Whether you love clean lines and tailored looks, or you typically go for the more bohemian summer look, bishop sleeves need to be in your wardrobe. The Elaeis Shirt free sewing pattern can be made in a flowing lace for a quick and easy festival vibe, or paired with some twill shorts for a seasonal look that’s effortlessly on trend. For those of you who’d love to see this silhouette modernized, emphasize the crisp collar by wearing your new shirt with a sleeveless blazer dress or some super high-waisted jeans and your favorite heels. However you choose to style it, your sleeves are sure to make a statement!
Note: we’ve paired this shirt with our new Eucalyptus Shorts free sewing pattern!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 2 yards Anna Sui Black and Ecru Floral Scallop-Edged Lace
- 2 yards Gray and White Striped Cotton Voile
- 10 Rimmed Gray 4-Hole Buttons – 18L
- MDF160 – The Elaeis Shirt Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
First, create the collar of your shirt, sandwiching your lace overlay in between your main fabric with the fabric faces together. Sew along the top three edges, clip your seam allowance, turn right side out and press. Place the collar in between your collar stands, fabric faces together again, and sew. If you’ve never created a stand collar, check out some tips here!
Set the collar aside for the time being and attach the side back panels to either side of your center back shirt panel using French seams. Repeat with the side front and center front panels. Attach the fronts of your shirt to the back at the shoulder and side seams, again using French seams.
Add your button placket to the front edges of your shirt. If using a fairly lightweight fabric, I recommend adding some interfacing.
Picking up your collar again, attach the non-overlay side to your neckline along the fabric face. Fold the raw edge up inside the collar and slip-stitch along the inside edge to close your collar.
Create each of your sleeves with a French seam at the inseam and then set each into its respective armscye. Be sure to match up the notches on your pattern.
Lay your sleeve cuff overlay atop your cuff, like you see below, and fold the cuff in half to match up the curved edges. Sew along the curved edge and turn right side out.
Matching up the inseams, evenly gather the lower edge of your sleeve into the lace edge of your cuff, like you see below. Fold the cuff in half to create the hem, fold your seam allowances inside, and slip-stitch inside your cuff to secure.
Lastly, add your buttons and corresponding buttonholes along the front placket and your shirt is ready to wear!
Will you be giving the Elaeis Shirt a try? Let me know what fabric combinations you’re considering in the comments!
13 comments
Beautiful work how long does the patterns and instructions stay on the website? Does it ever get deleted? Thank you
Hi Caroline! As of right now our patterns are online for free indefinitely. We may move to more detailed patterns and instructions for purchase in the future, but hopefully the ones we have on Sewciety will stay here forever. 🙂
Thank you for you reply I love you work. Such unique and sophisticated patterns. I love it so much.
I made the shirt and it is really easy to make! The sizing is a bit off, I made the size relevant to my waist but the shirt came out huge! Luckily due to the construction it is very easy to take some inches off. Only thing that looks odd is the collar that is too big, but I intend of fixing that with a centre back seam. otherwise it came out lovely!
I’m a beginner sewer and I also do not own a sewing machine. Could I sew this by hand?
And instead of lace could i use a fabric that isn’t see through? like cotton or linen?
Yes, certainly! Both would look lovely. 🙂
Hi Gwen! I would not recommend it, but I suppose it could be done. 🙂
I made the shirt size according to my bust and it was very big. Also, I had to adjust the sleeve to fit the arm hole. In other words I made a 12-14 size and had to adjust the sleeve to a 4-6 to fit the arm hole. After a few adjustments ( I added pleats to shoulders and side back it fit). I used the material in the photo and it’s really pretty. If you have any insights you’d like to share please do so. I’ve been sewing for a very long time. Thanks for the free patterns!
Annmarie
Hello ! Love this pattern so much ! Can’t wait to make this shirt! I just have a question, are the seam allowances already on the pattern or do I have to add them when I cut the fabric ? Thank you !
Yes, a 1/2″ seam allowance is already included! 🙂
I also made a size 12/14 and the neck/collar is huge
Hello!
Thank you for your feedback. Most of the instructions on our 350+ patterns, especially these older ones, do reflect their no-cost nature. But we understand your frustration!
Unfortunately we can’t update the instructions on every pattern in our archive, especially if they are over 2 years old, however, if there are errors we will correct them! We encourage you to take a look at the improved in newer patterns, offering more thorough guidance! We appreciate your engagement and invite you to explore these updated options for a better sewing experience!