns are good compared to others...so far I've been sewing dresses for our daughter and making my own patterns but I don't feel confident that I could do that for a button down shirt with a collar

[bridesmom]

I find McCalls, Simplicity and Butterick large fitting patterns, if your son is a slim build you may want to see if Burda has something. The one pattern I have for button up shirt is for a baby/toddler and would be too small for him. They are easy enough to do though. Check the finished size of the shirt (chest measurement) and compare with your boy. My 6 yr old DGD I make a size 5 and lengthen it to a size 8. She's one of those really tall skinny kids.

[temom]

Have you thought about Simplicity 5581? You can see it here: http://www.simplicity.com/p-2252-boys-a ... s-hat.aspx
It is for boys and men. I haven't made it yet, so I don't know how easy or hard it is. It might be a little big for your little guy, the smallest size is for a chest of 22-23 inches. But you could make it with a larger seam allowance, if it looks like it would be too big.

I do know of the McCalls, Simplicity, and Butterick patterns, I absolutely detest McCall patterns. I avoid them whenever possible, as they have terrible instructions.

[bridesmom]

I have that pattern, it's one I use for DH's shirts, very easy to make up. I like the back yoke on it. I can make the bottom a bit larger and put a pleat in for him. Why he must put on a shirt and immediately flex his arms forward, rounding his back up is beyond me. One of these days he's going to rip a shirt and I hope it's not one he's trying on in a store!

[lendube]

LOL, Laura! I have that pattern too and haven't ever used it. If it works for you (well, er, dh) , Laura, then I'll certainly give it a go.

[sewingmom]

The last boys button down that I made was made by a kwik sew pattern. I liked it because th instructions are clear and concise.

[DollBaby323]

Thanks for the recommendations! I picked up the Simplicity pattern yesterday...didn't have time to reply to the post as I was out and about with both kids but I saw it so I grabbed it. If it doesn't work, I'll give the kwik pattern a try next. To be totally honest, I haven't had much luck with patterns in the past when I used them to make dresses for our daughter so I kind of gave up and made my own which has worked out great but I never had to do sleeves...doing my own pattern with sleeves is a bit more intimidating. Here's hoping it works!

[MartySews2]

Have you tried using Child's Play by Wild Ginger? It's a patternmaking software where you draft your own patterns & they have templates to help you along. The cost is about $125 which would be great investment for your children. It's a stand alone program.
Marty

[temom]

DollBaby, don't be shy about posting questions about the patterns here. All of us were new to patterns at some point in time, and I sure do remember how frustrating it was! Since so many of us actually have the pattern, I'm sure we can help you out. I can remember being stuck as I didn't know if you folded your fabric pretty side in or pretty side out to lay out the pattern pieces. One thing you might want to consider is making it out of an inexpensive material first, before starting on your favorite fabric. We call that making a muslin, and it sure makes you feel better if you muck it up so bad it can't be fixed that you need to throw it out. We have all had our share of major mistakes, and eventually you laugh about them. Check out my favorite screw up so far. I have no clue how I made a sleeve like this, but I did! http://www.flickr.com/photos/11506258@N ... hotostream

[lendube]

ROTFLOL ------------- AGAIN, Theresa! I remember that sleeve.

Great post too. Of course it'd be easy with all of us having the same pattern. I'd like to give it a try anyway for dh. Why don't we ALL make one at the same time???!!