Shirts · Advanced
Button-up shirt sewing pattern
Classic button-up shirt with collar and cuffs, highly customizable. Sized without bust.
Choose your size
Each size has its own page with the full pattern, the cutting list and the measurements used.
Pattern preview
You will also need: interfacing.
Sewing instructions
General steps to sew this garment. Seam allowance is 1 cm (3/8") unless stated otherwise.
Supplies
- Shirting (poplin, oxford, linen)
- Fusible interfacing
- Buttons
- Matching thread and the right needle
- Prewash and press your fabric before cutting so it will not shrink after sewing.
- Print the pattern at 100%, check the test square and cut the pieces following the cutting list. Transfer notches, darts and button marks.
- Press and sew the button and buttonhole plackets on the fronts.
- Attach the yoke with the "burrito" method: back between the two yoke layers, then the front shoulders.
- Interface the collar and stand. Sew the collar, turn, topstitch and sandwich it between the stand layers; attach the stand to the neckline.
- Slash the sleeve vent and sew the sleeve placket (overlap and underlap pieces).
- Set the sleeves flat with a flat-felled or serged seam.
- Sew the underarm and side seam in one go, matching the armhole seams.
- Interface the cuffs, sew, turn and attach them to the sleeves, matching the pleats.
- Hem: double-fold to the inside, press and topstitch or blind stitch.
- Mark and sew the buttonholes, then sew on the buttons opposite them.
Cutting list
| Piece | Cut | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Back | 1× on the fold | Main fabric |
| Buttonhole placket | 1× | Main fabric |
| Button placket | 1× | Main fabric |
| Collar and undercollar | 1× | Main fabric |
| Collar and undercollar | 1× | Main fabric |
| Collar and undercollar | 1× | Interfacing |
| Collar and undercollar | 1× | Interfacing |
| Collar stand | 2× | Main fabric |
| Collar stand | 2× | Interfacing |
| Cuff | 4× | Main fabric |
| Cuff | 2× | Interfacing |
| Front right | 1× | Main fabric |
| Front left | 1× | Main fabric |
| Sleeve | 2× | Main fabric |
| Sleeve placket overlap | 2× | Main fabric |
| Sleeve placket underlap | 2× | Main fabric |
| Yoke | 2× | Main fabric |
Measurements needed
| Measurement | How to measure |
|---|---|
| Biceps circumference | Around the widest part of the relaxed upper arm. |
| Chest/bust circumference | Around the torso at the fullest part of the chest, tape level. |
| Shoulder to bust | From the high point of the shoulder (next to the neck) to the bust point. |
| Back length | From the high shoulder point, down the back, to the waist. |
| Neck circumference | Around the base of the neck, where a shirt collar sits. |
| Shoulder width | From one shoulder point to the other, across the back. |
| Shoulder slope | Shoulder angle in degrees (usually between 10 and 15). |
| Waist to armpit | Vertically along the side, from the waist to the armpit. |
| Waist to hips | Along the side, from the waist to the hip line. |
| Waist circumference | Around your natural waist, the narrowest part of the torso. |
| Hip circumference | Around the hips, at the level of the hip bones. |
| Arm length | From the shoulder point to the wrist, arm slightly bent. |
| Wrist circumference | Around the wrist, over the bone. |
FAQ
Is the button-up shirt pattern really free?
Yes. Every Kutopy pattern is free, with no sign-up and no watermarks. You can sew and sell what you make.
Which measurements do I need?
This pattern uses 13 body measurements. If you don't know them, pick a standard size or follow our measuring guide.
Does it include seam allowance?
Yes, it includes 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance (outer dashed line). You can remove it in the editor.
How do I print it at full scale?
In the editor pick your paper and tap "Download PDF". At home: numbered Letter or A4 pages you tape together. At a print shop or plotter: full size on one sheet, a 36" roll or large sheets. Always print at 100% and check the 10 × 5 cm test square.
