Simon Mandarin-Collar Shirt

Project preview

This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Sew the Simon Shirt, a men’s short-sleeve button-front shirt with a clean Mandarin collar and an optional chest patch pocket.

Use a solid fabric for a quieter, more formal look or a lively print for a casual warm-weather shirt.

What you’ll learn in this class

Stabilize curved woven edges.
Prepare and attach the interfaced button plackets.
Construct an optional patch pocket.
Assemble and accurately attach a Mandarin collar.
Ease the short sleeve caps into the armholes.
Finish the sleeve and shirt hems.
Place and sew buttonholes and buttons.

Fabric and supplies

Choose a stable, nonstretch woven fabric. Cotton poplin, linen, and chambray are specifically recommended.

Interfacing supports the collar and button plackets. Stay tape or staystitching prevents the neckline and armhole curves from stretching during handling.

Make it your own

Choose a floral, animal, or other print for a playful shirt, or use a solid for a quieter style. The patch pocket can be omitted, used once, or added to both sides.

Interface one or both collar pieces to adjust the firmness. Pair the shirt with the Derek Shorts.

Pattern sizes

The pattern covers sizes 36/38–52/54. The chart spans chests of 86–126 cm, waists of 70–110 cm, and hips of 82–122 cm.

Both home-print A4 and print-shop A0 pattern files are included.

A little sewing experience is helpful, especially when attaching the Mandarin collar. The lesson also covers plackets, sleeves, hems, buttonholes, and buttons.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

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