Use double-sided checked fabric and coordinating linen to create Louise Nichol’s casual shirt for boys. With sizes for three age range, this handsome design features a cute patch pocket and press stud fastenings, so it’s easy to wear but will look super cool.
Stitch a boy’s shirt
To create the back pattern, draw a rectangle onto dressmaking paper measuring 48cm x 55cm for age 9-10 (42cm x 52cm, age 7-8; 36cm x 49cm, age 5-6). Measure 4cm in from both top corners either side and 24cm for age 9-10 (21cm, age 7-8; 18cm, age 5-6,) down. Draw lines to join the top and bottom points. This will be the armholes.
To shape the shoulders, measure in 14.5cm for age 9-10 (13.5cm, age 7-8; 11.5cm, age 5-6) from both top corners and 3cm down. Draw lines to join these points. Draw a slight curve in the centre and cut to form the neck hole. Cut these shapes out. You should now have a measurement of 16cm for age 9-10 (15cm, age 7-8; 14cm, age 5-6) across the top.
For the front pattern, draw another rectangle onto dressmaking paper measuring 27cm x 55cm for age 9-10 (23cm x 52cm, age 7-8; 21cm x 49cm, age 5-6). On one side measure and cut the armhole and shoulder shapes as described in steps 1 and 2. Then measure 7cm for age 9-10 (6cm, age 7-8; 5cm, age 5-6) down the inside edge and draw a curve for the neck from here to the highest point of the shoulder slope. Cut out.
Use your patterns to cut out one back and two front pieces from checked fabric, reversing the pattern for one of the front pieces. With right sides together, pin the shoulders and machine stitch. Press the seams open.
For the sleeves, draw a rectangle onto dressmaking paper measuring 22cm x 40cm for age 9-10 (21cm x 36cm, age 7-8; 20cm x 32cm, age 5-6). Measure into the centre point along the top edge, make a mark then measure down 8cm on both sides. Draw lines down from the centre point to each of the 8cm points. Measure in 2cm from both of the bottom corners and draw a line f