Faux Shirt
Learn how to sew a faux shirt with this quick and easy tutorial. It’s perfect for wearing under cropped sweaters and adding an elegant touch without extra bulk. The A4 PDF pattern and step-by-step video are available through Lulu Ferris. Let’s get sewing!
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 faux shirt panel that sits beneath a sweater or sweatshirt, creating the look of a layered shirt without the bulk of a complete garment.
The design has a rounded shirttail hem, overlapping front edges, decorative buttons and an elasticized upper edge. It slips on without opening at the front, so buttonholes are optional.
Wear the elastic at your waist for a shorter effect or higher on your torso to show more of the shirt below a cropped top.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Join the front and back pieces and prepare the rounded hem.
- Ease the curved sections so the hem lies smoothly.
- Fold and finish the overlapping front edges.
- Sew the upper casing and insert the elastic without twisting it.
- Test the elastic for comfort and distribute the gathers evenly.
- Position decorative buttons without interfering with the casing.
Fabric and finish
The class sample is made in white poplin. Change the character of the accessory with a solid, print or check, and make different versions to coordinate with your sweaters.
The sample uses small covered buttons made from scraps. Shirt buttons, larger or smaller buttons, and snaps can also give the front a different finish.
Make it your own
Adjust how much of the faux shirt shows by wearing it at a different height or rolling part of it inward. Test the elastic and alter its length for a firmer or looser fit.
If you want functional buttonholes, the instructor recommends reinforcing the front edges with interfacing. For a coordinated look, pair it with a matching Peter Pan collar.
Pattern sizing
The pattern covers grouped sizes 34/36 through 54/56. Its chart spans waist measurements of 64–110 cm and hip measurements of 90–136 cm.
Approximate finished length ranges from 37 cm for size 34/36 to 44.5 cm for size 54/56.
The class includes one step-by-step video and an A4 printable pattern with the size chart and pattern pieces.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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