2016-11-03

To kick off the CSC’s Shirtmaking Month, I’ve rounded up some shirt patterns that have sizes going into the curvy range. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the shirt patterns out there (although I’m exhausted after rounding them all up!), but just some ideas to get you started on your shirtmaking journey and hopefully inspire you a bit!

Looking for ideas of shirts for your fella? Check out Michelle’s post on sewing patterns for big guys, which includes several button up shirt patterns for men.

There are a lot of shirts with buttons out there… I tried to focus on traditional shirts that have buttons all the way down and those that have a collar and stand, but on occasion some others (tunics, popovers, camp collars, ruffles, etc.) found their way into the mix.



Let’s start with some of the indie darlings: Cashmerette Harrison (up to size 28 and cup size H), the recently-released curvy gal’s princess-seamed dream, Grainline Studios Archer (up to size 18), everybody’s favorite boyfriend button-up (also has popover and rear ruffle options), Sewaholic Granville (up to size 20), a classic shirt ideal for pear-shaped women, Blank Slate Patterns Novelista (up to size 3x), classic button-down with the option for a funky cross-back.

A few more indie shirt patterns, slightly on the less-traditional side of things: Hey June Cheyenne (up to size 2XL), a collared button down or popover tunic, Itch to Stitch Mila (up to size 20 and DD cup), a collared popover tunic with cup size options, Schnittchen Michelle (up to size 56), a swingy blouse with a covered button placket, Muse Melissa (up to size 50 with B and D cup options), a princess-seamed shirt or dress with v-shaped insets, Tilly and the Buttons Rosa (up to 44″bust size), a princess-seamed blouse or dress with a pointed back yoke. McCall’s has lots of shirt patterns, traditional and otherwise. Have a look as 7470, 7472  and 6076 (up to size 22); 6436 and 6124 (up to 24W); 6613 (up to XXXL, but unisex).

Similarly, Butterick has a range of shirts with some interesting details that may strike your fancy. Check out 5538 and 6070 (up to size 6X); 5924 (up to 26); 6288, 6085 and 6026 (up to 24); 6376, 6324 and 5526 (up to 22).Vogue has a few shirt patterns ranging into curvy sizes, including a funky double-collared Marcy Tilton and one with multiple cup sizes: 9174  and 8689 (up to size 22), 9029 (up to size 24).

Simplicity has several variations on the button down in their catalog. Have a look at 1279, 1013, 8053, 8090, 1538, 2255 (up to size 22) and 1422 (up to XL).

New Look has a small number of button shirts in their repertoire: 6266 and 6598 (up to size 18) and 6407 (up to size 22).

BurdaStyle has several button-up shirts in their plus-size catalog (most up to size 52), some with some fun and funky details. Check out 11/2015 #129, Emily #8153, 02/2010 #137, 05/2015 #131A, 05/2012 #135, 03/2013 #141, 07/2012 #137, 04/2012 #137.

Style Arc has a TON of button up shirts (and shirt dresses) in all different styles, from casual to office appropriate (up to size 30). Have a look at Blaire, Elsie Overshirt, Lauren Boyfriend, Crystal Overshirt, Italia Shirt Dress, Mara Shirt Dress, Roxy, Tara Top, Brenda Blouse, the Artist Tunic, Angela Blouse, Camila Blouse, Sacha Shirt, Safari Sam, Melissa, Jenny, Sara, Jane Over-Shirt, Sissy Blouse.

Bootstrap Fashion has many, many patterns (made to your measurements) for button-up shirts, including some truly unique ones (that zig zag button placket!!!!). Have a look at Short-Sleeved Blouse with Yoke, Fitted Women’s Blouse with Dart Manipulation, Buttondown with Lace Sleeves, Buttondown Blouse with Shirt Collar, Long Sleeve Victorian Style Blouse, Long Sleeve Blouse with Assymetrical Buttons, Pleated Neck Blouse, Buttondown Blouse with Ties, Tailored Buttondown Blouse with Tie, Buttondown Blouse with Victorian Collar, Long Sleeved Tuxedo Shirt, Shirt with Zig Zag Button Closure.

Here are a handful of button up shirts that don’t have a particularly expansive size range, but might be interesting for those willing to grade up: Named Wenona, Quinn (both up to size 46), and Helmi (up to size 50), Papercut Meissa (up to size XL), Deer and Doe Melilot and Bruyere (up to size 46).

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