Basic Kids’ T-Shirt with Short or Long Sleeves
Both short- and long-sleeve T-shirts are an essential part of our little ones’ wardrobes, so in today’s tutorial, we’ll show you how to sew one.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew a versatile kids’ knit T-shirt with a close crew neckline and your choice of short or long sleeves. The pattern includes sizes 4–5 through 9–10 years.
Keep it plain as an everyday or pajama top, or add a decorative patch pocket. The simple shape is a useful base for experimenting with colors, prints, and embellishments.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Identify the knit grain and crosswise stretch.
- Cut mirrored sleeves and body pieces on the fold.
- Sew the shoulders and set sleeves into open armholes.
- Quarter and attach the neckband evenly.
- Apply an optional patch pocket with tidy edge stitching.
- Finish knit seams without a serger and sew twin-needle hems.
Fabric guidance
Use knit fabric with crosswise stretch. A ballpoint or stretch needle is recommended, and a walking foot can help feed the layers evenly.
A serger is optional. The class shows how to finish the raw edges on a regular machine with a zigzag or another stretch-capable stitch.
Make it your own
Choose short or long sleeves, combine different colors on the body and sleeves, or use a playful print. The separate pocket file offers a choice of shapes for matching or contrasting fabric.
Pair it with leggings, kids’ jogger sweatpants, or Lucas shorts.
Sizes
The T-shirt pattern covers children’s sizes 4–5 years through 9–10 years and includes both sleeve lengths.
The video class includes the multi-size T-shirt pattern and a separate PDF of optional pocket templates.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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