Ah, the t-shirt... this essential and iconic piece of every wardrobe! 

It must be said that the t-shirt is really a basic of our wardrobes, and this has been the case since the 1950s with John Wayne, Marlon Brando, and James Dean, idols of a whole generation! For me too, the t-shirt is a key piece in my wardrobe. I find it comfortable, and with the pretty patterns you can find, you can create unique pieces in a style that reflects us and that we love to wear!

Moreover, it's a great personalized gift idea, affordable both financially and technically.

So today let's talk about t-shirts, sergers, and patterns! Let's go!

T-shirt characteristics

The t-shirt, as its name indicates, has a basic T shape. 

It has no closure system, so its neckline must necessarily be elastic and it is therefore only made in knits! It can have different neckline shapes and sleeve lengths... but it remains a t-shirt! 

Where there is knitwear, there is a serger!

The serger has many functions and in my opinion, the most interesting one, the one that leads to purchase, is sewing knit fabrics. 

How does it work? Serger sewing means making a tight stitch that overlaps two pieces of fabric to hold them together edge to edge. During this step, the serger will also cut the fabric edge while assembling and making the overlock stitch. That is to say, in one step, the serger assembles, overlocks the edges, and cuts the excess fabric. This is the big difference with a sewing machine!  

Since all these actions happen in a single step, serger sewing is very fast and allows you to create your designs, including very pretty t-shirts, in the blink of an eye! If you don't have one, don't panic, you can also sew a t-shirt with a sewing machine 😊! 

In the seamstress's basket to create pretty t-shirts

Knitwear, of course! But beautiful knitwear! Nothing is more frustrating than making a piece and later realizing that the jersey has stretched, faded, or pilled... So we choose a knit, most often a cotton jersey that has elasticity and retractability, meaning it regains its shape well after being stretched. 

At c'est du Joly we offer you jerseys with 5% elastane which gives them good elasticity perfect for making t-shirts but above all we select products with good shrinkage. We want the elasticity of your t-shirt to be good and consistent over time and this depends notably on the quality of the elastane fiber. Then all that's left is to choose between solid, colorful, patterned... and you start to know my taste for original and floral patterns 😂! 

Enough talk, what do we need for a t-shirt?

1. knit fabric
If you don't know what length to buy depending on the pattern, count on 1m of jersey for a women's short sleeve t-shirt and 1.1m for a man. 
For long sleeves, 1.5m will be perfect! 
For tank tops, 70 to 80cm is enough. 

2. good quality matching thread
On the serger, choose cones
On the sewing machine, choose good quality thread in polyester like Gutermann, Amman,...
Don't forget to buy a spool of thread the same color as your knit to make hems if you decide to assemble your t-shirt with a serger. 

3. a/some good jersey needles

4. a twin needle
The twin needle will be very useful for hemming the bottom of the body and sleeves. 

Once the materials are purchased, all that's left is to get started! 

My favorite t-shirt patterns

1. The round neckline pattern

This is the ideal pattern to start with because it is the simplest neckline to assemble. 

You can make a high neckline or, conversely, a very low-cut one. You just need to adjust the length of your neckline band. 

I really like the essential t-shirt by Coralie Bijasson which allows you to create 10 variations of t-shirts from a single pattern. I also like the book Sewing Stretch by Marie Poisson (which we only sell in physical stores) that also allows you to make many variations. 

2. The V-neck pattern

The V-neck pattern is a bit more difficult to make but remains accessible to motivated beginners. 

My favorite patterns are the same as those for the round neckline. 

3. The square neckline pattern

It's the one I prefer and I have my favorite the Wanted pattern by Vanessa Pouzet! It's actually the pattern I chose to wear during my TV appearance 😊 because I feel super good in it. 

I was charmed by this pattern which is a pretty t-shirt with a square neckline that gives it a sexy side without vulgarity. Several sleeve lengths are offered: short, retro, 3/4, and long sleeves. I almost always choose the retro sleeve pattern that stops just above the elbow. I find it perfectly matches a skirt or pants.

My only regret is that it only exists in PDF, so I cannot offer it in printed format in the shop. 

This neckline is more difficult to make and I advise you to have at least an intermediate level to try it 😊. 

4. The gathered neckline pattern, boat neck, cowl neck, puff sleeves, crossed neckline...

There are many other variations (and that's what is really nice about sewing t-shirts) so I share with you the patterns I like:

- puff sleeves and low back pattern: the Marion pattern from Atelier des premières

- cowl neck pattern: the Emno pattern by Coralie Bijasson

- crossed neckline / wrap pattern: the Alix pattern by Coralie Bijasson

- gathered neckline pattern: the Rachel pattern by Joli Lab
- ...

So, want to get started?

Find our knit collection here and we also have jolys coupons of jersey at great prices here

Afraid to tame the overlocker or want to try? Why not join us for our overlocker initiation or advanced courses (especially for the square neckline)?

Marie-Hélène and I will be delighted to guide you in your learning 😊

Get your needles ready!