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Buy the Somerset T-shirt sewing pattern from Maven Patterns. This slim-fitting tee with a bateau neckline will soon become a wardrobe staple. Effortlessly stylish and a useful foundation piece for any capsule wardrobe, Somerset works well with jeans or a skirt, and will also happily take you into the evening with those dramatic bishop sleeves. Somerset has four sleeve options: Version A has a 3/4 sleeve, Version B has a long sleeve, Version C has a 3/4 bishop sleeve with a short cuff, and Version D has a full length bishop sleeve with a deep cuff.
This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following format:
– PAPER (next working day dispatch on orders and FREE UK delivery over £50)
Suggested fabrics: Light to medium weight knit fabric with a minimum of 5% elastane (Lycra/spandex). Your fabric should have at least 40% stretch across the width and good recovery.
Fabric requirements: 150 cm (60") wide fabric: Version A, 1.35 m (1 1/2 yd) // Version B, 1.45 m (1 5/8 yd) // Version C, 1.3 m (1 1/2 yd) // Version D, 1.3 m (1 1/2 yd).
Repeating patterns, one-way directional prints, check or stripe matching may take more fabric. For Versions A and B, you can save fabric by cutting two shirts at the same time.
Sizing: UK 8 – 20 (approx. UK 8 – 18/20, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements.
Notions: Tricot interfacing (lightweight stretch fusible interfacing), 9 cm x 5 cm (4" x 2"); shirring elastic (Versions C and D only); ballpoint or stretch machine needle; ballpoint or stretch twin needle; walking foot (optional).
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I’d never sewn with stretch fabric before and this was a great pattern to start with because Mavern patterns are always so well drafted and explained. Twin needles and shirring were also new to me, but were clearly explained.
I’ve made two of these now, with different sleeves (standard and fuller - the latter are particularly fab). The two issues I’d flag are:
I’m a 12 but the 12 was very (too!) snug around my bust. I added 0.5 of a cm from the waist to the armhole in my second attempt and that was perfect. If I’d not cut the patten out I’d have graded between the 14 and 12. If you are worried about this I’d definitely cut out for the larger size and adjust down!
A previous review mentioned the gapping at the back of the neck - like it’s just too wide. I get this too. It’s not a deal breaker but I would like to work out how to prevent it because otherwise this is a perfect shirt for me.
I had intended to draft my own bishop sleeve pattern from one of my existing patterns but when I saw this I knew it would be quicker and much less hassle.
I made size according to my measurements and although it looked like it was going to be too tight under the arms, it wasn’t.
It’s well drafted with attention to detail – for example marking the neckline so your topstitching lines up. Gives it a professional look. Nice.
It’s exactly what I wanted: a posh t shirt I can wear for work .
I had intended to draft my own bishop sleeve pattern from one of my existing patterns but when I saw this I knew it would be quicker and much less hassle.
I made size according to my measurements and although it looked like it was going to be too tight under the arms, it wasn’t.
It’s well drafted with attention to detail – for example marking the neckline so your topstitching lines up. Gives it a professional look. Nice.
It’s exactly what I wanted: a posh t shirt I can wear for work .
I have made three Somerset t-shirts now and I love them. The bishop's sleeve is dramatic without being ridiculous, and the bodice is a great slim fit which balances out the sleeve beautifully. This is going to be a contentious opinion, but I think a lot of people would go for a Billie sweatshirt from Tilly & the Buttons if they wanted big statement sleeves but I am here to tell you that the Somerset is the better garment in my opinion. I find the Billie sleeves are too big and look "costume-y" but not the Somerset. Somehow the Somerset is more sophisticated.
One of the Somersets I made with the straight sleeve, and that is a perfectly practical garment, but honestly I shall be sticking with the bishops sleeves next time as they are superb.
https://sewminigems.wordpress.com/2020/09/27/somerset-t-shirt-from-maven-patterns/
Despite the time it took me to complete (which was all about Covid and my state of mind and not at all about the pattern), the Maven Somerset top is a quick and satisfying make. I'd seen some lovely versions by other makers in the sewing community, and swooned over the amazing bishop sleeves. They really elevate this pattern over a standard long-sleeved top (though you can make a version without the super sleeves too).
I wrote a full review of the making process here: https://talesofthesewingcity.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/statement-sleeves/
However the summary for me would be that if you're in search of a quick make that will perk up your wardrobe, this is the right pattern to choose. It has literally four pattern pieces (two sleeves, front, back) and if you're less cack-handed than me (and don't have to do reams of unpicking) then it comes together very quickly. I'm definitely planning on more ...
Nina
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