The Essential Toddler T-Shirt Pattern & Free Video Tutorial

Materials Needed

• 1 yard of Organic Cotton Knit (you could also use Cotton Spandex Jersey, Modern Jersey or Sport Piqué)
• Free digital pattern (available in sizes 2T-5T, seam allowances included in the pattern and specified with each corresponding step below)
• Fabric scissors or rotary blade
• Sewing machine (optional: Serger)
• Measuring tape
• Fabric pen

Step 1. Cut pattern pieces for your preferred size

Fold your fabric in half, matching up the two selvage edges. Trace the front and back shirt pieces on the fold and cut them out. Cut out two sleeves and one neck band on the fold from the rest of the fabric sleeves and armband pattern pieces. Pro tip: Neckband option 1 is for a jersey knit or ribbing. Neckband option 2 is suitable for knits with a little less stretch like Organic Cotton Knit.

Step 2. Pin the shirt front and back pieces

Pin the shirt front and back pieces at the shoulder seams with right sides facing. Since we're sewing with a knit fabric, you'll want to use a zigzag stitch and ballpoint needle throughout. Sew the shoulder seams together using a 5/8" seam allowance. Press the seams open.

Step 3. Prepare the sleeves

Fold the flat edge of the sleeve in about 1/4" and again another 1/4". Stitch to hem.

Step 4. Match the top center of the sleeve curve to the shoulder seam

Pin the sleeves to the shirt armholes with right sides facing. Stitch together using 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 5. Sew the side seams

Sew the side seams by pinning the shirt front and back pieces together with right sides facing all the way up through the sleeve openings. Then sew from the sleeve opening to the bottom of the shirt at 5/8" seam allowance. Press the seams open.

Step 6. Prepare the neckband

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew the raw edge with a 5/8" seam allowance.

Sew the neckband to the right side of the fabric with a 1/4" seam allowance by starting in the center back and slightly stretching the neckband to fit into the T-shirt. There should be a perfect amount of stretch in between each pin. Pro Tip: Topstitch just below the neckband for a more finished look.

Step 7. Hem the bottom of the shirt

Hem the bottom of the shirt by folding the unfinished edge in about 1/4" and again another 1/4". Top stitch around the edge. And you're done! Don't forget to sew up a coordinating pair of toddler leggings so you can gift an adorable outfit to an adorable baby.