Classic Shirt PDF Pattern
Sizes: UK 4-28 / US 2-26 / EU 32-56
Easy to Print (A0 + A4/US Letter)
Metric & Imperial Measurements
Lifetime Access to Updates
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). The most up to date versions of the patterns will always be available from within your account.
How to print your pattern:
Click here for our guide on 'How to Print Your Pattern'.
This blog post includes guidance on:
- Opening your zip file
- Using Layers in Adobe Acrobat
- How to print A0
- How to print A4/US Letter + tile your pattern together
- Cutting out your pattern pieces
Classic Shirt PDF Pattern
2026 is my year of learning new techniques! This shirt is fabulous and will be on repeat. I bought this as part of the shirt making workshop and am so glad I did. Hetty’s instructions are so comprehensive ,clear and easy to follow, and the video - for the Over shirt but the techniques transfer across- make this so easy to learn from. This started life as a wearable toile (made from a cotton linen supermarket tablecloth!) but I love the end result .My personal nemesis of the dreaded sleeve placket was my best yet! The hemline is slightly lower at the back and is finished either with bias binding or a standard hem. The pattern includes making your own binding but I chose to used one from the Specy seamstress. I also mastered the French seam. The sizing on the pattern was spot on. This will be the first of many !
Made a classic shirt and extremely happy with the way it came together. This going to be my favourite go to shirt pattern. Instructions are clear and concise. Plenty of options for customisation.
I have made two classic shirts already so I can confidently say that it is a well thought out, well drafted pattern and one of the best pattern investment I have made so far. The instructions are clear and comprehensive and it gives just the right amount of "hand holding". I love that it can be finished with french seams all the way which adds to the integrity of the garment. I enjoy wearing my classic shirts and I can't wait to make more.
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