The Hollyhock Shirt – Free Sewing Pattern

I love a subtle statement piece. That garment that, despite its simple construction, elicits compliments wherever it goes and whatever it’s paired with. Although the basic button-up may not be that, the Hollyhock shirt is absolutely a conversation starter. With a peter pan collar and a simple silhouette, dress it down with some black slacks or up with a metallic circle skirt and some sparkly earrings. Use a solid color for a dependable work shirt, or utilize a fun print for hitting the town. Get ready to be showered in compliments with the Hollyhock shirt!

Fabrics & materials used:

• 4 yards of Dusty Rose Washed Copper and Rayon Twill
• 7 of Rimmed Gray 4-Hole Button – 18L/11.5mm
• MDF113 – The Hollyhock Shirt Sewing Pattern (free download below!)

Step 1

The first thing you need to do is interface the center front shirt panels for button plackets. You’ll do this by folding the raw edge back towards the wrong side about 1/2″, and then press it. Repeat this with a full inch, and then edge stitch it down.

Step 2

Add your chest darts to the front panels, and then attach the front panels to the back at shoulders. I used French seams for a finished look.

Step 3

I put the bodice down for a moment to attach the cuffs to the sleeves. Then, I attached the sleeves to the bodice and closed up the side seams and arms all in one go.

Step 4

Now, it’s time to work on the collar. Interface the collar pieces, and then sew along the top three edges of the collar panels with faces together. Next, trim seam allowance and clip around the corners so that the collar will lie flat. Turn it right side out, and press.

Step 5

Next, wedge the bottom edge of the collar between the top edges of the collar stand pieces; sew along the edge and curves, trim and clip as you did with the collar, and turn right side out and press. Attach one of your collar stands to the face of your shirt neckline, making a box pleat in the process. Fold in the raw edges of the second collar stand inward and slip-stitch it into place.

Step 6

Using the placket guide, make your buttonholes and attach the buttons. Then, just the details are left; hem the bottom of the shirt and slip stitch the cuff closed.

Step 7

That’s it, you’ve got a cute shirt perfect for looking poised. The Hollyhock shirt is the perfect work shirt and can be altered with ease; embroider the collar, make it with silk charmeuse for a fancy style, or a shirting for something stiffer. I’ll be wearing mine everywhere, from work functions to date nights!

What will you be making your Hollyhock shirt out of? Let me know in the comments!