Today we have released the third pattern in our Parkland Collection! Head on over to our pattern store to download your copy of the Strathcona Henley and T-shirt sewing pattern. Yes, I said henley and t-shirt pattern! We decided to make the pattern more versatile so that it will become your go-to pattern every time you need to refresh the closet with staple tees.
The pattern includes instructions for two variations:
1. The long sleeved henley-style knit shirt with a three button placket, cozy cuffs and an easy-to-sew hem band.
2. The short sleeved classic crew-neck t-shirt with short sleeves and a twin needle (or zig-zagged) hem.
Go ahead and mix and match these variations to create endless t-shirts! I can wait to see all the short sleeved henleys, the super easy and quick crew neck longsleeve t-shirts, and the awesome t-shirts with contrast hems and neck bands! Really, the possibilities are endless!
Here are a few of the variations that have come to life so far both in my sewing studio and around the world in the test-sewer’s sewing rooms (more test sewer versions to come in future blog posts!):
My version of Variation 1 made in a relaxed rib knit: The warm, slightly rusty colour and the loose, relaxed fit created by the very stretchy ribbed fabric make this version the perfect top to wear while sitting around an early fall campfire!
Blogless Anna’s version of Variation 1 using an awesome striped jersey paired with a bold black contrasting placket (see her great blog post for all the details of her sewing process): This version of the henley looks so classic and RTW! I imagine it would be awfully difficult to grab any other shirt when this is sitting in your closet!
My mix of Variation 1 and 2 to create a sporty hiking and mountain biking top for my dad: I made things easy on myself by using snaps instead of buttons and by cutting off the bottom of the sleeves to use this fabric as small sleeve bands – no twin needle needed!
Do you like what you see? Head on over to download the pattern and you can whip up one for yourself or a lucky recipient in no time at all!
The crew-neck version, when paired with sleeve and hem bands is the perfect beginner knit sewing project and the henley placket variation is a great challenge for more intermediate sewers. If you are scared of sewing knits, you don’t need to be anymore! The instructions include suggestions for setting up your sewing machine (even if you don’t have a serger!) to correctly deal with the fabric you chose. They also include different tips and tricks for beginner or intermediate sewers. Both variations are quick to make and result in a casual, slim-fitting t-shirt that will be a perfect hand-made wardrobe staple. Happy sewing!
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August 30, 2013 at 2:09 am
This would be perfect for Xmas gifts for the men in my life 🙂
August 30, 2013 at 7:43 am
I agree 🙂 Especially since it’s such a quick project!
August 28, 2013 at 10:42 am
congrats on the pattern launch, i’ll be picking this up soon! love that you included a basic tee as well–i know i’ll get lots of use out of it!
August 30, 2013 at 7:44 am
Thanks Lisa!
August 27, 2013 at 4:58 am
This pattern look fantastic. I can’t wait to try it. So nice to see independent pattern designers making patterns for the modern man. x
August 27, 2013 at 6:37 am
Thanks for your comment! Good luck sewing your version!
August 26, 2013 at 10:11 pm
I will be making many more- one which is a direct copy of yours Blogless Anna! A fab t-shirt, with loads of versatility, quick to make and a great fit. Thank you Morgan and Matt!
August 27, 2013 at 1:54 am
I just read your henley post Layla and I had a good laugh (laughing with you, not at you!). My tip, which I of course forgot to share in my blog post, but I did remember to tell Morgan and Matt, is to hand tack the bottom of the placket in place before going anywhere near it with a machine! Can’t wait to see your copycat version… copying is of course the highest form of flattery!
August 27, 2013 at 6:36 am
No problem! Your blog post is great! I agree with Anna, handstitching at least part of the placket before any top-stitching is the way to go – it totally eliminates the frustration of knit shifting and wiggling as you sew.
August 26, 2013 at 5:12 pm
This is great! I will definitely be picking up this pattern!
August 27, 2013 at 6:35 am
Wonderful!
August 26, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Congrats on the launch! Hope it goes well. I just purchased the pattern and am looking forward to finding the right fabric to try it out. You all are speeding right along with all your pattern releases! Good luck!
August 27, 2013 at 6:34 am
Thanks so much! Good luck with your version – I look forward to seeing it on your blog 🙂
August 26, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Hurray! I’ve been checking the site each day and waiting for this to become available. Off to get my copy now. Can’t wait to try it out!
August 27, 2013 at 6:34 am
Awesome! Thanks for buying it…now good luck sewing!
August 26, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Congratulations on the launch of a fabulous pattern. Loving all the variations now on offer. Mr Blogless Anna wore his henley on the weekend and my sister-in-law has already placed an order for her husband.
August 27, 2013 at 6:33 am
Thanks! Wow, it sounds like your Strath has been a big success! I hope you don’t get sick of sewing for other people now that orders are coming in 🙂
August 26, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Fantastic! My attempt to draft/rub a pattern off my husbands fave tshirt was a bit of a disaster so I’m thrilled with this! And today I finally get time to catch up with the shorts sew along…..
August 27, 2013 at 6:32 am
I’m glad we can spare you any more work and I hope that the Strathcona turns out even better than his favorite t!
August 26, 2013 at 12:30 pm
How exciting! I plan to snap this up next time K needs a new t!
August 27, 2013 at 6:31 am
Great! I look forward to your versions!
August 26, 2013 at 11:46 am
LOVE!
Can’t wait to make a ton of these!
August 27, 2013 at 6:31 am
Yay 🙂 Can’t wait to see them!