A raglan T-shirt is one of the most comfortable and versatile garments you can sew for kids. Its distinctive sleeve construction provides extra freedom of movement, making it perfect for everyday play, while the simple design makes it a quick and enjoyable project for sewists of all skill levels.
The Winslet's Charlie Kids Raglan T-shirt Sewing Pattern is a beginner-friendly pattern that includes both short and long sleeve options, allowing you to create a comfortable wardrobe staple for every season. With detailed step-by-step instructions and a relaxed fit, it's an excellent project for building confidence when sewing knit fabrics.
Why Sew a Kid's Raglan T-Shirt?
- Sew a timeless everyday essential that children can wear throughout the year.
- Choose between short sleeve and long sleeve versions for different seasons.
- The relaxed fit allows plenty of comfort and freedom of movement.
- Raglan sleeves provide a sporty look while making the garment comfortable to wear.
- Knit fabrics make the T-shirt soft, breathable, and ideal for active kids.
- It's a quick project that's perfect for beginner sewists looking to practice sewing with stretch fabrics.
Why Choose the Winslet's Charlie Kids Raglan T-shirt Sewing Pattern?
- Skill Level: Very Easy
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Design Features:
- Relaxed-fit raglan T-shirt
- Choice of short sleeves or long sleeves
- Classic crew neckline finished with a neck band
- Designed specifically for knit fabrics
- Available Sizes: New Borns to 10 Year Olds
Supplies & Notions
You'll need the following supplies:
- Main fabric
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Ballpoint or stretch sewing machine needles
- Sewing machine
- Serger (or use a zigzag stitch as an alternative)
- Coverstitch machine (or twin needle/zigzag stitch alternative)
- Tape measure
- Fabric shears
- Pins
- Chalk or fabric marker
- Thread cutter
- Iron
Fabric Recommendations
The sewing guide recommends using light to medium-weight knitted fabrics with 30–50% stretch for the best fit and comfort, including:
- Rib knit
- Jersey
- Interlock
- French terry
- Lightweight sweatshirt fleece
- Wool knits
The sample garment shown in the guide is sewn in jersey fabric, chosen because it offers:
- Soft drape
- Smooth, wrinkle-resistant texture
- Breathability and comfort
- Easy sewing with ballpoint needles
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Prepare the following pattern pieces:
- Pattern A — Front — Cut 1 fabric
- Pattern B — Back — Cut 1 fabric
- Pattern C¹ — Short Sleeve — Cut 2 fabric (short sleeve version)
- Pattern C² — Long Sleeve — Cut 2 fabric (long sleeve version)
- Pattern D — Neck Bind — Cut 1 fabric
The pattern includes two variations:
- Short Sleeve T-shirt (Patterns A, B, C¹ and D)
- Long Sleeve T-shirt (Patterns A, B, C² and D)
Pattern Marking
The pattern pieces include clearly marked:
- Grainlines
- Neckline
- Armholes
- Raglan shoulder seams
- Side seams
- Hems
- Sleeve hem center notch
- Seam allowances
These markings help align the pieces accurately throughout construction.
Cutting Layout
Follow the cutting layout diagrams provided for both 45-inch and 60-inch wide fabric.
The guide recommends:
- Positioning every pattern piece with the grainline parallel to the selvage.
- Pinning pattern pieces before cutting for greater accuracy.
- Using the layouts as non-directional layouts.
- Purchasing extra fabric if using directional prints or fabrics with nap.
The illustrated layouts use the Age 2Y size as the example.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Before cutting:
- Prewash the fabric to prevent shrinkage.
- Press the fabric to remove wrinkles.
Lay out your pattern pieces:
- Arrange them according to the cutting layout diagrams.
- Ensure every grainline runs parallel to the fabric selvage.
Cut the fabric:
- Trace the pattern pieces if using fabric shears.
- Cut accurately around each piece.
- Cut all notches, as they help align the garment during sewing.
Transfer pattern markings:
- Transfer all required markings to the wrong side of the fabric using chalk or a fabric marker.
- Mark the center front on pieces cut on the fold to assist with assembly.
Seam Allowance
Use the seam allowances marked on each pattern piece. These are precisely included to ensure proper fit.
This pattern uses:
- 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around
- 0.8 cm (1/4") at the neckline
- 1.3 cm (1/2") at the bottom hem
- 1.6 cm (5/8") at the sleeve hem on both sleeve pieces (C¹ and C²)
- 0.6 cm (1/4") all around the neck bind
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Attach the Raglan Sleeves
1a. Place the Front (Pattern A) and one Sleeve (Pattern C¹ or C²) with their right sides together. Match the raglan seam and pin in place.
1b. Overlock the raglan seam.
1c. Repeat the process to attach the second sleeve to the opposite front raglan seam.
1d. Place the Back (Pattern B) with the attached sleeves right sides together. Match the remaining raglan seams and overlock them to complete the neckline opening.
2. Sew the Side Seams
Turn the garment wrong side out.
Align the side seams, starting from the sleeve hem and continuing to the bottom hem of the T-shirt. Pin both sides and overlock the seams in one continuous stitch.
3. Finish the Hems
Fold the bottom hem toward the wrong side along the hem allowance and press.
Coverstitch the hem from the right side to create a professional double row of stitching.
Repeat the same process for both sleeve hems, whether you are sewing the short sleeve or long sleeve version.
4. Prepare the Neck Bind
4a. Fold the Neck Bind (Pattern D) in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press.
4b. Join the short ends using an overlock stitch to create a continuous neck band.
4c. Fold the neck band again with the wrong sides together so the raw edges are aligned and the right side faces outward.
5. Attach the Neck Bind
5a. Place the raw edges of the neck band against the right side of the neckline. Match the neck band seam to one raglan seam and evenly distribute the neck band around the neckline while gently stretching it to fit. Pin in place.
5b. Overlock the neck band to the neckline.
5c. Press the seam allowance toward the bodice and topstitch close to the neckline seam to secure the neck band neatly in place.
Optional: Finish the Back Neckline with a Seam Cover
For a cleaner ready-to-wear finish, you can cover the neckline seam with a seam cover strip.
i. Measure the visible back neckline from shoulder to shoulder and add 3 cm.
ii. Cut a rectangular strip on the bias using this length and a width equal to four times the seam allowance.
iii. Fold the strip in half widthwise with the right sides together and overlock the short ends.
iv. Turn the strip right side out and press.
v. Position the prepared neck band on the neckline as described in Step 5.
vi. Place the seam cover over the back neckline seam so it covers the seam allowance. Overlock all layers together.
vii. Press the seam cover downward and topstitch along its edge to secure it neatly in place.
Ready to Sew Your Own Kid's Raglan T-Shirt?
A raglan T-shirt is a practical everyday staple that's comfortable, versatile, and designed to keep up with active kids. With the Winslet's Charlie Kids Raglan T-shirt Sewing Pattern, you'll learn essential knit sewing techniques such as sewing raglan sleeves, attaching a neck band, and creating clean, professional hems. With both short sleeve and long sleeve options included, you can sew a T-shirt that's perfect for every season.
Whether you're making a lightweight tee for warm weather or a cozy long sleeve version for cooler days, this very easy pattern provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help you achieve a polished handmade finish. Download the pattern today and create a comfortable wardrobe essential your child will love to wear.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Kids' Sewing Pattern Collection for more comfortable handmade tops, sweatshirts, hoodies, dresses, and everyday essentials designed for babies, toddlers, and kids.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Charlie Kids Raglan T-shirt on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
