…………Welcome to My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)
WINNER HAS BEEN DRAWN!!!
I hope everyone has enjoyed Me Made May with Sew Mary Mac and Love Notions! I can’t wait to see what you all sew up in June! Thank you all for your lovely comments~ I really enjoyed reading them all! As the week progresses I will respond to all of your nice comments!
I’m Giving Away One Free Pattern From the MMM Trunk Show!!!
All you need to do is comment on this blog post! I’ll be selecting one of my readers randomly to receive one pattern that was featured in the Me Made May Trunk Show! It’s that easy! Simply leave me a comment~ maybe about what your favorite LN pattern is, what blog posts you enjoy most or even what you’d like to see me include in my Weekly Stitch!
I will be selecting a winner on Sunday evening, 5/31/26. If you’ve won, I’ll need your email associated with your LN account. It’s that simple!!
TheSale is Over but be sure to check The Weekly Stitch on Friday, June 5 for the next exciting sale from Love Notions!
In honor of Me Made May, Love Notions has been doing something really special this May! Each day of May LN has been featuring a different pattern for just $5! The schedule won’t be announced ahead of time~ so check back to this email each day(until the next Friday’s Weekly Stitch) for the $5 pattern of the day and my link to the pattern and related blog post! Remember each pattern is on sale for just 24 hours.
**I would truly appreciate if you could use my affiliate link below to give me credit for your purchase. Thank you so so much for visiting and helping to support my blog! The small amount I get with this affiliate link helps to keep my blog ad free! If you don’t want to return to my blog each day~ you can simply go to the Love Notions Website to see the $5 pattern. You can bookmark/save this link which will also give me credit for your purchases~ Love Notions Patterns
The Muse Blouse is a great transitional blouse for all seasons! This pattern includes so many options you can easily make a closet full and each one would be different. I’ve made 3 versions so far and have plans for a few more for summer.
………….Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)
Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~
Today’s Feature Friday Pattern from Love Notions is the Sonata Dress! Today, 2/6/26 you can grab with classic dress pattern for just $6!
A true classic the Sonata dress is perfect for sewing up a late winter dress in a soft flannel or baby corduroy. Or if you’ve got Spring on your mind~ sew one up in a flowy rayon challis or chambray. This dress even sews up nicely in Quilter’s cotton! The 4 sleeve options make it a true year round pattern! Be sure to visit the Love Notions Facebook group (type in Sonata in the search bar) to see some lovely Sonata dresses for inspiration.
This dress has been on my to-sew someday for quite some time! I’m thinking seersucker or linen for spring and summer!
I know many of you are busy checking out all the Black Friday Sales today 11/28/2025~ but Love Notions is having one of their rare site~wide sales beginning NOW! All patterns and courses are 40% off. If you use my special code 10MACSEWS45 you’ll get an extra 5%~ that means 45% off!! The sales runs from today through next Friday 12/3/2025. Printed patterns will be 25% off. You have a whole week to decide what patterns you “need”. (The only pattern excluded from the sale in the new Opus Vest)
But Wait~ There’s More!!!!!!!!!
With every purchase made during this sale using a code will allow you to get the Sewing Tool Kit PDF (print yourself at home). The Sewing Tool Kit is full of lots of helpful sewing tips guaranteed to bring your makes up a notch! But that’s not all~ for the first time EVER making a purchase (and using a sale code) will also get you the complete LOOK BOOK PDF (print at home yourself).
There are 2 ways to get this free Tool kit.
Use my 45% off code (10MACSEWS45) to get 45% off the order and I will send you the tool kit for free. Simply send me your order number and along with your email and I will send the PDF to your email.
Use Love Notions code SewThankful for just 40% off and you will get the Tool Kit added to your Love Notions account automatically. If you choose this method, please consider using my affiliate link so I will get credit for the sale. Purchase your patterns from this link.
Use code 10MACSEWS45 for 45% off your pattern order. In order to receive the Sewing Tool Kit & Love Notions LOOK BOOK for free simply send me your order number and email address and I will send you the PDF for free!
Which Patterns Should You Grab?
Need help deciding which patterns to grab during this sale? First, I recommend buying the recent new releases that you didn’t buy during the release sale. Patterns typically don’t become a $6 pattern until one year after they have released. Patterns such as the the Meadowlark Pants, Bridget Trousers, Bluegrass Shirt, Geneva Pullover and Evanston Vest are good ones to buy. These patterns may have released during the Spring and Summer months, however they will work perfectly for Fall and Winter too!
This is also a great time to pick up any of the recent $6 Feature Friday patterns that you may have missed. Patterns are only featured for $6 once a year, so if you missed one~ now is the time to grab it!
I’ll have another blog post out next week with all my favorite Love Notions patterns to use for layering this winter.
Still need inspiration? Check out some of these other blog posts!
You can check out my personal top 5 Love Notions patterns HERE. Note there might be some overlap on these lists. My favorites are constantly changing~ but these will always be patterns I love!
Want to get the most bang for your buck? Check out this blog post to find some Love Notions patterns give you the most bang for your buck!
And Now On To The Weekly Stitch!!
What I Wore This Week~
As I’ve been doing the past few weeks, I dug into the back of my closet to pull out things I haven’t been wearing. A few of those items I wore for the day and then decided to donate. A few others, I remembered why I use to love them. Others, I’ve decided on some minor adjustments I can make to them to make me love them again. And of course, some were actually a bit too small, but I wore them anyway (Hey June Halifax Hoodies).
LN Rockford Raglan in Hacci Sweater Knit
LN Oakley Vest in a Cable Sweater Knit
LN Breckenridge Vest Hack in a Sweater knit (Link to LN Blog with instructions below)
LN Rockford Raglan in a rib knit
Hey June Handmade Halifax Hoodies in Raspberry Creek Fabrics Oatmeal French Terry
LN Boyfriend Cardigan in a sweater knit from Surge Fabrics
LN La Bella Donna in a rib knit
True Bias Marlo Sweater in an “Urban Rib” knit
Hey June Santa Fe top in a rib knit from the NYC garment district. (Chic Fabrics)
What I Sewed This Week (and last week)~
Well, I haven’t gotten much sewing done these past 2 weeks. I’m still working on the new pattern test for Love Notions which releases 12/5. I just finished sewing up my final version and I can’t wait to show you all!
I was also busy prepping for my family coming for the holiday and hopping into the city to see Moulin Rouge with my sister. While in the city I grabbed a bunch of zippers from my favorite source, SIL, for the LN Oakley vests I’m sewing up.
My Fall Sewing Plans
Sometimes we need to pivot. That’s what I’ve decided I needed to do with one of the items on my Fall Plan. I knew I needed/wanted a few new LN Oakley Vests for my Fall and Winter wardrobe. I sewed up the Sage Quilted Knit that I had purchased a few years ago for the Oakley. Although I love the fabric itself, it just doesn’t work as nicely for the Oakley as my other quilted sweater knits did. This particular one has a bit more stretch to it and the recovery was not as good. I know as I wear it, it will become baggier and not be the look I’m going for. So~ I have 2 pieces of quilted sweater knit in my stash~ a gray and a purple~ which I will use instead. I have used this sweater knit in burgundy already for the Oakley and I love it. (See photos below)
Now I need to get binding and a zipper to match so I can sew them up! Update: I got the zippers on my trip into the city last week at my favorite spot SIL, ~ now I just need a purple binding! Whenever I go into the city, I cut tiny swatches of the fabrics I need zipper (or buttons) for to make matching them up easy. SIL also has an online store you can order from. The color chart on their website is pretty accurate~ I’ve ordered zippers I needed quickly and they matched perfectly!
Did you read my blog post on shopping in the NYC Garment District? You can read more about SIL and other shops HERE.
When I finish the Oakley Vests, I plan to move on to my new LN Constellations!
LN Aria Button-downs ~ ALL COMPLETE!!
Corduroy ~Woodland print that I purchased last fall from Style Maker Fabrics
Sweatshirt fleece, pink plaid that I ordered from RCF
Jacket hack in Navy linen~ just received from Mood Fabrics~
I’m going to push this ahead to my Spring Sewing Plans list
LN Timbre Top long sleeved button front version ~ ALL COMPLETE!!
Block print cotton voile ~has in stash from Blackbird Fabrics.
Perhaps a Rayon challis version? Found perfect rayon challis in my deep stash (10 yrs old?)
Bonus Sew~ Green Double Gauze from last big Joann Fabrics haul
LN Constellation Pullovers
Navy Speckle Sweatshirt Fleece~ in stash from Style Maker Fabrics
Oatmeal and Fuchsia floral sweatshirt fleece~ in stash from Style Maker Fabrics
LN Clef Coats
Gray Sweatshirt fleece~ in stash from ????
Navy Boucle purchased a few years ago from Style Maker Fabrics
LN Oakley Vests
Two Quilted Sweater knits from stash (Sage and Plum)~ from Style Maker Fabrics(2023 & 2024)
Sage Quilted knit completed.
Added Gray Quilted Sweater Knit in place of the Plum. See photos below.
Added Purple Quilted Sweater knit in place of the Purple Puff quilted fabric below.
Purple Puff quilted fabric ~Style Maker Fabrics from last year~ still trying to find fabric for binding I like!! Note: I’m not finding anything I like, so I’m rethinking my plans for this fabric.
LN Coda Coat ~ADDED 10/4
Quilted Jacket~ will be shopping at Home Goods to find a new quilt to cut up.
Update!!!! I found a quilt at Home Sense in the clearance section! A Draper James quit for just $30!
LN Sloane Sweaters~ Added 10/20 / ALL COMPLETE
Wearable muslin of the Sloane~ since I needed to make some size adjustments.
Rose Floral Reverse French Terry (Style Maker Fabrics 2024)
Houndstooth Hacci Sweater Knit~ Promo for Raspberry Creek Fabrics
You can found these quilted knits at Surge Fabrics is several colors. They are $10.99 per half yard. (I may just need to order another color since this fabric is perfect for the LN Oakley Vest! Shop for them HERE.
Thanks for reading “The Weekly Stitch”! I’m so happy you took the time to “visit” my sewing room!
Mary Anne 🙂
Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes! @sewmarymac
You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account.
The Love Notions links are affiliate links. It costs you nothing to purchase from these links, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.
During this week long Sew Thankful Sale use the code 10MACSEWS45. This coupon code gives you an extra 5% off the 40% off sale. This code is good for all patterns (printed patterns will be 25% off) and courses.
My code will change back to 10MACSEWS after the sale. My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working. This code will be good through the end of 2025.
Blog Posts~ These will give you more details on each pattern, my sizing and alterations along with sewing tips for each specific pattern.
Get your wish lists ready for the Fall Love Notions Sale! Look for all the details in next Friday’s Weekly Stitch. Remember if you use my code you will get an additional 5% off the sale prices! (Check next week’s Weekly Stitch for the special code!) Also, go to your Love Notions account and leave a review for any pattern you have purchased for a chance to win the Love Notions “Look Book”. Check the Love Notions Facebook page for more details on that!
Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~
The Octave Coat is the $6 Feature Friday pattern today, 11/21/25. If you are new to sewing coats, this is a great place to start! If you purchase the Octave Coat Sewing Course for $25, you will get the Octave Coat pattern for free. Be sure to use my code 10MACSEWS for an additional 10% off. (the course or the pattern)
The Octave Coat Sewing Course is an on-demand course can be watched on YOUR time. No limits, no expirations. Binge it or watch it in chunks. Replay the tricky spots until it clicks for you. Tami walks you through each every step the way. Tami takes the mystery out of intimidating subjects like size, fabric selection, common pattern adjustments, sewing techniques, sewing the pockets, sewing the lining, and more. You’ll also get access to a module all about installing a zipper!
The Octave Coat can be dressed up or down depending on your fabric choice. From a nice classic wool to a thick flannel and even a fleece your choice can give you a completely different look! Be sure to check out the Love Notions Facebook page (type Octave in the search bar) to see all the Octaves made by LN Ambassadors and customers.
I haven’t made the Octave Coat YET! However, I do have all my fabric together for it. I have a gray melton wool blend for the coat, a plaid flannel for the lining and a thermal satin lining fabric for the sleeve lining. I’m planning on making the shawl collar version with the tie belt. I will for sure be watching the Octave Sewing Course before I even begin to cut out my fabric pieces! Stay tuned!!!
Here are the fabrics that I have purchased for my Octave Coat.
Gray Melton Wool blend from the Garment District of NYC
Gray Plaid Robert Kaufman Flannel for the body lining. (Raspberry Creek Fabrics)
Ivory flannel backed satin for the sleeve lining. (Local fabric store)
Keep Reading Below for Fabric Resources For The Octave Coat!!!
The Details
Sizes XS-5X
Choice of Wide lapel, shawl collar or hooded option
Fully lined option
Integrated pockets in princess seams
Optional belt or button closure
Designed for heavy weight woven fabrics or stable knits
Full Bust option
Drafted for winter layering (plenty of ease)
Optional Sewing Course available for purchase
Tip: Sew a muslin with the lining pieces
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fabric Recommendations
Medium to heavyweight woven fabrics such as~
Boiled wool
Boucle
Melton Wool
Bonded Suede
Heavyweight Stable Knits such as~
Fleece
Sweatshirt Fleece
Sherpa
The above fabrics would be perfect for the unlined version
Use a light weight woven fabric for the hood lining when using a bulky fabric for your coat. A slippery fabric such as satin, bemberg rayon or a silk-like fabric is best for the sleeves.
You will find several fabrics here that are perfect for the Octave Coat. They have a variety of wool and wool blend coatings that are Designer Deadstock along with a great selection of lining fabrics. You can find them all here. FYI~ you may also order swatches from Cali Fabrics!
Here are a few of my favorites:
Navy Herringbone Wool Coating #30523 at $22.99 per yard
Designer Deadstock Charcoal Heavy Wool Tweed #30521 at $19.99 per yard
Dark Ocean Blue Wool Boucle #30526 at $24.99 per yard
Moss Green Melton Wool #30528 at $22.99 per yard
Charcoal Melton Wool #30520 at $22.99 per yard
Pink Monica Boiled Wool #WL-25730 at $18.79 per yard
#30523#30521#30526#30528#30520#WL-25730
Style Maker Fabrics
This is one of my favorite shops, however I know that they are a tad more expensive than some. That being said~ the quality is ALWAYS top-notch! They also sell swatches for just $1 or $2 with free shipping. When ordering from Style Maker, they will also match thread for you. If you have trouble matching a lining fabric, you can contact them via the website and they are always glad to help!!
There are a few of the favorites that I found when looking through their “Boucle & Coating” section. You can see all of them here. Below are a few of my favorites.
Cozy Reversible Sherpa Fleece, available in 5 colors, $29.99 per yard
Large Scale Plaid Plus Boucle Fleece, $24.99 per yard
Teddy Boucle Fleece, available in 2 colors, $24.99 per yard
This just in!!!!
Style Maker Fabrics just added a few brand new coatings to their shop! They are PERFECT for the Octave Coat! If wool is too itchy for you take a look at these! They look AND feel like Wool Melton yet are made from a blend of poly, acrylic and rayon. They are 60″ wide and have 40% stretch. Don’t forget you can always order swatches from Style Maker Fabrics.
They have a great selection of Melton Double Weave Wool (sold by the 1/2 yard). Many of them are on sale. Here are a few of my favorites. Be sure to visit their website to check them all out!
Denim/Linen/Cinnamon Box Plaid Double Weave Wool, $10 per half yard
Toasted Almond/Navy/Powder Plaid Double Weave Wool, $10 per half yard
There are also several other types of Wool Coating to choose from. These are a few classic fabrics to choose from.
Rainbow Flecked Black & White Herringbone Wool Coating, $14.49 per yard
Golden Beige Herringbone Wool Coating, $14.49 per yard
Salt & Pepper Tweed Wool Coating, $15.49 per yard
Surge also has 2 Faux Wool Coating available for just $7.50 per yard which would be great to use if you’re newer to sewing or just want a budget friendly option.
Black & Tan Harlequin Plaid Faux Wool Fleece Coating~ On Sale and Almost gone!
Black & White Diagonal Plaid Faux Wool Fleece Coating
Surge’s Polartec Thermal Pro Double Sided Fleece(shown below) would make a great unlined Octave Coat. This fleece is designed to keep you warm without weighing you down. It is available in 3 colors for $17.99 per yard. You can see them all HERE.
Fleece
Fleece makes a great option for the Octave Coat. Other than the Polartec fleece I have shown above, I really can’t give you an online resource for it since the quality really varies per manufacturer. If you (like me) have a stash of the Polar Fleece from Joann Fabrics~ this is a perfect fabric for a casual Octave Coat. There are several online stores that carry fleece, but since I haven’t ordered from them I wouldn’t want to recommend them to you. I would suggest check your local Walmart(mine never has decent fabric) and Hobby Lobby for fleece.
This Just In!!! Nick of Time Textiles has a limited selection of Polar Fleece. I HAVE ordered fabrics from them in the past and I’ve been very happy. You can check back often as their stock is always changing. You can also order swatches from them as well. Here are 2 that I think would work really well for the Octave
Navy Double-Sided Polar Fleece, SKU 7008B #S/LL, $5.50 per yard
Mint Single Sided Polar Fleece, SKU 7431B #S63,$5.50 per yard
Additional Resources~
Discovery Fabrics is a Canadian company that is a favorite of many LN Amabassadors. They also have a selection of various Polartec Fleece. You can see them HERE.
Minerva Fabrics were sponsors of the release of the Octave Coat back in 2020. They have many wool coatings in a several price ranges. I did see some nice Deadstock Wool Blend Coatings on sale for just $9.99 per yard. You can see all the coating fabrics HERE. Below are a few of the sale fabrics I saw.
If you are looking for a high-end fabric, Minerva also has a great selection of high quality coating fabrics. The great thing about Minerva is that is you click on a fabric, often you will see photos of other customer makes in that exact fabric!
John Louden Wool Blend Coating, various plaids, $17.99 -$19.99 per yard
Another great choice for the Octave Coat is Teddy Faux Fur. Minerva has it available in 6 colors for $19.99 per yard. I simply LOVE these colors. See all of them HERE.
Fur For Collar
My top suggestion for fur for your collar would be Shannon Fabrics Luxe Cuddle Fabrics. However, they only sell wholesale~ so you can visit their website to see where you might be able to purchase it near you. There is nowhere near me, however I did see that there are some available on Amazon. You can see them HERE. My favorites are below.
*****Another great option is to simply purchase a throw from Home Goods or similar stores and cut it up for the collar. This may be the most cost effectivechoice.
Lining Fabrics For the Octave Coat
Flannel backed satin is a great choice to add warmth to your coat. It is perfect especially for the sleeves as it allows you to slip your arm in easily but add needed warmth. I have a local fabric store where I purchase this, however I have found some reliable online shops that carry it. This is what I have purchased for my Octave Coat.
Vogue Fabrics~ available in 6 colors, $14.99 per yard.
Pongee~ a polyester fabric that is another great lining choice. It has a smooth surface and soft drape.
Cali Fabrics has about 40+ colors of Designer Deadstock Pongee lining for $3.99 per yard. You can find them HERE.
Charmeuse Satin~ is a slightly heavier lining fabric that is great for coats. Cali Fabrics has 40+ colors available at $3.99 per yard. You can see them HERE.
Flannel~ I have chosen to line the body of my Octave with flannel for added warm. Any flannel will work although I do have a few favorites. Be sure to use a good quality flannel for your coat~ especially after you put so my effort in to sewing it up!
My favorite flannel is Robert Kaufman Mammoth Flannel which is one the thickest and best quality flannels I have ever worked with. They can be found in many online shops (and even quilt shops). Simply search in your favorite online shop. They can also be found in the following shops.
Style Maker Fabrics also carries a “Cozy Flannel” which is very similar to Mammoth Flannel. I have sewn this flannel up as well and it just gets softer and softer with each wash. They have many plaids AND prints available. You can find them HERE.
***PS~ I don’t suggest using flannel for the sleeves of your Octave Coat. It would make it very difficult to get your arms in and out.
What I Wore Last Week~
Last week was all about wearing layers it seems!
LN Aria Button-down in Sweatshirt Fleece (Raspberry Creek Fabrics)
LN La Bella Donna in rib knit
LN La Bella Donna vest hack in loose weave sweater knit
LN Sloane Sweater in waffle knit
LN Sloane Sweater, View A with hood in a ribbed sweater knit
LN Oakley Vest in a Sweater Double Knit
LN Sloane Sweater with a hacked funnel neck ~sweater knit from Style Maker Fabrics (2024)
LN Presto Tunic in flannel~ Eddie Bauer for Joann Fabrics
Hey June Handmade Halifax Hoodie in a cotton French Terry
I made this way back in 2018? It’s a size too small, but now I just want to make a new one!
“What I’m Sewing This Week” and “My Fall Sewing Plans” will return in next week’s Weekly Stitch! See you then!!
Thanks for reading “The Weekly Stitch”! I’m so happy you took the time to “visit” my sewing room!
Mary Anne 🙂
Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes! @sewmarymac
You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account.
The Love Notions links are affiliate links. It costs you nothing to purchase from these links, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.
To receive an additional 10% off the LN pattern price, use this coupon code 10MACSEWS.This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $6 Feature Friday pattern. My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working. This code will be good through the end of 2025.
Blog Post Links~ These will give you more details on each pattern, my sizing and alterations along with sewing tips for each specific pattern.
I’m so excited about the Band Camp Shirt’s very first Feature Friday! Today only, 9/26/25 you can buy the Ladies Band Camp Shirt AND the Men’s Band Camp Shirt for just $6 each. Remember using my code 10MARYMAC will get you an extra 10% off.
I know I say this quite often but, you really NEED this pattern! It was a very satisfying sew, and much simpler to make than a traditional collared shirt due to its attached facing construction. So if you’ve been afraid to sew up a collared shirt, this is a pattern for YOU!
This has to be one of the MOST versatile top pattern offered by Love Notions. It works perfectly for ALL the seasons! I love my sleeveless versions(I need more next summer), wear my short sleeved versions all the time and adore my long sleeved versions as well! This shirt really works year round!
Please be sure to click over to my blog post all about the Band Camp Shirts~ there is a ton of information there. I’ve updated it to include new photos AND talk a bit about how different fabrics create totally different looking shirts. All my sizing details are there as well as some sewing tips too.
The Feature Friday pattern today, 9/19/25 is the Largo Cargos. You can grab the pattern today for just $6. You can use my code 10MARYMAC for and additional 10% off. If you decide you want to order the printed pattern, it ships for free today only!
The Largo Cargos are THE perfect of pants to sew up for Fall! I have yet to sew up a pair, however since I’ve sewn the Meadowlark Hiking pants and am happy with how they fit me~ I think I’m ready to sew up a pair of these! Be sure to check the Love Notions Facebook group to see all the awesome Largos that have sewn up!
The $6 Feature Friday pattern from Love Notions today, 7/25/2025 is the Cadence. This breezy shift style dress deserves a place in everyone’s closet! Forget what you used to think~ you don’t need to be tall and thin to wear a shift dress!! The Cadence pattern is filled with options too! Remember to use my code 10MARYMAC for an extra 10% off. You can grab the pattern HERE. PS: Be sure to read to the end to see some photos from last week’s bike ride!
…Love Notions Camp Style Shirt Patterns For Ladies and Men!
***EDITED 9/2025 with additional photos and information on fabrics and drape!
I am sooooo excited about this pattern from Love Notions! I was lucky to be able to test both the Ladies and Men’s versions of the Band Camp Shirt. It’s a great pattern to sew up for the end of summer yet takes you through the transition into cooler weather and beyond! I know I say this quite often but, you really NEED this pattern! It was a very satisfying sew, and much simpler to make than a traditional collared shirt due to its attached facing construction. So if you’ve been afraid to sew up a collared shirt, this is a pattern for YOU! I see a set of matching or coordinating shirts in our future!
Both the Ladies and Men’s Band Camp Shirt patterns are the Feature Friday $6 pattern today, 9/26/2025 . Regular price is $12.50. You can use my code 10MARYMAC for an additional 10% off.
What Exactly Is A Camp Shirt?
A camp collar shirt is a short-sleeve, button-down shirt that is characterized by its open, unstructured, lay-flat collar (called a camp collar) that creates a lower-cut v-neck; this relaxed collar is part of what distinguishes it from a short-sleeve dress shirt which buttons up higher and sports a stand-up collar.
Band Camp Shirt with a Caprice Skirt and Boyfriend Cardigan hack for a vest
Ladies Band Camp Shirt
The Details
The Ladies Band Camp shirt is a collared button down shirt. It has a simplified collar construction with the facing attached to the front. It is constructed much like the Melody Dolman~ the main difference is that the Band Camp shirt has a set in sleeve. The Band Camp makes a great staple for your wardrobe. Sewn with different options and a variety of fabrics, you can achieve many different looks!
Three Sleeve Options: Sleeveless, Short Sleeved with cuff, Long sleeves
Two back Options: Plain or Yoked
Two Pocket Options: Plain and Cargo Pocket with (or without) flap
Optional Roll Up Tabs for long and short sleeves
Split Hem
Bust Dart Only for Full Bust Sizing
Endless Combinations To Create by mixing and matching all the options!
Quick Sew
Skill Level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate, the buttonholes may be challenging if you haven’t made them before.
Sizing and Fit
The Ladies Band Camp Shirt is available in sizes XS-5X. A Full Bust pattern piece is included (like all new and updated LN patterns). Choose your shirt size based upon your high bust measurement. If in-between sizes choose the smaller size.
If your full bust is more than 4″ larger than your high bust, use the included Full Bust Front pattern piece. Remember that if you use the full bust pattern pieces, 2″ will be added to the Finished Measurements of the waist and hip.
The Band Camp Shirt is designed to have a relaxed boxy fit. It is meant to hit at the high hip on the average 5’5″ woman.
The blue leaf print shirt above is made from a textured rayon blend shirting. This fabric has a crisp hand and a bit “stiffer” drape. Your fabric choice will play a big role in the way your Band Camp shirt looks when wore. This fabric was from my Style Maker Fabrics stash.
My Sizing Alterations and Modifications
For all my versions of the Bank Camp Shirt I made an XL with the Full bust piece graded out to a 2X for my hips. This is exactly where my measurements fall on the sizing chart. My high bust is 40″ while my full bust is 45″.
I am only 5 feet tall, but I typically don’t shorten Love Notions patterns. All of my versions are made in the designed length, so they may appear a tad longer on me.
The Band Camp Shirt below is made from a rayon linen blend. You can see how this version fits differently since the fabric has much more drape than my other versions. I think if I make another version is rayon, I may size down through the shoulders. This fabric is from Kashi at Metro Textiles in the NYC Garment District. You can purchase this fabric here.
Men’s Band Camp Shirt
The Details
What exactly is a CampShirt? A camp shirt, also known as a cabin shirt, Cuban collar shirt, cabana shirt, and lounge shirt, is a loose, straight-cut, woven, short-sleeved button-front shirt with a simple placket. Well the Band Camp Shirt is all that and much more! Look at all the options!
Two Front Options: Plain or Colorblocked
Two Back Options: Plain or Yoke with Pleat
Two Sleeve Options: Short with Cuff or Long
Optional Tabs for both Long or Short Sleeve
Two Pocket Options: Plain or Cargo with Flap
Split Hem
Endless Combinations to Make by Combining Options Differently!
Skill Level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate
Note: The Colorblocking option can create so many different looks. You can choose just the side panels like I did, or opt for the front panels and color. The combinations are endless! Be sure to check out all the tester photos on the pattern listing and on the Facebook Group.
Sizing and Fit
The Men’s Band Camp Shirt is available in sizes XS to 5X. Choose your size based on the chest measurement. If between sizes, choose the smaller size. As always, check the finished garment measurements chart to help you. Using the chest measurement to select your size helps to get a good fit at the neck and shoulders. If needed, grade out for a larger waist or hips.
The Men’s Band Camp Shirt, like the Ladies, is designed to have a relaxed boxier fit It is drafted for the average 5’8″ man. It is meant to hit between the high and full hip.
Sizing For Mr. Sew Mary Mac
I made a size Large for my husband. His chest measures 43″ which falls exactly in a size L. His waist is 37″ and his hips are just 38″. His hips are smaller than a size Large, but I did not grade smaller for him. My husband is 5’8″~ so I did not take make any changes to the length of the body of the shirt. If I make him another one (which I most likely will), I may shorten the sleeve just a tad which is just a personal preference of his.
Mr. Sew Mary Mac AKA ~ Bill’s shirt was made from 100% linen. I let him pick his fabric from my linen stash. You can see that this makes a shirt that is crisp and boxy. This linen was from my favorite source for linen, Grayline Linens in the Garment District in NYC.
This French Blue version of the Band Camp is the new Verona Active Stretch poly woven from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. This fabric has such a nice drape~ I love the way the back pleat hangs. This fabric is simply amazing to sew with! It’s fast drying, lightweight and has 2 way mechanical stretch! It is available in various solid dyed colors, all the prints in the RCF current Swim Collection and even is available for custom printing.
Fabrics and Notions (Ladies and Mens)
The Band Camp Shirts are designed for woven fabrics. Light to medium weight apparel woven such as linen, chambray, rayon and shirtings. More specifically fabrics such as these would all work perfectly:
Double gauze
Seersucker
Rayon challis (will result in a drapier look)
Rayon Crepe
Rayon crinkle(will result in a drapier look)
Cotton or rayon poplin
Cotton or rayon voile
Lightweight linens
Madras plaid
Lightweight twill
Quilter’s Cotton ( will result in a very boxy look)
Active Stretch Woven, like Verona Stretch from RCF.
Notions
Thread
Light-weight fusible interfacing
6-10 buttons depending upon View you choose to sew.
Fabric and Drape
Depending on what fabric you choose, the Band Camp shirt can have a very different look. Different fabrics have different amounts of drape thus affecting the look of the shirt. Many different fabrics work for the Band Camp shirt~ they will just give you a different look. I’ve yet to make one in Rayon Challis (most drape of all) and I do plan on making one one of this days! (I’ll add photos when I do!)
What is drape? Drape is how a fabric falls, folds and hangs when made into a garment. Different fabrics will have different degrees of drape ranging from fluid and flowing to stiff and structured.
Drape influences the overall look of a garment. The fiber content, weave structure and fabric weight all play a part in how a fabric drapes.The drape of a fabric can affect the overall silhouette of the intended design.
Fabrics with more drape such as rayons, poly and/or rayon crepes and some rayon/linen blends will give the band camp a softer more flowy fit and look a tad dressier. My stretch crepe and rayon linen versions below show this.
Fabrics with less drape, such as cotton voile, and double gauze will give the Band Camp a boxier look. See the pink gauze and cotton voile versions below.
And lastly, fabric with very little drape, or fabrics that drape away from the body such a midweight linens and cottons will look even more structured. See my linen and cotton versions below. I feel these Band Camp shirts looks best worn untucked. Notice how the shirt slightly stands out from the bust down on me. This is because these fabrics don’t have as much drape. (This in fact makes this fabric a great choice for hot and humid weather!)
Want to read more about drape? I did an experiment with drape and the LN Timbre Top for a blog post on the Raspberry Creek Fabrics blog. You can read that blog post HERE.
Sew Mary Mac’s Tips For Sewing the Band Camp Shirt
Be sure to transfer ALL makings on the neckline and collar pieces accurately. These are important to construct the collar and facing correctly.
Do NOT skip the staying stitching on the curved neckline edges. I like to do this step immediately after cutting out my fabric. The more cut fabric pieces are handled, the more likely they will stretch and distort. If this happens you collar may not fit properly. This is especially important with this type of collar/facing construction.
When sewing the shirt fronts to the shirt back, be sure to press the shoulder seams towards the FRONT( not to the back like you typically would do).
Finish the sides seams of the front and back BEFORE sewing them together.
When sewing any type of shirt with cuffs, I prefer to construct the sleeve completely before attaching the sleeve to the garment. It is much easier to handle this way.
*For the Sleeveless version: Try your shirt on before attaching the bias tape. Check the underarm to make sure it will cover your undergarments. I often take in the side seam right at the underarm. Make any adjustments before attaching the bias tape.
If sewing the Band Camp Shirt is a lighter weight fabric such as rayon challis, interface both collar pieces.
Remember that the button/buttonhole placement guide is that~ just a guide. I always try on my shirt first, and mark where I want the button at the bustline and then work up and down from that point. This helps to prevent gaping at the bust.
Below are photos of my very first tester version. There were a few changes made to the pattern, but I still love this and wear this one. This is made from a cotton poplin I had printed at Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I think this fabric is PERFECT for this pattern! Changes made during testing were to trim down the armsyce and lower the bust dart (on the full bust version). I know I will make several more sleeveless versions next summer!
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Mary Anne 🙂
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About Mary Mac
Hello! Welcome to my blog. I'm Mary, a retired Family & Consumer Science teacher of 32 years. I now spend my time making all my own clothes because I'm fun! I have an amazing daughter who made this blog for me.
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