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Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom by Jamie Sanders

Inspiring you to sew, cook and create.

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Home | Girl's Fashion Tutorials | Free T-shirt Pattern for Girls (sz 3 to 14)

Free T-shirt Pattern for Girls (sz 3 to 14)

120+ Free PDF Sewing Patterns, Girl's Fashion Tutorials, Sewing, sewing with knits

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Looking for a free easy girl’s top you can print at home and sew for your lil missy? I’m excited to share my latest pattern with you today, a free T-Shirt Pattern for girls in sizes 3 to 14!

(*updated 3/18 to add size 14 to the pattern.)

Free T-shirt Pattern sz 3 to 14 (how to sew a t-shirt)

Free Girl’s T-Shirt Pattern, size 3 to 14

I’ve been working on this free t-shirt pattern off and on for several months. (Started in the fall.) I would get motivated work on it for a day; then put it aside for more exciting projects.  Of course, I would forget everything I’d done and would have to start again.

I tested so many variations and fits when creating this free t-shirt pattern: shirt width, length, armhole depth, gathered sleeves/not gathered sleeves, but I’ve finally I’ve settled on what I think is just right for a girl. The free t-shirt Pattern is not too slim, but not too wide and the t-shirt has a slightly longer length that will hopefully keep their little bellies covered when they raise their hands.

free t-shirt pattern for girls

This Basic T-shirt Pattern Includes:

Currently, the pattern includes a long sleeve version, short sleeve, and 3/4 length cut lines. I plan to add a flutter-style short sleeve as well. I’ll create a new post for the flutter sleeve top, so keep your eye out for the update!  **update**: I released the flutter sleeve top as a separate pattern here:  Flutter Sleeve T-Shirt Pattern.

This girl’s t-shirt pattern is a perfect blank slate, just waiting for your creative customizing.

Want a dress version of this t-shirt pattern? Check out my Perfect T-Shirt Dress Pattern here.

(Not a follower? Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here– I send it out every few weeks, and it includes my latest posts, free patterns, yummy recipes and sometimes links to great sales and giveaways.)

how to sew a t-shirt- free pattern

We’ve been baby-chicken-sitting for some friends.  Oh my goodness, these little chicks are just too cute!  I have a hard time keeping their names straight.  I think we were playing with Teeny and Fluffy in these pictures.  (We have two more named Buck and Brownie.)  We’ll be so sad to send them back to their forever home.

how to sew a t-shirt, free pattern

free t-shirt pattern

To Make a T-Shirt with this Free T-Shirt Pattern, You Need:

  • Pattern
  • Up to 3/4 yard stretch knit fabric
  • Ribbed binding (usually has 50 to 70% stretch) or other stretchy knit for the neckline (you don’t want to use anything with less than 30% stretch-see notes under pattern tips and tricks)
  • Ballpoint/jersey needle
  • spray starch/iron
  • basic sewing supplies

Girl’s T-Shirt Pattern Information

Where Do I Get the Pattern?

  • Navigate to the free t-shirt pattern download page in my store.
  • Enter your name, email and check out. (It’s free.)
  • If you enter your email address correctly, you will be emailed a link to the download for your records, you will also be redirected to a thank you page that links to the pdf pattern for download.
  • Download the pattern, save it to your PC, and open the pdf document in adobe acrobat. (sometimes the pattern will auto-open, other times you will need to search your downloaded files for the pattern – depends on your device settings.) Don’t print from google’s online version of adobe or any other knock-off adobe reader app. (It will sometimes cause the pattern to print too small or cause other issues.)

T-Shirt Binding Tips

  • The pattern for the neck binding is designed for a ribbed knit with 50 to 75% stretch with good recovery (Fabric Fairy has a lot of good quality ribbed knit choices.) If using a binding fabric with less stretch, you have two choices: 1. Measure the neckline and cut a fabric strip 15% less than the measurement (multiply the neck measurement by .85) and follow the instructions in step 4. (This is the “in the round” method– and it never hurts to do the finger stretch test before sewing…)  2nd choice: The “flat” method– Sew only one shoulder closed, fold binding in half and attach the binding from one end of the neckline to the other.  Trim excess binding and sew the other shoulder closed.  (The only downside to this method is the seam will be on the side and slightly bulkier.)  (Similar to what is done in this tutorial.)

Tips for Sewing with Knits:

  • Use a ballpoint/stretch needle
  • Sew seams with either a serger, stretch stitch,  narrow zig zag  or a straight stitch with a longer stitch length and a slightly loosened tension. (Make a couple of practice stitches on your fabric to see what works best.) I also like to use this “lightning bolt” stretch stitch on seams that need strength but a little give. (For my project I used a combination of straight stitch and serger for seams and zig zag on the hems.)
  • Use spray starch when pressing hems.  Sew hems with a zig zag, twin ball point needle, narrow zig zag with a long stitch length or a straight stitch with a long stitch length and a slightly loosened tension or leave raw. (also helps to use a walking foot.)
  • If you find your fabric keeps getting pulled inside the needle plate, place a small piece of tissue underneath the fabric so the feed dogs have something to grip.

T-Shirt Pattern Fit Information

  • Size 3:   Height-  38.5 inches,  Weight-  32 lbs, Finished length: 16.     Finished chest:  23.125 inches
  • Size 4:   Height-  41.5 inches,  Weight-  36 lbs,  Finished length: 16.85. Finished chest:  23.75
  • Size 5:   Height-  44.5 inches,  Weight-  42 lbs, Finished length: 17.75.   Finished chest: 24.375
  • Size 6:   Height-  46.5 inches,  Weight- 48 lbs, Finished length: 18.25.   Finished chest: 25.75
  • Size 7:   Height-  51 inches,    Weight- 60 lbs, Finished length: 19.     Finished chest: 27.25
  • Size 8:   Height-  53 inches,    Weight- 66 lbs, Finished length: 19.75.   Finished chest: 28.5
  • Size 10: Height-  55 inches,    Weight- 74 lbs, Finished length: 20.75.   Finished chest: 29.5
  • Size 12: Height-  57.5 inches,  Weight- 84 lbs, Finished length: 22.125.   Finished chest: 30.75
  • Size 14: Height-  60 inches,    Weight- 96 lbs, Finished length: 23.75.   Finished chest: 32.375

Products used and recommended:

  1. My favorite fabric shop for knits:  Funkalicious Fabrics, Fabric.com and Girl Charlee.
  2. My Sewing Machine: SINGER 9960 Quantum Stylist, my coverstitch: Janome Cover Pro 1000cpx
  3. My Serger: Brother 1034D 3 or 4 Thread Serger or you can just use Pinking Shears
  4. Rotary Cutter
  5. I love my large ruler and large cutting mat, but you may prefer to start of with a smaller Cutting set
  6. Dritz Dual Purpose Marking Pen and Fray Check
  7. Ball Point needles
  8. Singer walking foot or universal walking foot
  9. Wonder clips (I didn’t use these in the post, but they are just awesome!

Ready to Sew this T-Shirt?  

Download the pattern here. 

Girls T-shirt Sewing Instructions

Save the pattern instructions for later by pinning here pin it

Be sure to read the pattern info, binding tips and tips for sewing with knits for best results!

T-shirt Binding tips:

  • The pattern for the neck binding is designed for a ribbed knit with 50 to 75% stretch with good recovery (Fabric Fairy has a lot of good quality ribbed knit choices.)
  • If using a binding fabric with less stretch, you have two choices:
    • 1st choice: The “in the round method” Measure the neckline and cut a fabric strip 15% less than the measurement (multiply the neck measurement by .85) and follow the instructions in step 4. (Tip: I always do the finger stretch test before attempting to sew the binding on.)  
    • 2nd choice: The “flat” method– Sew only one shoulder closed, fold binding in half and attach the binding from one end of the neckline to the other.  Trim excess binding and sew the other shoulder closed.  (The only downside to this method is the seam will be on the side and slightly bulkier.)  (Similar to what is done in this tutorial.)

Pattern info:

  • Seam allowance is 3/8 inch with a 1/2 inch bottom and sleeve hem.

Sewing instructions for Free T-Shirt Pattern

Step 1:  Print and Assemble pattern, cut out pattern pieces.

Save the free t-shirt pattern to your desktop, open in adobe.  Set to print actual size and print pattern.  Cut out each block around the outer gray edge and align the gray boxes, edge to edge (don’t overlap) matching up colored circles. Tape pattern together and cut out size needed.  (You can print the bodice twice- one for the front and one for the back or print once and use a tracing wheel and paper.)

Step 2: Cut pattern pieces from fabric.

Fold fabric so the stretch is running side to side.  Line pattern up along fold of fabric.

how to sew a t-shirt- free pattern

Cut out a front and back bodice, 2 sleeves and neck binding.

If you are using ribbed binding or fabric with 50% stretch cut out neck binding from pattern. (Otherwise, you’ll want to measure the neckline and cut a strip that is about 15 % shorter than the neckline- or just use these measurements: 10= 14.625, 8= 13.75, 7= 13.375, 6=13, 5=12.75, 4=12.375, 3=11.875)

Step 3: Assemble the T-shirt.

Right sides together, line up front and back bodice of the t-shirt pattern.  Sew together at shoulders, using a 3/8 inch seam allowance. (Don’t forget- if you decide to use the “flat method” (see binding tips above) only sew one shoulder closed.)

DSC_4486-copy

Step 4: Attaching Neck Binding to the Free T-shirt Pattern.

Fold binding in half (as shown) press.

DSC_4545-copy

(“In the round” method”) Unfold binding, sew with a 3/8 inch seam allowance and trim excess seam.

how to sew a t-shirt- free pattern

Refold binding and divide into 4 equal sections.  Mark t-shirt neckline into 4 equal sections.

(Please note: I adjusted the depth of the back neckline, so your side pins my be closer to the shoulder seams.)

free t-shirt pattern

Line up the quarter marks as shown:

DSC_4551-copy

Attach the binding to the neckline with a 3/8 inch seam allowance.  Stretch the binding fabric as you sew.  Take care to not let the neckline fabric stretch.  (Go slow and know this my take practice.)

how to sew binding on a t-shirt- free pattern

For a more finished look, you can topstitch along the edge of the neckline of your t-shirt.

DSC_4554-copy

Step 5: Attaching Sleeves to the Shirt.

Fold the edge of the sleeve over 1/2 inch and sew with a zig zag or other stretch stitch.  (Using spray starch will help stabilize the hem for easier sewing.)

Repeat for other sleeve.

DSC_4556-copy

Right sides together, line up top of sleeve with shoulder seam.  Sew using a 3/8 inch seam allowance.

Repeat with other sleeve.

free t-shirt Pattern

Step 6: Sew Side Seams and Hem of the T-shirt Pattern.

Sew along sleeve and down side of shirt.  Repeat on other side.

Free pattern

Hem bottom of the t-shirt, by folding up 1/2 inch and sew with a zig-zag or other stretch stitch.

That’s it you’re done- now go take some pictures!

Save this pattern, pin it here ==>>

As always, if you end up sewing a top using my free t-shirt Pattern, I would love it if you would tag me in your images on Instagram. (use #scatteredmompatterns) Or you can share your photos in my private Facebook Group!

Looking for More Free Patterns to Sew?  

Be sure to check these out:

Yield: 1 t-shirt

Free T-shirt Pattern for Girls

Free Girls T-shirt Pattern, size 3 to 14 (how to sew a t-shirt)

Learn How to sew a girl's t-shirt with this free t-shirt pattern. The pdf pattern is available in sizes 3 to 14.

Prep Time 25 minutes
Active Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Difficulty easy/intermediate
Estimated Cost $8

Materials

  • Pattern
  • Up to 3/4 yard stretch knit fabric
  • Ribbed binding (usually has 50 to 70% stretch) or other stretchy knit for the neckline (you don't want to use anything with less than 30% stretch-see notes under pattern tips and tricks)
  • Ballpoint/jersey needle
  • spray starch/iron

Tools

  • Sewing Machine
  • Basic sewing supplies

Instructions

Step 1:  Print and Assemble pattern, cut out pattern pieces.

Save the free t-shirt pattern to your desktop, open in adobe.  Set to print actual size and print pattern.  Cut out each block around the outer gray edge and align the gray boxes, edge to edge (don’t overlap) matching up colored circles. Tape pattern together and cut out size needed.  (You can print the bodice twice- one for the front and one for the back or print once and use a tracing wheel and paper.)

Step 2: Cut pattern pieces from fabric.

Fold fabric so the stretch is running side to side.  Line pattern up along fold of fabric.

Cut out a front and back bodice, 2 sleeves and neck binding.

If you are using ribbed binding or fabric with 50% stretch cut out neck binding from pattern. (Otherwise, you'll want to measure the neckline and cut a strip that is about 15 % shorter than the neckline- or just use these measurements: 10= 14.625, 8= 13.75, 7= 13.375, 6=13, 5=12.75, 4=12.375, 3=11.875)

Step 3: Assemble the T-shirt.

Right sides together, line up front and back bodice of the t-shirt pattern.  Sew together at shoulders, using a 3/8 inch seam allowance. (Don't forget- if you decide to use the "flat method" (see binding tips above) only sew one shoulder closed.)

Step 4: Attaching Neck Binding to the Free T-shirt Pattern.

Fold neck binding in half, press.

("In the round" method") Unfold binding, sew with a 3/8 inch seam allowance and trim excess seam.

Refold binding and divide into 4 equal sections.  Mark t-shirt neckline into 4 equal sections.

Line up the quarter marks.

Attach the binding to the neckline with a 3/8 inch seam allowance.  Stretch the binding fabric as you sew.  Take care to not let the neckline fabric stretch.  (Go slow and know this my take practice.)

For a more finished look, you can topstitch along the edge of the neckline of your t-shirt.

Step 5: Attaching Sleeves to the Shirt.

Fold the edge of the sleeve over 1/2 inch and sew with a zig zag or other stretch stitch.  (Using spray starch will help stabilize the hem for easier sewing.)

Repeat for other sleeve.

Right sides together, line up top of sleeve with shoulder seam.  Sew using a 3/8 inch seam allowance.

Repeat with other sleeve.

Step 6: Sew Side Seams and Hem of the T-shirt Pattern.

Sew along sleeve and down side of shirt.  Repeat on other side.

Hem bottom of the t-shirt, by folding up 1/2 inch and sew with a zig-zag or other stretch stitch.

That's it you're done- now go take some pictures!

© Jamie Sanders
Project Type: Girl's Top / Category: Sewing

March 19 · 29 Comments

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Comments

  1. Mec says

    March 19 at 3:00 pm

    Thank you for the pattern, but the link seems to be broken!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 19 at 3:16 pm

      Oops, I think I fixed it! Let me know if you are still having issues.
      ~Jamie

    • Senga says

      March 20 at 3:32 am

      I’m clicking on the link but it keeps bringing me back to this page.

    • Jamie says

      March 20 at 11:20 am

      It’s there, I promise- I’m having trouble getting my new site to to work properly!

  2. Christine DANNEELS says

    March 20 at 10:22 am

    Thank you so much !

    Reply
  3. Anne says

    March 20 at 5:38 pm

    Love it! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow morning that features your free pattern: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=87206 –Anne

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 20 at 6:15 pm

      Thanks, Anne!

  4. Liz says

    March 26 at 3:07 am

    hi do you have a layout of the pattern on the fabric?

    Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 26 at 9:28 am

      I don’t, Sorry!

  5. Kati says

    March 28 at 11:34 am

    This shirt is so cute (as well as the adorable model). I want to babysit baby chick now. Thanks so much for sharing at the Wednesday Showcase party, my daughter will be enjoying a new shirt soon!

    Reply
  6. Lauren @ diyfordays.com says

    March 29 at 7:06 pm

    I think I could figure out how to size this for my little 18 mo. old! It would be perfect! Thanks so much for this tutorial!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 29 at 7:17 pm

      T-shirts are fairly easy to make if you are confident working with knits. I’m sure you could make your own pattern with a well fitting tee. good luck!

  7. kassiopireyes says

    May 11 at 10:06 am

    The pattern for the flutter sleeve pls??

    Reply
    • kassiopireyes says

      May 11 at 2:16 pm

      Could you pls help me with the downloading of the cardigan with the flutter sleeve pls. I cannot find it anyhwhere, Thanks for yr reply.

    • Jamie says

      May 11 at 2:26 pm

      The flutter sleeve t-shirt pattern is found here: https://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/2016/05/free-flutter-sleeve-t-shirt-pattern-sz-3-10.html

  8. Ilinca says

    August 23 at 3:45 am

    I turned your t-shirt into a turtleneck, it works perfectly:
    http://3pisici.blogspot.be/2016/08/almost-back-to-school-from-time-to-time.html

    Reply
  9. Cynthia Beucler says

    September 15 at 1:12 pm

    Excited to try this adorable shirt

    Reply
  10. bahar yorgun says

    April 10 at 8:10 am

    can i get this pattern please?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      May 31 at 1:58 pm

      Sure, fill out the pattern download form found on page 2 and the pattern is automatically sent to the email you entered.

  11. Terri Carter says

    October 8 at 5:02 pm

    Where do you get the cute fabrics?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      October 8 at 5:27 pm

      The owl fabric came from Joann’s and the striped fabric either came from Girl Charlee or Funkalicious Fabrics. The ribbed knit for the neckline came from fabric fairy.

  12. Hannah says

    October 23 at 10:51 pm

    I made one this afternoon – my first t-shirt ever! Thank you. It was surprisingly straight forward and I can imagine all sorts of variations (t shirt dress etc)

    Reply
  13. Amoy lily says

    February 5 at 1:15 am

    Nice fabrics!! Thanks Jamie.. 🙂

    Reply
    • Josie says

      November 10 at 9:35 pm

      Thank you soo much! Just what I was looking for!!!
      -Happy Grandma

  14. Karen Schwanke says

    March 3 at 9:26 am

    thank you so much for this pattern.I have sewn several skirts to put in shoeboxes for operation christmas child. you have given excellent explanations,I have also used your peasant dress patterns . I find your patterns very clear . thank you so much

    Reply
  15. Teresa Haarhoff says

    April 28 at 4:43 am

    Made 3 swing tops adjusted from your t-shirt pattern in beautiful stretch crushed velvet. Both your pattern and tips for sewing with stretch materials gratefully recieved. Thankyou and be blessed
    Teresa
    from Cape Town.

    Reply
  16. Melissa says

    October 15 at 6:19 am

    Thanks so much for this pattern. Its awesome

    Reply
  17. Sandy says

    June 1 at 8:07 am

    Where is the boxy pattern?

    Reply
    • Jamie Sanders says

      June 1 at 8:33 am

      Not sure what you’re talking about? I don’t have a boxy pattern. I do know another website used my T-shirt pattern and hacked it to make a boxy top. If that’s what you’re looking for, follow the link at the bottom of this page, where it says ” Head over to page 2 for the pattern”. Add it to your cart and checkout. It’s free.

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