Shirt Sewing Patterns That Are

I've been hunting for a new shirt sewing pattern from an independent sewing pattern company who actively promote their designs to sewists over 50. Here's a list of the companies that fitted the bill, please let me know if there are any I've missed.
Susan Young's Blog Post
susanyoungsewing.wordpress.co...
#SewOver50
#So50Visible
Juud V Hooijdonk
/ juudvhooijdonk
The Assembly Line - Meet A Maker
theassemblylineshop.com/blogs...
Mind The Maker Zebra Viscose Twill Fabric - Lulou Designs
luloudesigns.co.uk/collection...
Shirt Sewing Patterns
Elbe Textiles - Cornell Shirt
elbetextiles.com.au/products/...
Naughty Bobbins - Cookie Knit Shirt
www.naughtybobbinpatterns.com/...
The Makers Atelier - Lounge Shirt
themakersatelier.com/products...
The Makers Atelier - Oversized Shirtdress
themakersatelier.com/products...
The Makers Atelier - Box Shirt
themakersatelier.com/products...
Seamwork - Rachel Shirt
www.seamwork.com/catalog/rachel
Seamwork - Willis
www.seamwork.com/catalog/willis
Seamwork - Natalie
www.seamwork.com/catalog/natalie
Paper Theory - Olya
papertheorypatterns.com/colle...
Style Arc - Monty/Martha/Roxy/Brenda/Maude et al
www.stylearc.com/shop-categor...
Silhouette Patterns - Stephanies Blouse
www.silhouettepatterns.com/ht...
Tessuti Patterns - Jac Shirt
www.tessuti-shop.com/collecti...
Tessuti Patterns - Audrey Shirt
www.tessuti-shop.com/collecti...
Love Notions - Melody Dolman
www.lovenotions.com/product/m...
Honourable Mentions:
The Assembly Line - Oversized Shirt
theassemblylineshop.com/colle...
Helen's Closet - Gilbert Top
helensclosetpatterns.com/prod...
Grainline Studio - Archer Shirt
grainlinestudio.com/collectio...
Maybe?
Liesl & Co
oliverands.com/shop/liesl-and...
Delphine Morissette
delphinemorissette.blogspot.c...
Republique Du Chiffon
republiqueduchiffon.com/en/19-...
You can find me hanging around here;
Instagram / alexjudgesews
Blog: www.alexjudgesews.com/
Pinterest www.pinterest.co.uk/AlexJudge...

[@SunShine-000]

I hope I’m not banned for saying this, but I think your cruise through the various pattern companies shows that they do indeed use a variety of shapes, sizes and ages of models. I loved seeing the patterns you reviewed. However, whether they have grey hair or wrinkles or whatever, makes little difference to the pattern itself, as it seems to this 70+ viewer that fashion is really about the styling and the confidence that the models emanate wearing styles that fit well. What I love about today’s pattern makers is that persons of all shapes and sizes can find something that flatters their proportions in ways that ready made garments often cannot. In terms of options, believe me, today’s sewists are living in the very best of times. Back in the 1960s, my mother had very few pattern choices as a “half-size” sewest (i.e., petite fuller figure stature). How I wish she could see how beautifully the sewing community serves us today.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

You haven’t been rude, so no need for banning ❤️. I get your point, but remember I showed the companies that are more inclusive, there are plenty who don’t recognise us at all, I started with a list of shirt patterns and eliminated lots which is why I thought I’d highlight the companies who do it well. Sizing has improved but there’s some inclusivity washing going on with a few companies there too gemmarie4.wixsite.com/website/post/zip-my-lip-or-button-up. Yes the model makes no difference to the pattern, but they can make a difference to how we feel if they’re always young, white, slim and able bodied.

[@carolinelaplante5857]

I am so glad your focus is on fashion for women over 50. That is the main reason I picked up sewing again because the stores cater to the 20 something's and forget we exist😀

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Caroline, I’m the same age as Nicole Kidman and Kylie Minogue I don’t see them being put in the little old lady box. Hopefully companies will continue to realise we’re out here ready to be marketed to 😂

[@suzyhattaway9860]

Thank you for highlighting such an important issue. There is absolutely NO excuse for pattern designers not to use models aged over 50 or at the very least share images of sewists over 50 wearing their designs via Instagram etc... Your shirt is beautiful and you have given me plenty of great ideas. Many, many thanks!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, yep Susan’s blog post made some great points about not sharing images from the over 50s - madness 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@alexandrawellington8028]

I am 49 and actually get surprised when see a mature model. Style is always in fashion! And you have a bucket load 😍😍😍

[@joli43]

Thank you. I am 67 and the representation is, well, SO not good. This feeds into the sense of in visibility of older-ish folks. So thank you.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes! Age just shouldn’t be relevant, you don’t wake up one day and decide to become a little old lady 😬. There’s a tv ad on at the moment, I think it’s for gravy, it focuses on how Grandma cooked the roast for everyone and didn’t complain- like that’s a good thing! Why didn’t anyone lend a hand so Grandma could put her feet up, have a G&T and paint her nails 😂

[@karenlowes7802]

I really appreciate the reviews and suggestions re: shirts. We women of a certain age deserve attention, you are so right!😁🇨🇦

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, it would be great if we were at least acknowledged 🤷🏼‍♀️❤️

[@lesleybaker29]

Thank you, thank you! I’m a returning to sewing (during lockdown) woman of 60 who was feeling a little lost pattern-wise. I’m loving the indie pattern scene. So much info from you. My mind is buzzing again! 🪡🪡

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Wonderful!

[@PsychicKathleen]

I love Linda Lee's Sewing Workshop patterns. They don't look anywhere near as fabulous in the diagrams as they are in reality :) There is a woman here in town who has been a distributor of The Sewing Workshop patterns for years. She is jaw dropping creative as well as being a fabulous sewer having been making her own clothes for more than 40 years :) Once or twice a year she'll cart a rack of clothing using the patterns to our monthly sewing circle at Gala Fabrics here in Victoria. She models the clothes, describing the pattern and all that can be done with it. I've made up several of her patterns. I have that shirt pattern you mention in your video that I bought as a kit. Gorgeous. Linda Lee's fabrics are fantastic quality (I couldn't agree more when you said about how worth it is to sew and wear quality fabric). Loved your video as always Alex :) Loved what you had to say re showcasing patterns on 50+ women. I'm 66 and I'm always thrilled when I see a stylish "grannie" modeling a stylish rendition of one of their patterns. Smart marketing as well because many 50+ women are the ones with some expendable income to invest in their wardrobe :)

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes, the illustrations don’t highlight just how good they are, I was so pleased to stumble across them. I love the sounds of this Lady she sounds like the woman I aspire to be ❤️ We often have more time,experience and money (although with 3 in Uni next year that’s not happening here just yet 🤦🏼‍♀️) we should be a marketers dream. The teenagers that were ‘invented’ in the 50s might be older but we’re not going to sit quietly in our rocking chairs 😂💪🏻❤️

[@christinemuller9473]

I'm just getting into sewing, I'm 50...and I love love love your channel!!! Thank you 💕

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Aww thank you, be warned you may become addicted 🤣❤️

[@christinemuller9473]

@@AlexJudgeSews I hope so...maybe it will help keep my hands busy instead of using them to shovel food in my face 🤣

[@maureencapobianco3596]

LOVE this video! I'm over 50 and appreciate this information! I plan to rewatch it and take notes. Lots of great suggestions!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@kristytaylor390]

Thank you, Thank you. I'm 58 and can not remember not sewing. As a black woman, I've been keenly aware of the lack of diversity representation in the sewing community and you highlighting age diversity has swelled my heart. Please keep up the good work.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Aww thank you Kristy, let’s hope things change soon. I have great faith in the young, they get branded as snowflakes, but I see it as not afraid to call things out ❤️❤️

[@jacquiehonnor4989]

Yes that’s exactly how I feel. I’m 60 next year, so it would be lovely to see more ladies close to my age wearing fashionable clothes to make. I still like to wear trendy clothes that fit well. Keep up the good work. 😁

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Hooray 😁. I remember my Mum saying this years ago and now I understand why 😁

[@mornamurphy6962]

Thank you so much Alex, for all the work and time you put into this video. Very useful and love your shirt !

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you 😘

[@amyholman354]

Nice Style Arc blouse. I tried a dress pattern of theirs and got tangled in the pocket area, but I'm newer at sewing. Liesl Gibson is the recent Liesl & Co model. She's the company owner, and took over modeling out of necessity during pandemic years, then was encouraged to continue. She's a little over over 50.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jackiewilkinson8357]

I love a shirt because it flatters my shape better than a knit top. My go to is the Archer shirt. It’s quite daunting with all the pattern pieces but it never fails to please. Although I love Style Arc designs I’ve pretty much given up because of the instructions unless it’s a simple top. Thank you for doing this and I hope your Christmas is as good as it can be given the restrictions you face. 🇳🇿😎🎁

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I agree with you and they’re so versatile too. I learnt to sew using Burda patterns so Style Arc don’t seem so bad. Best wishes for Christmas to you too 🎄❤️

[@janettechapple6542]

I’ve tried a few Silhouette patterns and I find their sizing to be difficult. It’s an American company, and the sizing recommendation is to go shopping and find out what fits you. This doesn’t translate well to sewing in the UK. Also, I n these COVID times (currently under lockdown) shopping is not an option. I do love her interpretation of the designer looks and her KZbin/website are brilliant. Great sewing tips.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oh that’s interesting to hear about the sizing, I’ve found her KZbin channel to be great too. There are probably some real gems in her pattern collection ❤️👩🏻‍🦰

[@joli43]

And silhouette patterns have cup sizes

[@Whistlewalk]

Really enjoyed this edition. Thank you!

[@shelleykearney4212]

Thank you - loved this style of review. Great

[@julieannemooreedwards9909]

Thank you, Alex, that was so much fun!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻❤️

[@kerrymcilwaine]

Excellent review Alex, appreciate all the work you put in to this x

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Kerry, no twizzling this week 😁

[@maggiecawthorn5653]

Loved the shirt I copied you and bought some of that fabric. I’m making the Iam Irma shirtdress with it, with the bishop sleeves. Cut out but not sewn.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oooooh Maggie, that’s going to look amazing I love that pattern ❤️❤️

[@karinakayes3797]

Thanks for putting this together, it was an excellent listen.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻❤️

[@noeleengayjess8416]

Thank you again for putting all this together,FANTASTIC idea. Love your shirt and fabric.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much ❤️👩🏻‍🦰

[@sallydingle321]

Great selection of shirts Alex and loads that I didn't know about 👌. Thanks so much for all your work to find them 💞👍😘

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, I enjoyed finding some new patterns 😁❤️

[@thedahliasewciety]

That was so informative! Thanks for all the hard work Alex xx

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Kristen 🥰

[@shellyscott8275]

Loved this. Thank you for putting in the time and trouble Alex, it’s much appreciated and hugely useful. I absolutely love the shirt your wearing and the fabric is just beautiful 🥰

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, I enjoyed have a trawl around and now have some new patterns to add to the never ending list 😁❤️

[@annettecowburn1096]

Love the blouse. You do rock a good blouse. Thanks for the info.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much 😘

[@lynneprentice4278]

I love the Tessuti Jac shirt! Thank you for a great review of the shirt patterns out there from companies that celebrate us fabulous over 50s! 😍❤️

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Lynne 🥰

[@skoop0808]

that was really helpful. I knew about some of the companies, but you have shown me lots of new ones.thanks!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, me too 😁

[@junelanger4766]

I loved your video!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

You’re so kind, thank you 😘

[@solveigtorvanger3864]

Woow what a great video. Lots og research!! There are many great patterns. Thanks!!🙏

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marlenep2644]

Great idea and so well done Alex. You sure packed a lot of info in here. It's going in my saved videos to watch again...and maybe again. 😉

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Marlene I feel honoured 😘

[@janetlink9756]

Thankyou for this information on shirts, it was very helpful

[@AlexJudgeSews]

You’re welcome ❤️❤️

[@denisemulraney69]

Thank you, I am not new to sewing, it have not done much due to working full time, now I am retired I am addicted to watch KZbin and all the many sewing tutorials. I am in the over 50s group… and more… so I enjoyed your overview of pattern companies. I think I will try the pattern you made. What I am also enjoying is the very good tips and ways to sew. I haven’t purchased material online, but I am in Australia and most of the companies seem to be overseas. What or where would you suggest. Where I live we have only a Spotlight and Lincraft. They carry lots of material but I am not confident in what to use etc.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Have you found the lovely Kristen @thedaliasew-ciety? She's in Australia and is a fabulous woman, I'm sure she'll be great for finding good local fabric supplies.

[@marilynkelly315]

I found this really helpful thank you

[@AlexJudgeSews]

You’re so welcome 😘❤️

[@EileenR11]

Love your shirt. Great reviews also - inclusion and representation so important. I will definitely be paying more attention to this going forward. Thank you.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, me too my first port of call will be those who’ve noticed us 😁❤️

[@comalley4825]

Love your shirt Alex. My, you have been a busy girl! Thanks for the selection to check out.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, it was fun finding some companies that were new to me 😁❤️

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Alex, thank you so much for all your hard work! I, for one, will look at shirt patterns with fresh eyes. It comes at a time when I have grown very tired of T-shirts and want to make and wear more blouses and shirts. Thanks again!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Kerstin, you could become a shirt making addict like me, I find them so soothing 😁❤️

[@susanyoung6358]

Thank you Alex for your brilliant summing up of these shirt patterns-there were several that aren’t familiar to me so I’ll definitely take a closer look at them. Thank you for your support of SewOver50, it’s because of people like you banging the drum too that helps keep us more in the public eye, we may be a bit older but we don’t have to be quieter about being overlooked!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Susan - look what you started 😂😘

[@robyn3349]

Silhouette Patterns: base woven blouse pattern is #600. The blouse sleeves are interchangable between the various patterns. Super patterns! Love your Roxy!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ooh thank you, that’s a great bit of info to have ❤️❤️

[@magsohara7908]

Thanks for doing all of that research Alex - quite a wide range of pattern companies (fortunately) using lots of models of various ages and body shapes. I like style arc too but as you say “minimal at best” as far as instructions go. That is a beautiful shirt that you made - really like the bit of detail on the back of it. I’ll be putting this vlog into my saved vlogs to use as a reference 👍 🤓🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much, I feel honoured 🙏🏻❤️

[@jenfavc]

The Sewing Workshop do London Shirt, it was my first make after returning to sewing after about 25 years. it went together really easily and I love it.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ooh thank you, somehow I missed that one. That’s good to know, sounds like it has great instructions then. 👍🏻❤️

[@ayolag]

Thanks Alex! This very thorough video has so many new to me designers. As an almost 50, highlighting inclusiveness is very much appreciated. A #staystylish

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, I found some new options too so it was fun to do ❤️❤️

[@Frugalisama]

OOh I like that Jac shirt from Tessuti - thanks for putting this together Alex. Great choice for that fabric btw 👍

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Sam 😘

[@valclements7092]

Hi Alex, great video jam packed with great information. I read through the comments and everything I could say has already been said. So thank you for taking the time to make this video and if you have any more ideas like this I would love to see them. Hope all is well stay safe and have a great Sunday. Val❤️🇨🇦🇬🇧

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much. Alex 🙏🏻❤️

[@craftymystic4868]

Glad you found the Sewing Workshop. It’s kinda local to me, about 4 hour drive, and I love them. I have some silk noil for that Florence shirt. And I chose the Jane Overshirt for a looser shirt fromStyleArc, but I see it does not have pockets, but that’s easy enough to manufacture. Loved your shirt, thanks for the tour. Btw, Linda Lee does a weekly vlog here on KZbin.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

In the UK we’d say somewhere 4 hours away was the other end of the country 😂. I can’t believe I hadn’t come across the Sewing Workshop before, what fabulous designs! I’ll check out Linda on KZbin I bet she’s got some great tips, thank you ❤️❤️

[@cathyrogers3226]

A WONDERFUL review of So50visible shirt patterns available, Alex! So happy to see the Cookie Knit Shirt included with so many superstars! Thanks very very much!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

It’s a fab shirt, I had a ready to wear knit shirt that I loved until it fell apart so I can imagine how lovely it’s be to wear one again. I’m a bit nervous of making one in knit, but will definitely give it a try 👍🏻👍🏻❤️

[@cathyrogers3226]

@@AlexJudgeSews Oh, call me a bit biased, but I think the Cookie Shirt is an excellent pattern to help jumpstart any knit(s) project! The pattern includes fabric recommendations and step-by-step instructions, including the "perfect points" collar construction. And, I'm always available for any questions or assistance via Zoom or email or snapshots, anything to help the sewer "jump the hump." Don't be shy, give it a try!

[@katehampshire8410]

Thanks for putting this together. I must admit that I sometimes see patterns on young lithe models which wouldn’t look anything like flattering on me!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes! I don’t know who started the idea of including measurements on Instagram profiles, but it’s a good one as you can spot people of a similar size and see what they’ve made. There e been things I wouldn’t have made until I saw someone else like me in it and realised it would work. ❤️❤️

[@johnweymouth9668]

That was brilliant, thank you so much for the effort you put into this....as a new sewist, over 55 I was beginning to lose hope of finding ‘stuff’ that was appropriate for my age group yet still stylish.thank you (ps my name is Irene but YT keeps putting my hubby’s details against my comments🙄sorry).

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Glad it was helpful, thank you so much ❤

[@bridgetrsews]

A very interesting video, I find that my attraction to pattern companies is having different cup sizes . Shillouette pattern are very good and Peggy does frequent videos on pattern hacking, I have pattern the 600 basic blouse and it is well drafted.Saying all that though StyleArc is my go to pattern maker, they seem to always fit me well in the shoulders even if I have to do an FBA Karen R

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I on,y realised the connection between Silhouette and Peggy when I tagged them on Instagram. She’s great and very knowledgeable, maybe I’m too impatient I just wish the website was easier to navigate. I’m with you in Style Arc, The fit is perfect for me everytime 👍🏻❤️👩🏻‍🦰

[@beckyb8339]

Great video Alex, love it ......as a woman over 50 (just!). Wouldn't it would be great if disability was inclusive also? I have a disabled son and my recent sewing passion has been a God send to alter clothing for him xx

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes definitely, there are a few people taking about disability and sewing SewingInPyjamas on Instagram and Rosy Sews Modern Vintage also on KZbin off the top of my head. There must be a whole community out there who’d love to exchange tips, thank goodness your able to alter clothes for him. What on earth do others do🤷🏼‍♀️

[@christ3392]

Thanks for this Alex. I guess I am still in denial about my age. But you are quite right to point out that we are very unrepresented compared to the buying market we represent. It make me think that I should perhaps be a bit more mindful where I spend my money in future.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I dreaded turning 50, but once I decided to go down the ‘to hell with it’ route it’s turned out wonderfully 😁. As I said I know I’ll be tempted by lovely new patterns regardless of the pattern company, but where there’s a choice I’ll favour companies that recognise we exist 😁❤️💪🏻

[@pammonro6674]

Thanks Alex. I had no idea that there were so many pattern companies. I'm a great fan of Style Arc but I too find the instructions inadequate. A great shame when the designs are so stylish.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, there are loads more, but they’re only for the young 😂. The fact I know they’re always going to fit allows me to overcome the brief instructions 😁❤️

[@angelagan6803]

Love Style arch too, just made the Monty shirt and shirt dress-beautiful fit. I find I have to size down.

[@juliej6638]

I've made the SA Martha shirt twice. The first one was falling backwards on me - it felt like it didn't fit well around the neck. I raised the back neck and made it again and it was better but still not great. If you made it I'd be interested to hear what you think. I also recently made the Olya shirt in a drapey rayon. Those pockets are insane ! In the end I had to sew them closed because they flopped open in a very unflattering way. So I would recommend using a crisp fabric for that one or omitting the pockets, which is what I will do next time. I love the seaming on it though.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oooh interesting points 👍🏻 what kind of fabric did you use on the Martha’s?

[@juliej6638]

@@AlexJudgeSews I used a cotton silk blend the first time and a gifted silk remnant for the second. It's an amazingly economical pattern. I still wear the second one but the first was too annoying and went to a charity shop.

[@joscott5729]

Hi Alex, I have just made the same Roxy shirt from style arc and also couldn’t work out the sleeve placket but luckily found a great easy tutorial including a pattern piece she includes to download that fits the shirt pattern perfectly. It’s from crafty Amy on you tube. Thought it maybe useful if you want to make it again. Jo

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ooh thanks, that sounds great I’ll have a look 😘❤️

[@shelleykearney4212]

Love the stretch fabric shirt. Have you tried it?

[@lisajones1036]

Love the pants that you’re wearing, which pattern is it? Cheers

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks, I reviewed them in the previous video they’re the Mountain View Jeans ❤️

[@deebuettner8017]

Try Ellie and Mac patterns.

[@christ3392]

Yes, I'd second this recommendation. They are very inclusive. They do tend to go for knit fabrics but they are very reasonably priced and the instructions are great.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Brilliant, I’ll check them out 👍🏻❤️

[@lorainemunro7969]

🐯

[@anessaharris9947]

😀