Want the best kids T-shirt pattern your money can buy?
Well, here ya go!
The Rowan tee is designed by the fabulous Laura of Craftstorming and Titchy Threads. If you’ve ever sewn with one of Laura’s patterns, I’m sure you’d agree that they are some of THE best out there. I honestly do not think any other indie patterns that I own are as thoughtful or precise as Laura’s. It is obvious, the amount of work she puts into creating her designs. Her Small Fry Skinny Jeans would probably win the sewing blog equivalent of the Grammy’s ‘song of the year’.
She’s a smart cookie, and it shows in her work.
The Rowan tee is awesome.
It offers plenty options. And by plenty, I mean 144 different ways to change up your Rowan. From hood, short sleeves, long sleeves, cuffs, hems, stripes, patch pocket, kangaroo pocket…It’s like ordering a coffee drink at Starbucks. All about the customization, y’all.
Oh, and it’s sized from 6 months-12 years. Holy size range!
Laura asked the tour participants to each choose a different variation. I went simple, and chose the short sleeve, hemmed, full-stripe option.
I made Coco (she’s 2 1/2) a size 3.
The fit is EXACTLY what I want in a tee for my kiddo. It’s somewhat relaxed, but it’s not a baggy fit. It’s just the right length, just the right width.
I used a lovely cream-colored cotton/lycra knit from my local fabric shop, Les Fabriques. I bended the rules here by using a woven print (Geos in Deep Marina by Leah Duncan) instead of knit for my stripe, and I loooove it.
Great way to use up some favorite fabric scraps, no?
p.s. I love kids in jeans. Coco became a slouchy teenager as soon as she put them on.
I’ve been sewing a lot with knits lately, and I wanted to share what works for me. I find a walking foot helps me immensely! I use a ball point needle, and I really like using the stretch stitch on my machine. Ever since I started using that stitch (as opposed to a small zig zag or using just the serger), the garments have held up great- no snapping stitches at all. The stretch stitch sort of locks back and forth 3 times, enforcing the seam as you sew. It takes a smidge longer than it would if you used a serger or zig zag stitch- but for me, the clothes have turned out so much more professional looking. I’ve also used spray starch on the hem before pressing it up and sewing and it really helps to get a clean finish.
Don’t let that pocket deceive you- it’s gold paint! The one I used is by Martha Stewart and it’s sort of an all-in-one craft paint. I’ve used it before on fabric and it holds up really nicely in the wash. I made a simple pocket shape on freezer paper (you could probably even trace the pocket pattern piece supplied in the Rowan pattern), ironed it on, and used a sponge brush to dab on the paint. So easy.
One thing I love that some PDF pattern makers are doing now, is offering the sizes in layers- meaning, you can just print out the size you need, instead of printing all of them and then having to decipher which line to cut out for your particular size- which we all know, can be a pain in the ass sometimes. I appreciate that Laura offers this in the Rowan.
I cannot recommend this pattern enough. It is chock-full of helpful tips, great photos, and very extensive instructions. This would be great for a beginner who is ready to try sewing knits, or for the seasoned sewer looking for a legit tee pattern.
Get your Rowan in the Titchy Threads shop! If you subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll receive a discount code. Sweet! And check out the other Rowans on the tour today over at Chelise Patterson and Begin with B.
Thanks for reading!
-Erin
HUNGIE GUNGIE 
I can’t get over the painted pocket. And Coco as a slouchy teen. Love it.
Love ya, T!
I love it Erin! You totally got me with the painted on pocket, I only realised when you mentioned it. What a cute idea! I thought I vaguely recognised that print as a woven, so glad it worked for you, it looks so good against the white. Thanks so much for your kind words and for being on the tour.
Knits have always intimidated me.
oh my goodness that leah duncan knit is perfect for the shoulder/sleeve stripe! love this and the painted pocket, very fun!
PAinted pocket! Awesome.
The painted pocket is pure genius.
Will have to try it!
Will you make this tee for me?!
Ha… thanks!! Let’s get Laura to make an adult version. 🙂
Love this version of the Rowan tee. That golden pocket is brilliant!
Love this! It’s perfect. It really looks like something you would buy at Tea Collection or somewhere expensive! 🙂 And not homemade at all. I love the slouchy teen comment as well as the Starbucks analogy. I often get a Caramel Frappucchino – tall, soy, decaf, no whip. I feel so high maintenance every time!
Ha, Thanks so much, Rachel! I have always ordered Americanos there… My husband is the high maintenance one when it comes to coffee. 😉
Love this so SO much. Perfect fabrics!
Oh, thank you Mie!!! So sweet. 🙂
We really need to get Laura to make her patterns in adult sizes! Adorable shirt and I LOVE the gold paint pocket!
Agreed, Karly! And thank you!
Oh gosh. That painted pocket- brilliance. And that geos is the perfect pop against the cream fabric. Love every bit of this!
Thanks Brooke!
Superb as usual 😉 You have great taste!
Thanks friend!
super cute kid, love the shirt! man that’s one glowing review, you’ve got me curious!
It’s really great, Kristin. Fit is spot on.
Oh my, you did it again. Love everything about this tee. I need to add painted gold patch pockets to all of my girls’ tees!
Ha.. yeah, it’s an easy way to pump a basic tee up!
Love it. What a professional collar! Mine always look a bit wonky. Loving the sleeve stripe! Reminds me of those pants you made with the patchwork down the side. So very cool. Thanks for the introduction to Laura and her patterns.
Thanks Gray!!
Really like the design of the fabric!
http://vanesew.wordpress.com/
I missed this!!! Oh, I LOVE!
Remarkable issues here. I am very glad to peer your post.
Thanks a lot and I’m looking forward to contact you.
Will you please drop me a mail?