I knew when I started Year of the Boy I was going to be making button down shirts. They’re a little boy STAPLE. and oh so adorable!
At least from far away, there are a few mess ups that occurred on this shirt, but luckily the fabric and distance hide them! I couldn’t find any fabric I liked locally or the right weight online, so I actually went and thrifted this men’s shirt specifically to cut apart-and I think this might be my MO now. For one thing, I know the fabric is going to work well for a button down, there are literally tons of patterns and colors to choose from, and for only a couple of dollars, you get enough fabric + BUTTONS. Also you save the earth a little bit. It’s really a win win.
So. Let’s talk pattern! I made this with the Blank Slate bookworm shirt pattern, size 12-18 month. This one is actually my second, the first was a muslin of sorts to see how fit was. I shortened the sleeves on this grid version and they’re still a little too long, so next time I’ll shorten them even more! If you’ve sewn a button down before, you won’t have problems with this pattern. It’s fairly intuitive and easy to follow.
I had just enough fabric to cut the back yoke on the bias and I LOVE it. also that pleat. Be still my heart.
The parts I messed up are because of the fabric. It was extremely hard to tell which side was right and wrong, so I ended up sewing the front shirt pieces to the back yoke, backwards. So the nice topstitched placket ended up on the inside. Like I said, it doesn’t show up unless you’re hunting for it. Luckily! Also, one of the sleeve plackets was pretty wonky. I think his sleeves will be rolled up for awhile since they’re long, so nbd!
I love the tortoise shell look buttons the shirt came with!
This was not a quick sew however. It probably took about 3 hours. I have a feeling it’ll get faster each time, but still. It’s a labor of love!
Can’t wait to pair it with some of the ties I made Jack! I think it’ll go with just about all of them!
I had just given him a haircut the day before, so this shoot is showing me all the spots I missed. Still learning how to cut boy hair!
CUTIE
I have more of these planned, and want to try other button down patterns too, just for fun!
I can’t tell you how much I’ve been enjoying these YOTB posts! I practically die of cuteness overload every time, and it’s such a delight to see such an array of adorable boy clothes (because everyone agrees that cutesy girl clothes are easier, right?).
AWW you are so sweet and made my day! and yes boy clothes are a lot more challenging but in a good way!
I do love button ups! I forget how good of an idea it is to sew from upcycled clothing. It’s so much cheaper!
I made button ups for my three boys and me for Christmas. This was my first time doing button ups, and I pretty much made my hubby hate all forms of crafting. I think he’s still upset about that week… lol…
for sure! cheaper and you know the fabric will work!
He looks so cute. Well done you. 🙂
thank you!
This is so cute!! I love the bias yoke!
thanks!!