Peek-A-Boo: A Free & Easy T-Shirt Pattern

free easy t-shirt pattern

“A t-shirt that doesn't look like you are wearing a t-shirt”– I thought this was a strange request until I saw 3 more women asking for the same thing.

One of these women sent me a very long and emotional email about she struggled with her weight since she was a young girl, how she had never felt comfortable in her clothes, and how she hid for so many years under sweatpants and extra large hoodies.  Sarah, that is her name, wrote how she has a dog now and she is walking regularly, but that sometimes she lacks the courage to step outside because she doesn't want to go back to the sweatpants and ugly t-shirts and that it is getting too hot for hoodies.  She said she needed a top to feel good in, but at the same time comfortable while she is losing the weight.  I think she is on to something and I figure she is not the only one.  I hear you, girl!

Here is a free easy t-shirt pattern that can be made in less than 2 hours and worn with leggings and a light jacket, to drop your kids at school and head to the gym or the park for a walk with the dog.  It's all about looking good without having to make too much effort and what is best, it is super easy to make.  I've made the pattern to cater to seven sizes from 8 to 20.  The finished garment measurements are all below.

This free easy t-shirt pattern is ideal for a curvy beginner sewist.  A very loose-fitting A-line top with a self-tie neckline.

We've got a tremendous amount of content and tutorials on So-Sew-Easy.com.  So as not to repeat techniques for readers who have already seen and followed this content, but at the same time provide guidance to our new readers and beginner sewists, we'll try to place links to specific tutorials below which will help you with various aspects of the project.  If you already know how to use these techniques, you can skip straight through to the tutorial.

Required materials & supporting tutorials

Fabric recommendations









Download the free pattern

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Finished garment measurements

t-shirt size chart

Step 1: Print out the pattern and cut the fabric

I am using a scrap of fabric and don't have enough to cut both back and front on the fold of the fabric, so I have added the 5/8″ seam allowance at the back.  Whatever you do decide to do, don't forget to add the seam allowance.

Step 2:  Fuse the tape to the neck shoulder and sleeves and hemlines

Alternatively, you can make your own 1/2″ strip of stretchable fusible interfacing cut on the bias.

Step 3:  Attach bias tape to the peek-a-boo hole

Place the front print facing up, pin the bias tape to the seam at 3/8″ and stitch.

Step 4: Fold the bias tape to the wrong side of the fabric and iron and pin it in place.

Step 5:  Sew the shoulders with right sides together

Sew the front and back at the shoulders and then sew the sides seams.

Untitled design(53)

Finish the seams either with a stretch stitch in your normal sewing machine or with the serger.

Step 6:  Attach bias tape to the neckline

Cut a bias tape of approximately 1  3/4 yards long.  Leave 17-19 inches of the bias tape hanging on either side of the neckline, then start pinning the rest to the neck.

Untitled design(54)

As mentioned before, pin the bias tape on the right side of the garment and sew at 3/8″, iron and fold back inside.  This time I will use the binding foot.  I have a feeling it will work well to make this type of neckline.

This step can be a little complicated so take your time.

Step 6: Hemming the sleeves and bottom

Make sure you have stabilized all the edges of the sleeves and the bottom with the stay tape or the stretchable fusible interfacing.

Untitled design(65)

Pin back to the inside (wrong side of the print) the amount equal to the stay tape (1/2″).

Untitled design(67)

Use a twin needle or a jersey needle and your walking foot to finish the sleeves and the hem, and you are ready for that long walk in the park.  It doesn't look like a t-shirt and that is the point;)  The rayon jersey I have used is very soft and drapes very well.  I hope you like this free easy t-shirt pattern.  It was the perfect opportunity to use the binding foot and the only difficult part was finding the model.

Next time we are sewing clothes, we will be showing a bit more skin.  In the comments below let me know what would you like to make next.  In the meantime – Happy sewing!


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Patricia
Patricia

I’m confused by your explanation of the seam allowance. Do you add the 5/8 to the pattern or just at the fold line? Anyone make this yet?

Cheryl
Cheryl

I usually wear a 1x, but the sizing above has me roughly in a size 12-14? Is this a loose fitting shirt?

Fern
Fern

Can this neckline be put on an existing t-shirt?

Kathleen
Kathleen

Hi. I am looking for a skirt I can ride a bike in. I have made the flouncy bouncy skirt and love it, but the width around the hem is too wide and flaps all over the place when pedalling. I would like to make something like the 30 min. skirt, but it might be too constricting. I want something that’s quick and easy to sew, that can be pulled on over cycling shorts and pedalled in for short distances and have me look put together when stopping to shop or for lunch. Any suggestions? Am I being over optimistic?

Cheryl
Cheryl
Reply to  Kathleen

What about a pencil skirt in the hemline you desire? You could always stitch a fake ruffle to make it appear as a wrap skirt.

Linda H
Linda H

Can this be scaled into larger sizes please

Koibeatu
Koibeatu

this looks very comfortable but i do not wear synthetic materials. Do you think this would work with a cotton or linnen fabric? might not drape right is my thinking.

Diane R
Diane R
Reply to  Koibeatu

Knits have stretch and some give to them and wovens do not, so it doesn’t work to use woven cottons like linen instead of a knit.

Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield
Reply to  Koibeatu

Rayon can be natural. Look for a bamboo blend. It’s also very soft.

Callie
Callie
Reply to  Koibeatu

Cut on the bias of a woven fabric and that should help.

Sarita
Sarita

As a new sewist, I just really appreciate your free resources and careful instructions. I didn’t think I could follow patterns, but your racerback tee was my first garment, and I’m excited to try this one.