Does sewing a shirt feel a bit… intimidating?
All those details – collars, cuffs, plackets, buttonholes – can make shirt-making seem like a big leap, even if you’ve already sewn a few garments. Maybe you’ve been eyeing up shirt patterns for a while, but aren’t sure where to start, or you’ve had a go before and found the results a bit hit-and-miss.
This workshop is here to change that.
Through a series of clear, carefully structured video lessons, bestselling sewing author and teacher Tilly Walnes will guide you step by step through sewing a classic shirt – breaking the process down into manageable, confidence-boosting stages, with plenty of practical tips for getting a professional-looking finish.
You’ll be supported all the way through making a timeless, relaxed-fit shirt using the Frida sewing pattern, while building a toolkit of transferable skills you can apply to many future sewing projects.
By the end of the workshop, you won’t just have a beautiful handmade shirt – you’ll feel more capable, knowledgeable and confident tackling more advanced garment sewing techniques.
What equipment do I need?
Computer / tablet / smart phone and an internet connection to stream the videos
Sewing machine and basic tools incl buttonhole foot (a full list is included in the workshop)
Fabric and supplies for your project - take a look at what you need
How long will this workshop take?
The workshop includes 13 video lessons, ranging from 4 to 60 minutes long. The course is self-paced, with no deadlines, so you can go as fast or slow as you like, and come back anytime you need a refresher.
How is this workshop different from your other shirt making class?
These two workshops focus on different styles and skill sets.
Learn to Sew a Classic Shirt (this workshop) focuses on:
- Making the Frida pattern, which has a relaxed, menswear‑inspired fit with dropped shoulders and a straight silhouette
- Details include a classic cuff and placket opening, box pleat, and curved patch pocket
- Fastenings lesson includes fixing dodgy buttonholes and attaching buttons with your sewing machine
- Pattern includes our full size range - UK 6-34 / US 2-30 / EUR 34-62 / AUS 6-34
- Optional printed pattern in addition to the PDF.
Sew a Fitted Shirt or Shirt Dress (formerly Learn to Sew a Shirt) focuses on:
- Making the Rosa shirt pattern, which has a more fitted silhouette, with princess seams, shaped back yoke, and eased-in sleeves, and can be made as a dress or shirt
- Details include practical tips for decorative topstitching, and rolled sleeves held up with tabs
- More limited size range (UK 6-20 / US 2-16), with no printed pattern available (PDF only).
This online workshop contains fully captioned video lessons, written tuition and downloadable resources.
