Part Two of Sewing Curriculum: Sleeves and Collars.

In my previous post I listed the patterns you ought to try (in order) if you’re a new sewer. If you missed it, check it out here.

My goal for these posts is to create a list of patterns to sew that gradually build sewing skills while increasing confidence through repetition. A sewing curriculum of sorts.

I’ll be including learning objectives for each pattern beneath the options. I’m a former teacher. I’m all about some learning objectives. I’ll also be linking up all the patterns to various shops. Hopefully that will introduce you to the different sewing shops in the United States/on the Internet.

Speaking of fabric shops, let’s talk fabric. In the beginner list I suggested using a 100% cotton broadcloth or a polyester/cotton blend broadcloth. The patterns listed below could all be made in different types of fabric, so I will include a suggested fabric with each item. I will list them in italicized writing.

Intermediate Sewing Pattern List:

1. A pair of shorts or pants with a waistband.
   • Children’s Corner Patterns Robert
   • Creations by Michie Shirts, Pants and Suspenders #144
     • Practice adding a different type of waist band.
       • Use a “bottom weight” fabric. These include twill, pique, corduroy, and other thicker fabrics. Examples are linked.
     • Learn to use an interfacing.
       • Use an interfacing at the waistband. This is my favorite.
2. An outfit with a piped collar but no placket.
   • Children’s Corner Patterns Becky
   • Children’s Corner Patterns Aprons sleeveless (unless you’re feeling ready for sleeves, if so then go for it!)
   • Sewing for a Boy? Try Creations by Michie Diaper Shirt Set #109, sleeveless view at this point.
     • Create a collar
     • Add piping to a collar and outfit.
     • Learn to attach a collar in two ways. Becky is lined and will allow for a sandwiched collar. Aprons are unlined and will require the use of a bias band.
       • Use thicker cotton broadcloths , seersucker, gingham, shirting (like green and blue plaid on the main image above), or thinner cotton satin batiste, plisse, or lawns for these. Typically, if making something for everyday wear, I prefer the thicker broadcloth, gingham or seersucker. If making a dressier outfit, I’ll choose the thinner fabric.
     • Continue work on interfacing.
       • Use an interfacing on the front layer of the collar. This is my favorite.
3. An outfit with a collar, yoke, possible flutter sleeves and a placket.
   • Children’s Corner Patterns Harper with collar and possible flutter sleeve. Sewing for Boy? This one’s for you.
   • Bonnie Blue Jane Ellen, sleeveless view
   • Bonnie Blue Milly, sleeveless, collared view
   • Children’s Corner Louise 
     • Continue practice on adding a collar and work on continuous bound placket, see my instagram stories for a quick tutorial.
       • Use thicker cotton broadcloths , seersucker, gingham, or thinner cotton satin batiste, plisse, or lawns for these. Typically, I prefer thinner fabrics for tops and thicker fabrics for bottoms. If making a one piece outfit I usually choose a thicker fabric unless it is for a dressy occasion.
4.  An outfit with a collar, yoke, placket, and sleeves.
   • Creations by Michie 131
   • Children’s Corner Patterns Victoria
   • Children’s Corner Patterns Lee 
   • Sewing for a Boy? Try Creations by Michie 129 or
   • Children’s Corner Pattern’s Johnny with shirt
     • add a piped collar
     • make and add sleeves by easing them in (boy) or by creating a puff sleeve (girl).
     • continue work on plackets
       • Use thicker cotton broadcloths , seersucker, gingham, or thinner cotton satin batiste, plisse, or lawns for these. Typically, I prefer thinner fabrics for tops and thicker fabrics for bottoms. If making a one piece outfit I usually choose a thicker fabric unless it is for a dressy occasion.

Once you’ve mastered these you are ready to take on any challenge! The basic parts of any pattern have been included in all of this post and the previous post’s lists. I suggest trying to do one from each category several times to master each objective. Please know that there are TONS of patterns that meet the objectives listed above, these are just some of my favorites. Also, a lot of these patterns can be used to meet multiple objectives and can be used at multiple levels. Make sure to choose the view that is appropriate for your objective.

If you are curious about a pattern and its appropriateness for your level of sewing, shoot me a message, I’ll be happy to help.

Stay tuned for next week’s post on patterns to try next. They will incorporate all of the objectives learned above and seek to challenge your sewing prowess. Happy Sewing!