Beginner Friendly Button-up Shirt!

Koetiquemade
by Koetiquemade
3 Materials
$25
3 Hours
Medium

It’s sad to admit that I was in my 40’s before I sewed myself a button-up shirt. I used to really be intimidated by sewing button holes as well as sewing with woven fabric. Also, sleeve installation with woven fabrics was a little frustrating to say the least. Knit fabric is what I prefer, particularly Ponte Knit. However, the Melody Dolman by Love Notions seemed like a fun new pattern to try.


The Pattern

When I saw the release of the Melody Dolman by Love Notions Sewing Patterns a few years back I got really excited. It was a woven button front shirt, but it had cuffed Dolman sleeves rather than typical set in sleeves. I knew this was the shirt for me. So I purchased the pattern immediately. I had been gifted this Lady McElroy Butterfly Poplin fabric from Minerva.com and I knew it would be perfect for this project. I wrote more about it on a blog post for Minerva.com.


I even found the most darling butterfly buttons at Joann’s to go with it.


A Simple Collar

If you’re new to sewing button-down shirts, this is a great beginner pattern. The camp style collar looks clean on the inside and out, and bonus- it’s easy to do! The directions that come with all of Love Notions Patterns are so wonderfully put together and easy to understand. If there’s a part that might be confusing a video link is almost always included. Its so helpful! Probably 80% of my wardrobe is made from Love Notions Patterns.


Lots of Styling Options

My Palisade Pants that I posted previously went perfect with my new shirt. It also went really well with a brightly colored pencil skirt. I love that I can wear this shirt tucked or tied too. Just depending on my mood. There's so many styling options!

Customizing the Pattern!


I also got to thinking about other ways I could hack this pattern to customize it more. Here’s some cute ideas I found while scrolling through Instagram.

I really loved this look and immediately thought of ways to replicate it. I could use more drapey fabric, size up a bit and add a ruffle rather than a cuff to get a look similar to Courtney Shaw. Still haven't done it but it's on my short list.

Or do a more boxy fit to get a look similar to this shirt from Novalie Clothing. I loved this too!

Even extending the hem into a dress like Tessa Heiser would be another great idea.


I’m sure there are so many more options out there. All it took was sewing a button front shirt to get my mind moving.

You can use code KOE10 to get a discount on this pattern or any of Love Notions Patterns!

Happy Sewing!

Koe

Melody Dolman Features:


Meant for woven fabrics

Easy fitted button-down shirt

Shirttail hem that can be knotted at the waist

Construction Video

Full bust option

Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)


Skill Level: Confident Beginner

Suggested materials:
  • 2 yards woven fabric   (6-8 Buttons)
  • Fusible interfacing   (Scissors)
  • Thread

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Koetiquemade
Want more details about this and other fashion and style ideas? Check out more here!
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