A polo shirt is a timeless wardrobe staple that combines the comfort of a T-shirt with the polished look of a collared shirt. Whether you're sewing one for casual weekends, golf outings, or smart-casual occasions, making your own polo shirt is a rewarding project that introduces techniques such as sewing a polo placket, attaching a collar, and working with knit fabrics.
The Winslet's John Polo Shirt Sewing Pattern is an excellent choice for sewists looking to create a classic men's polo shirt. Designed with a traditional polo collar, short sleeves, and a button placket, this easy-level pattern includes detailed instructions that guide you through every step of construction.
Why Sew a Men's Polo Shirt?
- Sew a classic wardrobe essential that works for casual, business-casual, and weekend wear.
- Learn useful knit garment techniques including sewing a polo placket and attaching a collar.
- Create a comfortable shirt with the neat appearance of a collared top.
- Customize your fabric and color choices to make a unique handmade garment.
- Build confidence sewing stretch fabrics while achieving a professional finish.
Why Choose the Winslet's John Men's Polo Shirt Pattern?
The Winslet's John Polo Shirt Sewing Pattern is designed to help sewists create a classic men's polo shirt with clean construction and timeless styling.
Skill Level: Easy
Design Features:
- Polo shirt
- Short sleeves
- Classic polo collar
- Front button placket
- Regular fit
Available Sizes: US 34 - US 54 | UK 34 - UK 54 | EU 44 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following before you begin sewing:
- Light to medium-weight knit fabric
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Fusible interfacing
- Buttons
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
- Flatlock machine (optional)
- Sewing needles
- Buttonhole presser foot
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Tape measure
- Chalk
- Pins
- Iron
Fabric Recommendations
The sewing guide recommends using light to medium-weight fabrics with 100% cotton composition and 3–10% stretch, including:
- Jersey
- Rib fabric
- Piqué
The sample garment shown in the sewing guide is made from 100% cotton piqué fabric (220 GSM) with 3–5% stretch, which is recommended because it is:
- Textured yet soft
- Structured with slight drape
- Breathable and absorbent
- Easy to sew
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. Collar — Cut 2 Fabric
- E. Cuff — Cut 2 Fabric
- F. Front Placket — Cut 2 Fabric
Prepared during sewing:
- i. Front Placket Ready — Cut 0
Pattern Marking
Before cutting your fabric, familiarize yourself with the markings included on the pattern pieces to ensure accurate alignment throughout construction.
The pattern includes markings for:
- Grainline
- Neckline
- Shoulder
- Armhole
- Armhole level line
- Side seam
- Hemline
- Center sleeve
- Center line (aligned with shoulder seam)
- Button/buttonhole marking
- Placket marking
- Placket top
- Placket bottom
- Side edge
- Collar top
- Collar notch
Transfer all markings carefully to the wrong side of the fabric before beginning construction.
Cutting Layout
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams provided in the sewing guide, ensuring every grainline runs parallel to the fabric selvage.
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.
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 before pinning them securely to the fabric. Ensure each grainline arrow runs parallel to the selvage.
If using fabric shears, trace the pattern pieces before cutting. Cut carefully, removing any pen, pencil, or chalk lines as you go, and remember to cut all notches since they help align the pieces accurately during construction.
Transfer all pattern markings—including circles, buttonholes, fold lines, and center front markings—to the wrong side of the fabric using chalk, a marking pencil, or a fabric marker.
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, 2.5 cm (1") at the hem and 2 cm (3/4") at the placket bottom.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Before you begin:
- It is recommended to use an overlock stitch and a flat stitch for the hem. Alternatively, you can use a zig-zag stitch for overlocking and a straight stitch for hemming.
- Pinning the pieces before sewing is always helpful.
- It is recommended to iron the pattern pieces after every step for a better sewing experience.
1. Attach the Front Placket
Tip: Serge the edges of the placket and use a fusible interfacing over the wrong side of the placket pieces.
1a. Fold each placket in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press. Repeat for the second placket.
1b. Open both folded plackets and place their right sides over the placket markings on the front piece. Position the plackets as shown in the guide and sew along the placket side seam aligned with the placket marking.
Repeat for the second placket.
1c. Trim the placket seam allowances to reduce bulk.
1d. Cut down the center of the placket marking, creating an inverted V-shape that reaches the corners of the placket opening.
1e. Turn both prepared plackets outward and press them flat. Shift the bottom placket to the wrong side and understitch along the edge to secure the plackets.
1f. Trim any excess length from the placket bottom if necessary.
1g. Using the center crease as a guide, fold each placket toward the wrong side. Fold the open seam allowance inward to fully enclose the raw edges and pin in place. Position the overlap placket (left side) over the underlap placket (right side), then sew along both placket side seams to secure the folded seam allowances.
1h. Align the bottoms of both plackets together, pin them in place, and sew along the placket bottom to secure them.
2. Attach the Shoulders
2a. Place the front and back pieces right sides together. Align the shoulder seams and pin.
2b. Sew along the shoulder seams using an overlock stitch.
3. Prepare the Collar
Alternative: You may use a ready-made polo collar instead of sewing one from the same fabric. If using a ready-made collar, skip the collar preparation steps and continue with collar attachment.
3a. Place the collar pieces right sides together.
3b. Sew along both collar side seams and the collar top.
3c. Clip the seam allowance and turn the collar right side out.
4. Attach the Collar
4a. Place the prepared collar onto the neckline of the shirt. Align the collar ends with the top of each placket and overlock the neckline.
4b. Measure the neckline and placket opening. Cut a bias strip to this length with a width four times the collar seam allowance, then fold it in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together.
4c. Place the open edge of the folded neck seam cover over the overlocked neckline seam allowance, aligning the edges.
4d. Overlock the neck seam cover and collar together, enclosing the raw edges.
4e. Fold the neck seam cover over the seam allowance. Sew along the inner edge close to the neckline using a lock stitch, ensuring the shirt body is not caught in the stitching.
4f. Sew along the outer edge of the neck seam cover, securing it close to the seam allowance and attaching it neatly to the shirt.
5. Attach the Sleeves
5a. Spread open the shoulder seams and press the shirt with the right side facing up. Place the sleeve onto the armhole with right sides together, matching the back notches. Pin around the armhole.
5b. Overlock to attach the sleeve.
5c. Repeat the same process for the opposite sleeve.
6. Sew the Side Seams
Align the front and back pieces with right sides together, matching the underarm seams where the sleeves meet the body. Pin the side seams, then overlock continuously from the sleeve hem down to the shirt hem.
7. Attach the Sleeve Cuffs
7a. Fold each cuff in half lengthwise with the right sides together. Sew the short ends to form a loop.
7b. Fold the cuff in half again with the wrong sides together so the raw edges align.
7c. Divide both the cuff and sleeve opening into four equal sections and mark them.
7d. Insert the cuff into the sleeve opening, aligning the raw edges and matching the quarter marks. Stretch the cuff evenly as needed while pinning.
7e. Overlock around the sleeve opening to attach the cuff securely.
Repeat the same process for the opposite sleeve.
8. Finish the Hem
Fold the bottom hem toward the wrong side by the hem allowance indicated on the pattern and press.
Fold the hem once more along the hemline to enclose the raw edge, then sew around the hem using a flat stitch. Alternatively, use a straight stitch if a flatlock machine is unavailable.
9. Sew the Buttonholes and Buttons
Using a buttonhole presser foot, sew the buttonholes at the marked positions on the overlap placket.
Sew the buttons onto the underlap placket, aligning each button with its corresponding buttonhole to ensure the placket closes neatly.
Ready to Sew Your Own Polo Shirt?
A polo shirt is a comfortable and versatile wardrobe staple that bridges the gap between a casual T-shirt and a smart collared shirt. With the Winslet's John Polo Shirt Sewing Pattern, you'll learn essential techniques such as sewing a polo placket, attaching a collar, setting in sleeves, and working confidently with knit fabrics.
Whether you're making your first polo shirt or adding another handmade essential to your wardrobe, this easy pattern provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help you achieve professional-looking results. Download the pattern today and enjoy sewing a classic polo shirt you'll wear for years to come.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Men's Shirt Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade shirts, polos, and wardrobe staples perfect for everyday wear, work, and casual occasions.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished John Polo Shirt on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
