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A timeless wardrobe staple, the Classic Shirt features traditional shirt making techniques with a chic, modern cut. It's our second best selling pattern for its understated elegance and easy-to-wear feel.
Here at the Modern Sewing Co. we love shirt making. Once you've learnt the techniques to a high standard you can apply them again and again. If you're totally new to shirt making you might like to consider our Art of Shirt Making workshop bundle. Click through for more details on how find your feet with tailoring.
You can search instagram for customer makes with the hashtag #msclassicshirt
Skill Level
Suitable for Intermediate sewers.
Construction techniques: Classic collar & collar stand, placket & cuffs, french seam, eased sleeve head and double shoulder yoke. You will have the option of finishing the hem with a flat binding or a standard double fold hem.
Sizing & Fit
UK Sizes 4 - 28 (with PDF Layers)
The Classic Shirt is fitted on the shoulders and flows into an A-line shape with a deep scooped V-shape hem. It should feel neatly fitted but not tight or restricting.
Measurements in cms
UK 4 | US 0 | EU 32Bust - 98, Shoulder to shoulder - 36.4, Length (side neck to hem) - 67, Sleeve length - 58.5
UK 6 | US 2 | EU 34Bust - 103, Shoulder to shoulder - 37.6, Length (side neck to hem) - 67.6, Sleeve length - 59
UK 8 | US 4 | EU 36Bust - 108, Shoulder to shoulder - 38.8, Length (side neck to hem) - 68.2, Sleeve length - 59.5
UK 10 | US 6 | EU 38 Bust - 113, Shoulder to shoulder - 40, Length (side neck to hem) - 68.8, Sleeve length - 60
UK 12 | US 8 | EU 40Bust - 118, Shoulder to shoulder - 41.2, Length (side neck to hem) - 69.4, Sleeve length - 60.5
UK 14 | US 10 | EU 42Bust - 123, Shoulder to shoulder - 42.4, Length (side neck to hem) - 70, Sleeve length - 61
UK 16 | US 12 | EU 44Bust - 128, Shoulder to shoulder - 43.6, Length (side neck to hem) - 70.6, Sleeve length - 61.5
UK 18 | US 14 | EU 46Bust - 133, Shoulder to shoulder - 44.8, Length (side neck to hem) - 71.3, Sleeve length - 62
UK 20 | US 16 | EU 48Bust - 139, Shoulder to shoulder - 46, Length (side neck to hem) - 72, Sleeve length - 62.5
UK 22 | US 18 | EU 50Bust - 145, Shoulder to shoulder - 47.2, Length (side neck to hem) - 72.7, Sleeve length - 63
UK 24 | US 20 | EU 52Bust - 151, Shoulder to shoulder - 48.4, Length (side neck to hem) - 73.4, Sleeve length - 63.5
UK 26 | US 22 | EU 54Bust - 157, Shoulder to shoulder - 49.6, Length (side neck to hem) - 74.1, Sleeve length - 64
UK 28 | US 24 | EU 56Bust - 163, Shoulder to shoulder - 50.8, Length (side neck to hem) - 74.8, Sleeve length - 64.5
Materials Needed
Suitable fabrics: The Classic Shirt works best in a lightweight, breathable fabrics that have a bit of flexibility. You can choose fabrics suitable for warm or cold weather but it’s a good idea to choose something that will be soft next to the skin. Fabrics such as cotton poplin/lawn, linen, very lightweight denim, needlecord, lightweight twill and flannel are all suitable.
If you’re choosing a stripey fabric you can play with the direction of the stripe on the collar, back yoke, cuffs and plackets.
Fabric requirements: Our lay-plans are always done on a single layer of fabric to reduce wastage.
Fabric width 150cm | Sizes 4 - 12 = 170cm | Sizes 14 - 20 = 200cm | Sizes 22 - 28 = 210cm
Fabric width 110cm | Sizes 4 - 12 = 210cm | Sizes 14 - 20 = 265cm | Sizes 22 - 28 = 290cm
Materials list: Fabric, 9 x small buttons (about 1cm wide), thread, about 40cm of high quality fusing
Pages to print: Instructions - 18, A4/US Letter - 42, A0 - 2
How to use PDF Patterns
Where to find your patterns & workshops:
After purchasing you'll find your PDF pattern download and any workshops in your account page. Simply log in (or create an account using the same email address used to purchase) and click the account button in the top right corner. The most up to date versions of the patterns will always be available from within your account. If any changes are made to the pattern or instructions you’ll receive an email notification.
Opening your files:
Some older Window computers have problems opening zip files. If this is the case, you can use the free programme 7-Zip to open your files.
How to print your pattern:
You have two options for printing out your pattern.
1. You can get it printed in A0 at a printing shop or sewing pattern company. Search for "sewing pattern printing company" to find a company that does this in your region.
2. Or you can print it yourself on a home printer in A4 or US Letter format and then tile the pages together using tape.
Using PDF layers:
All of our patterns come with PDF layers so you can select the sizes you want to view and print. To do this you’ll need a PDF viewer such as Adobe Acrobat Reader (this is free to download).
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More details on printing, using PDF layers and general preparation tips can be found on the ‘Using Our Patterns’ document (download for free here). This document comes with all of our patterns.
Classic Shirt PDF Pattern



I made a size 6 based on my shoulder measurements and am very happy with the fit! I've struggled to find a classic button-up that has the right balance of ease without looking sloppy, and this pattern gets it right with the fitted shoulder and a looser body. I needed more ease in the armholes so I ended up sewing it at a 1.5 SA just at the armpits.
I knocked off 1 star because the instructions and diagrams were quite vague IMO, and I struggled to get a clean finish on the collar stand so had to resort to some hand sewing.
I made the classic shirt as part of my Spring Wardrobe Capsule Course.
Although I’ve sewed for many years, this has been on a self taught basis.
It’s been a steep learning curve but I have learnt so much-jet pocket, bound hem and so many lovely details which give the garment a professional feel. I’ve also learnt that’s it’s ok to unpick and try again.
I’ve worn my shirt several times and picked up many compliments!
I searched a few online patterns until I found this one. I made this in a beautiful linen and I’m extremely happy with the result. I sewed it during some sewing lessons and needed the teacher’s guidance for a couple of things such as the pleats on the cuffs and getting the collar stand right. And now I have a beautiful shirt and get lots of compliments!
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