Tools, Supplies and Measurements to Draft a Basic T-Shirt

Next up in our sew your own wardrobe series is the basic t-shirt. Over the next week, we'll draft and sew a t-shirt based on measurements and I'll also show you how to do it based off your favorite t-shirt. In between the t-shirt post, I'll share tips and techniques for working with knit fabrics. You won't need a serger to sew the t-shirt but I'll include instructions and videos for those that want to use one. In this post, I'm going to cover the tools supplies and measurements to draft a basic T-Shirt.

For those that prefer working with patterns, we will have a t-shirt pattern available in a few weeks that will include several neck styles and sleeve lengths. The instructions will include detailed diagrams and videos to help you sew it up with ease.

Supplies and Supplies

You'll find links to all of the items listed below in our online shop.

• Pattern drafting paper
• Drafting rulers
• Pencil with eraser
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or serger including needles for knit or stretch fabric
• Knit fabric
• Thread

Measurements

Before you take your measurements make sure you're wearing something close-fitting and a supportive bra. You may find the information in How to Take Accurate Body Measurements For Sewing helpful.

1. Half Neck __” + 1” divided by 2 = _________
2. Half shoulder + 1" divided by 2 = _________
Your shoulder points are easily located as the points that depress or crease when you lift your arms straight out.
3. Quarter bust + 1” divided by 4 = _________
4. Quarter Waist + 1" divided by 4 = ________
5. Quarter hip + 1” divided by 4 = ________
Take this measurement at the point you want your shirt to hit.
6. HSP (high shoulder point) to upper chest (around your armpits): HSP to upper chest  ________
7. HSP to True Waist ________
8. HSP to hip (or where you want the shirt to hit) _______
9. Bicep half + 1" divided by 2 = _______
10. Sleeve length ________
From shoulder point to where you want the sleeve to hit, OR for a long sleeve, from shoulder point to wrist
11. Underarm seam length ________
Measure from underarm to where you want your sleeve to hit, and MINUS 1” from that measurement.

Go ahead and get your measurements recorded, gather up your supplies, and make sure your fabric has been washed and dried. Next up we'll be drafting a t-shirt from your favorite t-shirt and then we'll draft one from measurements.