button up shirts Archives

We all have those patterns (or garments) that we’re just really comfortable with. Sometimes they may be practical, sometimes not, but that’s why I made another shirt with McCall’s 6613. It’s a relatively easy pattern to make and straightforward.

The Fabric

I went on my last JoAnn Fabrics trip a couple of weeks ago. I figured I should go before they closed for good. I bought this floral print quilting cotton for making a shirt. If you’ve never used quilting fabric for projects like this, I highly recommend. I have done this for years and these turn out to be some of my favorite garments.

The buttons are little flowers that I thought would be cute with the floral fabric.

This is an easy care cotton blend that washes and dries great. And so far at least, there is no fading of the color. For those looking for online resources for fabric, I have often purchased from Fabric Wholesale Direct and really enjoy the quality fabrics they have.

The Process

One thing I always like to do is a “fit check” before I complete whatever I’m making.

Woman wearing shirt with one sleeve McCall's 6613 — *Me doing a fit check before completion*

Doing this helps me to see if I’ve messed up anywhere along the way. I can also tell if any last minute adjustments need to be made. Taking pictures during this process is also helpful, even if they are only for me. It’s much easier to see those angles that aren’t as visible when you’re just looking in a mirror. Checking to make sure that both left and right sides are even is also often easier in a photo. Yes, I do have a dress form that helps tremendously, but there is something different about actually seeing the garment on an actual person.

The Shirt

woman wearing McCall's 6613 short sleeve shirt

Now you can see why I made another shirt with McCall’s 6613. It’s hard to believe that I’ve never used this pattern to make a spring/summer shirt.

Woman wearing McCall's 6613 short sleeve shirt back view

The pattern is a unisex pattern, so sometimes, these types of patterns run a bit larger than those designed specifically for women.

Woman seated wearing M6613 shirt pattern

I believe there’s a version with a straight hem rather than the shirttail hem in this view. But that is it! Another finished garment that I can add to my wardrobe. As I’ve stated before, I’m really focused on being more intentional with the things I make. I want garments that can go with other garments in my wardrobe.

Here is a link for Seamwork, an online sewing magazine/forum that has Design Your Wardrobe classes usually twice a year. There is a lot of helpful information that you may be interested in as well.

*This post may contain some affiliate links. If you purchase through these links I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

The Pattern

Because I wanted something that would fit me well, I chose Simplicity 1538. This is a pattern I’ve used before. It’s a fairly straightforward shirt pattern. I did want to use this pattern rather than McCall’s 6613 that I have used recently.

I like the fit of this particular pattern because it is not a blousy. Because this pattern is designed for women, there are darts on the front which, of course, give it better shaping.

Simplicity 1538

Plaid Matching Gone Awry

So, I did attempt to match the plaid on the front in particular. When laying out the fabric and pattern, I started with the back. Since this is the largest single piece, I thought it would be easiest to start here. I had already traced the back patten piece so that I had two pieces that could be put on the fabric (fabric right side up). Then I moved on the the back yoke. I think I my main issue is that I intended to cut out the front placket on the bias. I completely forgot to do this, and therefore, it is as it is. Oh well. It will most certainly be worn by me.

The Result

Sewing a button up shirt with Simplicity 1538 or another pattern is a fairly easy process. It’s easier, of course, if you aren’t using plaid or a pattern that you want to match up.

As far as the buttons are concerned, I used some flat silver buttons that I had in my button stash. They go very well with the gray of the shirt.

When applying buttons, I start with the button at the bust, that way I can more easily avoid gapping there. Then I measure the distance for the others so that they are spaced evenly (for the most part).

If you’d like to see my YouTube video about this process, you can watch this:

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Tag: button up shirts

I Made Another Shirt With McCall’s 6613