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My favorite DIY T-shirt to make is a basic design with a scoop neck. I like wearing it because it’s so comfy, and not too difficult to make.
They’re a staple piece in my wardrobe, because I usually keep it casual. Pair them with jeans, trousers, skirts, pants, and you’re good to go.
I’ll tell you about the pattern I like to use, materials, my process, and share photos. You might want to make a few for yourself.
Simplicity S8376 Top Pattern
I like Simplicity S8376 sewing pattern for a couple reasons. It’s a part of their Design Hacking collection, in which I have other patterns.
It’s also a nice base pattern for a basic top with sleeves. And it has hacking options if you want to change it up.
You can add a ruffle or make a high-low top. There are directions for sewing a sleeveless shirt and a baby doll style one (empire bodice).
If you’re new to sewing knits, I’d start with the base pattern. Then, you might want to add hacks later.
There are only 5 pieces to worry about. But sewing sleeves and neckbands can be a bit tricky.
This project is rated easy, and I’d put it at an intermediate sewing level.
Materials
Here’s all the stuff I used to make this pattern. And I have more than enough backstock of materials.
Fabric
I’ve made T-shirts out of every knit fabric you can think of. The light green one is a knit rayon, which is very thin and stretchy.
I got that one and the dark green fabric from Joann. The dark green one is 100% cotton.
The rayon fabric was actually white to begin with. Because it was so thin, I tie-dyed it green so it wouldn’t be see-through.
If you’re starting with knits, you’ll want to choose a jersey, or T-shirt fabric. It won’t have all the elastin in it.
My off-white shirt is interlock, which is a little thicker, and also nice and stable. It’s made of 100% cotton.
Suggested fabrics include stretch knits only, such as interlock, jacquard, and jersey.
Notions
You can use hem tape or stay tape to sew the hems. Another choice is to use clear elastic, which I prefer.
Needle
I used a size 80/12 ballpoint needle to sew my shirts. Be sure to use a sewing needle for knit material.
Thread
For my sewing machine, I used matching universal Gutermann thread, made of polyester.
I’m interested in trying the stretch threads they have on the market now. Have you seen them?
For the overlocking, I used Maxi-Lock serger spun thread. It’s made of polyester too.
Sewing My Top
Making this T-shirt is pretty straightforward. I don’t really need to follow the directions because I have this one down.
Prepping
The rayon knit has a lot of stretch to it. So, you can bet cutting wasn’t so fun, as it moved around a lot.
My off-white shirt is made of a more stable fabric, so it was way easier to cut.
I’m usually a smedium in T-shirts. So I graded a size between small a medium.
For lounging and working, I like my tops to fit looser. If you want an oversized fit, you can size up even more.
But for wearing with skirts and wide-legged pants, I size down to small. Going any smaller would give it negative ease, which I didn’t want.
Construction
When I sew with knits, I usually baste my seams. Then I use my serger to sew and finish them.
I like to use a zig-zag stitch instead of a straight stitch for the hems. They are less likely to break when putting on a body-fitting top.
The length of my T-shirt was perfect, and I didn’t have to shorten it. I sewed a 1-inch hem on the bottom.
You can add more length if you want a longer one. I can tie mine in the front or make a back knot just fine.
Adjustments
The neckline on my shirt is deep, I do admit. If you make it the way the pattern is designed, yours won’t be so deep.
I made it this way by marking the front neckline deeper on the pattern piece. Then I rounded it out and cut it.
Then I added more length to the neckband when cutting it.
With the neckline being bigger, I made the neckband much longer. Then I could pin it to the shirt, and then cut off the excess.
Better to make it longer than shorter, because you can cut it. You don’t want the neckband too stretched out.
Next time I sew another shirt, I’ll have to find a happy medium and won’t make it so low.
Project Notes
No serger? You could make this whole shirt with a zig-zag stitch, except for the top stitching on the neckband.
Speaking of the neckband, if you don’t want to make it, you could skip it. Just fold over the fabric and zig-zag it in place.
That would work, but it’s not going to look as polished, in my opinion.
I’ve made this top in many different fabrics and colors. If you use neutral colors, they’ll go with everything.
They’re also great for travel. I like to roll them up and throw them in my suitcase or bag.
They won’t wrinkle as much as my blouses or button-up shirts!
Final Thoughts
This T-shirt is a versatile, yet simple piece that I can mix and match. It takes over an hour to make, so it’s a quick sew for me.
Plus, it has options to hack into many other versions. I might have to experiment with those next time.
More Sewing Projects
I have many other related blog posts that might interest you. You might want to check them out.
- What about a basic knit skirt you can hack too? Oh, what a pair!
- I love wearing a nice long-sleeved knit top for cooler weather.
- I created a nautical look with my red maxi skirt and navy striped top.
I’d love to hear all about your sewing adventures!
Originally published: March 1, 2025
