Typical me, start with the most challenging fabric for a beginner, but I have really enjoyed making this as part of the shirt making course. Easy instructions to follow and with the video I could rewind as often as I required. Now onto the unisex shirt
Thank you so much for the free pattern. I have so enjoyed making these up this morning using some Christmas fabric. They were really clear instructions and a super easy relaxing sew and I’ve come back on site to see what other patterns there are by the same designer
I've just made three of these for the [adult] kids, who are all nearly 6 foot and want long dressing gowns, so I used the long version and lengthened by 20 cm. For some reason the back piece ends up longer than the front pieces. I found the pattern description of how to fit the collar wasn't clear but I googled other patterns and fixed it - it was how I would have guessed but not very clearly shown. I learned that my sewing machine really struggles with the multiple layers of cotton towelling - especially with interfacing - I broke more needles than I have ever done in my life; it worked much better with the bamboo towelling that my son chose compared with the cotton that the girls chose. Oddly they seem to think you don't need a loop to hang them with, but as these are heavy (thick fabric, extra long), I reinforced a section below the back of the neck with a further double layer of towelling and fitted a chain on the outside to hang them without the metal touching your skin. They were successful - I made them for Christmas but they've already been snaffled - but my children learned how extensive my swearing vocabulary can be.
This was my first attempt at shirring and the advice was really good, I'm delighted with how it turned out. I made size 20 and i was very worried that it would be too tight around the waist - something you really wouldn't be able to tell until very late in the make. However, it fits great, it is very true to size. I made it in navy suiting so it would do for work (with a top underneath). As the previous reviewer said, it stays up well, due to the tie at the back. The pattern instructions were good and it came together well.
I made a beautiful pair of these with a caramel coloured corduroy that I wore non-stop travelling in Autumn. They are comfy, stylish, and I got loads of compliments. I played with the direction of the wale on the corduroy on the side panels. Second pair in a striped yarn dyed cotton that I bought many years ago and they work just as well in a lighter fabric. I'm an advanced beginner, so stitch in the ditch was a new technique for me and really hard on my first go, so if you're using 40mm elastic, add an extra cm to the waistband as the elastic is super snug. They are also a little cropped, so add some lenghth if you're above 170cm tall.
I really like how the top turned out, it looks exactly like the pictures. It’s for sure not a beginner pattern, and benefits from some slow and steady sewing. The placket - yes it’s tricky, but doable with a bit of online help. As others have said, would be great if m&m made some tutorials. A couple of tips - if your fabric is too stiff you’ll end up with the front and back sticking out quite far from the body on an angle - think maternity silhouette. You’ll need a bit of drape. Second, the arms on m&m patterns seem to run rather narrow. Perhaps to balance out the oversized fit on the body for some styles. I’m a size 10 UK and my arms aren’t particularly large so they mostly fit, but are certainly quite snug, including on the Ellsworth. I widened them a little around the elbow.
Really loved this pattern. As a fairly un-confident beginner who had never sewn anything with a zipper before this project, I was doubtful that I would be able to finish it. But the pattern is very clear and detailed and I found myself able to actually do it! The finished product looks very professional and I can’t wait to make many more!
This is my T&T t shirt pattern. Just the right amount of ease, hangs well and looks great with a variety of jersey weights.
I chose to make this out of faux fur which was probably a mistake cos I didn't realise how slippy the material would be so it meant a lot more pins than I'd normally use! The instructions were very clear apart from when you sandwich the zip between the lining and facing as it didn't say repeat on the other side - which I know is very obvious but couldn't work it out at first. Also I personally like a lining that's not flapping around so I sewed in the dip on the bottom of the bag to secure the lining to the facing. The bag is a great roomy size and plenty big enough for a weekend away. I will definitely be making more (but not with faux fur.....)
Just waiting to be hemmed! I made these from French Terry in a medium size.
The download from the Foldline includes a useful guide to which iterations of the pattern require seam allowances to be added. Seam allowances are included in the Foldline printout. The guide also specifies that they are 1cm. The pattern instructions did not include that information.
I like trousers to reach my waist. The rise was short. I added 5cm in the back and 3cm at the front, remembering to include the waistband and back yoke in the calculation.
It was an interesting make with the tucks in the side panels requiring careful measurement. The all elasticated waistband is easy.
I would only add that it is best to finish the straight pocket edges before sewing them on. I know it isn't actually necessary to finish jersey but it did stop the edges rolling up.
I feel very trendy.
For years I’ve been loving the Lucy and Yak style trousers and whilst I own a few pairs I am a sewist at heart and where is the fun if you can’t recreate the look yourself.
I have contemplated drafting my own over the years, but then this pattern came along and it is such a good dupe!
So far I have made myself 3 pairs and I’ve also made 2 pairs of the shorts version for my friend.
The instructions are great and the fit is perfect. I love the fitted front, elastic back view, it’s truly the best of both worlds. I have made a pair in linen, viscose linen and cotton and all the fabrics worked perfectly.
I also like that you can do just the elastic waist if you want so it’s adaptable for a range of skill sets.
I can’t recommend this pattern more, even if you’re a beginner wanting to get into sewing. I really hate sewing zips, any zips but the instructions for this were really clear and made it a painless experience. They are my go to trouser pattern when the season gets a little chillier.
Bought this to make a dress for Christmas. The pattern is easy to follow and quick to make. I did the sleeveless version and am happy with my toile and final product. I found the pattern easy to shorten and adjust based on the fabric I used as it had less drape.
I found the right/left labelling of the pattern very confusing. The pattern pieces are labelled as you look at them, rather than as how you wear them.
Like other reviewers, I found the Sidney Sweatshirt to be very oversized. I usually make a 10 in Merchant and Mills patterns, but after reading feedback from other makers, I decided to make a size 6. The sweatshirt is still very oversized and roomy. I made my version in a sweatshirting fabric and matching ribbing as I was intending to make a nice loungewear top for the weekends. I'm happy with the result. I shortened the body by 4 inches and the sleeves by 2 inches and I have a cosy, finger skimming length on the sleeves. The instructions are clear and it is really a very easy, speedy make. I have given 3 stars as I would say there are probably better sweatshirt patterns available that have a similar overall look but a more sensible sizing/ease allowance. I do love Merchant and Mills and I have made loads of their patterns before, but they are probably just not the go-to pattern designer for this type of garment - they are our people for beautiful shirts, dresses and outerwear. I'm happy with my make and also excited to try a few other sweatshirt patterns in the future.
I made this in sweatshirt material from Pound fabrics. I made a size M and used most of a two metre piece. Pound fabrics didn't have the matching rib so I cut self fabric which worked about fine. One is instructed to gather the cuffs in any case.
It is said that this can be made on an overlocker but there is also quite a lot of top stitching detail. I couldn't see how to achieve that on an overlooked seam, even on its widest 7mm setting so I worked on my sewing machine with a zigzag stitch, using the same thread and zigzag for the top stitching so as not to impede the stretch.
It's an involved make with three back and three front pieces plus extra strips from neck to wrist. There's an ingenious method of making the through pouch. It's vital to mark the corners exactly and to leave long ends on the top stitching here.
The garment does end up with five layers at the bottom of the pocket and, as the top of it is only secured at the corners, I fear it may sag.
This is a nice garment made with sweatshirt fabric from Pound Fabrics. I got a women's medium out of one meter of wide fabric and took about four hours from start to finish.
The seam allowance is 1/4" so intended for an overlocker which I used. I wonder about the instruction to top stitch some seams. Even on its widest stitch setting, the overlocker doesn't leave much to top stitch. I went round some seams with a double jersey needle.
The instructions were to use ribbing for the collar, cuffs and waistband. Pound fabrics had run out and it was impossible to find a match elsewhere. I cut self fabric which stretched enough at the collar and waist. On the cuffs, I resorted to gathering the bottom of the sleeves, over locking. and carefully unpicking the gathering stitch. That was fine and my hands still fit through.
I used a paper pattern. The printed pattern pieces contained an instruction to cut one sleeve. The instruction booklet was clearly illustrated but riddled with typos. I think this is an Australian company but I understand they speak English there. The booklet is not very long and if they had read aloud they would have probably noticed 'shouders' on the outside of the booklet and various other mistakes inside it.
I'm relieved to know, from the cover of the packet that the garment has an 'authentic sweatshirt vibe' and a 'laid back vibe'.
I would describe it as 'a relaxing, authentic sweatshirt'.
Perhaps they might take me on as a copy writer.
A fairly straightforward looking pattern. Not quite decided which fabric to use.
One of my favourite ever patterns and no. 1 for shirt patterns featuring a boxy shape, square shaped short sleeves that are actually elbow length. A very versatile pattern that suits a multitude of fabrics and looks. I have made it up in polyester mix and linen wovens as well as jersey versions to wear all through the spring and summer months.
