I’ve been dreaming up this series for a while now and finally got around to getting it going! Everyone is always looking for a great tee-shirt pattern – and, understandably, everyone has different “requirements” for that perfect tee shirt. You’re reading the first installment of my summer series – The Search for the Perfect T-Shirt. I thought it’d be fun to kick it off with a free pattern from Deer and Doe – The Plantain Tee.

In each post you’ll find all sorts of information about the pattern, the variations offered, the ease of construction, the fit and how it turned out! Here’s just a tasting of the patterns I plan on tackling this summer as part of the series:

  • Lark Tee from Grainline Studios
  • Union Street Tee from Hey June Handmade
  • Agnes Top from Tilly and The Buttons
  • Molly Top from Sew Over It
  • Renfren Top from Sewaholic
  • Briar Tee from Megan Neilson
  • Hemlock Tee from Grainline Studios

Maybe if more tee shirt patterns are released this summer the list may grow – any patterns that I’m missing that you’re interested in me trying out?

Without further ado, here’s all about the Plantain Tee.

The Pattern – The Plantain Tee is a free pattern from Deer and Doe (woohoo!). It’s a t-shirt that’s fitted at the shoulders and flaring out at the hips. It has optional elbow patches and multiple options for sleeve lengths (short, 3/4 length and full length).

Size Chosen – I made up the size 40 which measures 36 1/4, 28 1/2, 38 1/2 and my measurements are: 36, 29, 39.

The Variations Offered – Unlike some of the other paid for patterns out there, the Plantain tee only has one neckline – a scoop neckline. It does offer different sleeve lengths and the optional elbow patch, but no other real variations.

Ease of Construction – Most tee shirts earn the easy construction status and this is no exception – this comes together really quickly. I used my serger for all steps except for sewing down the neckband seam allowance. One thing to note was that I did lengthen the neckband thinking I might need it to be able to attach the neckband easily – I did not need to do that. I ended up with some excess neckband in the back. I must learn to trust the pattern…

The Fit – I love this t-shirt! For me, this is a great tee shirt. I love a scoop or v-neck and a more fitted tee shirt. This fits all the categories. I do think that the scoop neck is a bit low, so in the future I might raise the neckline a bit.

Have you sewn up the Plantain Tee? What were your thoughts? What’s your favorite tee shirt pattern?