A long sleeve T-shirt is a versatile wardrobe essential that's perfect for layering or wearing on its own throughout the year. Comfortable, practical, and easy to style, it's an ideal project for sewists who want to build confidence working with knit fabrics while creating a garment they'll wear again and again.
The Winslet's Maddy Men's Long Sleeves T-Shirt Sewing Pattern is a great choice for beginners and experienced sewists alike. Featuring a classic round neckline, long sleeves, and a comfortable everyday fit, this very easy pattern includes detailed step-by-step instructions to help you achieve a professional-looking finish.
Why Sew a Men's Long Sleeve T-Shirt?
- Sew a comfortable wardrobe staple that's ideal for layering and year-round wear.
- Learn essential knit sewing techniques, including attaching sleeves, finishing a crew neckline, and hemming knit garments.
- Create a lightweight, breathable long sleeve T-shirt for everyday outfits.
- Customize your T-shirt using your favorite knit fabrics and colors.
- Complete a quick and rewarding sewing project that's suitable for beginners.
Why Choose the Winslet's Maddy Men's Long Sleeves T-Shirt Sewing Pattern?
- Skill Level: Very Easy
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Major Design Features:
- Classic round neckline
- Long sleeves
- Comfortable everyday fit
- Available Sizes: US 34 - US 54 | UK 34 - UK 54 | EU 44 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following before you begin:
- Light to medium-weight knit fabric with 3–5% stretch
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
- Flatlock machine (optional)
- Sewing needles
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Tape measure
- Chalk
- Pins
- Iron
If you don't have a serger, use a zig-zag stitch with the presser foot setting lower than 1 and, if available, a walking foot. A twin needle can be used to achieve a flatlock effect, or alternatively use a narrow zig-zag stitch or a straight stitch with a looser thread setting. Always test your stitches on a fabric sample before sewing the final garment.
Fabric Recommendations
The sewing guide recommends light to medium-weight knit fabrics with 3–5% stretch, including:
- Jersey
- Rib fabric
- Fleece
- Terry
The sample garment shown in the sewing guide is made using 180 GSM single jersey fabric, which offers:
- A soft, smooth, and slightly stretchy feel
- Natural drape
- Lightweight, breathable, and crease-resistant properties
- Excellent comfort for everyday wear
- Easy sewing with a stretch needle
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:
- A. Front — Cut 1 Fabric
- B. Back — Cut 1 Fabric
- C. Sleeve — Cut 2 Fabric
- D. Neck Bind — Cut 1 Fabric
Pattern Marking
Before cutting your fabric, familiarize yourself with the markings shown on each pattern piece to ensure accurate assembly.
The pattern includes markings for:
- Grainline
- Neckline
- Shoulder
- Armhole
- Armhole level line
- Side seam
- Hemline
Cutting Layout
Arrange your pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams provided in the sewing guide before pinning them to the fabric.
The layouts are designed for both 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths and are intended for non-directional fabrics. If your fabric has a directional print or nap, purchase additional fabric to accommodate the layout.
Ensure every grainline arrow runs parallel to the fabric selvage. The illustrated cutting layouts use US Size 40 as the example.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams, ensuring each grainline arrow runs parallel to the selvage before pinning.
If using fabric shears, trace the pattern pieces before cutting. Carefully trim away any pen, pencil, or chalk lines, and remember to cut all notches that appear on the edges, as they help align the pieces accurately during construction.
Transfer all pattern markings—including circles, buttonholes, and fold lines—to the wrong side of the fabric using chalk, a marking pen, or a fabric pencil. Mark the center front of pieces cut on the fold to help align the garment accurately during sewing.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around and a 2.5 cm (1") seam allowance at the hem.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Attach the Shoulders
1a. Place the Front (Pattern A) and Back (Pattern B) pieces with their right sides facing each other. Align the shoulder seams and pin in place.
1b. Sew along the shoulder seams using an overlock stitch.
2. Attach the Sleeves
2a. Spread open the shoulder seams and press the bodice with the right side facing up. Place the Sleeve (Pattern C) onto the bodice with right sides together. To ensure correct placement, fold the sleeve in half matching the side seams and clip a center notch at the armhole crease. Match this center notch with the shoulder seam of the bodice, then pin the sleeve evenly along the armhole curve.
2b. Sew around the armhole using an overlock stitch to attach the sleeve.
2c. Repeat the same process to attach the second sleeve.
3. Sew the Side Seams
Turn the T-shirt wrong side out.
Align the side seams from the sleeve hem to the bottom hem of the bodice. Pin the seams together and sew both side seams in one continuous seam using an overlock stitch.
4. Finish the Hems
Fold the bottom hem of the T-shirt toward the wrong side and press.
Flatlock the hem from the right side so the neat double row of stitching is visible on the front.
Repeat the same process for both sleeve hems.
5. Prepare the Neck Bind
5a. Fold the Neck Bind (Pattern D) in half widthwise with the right side facing out. Align the short edges and overlock them together to form a loop.
5b. Fold the neck bind loop so the right side of the fabric remains facing out, creating a folded neckband ready for attachment.
6. Attach the Neck Bind
6a. Place the open edge of the prepared neck bind onto the right side of the T-shirt neckline, aligning the neck bind seam with one of the shoulder seams. Evenly distribute the neck bind around the neckline and pin it in place. Sew the neckline using an overlock stitch.
6b. Press the seam allowance toward the bodice. Topstitch along the edge of the neckline to secure the neck bind neatly in place.
Optional: Finish the Back Neckline with a Neck Tape
For an even cleaner, ready-to-wear finish, you can add a neck tape along the inside back neckline.
i. Measure the visible back neckline from shoulder to shoulder and add 3 cm to this measurement.
ii. Cut a bias strip 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 sew both short edges using an overlock stitch.
iv. Turn the strip right side out and press flat to create the neck tape.
v. Place the prepared neck bind (from Step 5) onto the right side of the bodice neckline.
vi. Position the neck tape over the back neckline on top of the neck binding so it will be visible from the inside of the finished garment. Overlock all layers together.
vii. Press the neck tape downward to cover the seam allowance and topstitch along its edge to hold everything securely in place.
Ready to Sew Your Own Men's Long Sleeve T-Shirt?
A classic long sleeve T-shirt is a versatile wardrobe essential that's comfortable enough for everyday wear and perfect for layering throughout the year. With the Winslet's Maddy Men's Long Sleeves T-Shirt Sewing Pattern, you'll learn essential knit sewing techniques such as attaching sleeves, finishing a crew neckline with a neck bind, and creating clean, professional hems.
Whether you're sewing your first knit garment or expanding your collection of handmade basics, this very easy pattern provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help you achieve professional-looking results. Download the pattern today and enjoy sewing a long sleeve T-shirt you'll wear season after season.
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Share your finished Maddy Men's Long Sleeves T-Shirt on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
