Why choose SewSimple sewing patterns for kids' shirts?
From casual T-shirts and cosy long-sleeved tops to sporty tank tops – you can sew our shirt patterns for boys and girls in sizes 50–176. And that's true whether you're a beginner sewist or already a pro.
With a sewing pattern for kids' shirts or tops, you can sew the garment as often as you like. With a large amount of a fabric your child has “approved”, you've got, for the time being,a wardrobe you can plan on.
Here are a few more reasons to sew kids' tops yourself:
Because fit matters for shirts
Shirts that scratch at the neckline, pinch at the shoulder seams or ride up during play? No way! Our kids' shirt patterns are designed to fit real children – and so that kids actually want to wear them.
In concrete terms, this means:
- Wide size range from 50–176: From baby to teenager – we've got it all
- Comfortable cuts: With enough freedom of movement for climbing frames, football pitches and rough-and-tumble play
- Beginner-friendly: Many of our kids' T-shirt patterns are suitable for beginner sewists
- Tried-and-tested designs: Every pattern has been tested by real children – while romping, playing and in everyday life
Because sustainability matters especially for kids' shirts
Kids grow fast. But that doesn't mean shirts have to go in the bin after one season! With sewing patterns for kids that you sew yourself, you decide on:
- Materials: Cotton free of harmful substances, soft jersey, breathable natural fabrics
- Quality: Seams that still hold after 100 washes
- Versatility: One pattern for every season – as a T-shirt in summer, as a long-sleeved top in winter
- Hand-me-downs: Handmade shirts are often such high quality that they can be passed on to siblings or friends
Because kids want to have a say (and should!)
Dinosaurs, unicorns, fire engines, princesses, lettering or rather plain? With handmade kids' shirts, you (or your child) decide what goes on the shirt or top.
And here's the trick: kids are often super proud to wear handmade clothes – especially when they got to help choose the fabric!
Take your child fabric shopping with you (or show them different fabrics online) and let them have a say. The chances that the shirt will actually be worn? They go up enormously!
Because you can sew your new favourite top again and again
Buy 2–3 metres of your favourite fabric straight away – then you can simply sew the shirt again in the next size. If you have several children, you know how quickly jealousy sets in. With a good fabric stash you can sew the same top for all your kids and avoid the “But I want that one” problem.
Another idea in favour of sewing one pattern over and over: you can take a “My child at age X” photo every year – in an outfit that seems to grow with them. That way, handmade tops for your kids create wonderful memories now and for the future. Take a look at oursewing patterns for kids' trousers too.
Because matching outfits are just adorable (and motivating!)
Your child has a favourite doll or cuddly toy that absolutely needs a new shirt? Perfect! Sew a mini shirt for the doll – it makes a wonderful test project (even if the proportions of dolls, let alone a teddy, often don't match a child's – but that's what measuring is for). The prospect of matching outfits might motivate your child even more to wear the handmade shirt or top.
Because it saves money, too!
Our sewing patterns start from just €3.99 – cheaper than most shop-bought shirts! Plus: you can use them again and again. One child? Three children? No problem!
Tips & tricks for sewing kids' shirts (because we know what matters!)
1. Choosing fabric – the be-all and end-all for kids' shirts
Kids' shirts need to be comfortable, breathable and easy-care – which is why these fabrics are perfect:
- Jersey: THE classic for kids' shirt patterns – soft, stretchy, easy-care
- French terry: For cosy long-sleeved tops in autumn and winter. In our fabric guide article “Sewing with French terry” we introduce the fabric in more detail.
- Sweatshirt fabric: Warm, cosy, durable – ideal for the cooler season
- Muslin: Airy, light – perfect for summer shirts
- Performance fabrics: With elastane content for sports shirts
Pro tip: Look for OEKO-TEX certification – especially for children's clothing, fabrics should be free of harmful substances!
2. The right sewing machine settings
Many kids' shirts are sewn from jersey. To make it work:
- Use a jersey needle (size 70 or 80)
- Choose a stretch stitch (zigzag or a special jersey stitch)
- Test on a scrap of fabric first – wavy seams are frustrating and can quickly lead to your child refusing to wear the shirt
With an overlock, seams become professional, stretchy and durable.
With a coverstitch machine you can sew the hem and cuffs just like on shop-bought shirts – looks super professional!
3. The neckline – the biggest challenge (but doable!)
Many beginner sewists dread the neckline. In our article “Finishing a neckline with jersey strips” we share four neckline variations with you.
As an advanced sewist, you can also try a neckline with a facing. You'll also find a tutorial on sewing a facing on our site.
Tip for every variation: for kids' shirts, the neckline should be generous – kids hate it when their head “gets stuck” while getting dressed!
4. Attaching cuffs properly
Cuffs on the sleeves and hem make sure the shirt fits nicely and doesn't ride up. Here's how:
- Use ribbing fabric
- Sew on cuffs slightly stretched – but don't overstretch
- Rule of thumb: cuff length = body circumference × 0.7 (i.e. 70%)
Alternative: You can also simply sew the hem with a twin needle or coverstitch – looks professional and is super stretchy.
5. The thing about hems
Kids don't like scratchy hems! So:
- Use cuffs instead of regular hems
- Or sew the hem with a twin needle – looks professional and is stretchy
- Or use a coverstitch machine – then it looks shop-bought!
6. Reinforcing shoulder seams – the pro trick
Kids often pull shirts off by the collar (even if you show them a hundred times how to do it differently). That's why it's clever to reinforce the shoulder seams. To do this, sewseam tape or bias binding onto the shoulder seams. This prevents the seams from tearing and makes the shirt last longer.
7. Taking measurements the kid-friendly way
For your kids' shirt to fit perfectly, you need these measurements:
- Height (the most important for kids!)
- Chest circumference (for the width of the shirt)
- Arm length (from the shoulder point to the wrist)
Being measured might feel strange to your child at first. Why not turn it into a game? “Mummy is now measuring how much you love [favourite person]” – let your little one spread their arms wide and then measure love (and arm length).
Important: Kids grow fast – better sew one size up. Then your little treasure can enjoy it for longer!
8. Start with a simple pattern
If you're sewing a kids' shirt or top for the first time, start with a kids' T-shirt pattern for beginners. Perfect examples are:
9. Adjusting sleeve length in a flash
You have a T-shirt pattern but want to sew a long-sleeved top? No problem! Simply lengthen the sleeves to the length you want.
It works the other way round too: you can easily turn a long-sleeved top pattern into a T-shirt – just shorten the sleeves.
10. Try a test garment (or just start sewing!)
For kids' shirts you usually don't need a test garment – the pieces sew up so quickly that you can start straight away with your real fabric.
But: if you're unsure, sew the first shirt from inexpensive jersey. That way you can test the fit and make adjustments before you cut into your expensive favourite fabric.
And if something doesn't fit after all? Then maybe it'll fit the little brother, a cousin, the neighbours' kid – or the favourite doll!
Is sewing your me-time? With the SewSimple podcast it becomes we-time
Needlework was long a communal activity. If you often sew alone – and for others at that – you can revive that inherent connection with ourSewSimple sewing podcast “Näher dran” – we talk about sewing tricks and more. Give it a listen!
