A raglan T-shirt is a timeless wardrobe staple that's comfortable, sporty, and easy to wear. Its distinctive sleeve construction offers excellent freedom of movement while giving the garment a clean, athletic look. It's also a great project for sewists who want to build confidence working with knit fabrics.
The Winslet's Luke Men's Raglan T-Shirt Sewing Pattern is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced sewists alike. Featuring a slim fit, classic crew neck, and long raglan sleeves, this very easy pattern includes detailed step-by-step instructions to help you achieve a professional finish.
Why Sew a Men's Raglan T-Shirt?
- Sew a comfortable everyday T-shirt with a timeless athletic style.
- Learn essential knit sewing techniques, including sewing raglan sleeves, finishing knit seams, and attaching a neckband.
- Create a slim-fitting garment that's ideal for layering or wearing on its own.
- Customize your T-shirt using a variety of stretch knit fabrics and colors.
- Complete a beginner-friendly project that's quick, practical, and rewarding.
Why Choose the Winslet's Luke Men's Raglan T-Shirt Sewing Pattern?
- Skill Level: Very Easy
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Major Design Features:
- Slim fit
- Crew neck
- Long raglan sleeves
- 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 50–70% stretch
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
- Coverstitch 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. If you don't have a coverstitch machine, use a twin needle to achieve a similar finish, 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 actual garment.
Fabric Recommendations
The sewing guide recommends light to medium-weight knit fabrics with 50–70% stretch, including:
- Jersey (cotton/spandex or poly/spandex)
- Athletic jersey
- Rib knit (with good recovery)
- Interlock
The sample garment shown in the sewing guide is made using 180 GSM single jersey (nylon elastane) fabric, which offers:
- Soft, smooth, and slightly stretchy feel
- Natural drape
- Lightweight, breathable, and crease-resistant properties
- 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 (cut mirrored)
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
- Seam allowance
- Neckline
- Armhole
- Front armhole notch
- Back armhole notch
- Shoulder notch
- Armhole level line
- Side seam
- Hem
Cutting Layout
Arrange your pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams 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 each 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 a marking pen, pencil, or chalk. 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 2.5 cm (1") at the hem.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Attach the Raglan Sleeves
1a. Place the Front (Pattern A) and one Sleeve (Pattern C) with their right sides facing each other. Match the front armhole notches.
1b. Sew along the armhole seam using an overlock stitch.
1c. Repeat Steps 1a and 1b for the second sleeve on the opposite side of the front armhole.
1d. Spread open the armhole seams, press them, and keep the garment with the right side facing up.
1e. Place the Back (Pattern B) over one sleeve with the right sides together. Match the back armhole notches, align the seam, and sew using an overlock stitch.
1f. Repeat Step 1e for the remaining back armhole.
2. Sew the Side Seams
Keep the bodice 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 using an overlock stitch.
3. Finish the Hems
Fold the bottom hem of the T-shirt toward the wrong side and press.
Coverstitch 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.
4. Prepare the Neckband
4a. Cut a rectangular neckband strip from the same knit fabric. Measure the neckline circumference and cut the neckband length to 85–90% of this measurement so it sits flat and hugs the neckline neatly. Cut the strip 4 cm wide, plus 1 cm seam allowance all around.
4b. Fold the neckband in half widthwise with the right sides together. Align the short edges and overlock them to create a closed loop.
4c. Fold the loop lengthwise with the wrong side inside so the right side faces out, creating a finished double-layer neckband ready to attach.
5. Attach the Neckband
5a. Place the open edge of the neckband onto the right side of the neckline, aligning the neckband seam with one of the back raglan seams. Evenly distribute the neckband around the neckline, pin in place, and overlock to attach it.
5b. Press the seam allowance toward the bodice. Topstitch along the neckline edge to secure the neckband 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 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 side inside and sew both short edges using an overlock stitch.
iv. Turn the strip right side out and press it flat to create the neck tape.
v. Place the prepared neckband over the right side of the bodice neckline.
vi. Position the neck tape on top of the neckband at the back neckline. Overlock all layers together.
vii. Press the neck tape downward to cover the seam allowance and topstitch along the seam allowance edge to hold everything securely in place.
Ready to Sew Your Own Men's Raglan T-Shirt?
A raglan T-shirt is a timeless everyday essential that combines comfort, mobility, and classic sporty styling. With the Winslet's Luke Men's Raglan T-Shirt Sewing Pattern, you'll learn valuable knit sewing techniques such as constructing raglan sleeves, sewing clean knit seams, attaching a neckband, and creating professional-looking hems.
Whether you're making a casual everyday T-shirt, a lightweight layering piece, or your first knit garment, this very easy pattern provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help you achieve excellent results. Download the pattern today and enjoy sewing a raglan T-shirt you'll wear for years to come.
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Share your finished Luke Men's 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.
