I Tested 3 Free Shirt Patterns So You Don't Have To (Honest Review)

If you’re like me and are on a tight sewing budget, you are probably considering free patterns. Free sewing patterns can be amazing-or incredibly frustrating. They’re often a hit…or a total miss. I’ve been sewing for over 10 years and I’m on a mission to build a wearable wardrobe that holds up to daily life with an active toddler. But as a SAHM, I’m on a limited budget (and time). 

This project had a few unforeseen frustrations. Honestly? I didn’t give myself enough time. I only sew during naptime or after bedtime, so that’s maybe 2-3 hours a day. I orginally planned to sew four shirts, but I only finished three (and one of those didn’t even make it across the finish line). I was able to get by due to my previous knowledge of how to assemble garments, but this was another level of frustration. 

I usually have no problems with using free sewing patterns and have gotten a lot of amazing pieces using them (many of them being beginner-friendly), but I feel like I kept hitting a wall. It was either the pattern was confusing to cut or the instructions didn’t make sense at critical parts, or there wasn’t enough there to go off of to be successful. I have never had this many problems with free sewing patterns. 

Here are my reviews on these shirt sewing patterns:

Pattern 1: Joyce by Tiana's Closet

(Not my photo)

            I picked this pattern because it looked simple and feminine and I’d been excited about it for weeks. Unfortunately, the pattern was frustrating to cut (which I figured out for the most part), and I had to make some adjustments for it to look less wonky.

I lengthened the neckline opening by 2 inches and cut off 2 inches from the length for it to fit better. Overall, I love the sleeves. Next time, I wouldn’t use interfacing on the ties and use a smaller seam allowance on the ties so they are longer. I definitely want to try sewing this pattern again, just maybe in a different lightweight fabric and maybe one without a print. Overall, this shirt was the biggest success. 

My finished version of the Joyce sewing pattern.

Pattern 2: Camilla by doiturselfforfree.com

(Not my photo)

        I picked this pattern for one reason: the neckline. I’m a sucker for a good scoop.

But I had a problem. The Camilla pattern only came in one size, so I had to adjust it to my own size. It wasn’t hard, but was a little inconvenient and it might not work for everyone (check out the video for how I did that!). 

The bias binding was harder than I thought it would be. The fabric was too thick and made it harder to sew. I also couldn’t figure out how to make the front of the shirt dip like it does in the picture (limited instructions were given), so it became more of a scoopneck neckline instead. I’m not as concerned because I plan on using this as a layering piece. 

Overall, it was very easy to put together. The sewing pattern was shorter than I thought but its giving me 90s vibes. I would not use a bias tape binding if I was to do this again.

My version of the Camilla pattern when it's not layered.

Pattern 3: Isla by Tiana's Closet

(Not my photo)

        I loved how flowy this is and the romantic beach vibes it gives. 

        I started this project with confidence. That was the start of my downfall. It came together rather quickly, even though assembling everything with the yokes was confusing…until it became too good to be true.

Now I used the same size for this shirt pattern as I did with the Joyce pattern. Same company, I thought it would be fine. It felt at least three sizes too big. I didn't even do anything differently. If anything, I used a larger seam allowance. I had to call it at that point. I didn’t love it enough to spend a lot of time and energy to cut and sew it down to my size. I’ll use the fabric for other projects at another point. Into the bin it goes lol.

My version of the Isla Pattern. I did not finish it.

Final Thoughts

        I don’t want this to discourage you from using free sewing patterns.Many of them are fantastic! I’ve had more wins than losses over the years, but these three shirts really tested my patience.

        I’ll keep testing free patterns so you don’t have to. In the meantime, here are a few free patterns I’ve tried and would recommend:

• Emma Top by Dressmaking Amore (link to my blog post)
• The Reed Swimsuit by Mood
• Women's Hoodie by LifeSewSavory (or anything by her-she's amazing!)

I’m always on the hunt for new sewing patterns to try-drop your favorite free patterns in the comments or message me with suggestions!