CRUSHING ON DONNY

We decided to do a deep dive into a sewing pattern that doesn’t need much of an introduction – the Donny Shirt. It’s reached iconic status in the sewing community and is a project that seems to be loved by all who make it.

Sitting in the top spot of our all-time most popular tops, Donny has many fans. The Friday Pattern Company Donny Shirt is a boxy pull-on top that is designed to be a workhorse in your wardrobe. This relaxed, dartless top has a lapel collar and patch pocket. 

Sizing: XS – 7X (approx. UK 6 – 34) and is drafted using sample measurements for a height of 5'6" (168 cm) and a B-cup bra size.

Format: Paper, or PDF with printed pattern sheets if you need them. The PDF pattern comes with layers and projector files, for those who like to know!

Sewing level: Intermediate (trickier skills include the burrito method which has a video tutorial to help you out).

The world is your oyster when it comes to fabric shopping for your Donny Shirt. Look out for light to medium-weight woven fabrics and think about what look you are going for.

You can go from one end of the spectrum to another, with denim fabric creating a more structured top and a drapier fabric like silk giving you a blousier look. If you aren't too sure, start in the middle with a cotton or linen fabric with some drape to get a bit of both worlds. That gives you plenty to play with!

The bestselling Donny Shirt has an add-on to sew it with long sleeves. Designed to fit perfectly onto your Donny pattern without any adjustments, the sleeve features a continuous bound placket and cuff with a single button.

Friday Pattern Company are really good at designing patterns that go together which gives you a taster of how you can style the Donny Shirt. Naturally, Donny's laid-back vibes. the go-to outfit is likely to be Donny with denim, jeans to be exact. But if you want to try a few other FPC patterns out, try one of these lovely combinations.

• Flanêur Pants
• Saguaro Pants (from the Saguaro Set)
• Saturday Skirt (from the Saturday Skirt Set)
• Eddy Cardigan Blazer

If you want to change things up after making Donny multiple times, there's a hack tutorial on the FPC blog walking you through the changes you'd need to make to sew a tie-up front Donny. 

Need a little more help with making your Donny Shirt? Friday Pattern Company have a great YouTube channel with sewalongs for their patterns, including Donny!

We spoke about this being a community favourite, and the Fold Line reviewers are singing Donny's praises. It's worth having a read of the reviewers before you add the Donny Shirt to your cart to see if it's the project for you - and spoiler alert - it most likely is!

Has that left you feeling ready to join the Donny gang? This unmissable pattern is waiting for you to discover it and spread the word like our reviewers have!