Kid's Raglan T-shirt Sewing Pattern 'Charlie'

I bought a sewing machine specifically to make clothes for my toddler. The Charlie raglan was the first thing I made — I chose it because it looked simple and the piece count is small. I used the A4 file, cut size 2–3 in a soft yellow cotton jersey. It took me most of a Saturday afternoon with several pauses to re-read the instructions. The raglan seams are more forgiving than I expected. The finished shirt isn’t perfect but my daughter has worn it three times this week. I’m already planning a second one. This pattern gave me confidence to keep going.

Children’s clothes get washed constantly and the construction needs to hold up. I’ve washed the Charlie shirts I’ve made at 40 degrees weekly for several months and the seams haven’t opened, the neckband hasn’t stretched, and the colours (I used prewashed organic jersey) have stayed true. I’m an intermediate sewer and the construction feels robust — the seam allowances are generous enough for repeated washing. Used the Letter file, sizes 4–5 and 6–7 for my two children. These have become the most-worn items in their wardrobes. Durable, comfortable, practical kids’ sewing.

My son is obsessed with football and wanted a shirt that looked like his team kit. The Charlie raglan with contrasting sleeve panels is exactly that aesthetic — I made it in his team’s colours (green body, white sleeves) and he was so excited when I presented it that he put it straight on and ran outside. I’m an intermediate sewer and used the A0 file. Cut size 7–8. The raglan seams are clean and the shirt moves well with him when he plays. I’ve since made a second pair for a friend’s son in different colours. Fast, satisfying, and clearly beloved by the recipient.

I’ve started making Charlie raglan t-shirts as a standard baby gift — I make them in sizes 18 months and 2–3 so the family has something that fits now and something to grow into. The small sizes are very quick to cut and sew — maybe forty-five minutes each once you know the pattern. I’m an intermediate sewer and use the Letter file. I make them in soft cotton jersey from a subscription fabric box. New parents have found them really practical because knit tees are easy to get over a baby’s head. A thoughtful, useful, quick handmade gift.

I have three children — ages 4, 7, and 9 — and I used the Charlie raglan to make them a coordinated set in matching colourblocked jerseys. Each child got the same colour arrangement (navy body, white sleeves) in sizes 4–5, 6–7, and 8–9. I’m an intermediate sewer and used the projector file for the smallest size and A4 for the others. All three fit very well and the children actually wore them without complaint, which is the real test. The pattern sizing is consistent across the range so the family-set effect came together easily. Sweet and practical.