French Smock PDF Pattern

I read the size chart, and according to the chart I should make the size 20. That is 3 sizes bigger than I have ever had to make. But, I know it could be a lot of different reasons for this, so when I started the project, I met in the middle and made the size 16. It came out enormous on me. I now have to take the entire thing apart (flat felled seams no less) and recut and sew it. This is the second pattern I have purchased from The Modern Sewing Co. and the second one I have had issues with. I am an experienced seamstress, and so wish I had a better review.

Not made yet but these patterns always teach me new skills

First thing out of the way: I bought the pattern before there were pattern instructions/corrections released earlier this summer, and I made the smock after I realized there were updates (which I haven't looked at yet as I think I figured all the head scratchers out). If you bought the pattern before the updates, and you haven't sewn flat felled seams before, beware some of the steps that have the fabric facing the incorrect way up. The smaller cuff placket opening pattern piece is printed twice as wide it should be (should be 1 cm, not two) and the instructions mirror the error.

Otherwise, and I really want to emphasize this: the top was a real joy to sew and one of those "take your time and you will be rewarded" projects. I used a striped medium weight cotton shirting that looks very much like the sample here, which meant ultra precision was critical for the bib and plackets, and the results are beautiful. I used self-covered buttons which is the *chef's kiss*. The fit is oversized and I did size down two sizes and it's plenty loose without looking sloppy. I'm about 5'4" and reduced the sleeve by an inch so now it's a touch past my wrist bone, but works with the oversized fit. If you're buying the pattern now and you are a patient sewer, you're going to love it. If you bought the pattern before the summer, check for any updates first!

Really love the look of this shirt - and it is a super clear pattern which I can see it really versatile so am already considering some hacks for my next go. These patterns are always so open to changes and customising that I never worry about making something that won't suit me.

I made my first Modern Sewing shirt a few weeks ago - really pleased with it- and having bought a collection of patterns I'd got a waiting list of other items I wanted to make. The french smock pattern wasn't in the bundled I'd originally purchased but I kept going back to look at it. On holiday I nipped into a fabric shop (surely I'm not the only one who does this?) and found a great lightweight cotton in a mid grey pinstripe. That prompted me to order the pattern and move it up the list of my pending projects. I'm really pleased I did. I'm a fairly experienced dressmaker so following the pattern and the instructions was easy. I am new to PDF patterns though, and last time I used a Modern Sewing pattern I printed it out at home and stuck a lot of A4 pages together. Easy enough, but this time I had it printed on an A0 sheet and I did find that simpler, and less time consuming, to work with. The smock is great, the perfect summer cover up. I am now mid way through an other version in a floral cotton and am looking for some nice cord to make a heavier smock for the colder months. I like the design of these patterns, stylish, but with a little more room for those of us that are no longer as slender as we once were!

I love the look of this shirt, and am really happy with how mine turned out in the end. I feel the instructions could be better though, some steps were incorrect and confusing, one step was missing, and I had trouble with the front and sleeve plackets. I’m keen to have another go at it because I really do like the style and variety of options, but I’m hoping there will be an update to the instructions before I try to tackle it again!

This smock was so lovely to make and it's been even lovelier to wear! I used a dark olive windowpane lyocell-linen blend with a bright red zipper (!) and appreciated the opportunities to play with the pattern orientation. I found the instructions so descriptive and thoughtful, especially in terms of walking me through the design decisions to be made for this smock (and there are many!) - it challenged me to put more consideration into those conceptual parts of the sewing process that I've previously tended to neglect, and I feel I now have a very deliberate and cohesive piece to show for it. I can't wait to make a more outerwear-type version of this with a heavier corduroy or fleece!

I have waited for the smock shirt since I have seen the first pictures on instagram. First of all IT IS perfekt. A modern oversized boxy Shirt with beautyfull Details.I used a lilac striped cotton from westfalen in a medium weight that worked very well with all the Details. I wear IT with Jeans and a Turtle neck under it, so beautyfull!
All the Details are very well explained so that IT IS easy to follow. Next I will so one lengthend in cordury.
At the end IT looks simply perfekt, thank you very much!