Pattern Scout Byrdie Shirt NEW!

By chloe • Sewing • 19 Dec 2019

Shirt making – it’s one of those things that might seem daunting before you ever tried it, but can quickly get addicted to after your first try. My shirt making making journey started a decade ago when I jumped into the deep end with a Japanese men’s shirt sewing book, which was the only resource I could find at the time with authentic shirting making techniques.

Fast forward to today’s indie sewing world where a wide range of shirt patterns and courses are available to us sewists, part of the fun is choosing the right style and sewing level that suits each of us. I’m always on the look out for a versatile shirt pattern that can be styled in many ways and made in a variety of fabrics. That’s why I was so excited when I had the opportunity to test the new Byrdie shirt/dress pattern for Casey of Pattern Scout.

At the first glance, Byrdie is a classic button up shirt for ladies with a handsome collar, curved hem and optional breast pocket. But true to the Pattern Scout ethos, Byrdie is packed full of options for customization. First of all, there’s the tuxedo style pintucks, which could look sharp in a crisp shirting but oh so feminine in a floaty or sheer fabric. Then there’s the dress length – which to be honest, all ladies shirt should come with – and optional self fabric belt. On top of that, there are two sleeve styles and collar styles. The possibilities are endless…

For my tester version I really wanted something I would wear this winter season, so I decided to make the view A shirt in a cozy flannel. I was wandering around Joann’s for plaids when I spotted their Luxe flannels range which is a brushed rayon/cotton blend. It has all the cozy factor of flannel but drapes like rayon/viscose. I was sold the moment I touched those lovely bolts. I’m guessing Joann’s has pajamas in mind for this range so most of the prints do look “pajama-y”. But there are a few gems in my book and this jewel tone scatter patterned one is the clear winner!

I made a straight size 2 view A with plain front. Everything about this pattern, from drafting, instructions to illustrations are precise and effective. Together with the easy to handle flannel, the whole project took about 2 evenings.

There’s something about the fit of the Byrdie that just hits the sweet spot between fitted and boxy. I love how it has the gentle waist shaping while still offers plenty of wearing ease. All that is achieved with side seams and breast darts – no princess seams or back darts to sew! I also love how there’s no back yoke, which gives a more feminine look which I prefer.

The tester round up of Byrdie shows off the versatility of this pattern completely. The talented group of ladies sewed up their own rendition in a wide range of fabrics from corduroy to swiss dots. I am so inspired and basically want to sew up all the versions for myself!

Casey is planning a shirt making series with sew along and hacking tutorials. I’m so looking forward to following along while keeping warm and cozy in my new flannel Byrdie. Thinking of the seasons ahead, I’m already dreaming up a floaty viscose shirt dress for Spring and maybe a short or no-sleeve hack for Summer!

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