Which T-Shirt are you?
You will find many t-shirt options in our catalog. You have never sewn one and wonder which one would be the best option for you? This post will help you pick the right pattern and also compare our top 5 t-shirt patterns, showing the tops in the same fabric and size so you can compare apples with apples.
First off, let's have fun with a little quiz helping you pinpoint what you are looking for in a t-shirt pattern:
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GREAT T-SHIRT PATTERN?
FIT / EASE
- I prefer when t-shirts are fitted, with slim sleeves that you can wear as a base layer. ⬤
- I feel more comfortable in semi-fitted tops ⬤⬤
- I am really into the new boxy trend, still looking for a loose-fitting top that is not boxy ⬤⬤
LENGTH
- I am tall and longer t-shirts look better on me ⬤⬤⬤
- I am petite and I don't want the hem to go lower than my hips ⬤⬤
NECKLINE FINISH
- I prefer bands over binding because it is easier to sew. No fuss. ⬤⬤
- I think bindings make a more professional finish ⬤⬤
- A t-shirt without band or binding would be even better! ⬤
HEM
- I prefer straight hems ⬤⬤
- I think curved hems look better on me ⬤⬤
- I can't decide... What about straight in the front, curved in the back? ⬤
OPTIONS
- I could never have too many t-shirts in my wardrobe so the more options the pattern has, the better! ⬤⬤
- Many views in the same pattern confuses me. I prefer when there is one design (but I can handle sleeve length options!) ⬤⬤
- I want to focus on one view only ⬤
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| The color with the highest score is the one that is closest to what you are looking for! |
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Jalie 2805
CHOICE OF T-SHIRTS
As the title says, this pattern has many neckline and sleeve length options. It uses a clever "puzzle piece system" so you can flip top sections and switch from one option to the next with a few paper pieces. This pattern works great as a base layer and is the only one with a crew neck and mock neck. Because of the fit, it requires a fabric with nice stretch and recovery BOTH WAYS.
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| View: A (crew neck) with short sleeve Size: Y (40'' / 102 cm bust) Fabric: Rayon Spandex PDF and Printed pattern available on www.jalie.com |
View / Options:
- 4 necklines: Crew neck, mock neck, V-neck and henley
- 3 sleeve lengths: cap sleeve, short sleeve and 3/4 sleeve
- Neckline finished with band (but also looks great turned and topstitched ;))
Fit / Style:
- Close to the body, the most fitted of the 5 patterns.
- Great for layering
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Jalie 3245
RAGLAN TEE AND TUNIC
This pattern includes both a raglan tee and racerback tank (again using the puzzle piece system) but we only talk about the raglan tee option here. It has a relaxed fit (body and sleeve) but is not slouchy. The waist shaping makes highlights the waist without clinging to it. The neckline is a classic scoop neck, a bit lower than the latest Mimosa tee. The tunic version is longer and has patch pockets in the front. Both version have a flattering curved hem. The raglan sleeve (also called baseball sleeve) can bring a little change in your closet and a fun to sew. This patterns is in the only one in our top 5 to start at size 12M for little ones!
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View: A (raglan tee with half sleeve)
Size: Y (40'' / 102 cm bust) Fabric: Rayon Spandex
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View / Options:
- Raglan tee or tunic (the pattern also includes a racerback tank style)
- Sleeve length: Half sleeve
- Neckline finished with skinny binding
Fit / Style:
- Skims the body
- Great for relaxed, sporty look. Have fun with contrast fabric on the sleeves!
- The tunic length worn with leggings makes a great, easy-to-wear outfit.
⬤
Jalie 3352
DOLMAN TOP
A wonderfully simple design! Also called "dropped shoulder" top, the sleeve is part of the front and back pieces. For the short sleeve option, there are only four assembly seams and you're done! It does not get any easier than that! The 3/4 sleeve option is super easy to sew because the sleeve piece has a very flat cap.
View / Options:
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View: A (raglan tee with half sleeve)
Size: Y (40'' / 102 cm bust) Fabric: Rayon Spandex
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View / Options:
- A: Sleeveless
- B: 3/4 sleeve
- Neckline can be finished with binding (apparent or invisible) or turned and topstitched.
Fit / Style:
- Skims the body
- The sleeve is not too wide so it is comfortable under a coat or jacket (nobody likes sleeve bunching!)
- The hem is shorter in the front, curved and longer in the back
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Jalie 3880
BOBBIE - THE MAGIC V-NECK TOP
You love comfy tops and have always dreamt of wearing a low-V neckline top that would not be too revealing when you bend over to pick up something on the floor? Bobbie is there for you! It has an ingenious facing that keeps the V neck against the body. It also allowed us to lower the armhole while keeping your bra covered.
Fit / Style:
Fit / Style:
Here are the tops side by side for comparison

Happy sewing!
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Size: Y (40'' / 102 cm bust) Fabric: Rayon Spandex
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View / Options:
- One view but you can play with fabric types to create very different looks. For our sample top, we used a white poly knit for the facing:
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- Very loose at bust level, tapered at the hips. The facing is fitted but is not a shelf bra, has no compression.
- There is no bind or binding to sew!
- This pattern includes ou new size GG (51'' bust)
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Jalie 3890
MIMOSA - THE MODERN T-SHIRT
Are you one of those people who like the loose-fitting look on other people but think you look silly in a boxy shirt? The Mimosa will be you new best friend! Straight sides that give you some room around the waist, without looking like a tent! The length and curved side-slit hem prevent the t-shirt from clinging to the hips and causing the dreaded lowerback-fabric-pool :) The sleeve options and optional pocket allow you fill your closet with Mimosas, sporting a different look everyday.
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View: A (rolled sleeve and check pocket)
Size: Y (40'' / 102 cm bust) Fabric: Rayon Spandex
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Views / Options:
- A: Rolled sleeve with chest pocket (great for jersey with a little less drape)
- B: Long sleeve with optional flounce (get your soft rayon jerseys out!)
- C: Short self-tie sleeve
Fit / Style:
- Straight side seams make the tee loose but not boxy
(because there is not too much ease at the bust) - The sleeves are looser than on other patterns
- The t-shirt has a curved hem with side slit
- The neckline is finished with a band
- This pattern also includes our new size GG (51'' bust)
Here are the tops side by side for comparison
SAME SIZE, SAME FABRIC
We hope this post will help you pick the best pattern for your next t-shirt project. Don't hesitate to ask questions in our great Facebook group. For more inspiration, checkout the photo gallery on our website to see many tops and t-shirts made by Jalie fans around the world.
Happy sewing!
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