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I’ve made many DIY button-up shirts with princess seams. I used an old pattern in my stash, but a goodie.
This is one of my favorites, so I had to talk about it. If you don’t like making darts, you might fancy this one.
I’ll tell you about the materials used, my process, and share photos. You might add this top to your wardrobe too.
Simplicity S2447 Shirt Pattern
I’ve had Simplicity S2447 sewing pattern since it first came out years ago. It is an easy-to-sew top, and I’d put it at an intermediate sewing level.
The curved seams down the front give it shape without darts. It’s semi-fitted with a box pleat on the back yoke, which gives you extra room.
It has a front button-up, collar, and sleeve variations.
I’ve pretty much made all versions throughout the years. However, the one I continue to make is the short-sleeve shirt.
Materials
Here’s everything I used to make this pattern. Well, I’ve got enough buttons in my stash to open my own store!
Fabric
I’ve made this shirt in many different fabrics like broadcloth, shirting cotton, and lightweight linen. My favorite is the one with the floral pattern.
I found the fabric in the fashion district, and it’s crisp and doesn’t wrinkle very much.
The other fabrics came from Joann. I do like those too, as they’re lightweight and in pretty colors.
Other suggested fabrics include gingham, batiks, chambray, damask, pique, twill, sateen, eyelet, challis, silkies, and georgette.
Notions
You’ll need 5/8-inch (0.625-inch) buttons, and the amount depends on the variation. For the short version, I use 6 buttons.
I also used lightweight fusible interfacing on the pattern pieces that needed structure.
Needle
I used a size 80/12 universal needle or a size 75/11 needle, depending on the weight of the fabric.
Thread
For my sewing machine, I used Gutermann sew-all thread in matching colors. It’s made of 100% polyester.
I used Maxi-Lock spun thread in my serger. It’s for overlocking and made of polyester.
Sewing My Shirt
Sewing this pattern is pretty straightforward. That’s why I keep on making it over and over again!
Prepping
Since buying this pattern years ago, I have gone up and down sizes. I thought I’d save money by resizing the one I had.
For the most part, I’d grade it by adding 1/2 or 3/8 inch for each size up or down.
So, I’ve gone from size 10 up to size 14. Well, I ended up buying the sewing pattern again on eBay.
It wasn’t that expensive, and this saved me a little work.
Construction
I’ve sewn this pattern so many times I’ve practically memorized the directions. My favorite variation is the short-sleeve shirt without the ruffle.
I’d like to hack this one in the future to make the ruffles different. Let’s see what happens.
This shirt fits well because the front has curved seams for shaping. I have another boxy-style shirt pattern, but I really like this one.
A nice fitted shirt might have darts. This one has no darts, so it’s perfect if you struggle with them.
A long time ago, I made the tunic with a standing collar. After wearing it with a belt a couple of times, I shortened the length.
My shirt with the bold floral print is a favorite. The pattern pieces didn’t throw off the design as I thought they would.
I’ll also note that when sewing the hem, it’s rounded in the back and front. So, you’ll need to make a narrow hem.
Adjustments
When making the short version, I end up with a buttonhole close to the end of the placket. Either the guide is off or I’m off.
I’ll have to remember to recheck and space them out. Otherwise, I’ll tuck in the shirt where I messed up! Ha!
But that brings me to a good point. Sometimes when I make button-ups, I either have bad luck or my measurements are off.
One side might come out longer than the other, and I realize this when putting on the buttons. Don’t ask me why this happens.
In this case, it can be fixed. I just take the side that’s a little longer and undo the hem. Then I’ll adjust the hem to make sure both sides line up.
This is much easier once you have the buttons sewn in place and the shirt is buttoned up. Well, let’s just say I had to make this adjustment on at least one of my shirts.
Project Notes
You can make this top in many different fabrics. Sometimes I like a crisp shirt, and other times I like a drapey one.
When you’re first starting to make them, I’d choose a more stable fabric like cotton shirting. That way, it won’t move around on the sewing machine.
My black shirt is a rayon/linen blend, so it’s more drapey. It was more challenging to work with than the cotton fabric.
Final Thoughts
My shirt pairs well with pants, shorts, or a skirt. I even wore it on a trip to Hawaii while exploring Oahu.
This top is perfect for casual wear, and you can also dress it up. Would it surprise you that I’m planning to make more?
More Sewing Projects
- I wore this top with my denim mini skirt that I hacked to have an elastic waistband.
- I also like making a simple blouse that’s great for spring and summer.
- What about some essential tips for making clothes?
Originally published: November 27, 2024
