How to make a buttoned down shirt from silk

Before we start sewing, we need to make the pattern
  • Use an existing shirt to make a pattern.
  • You’ll need pattern pieces for a SHIRT FRONT and SHIRT BACK, 2 SLEEVES, and a NECKLINE LINING.

Step 1. Sew up the shoulders.

Take the SHIRT FRONT and SHIRT BACK pieces and, with right sides together, sew them together at the shoulders.

Step 2. Time for the sleeves.

Now attach the sleeves. Line up the top of the SLEEVE with the shoulder seam of the dress (right sides together), and then pin them together, Then sew a straight stitch along the sleeve, attaching it to the top. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Step 3. Sew up the sides.

Once both sleeves are attached, turn the shirt inside out and sew the sides of the shirt together.  Start at the hem of the sleeve, go up and over the armpit, and down the sides of the shirt. Do this for both sides of the top.

Step 4. The neckline lining

Take your two NECKLINE LINING pieces and, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other, sew them together at the shoulders. They should now form a circle (except one side is pointed).  

Turn your shirt right side out and place the NECKLINE LINING on the top with the right side of the fabric down (so the right sides of the fabric are together). Make sure the shoulder seams on the TOP and the LINING match up. Pin the LINING all around the neckline, attaching it to the top.

Step 5. Attach the lining to the neckline

Sew around the entire neckline with a straight stitch, attaching it to the top. Then trim the seam allowance and tuck the LINING inside the dress and iron in place.

Step 6. Prep the lace

Take the lace and fold it in half. Sew at an angle across the lace to create a V shape with your lace.

Step 7. Attach the lace, and hem sleeves and shirt

Pin the lace to your neckline. Then sew around the neckline, tacking your lace into place.

Also, fold the sleeves up about 1/2 an inch, and then fold again 1/2 an inch. Pin in place, and then sew all around the sleeves with a wide straight stitch to hem them into place.

Fold the bottom hem up twice, just like the sleeves, and then stitch into place.

Press all your seams flat with your iron and you’re done!