
Oh, the pleasure of the classic big shirt!
Finding this beautiful pattern was not easy, even with all the search options we have online. I happened on it one day while exploring ‘indie women’s blouse sewing pattern’ on Pinterest. Following the link, I was on the Fabrics-Store site! I’ve often looked at their linens, but didn’t realize they offer an incredible array of patterns. The real stunner: this pattern is free.

The pattern description doesn’t include line art or measurements, but the fabric/measurements/sizes table is available in the download file. Sizes XS – 4X!
Things I love:
- The bust, waist, and hips are all the same measurement. This shirt is not curvy – if I wanted curvy, I wouldn’t be looking at big shirts.
- The hemline is deeply curved and gorgeous.
- The yoke and collar are proportionate to a woman’s frame.
- It has a one-piece sleeve with a continuous-bound placket and one-button cuff. I think it’s elegant.
- Well, I love the whole thing.

Sewing notes:
- I sewed the Medium (8/10), which has bust/waist/hips of 46.5″, and is 28″ long at the center back. (for reference, I’m 5/8″, 34/30/39).
- I used Kaufman Brussels washer linen, 2.5 yards @ 52″ wide. The fabric requirements for my size suggest 2 yards, but, in the small print there’s a caution against shrinkage. Linens and linen blends shrink as much as 10%, hence the extra .5 yard. And I didn’t end up with much in the way of scraps!
- For interfacing, I used Pellon 950F shirtailor (collar, stand, cuffs) and 911FF lightweight fusible (button bands).
- The pattern includes 3/8″ seam allowances, but I drafted my tissue at 1/2″ SA. IMHO, 3/8″ is suitable only for knits.
- I used the left bodice pattern, with its cut-on button band, for both sides.
- Little tip: as preparation, I serged the edges of my cut-out pieces with a long 1-needle stitch to prevent losing seam allowances to the ravels. It’s super easy to remove the serging as needed – just locate the needle thread and pull 🙂

- Buttonholes: I never use a button in the collar stand. It’s all vanity – I have a big head and skinny neck, and a button under my chin does me in mentally. Instead I place my first buttonhole 1 1/2″ below the collar stand. Oh, another tip – you can do those buttonholes before you do anything else, instead of waiting to the end.

- The tutorial has great instructions for that pretty hem:

- But their suggestions for attaching the yoke are kind of silly. Give me a burrito any day:
I want more!! Just the best big shirt ever 🙂

Ciao! Coco
As always, perfection!
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It’s lovely!
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I made this shirt a few weeks ago and love it! I made it in 3.5 oz linen from the Fabrics-Store in shadow gray which is actually a light dusty pink. I also used the burrito method. I will probably sew it again for myself or someone else and I will try your hack for skipping that button band piece. I am currently making their Jade shirt pattern(similar but with a mandarin collar, also free on their website) in 3.5 oz bleached linen. There are a few problems with the Jade pattern which I was able to deal with and I had just sewn the Noa and referred back to that pattern. Thank you Coco!
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What are the problems with the Jade before I make it??
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The collar was 2-3” too long, the button band was about a 1/2” too short and the front and back side lengths differ by about an inch. There was no bias sleeve placket pattern piece so I used the piece from the Noa. 😉
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great find!! pattern and fabric are perfect. now i want to go make one.
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I love your shirt. It a really great collar too I think.
I have been eyeing off those free patterns for ages but never looked at the shirt, but I like this so much on you and I think I’ll have a go at it too.
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Gorgeous Coco! (As always.)
This is the shirt I have been looking for a few summers.
I quite literally wear this shirt daily, all summer long with a flowy, loose tank/cami. After 24+ hours of abdominal surgeries, I can’t endure any clothes touching my skin; and I have been searching (dreaming of) for a few years now(since I haven’t been able to find one retail).
Beautifully made, and worn Coco. I can see your love for it in your body language.
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A crisp white shirt is a great vibe for the entire day. And linen that’s been “lived in” is one the most elegant of fabric aesthetics ever.
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Thank you for sourcing such a lovely shirt.
It looks spectacular on you.
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Thank you Coco for that lovely blog post. It is a lovely looking shirt. I will have to read up on the burrito!
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