Simple patterns that can be whipped up in an hour or two are some of my favourites – especially when it comes to kids clothes. My daughter grows so fast that I really don’t want to be spending hours upon hours making something that she will have grown out of in just six months. So when I saw that Sinclair Patterns were launching their own kids line, I jumped at the chance to try one of their patterns. The pattern I chose was the Blueberry Classic Knit Tee. It comes with a few different options. For this review, I made the classic tee with hemmed long sleeves and a chest patch pocket.
What I Loved
- The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. A photo guide is included for each step.
- Layers are available for the PDF file so you only need to print your size.
- This pattern is available in both regular and slim fit – this is something I haven’t seen any other pattern companies do and I think it’s great to have these options.
- The PDF file is trimless so it doesn’t take long to stick and cut the pattern out.
- Seam allowances are included.
- The pattern comes with instructions explaining the pattern definitions, and also provides advice on how to sew with knit fabrics and measure your child.
- There are two different pocket options – a chest pocket and a hip pocket.
- The tee can be made with either cuffs and a band, or hemmed.
- There are two different neckline options – scoop and crew.
- It’s a really quick make – it took me about an hour once the pattern was cut out.
What Wasn’t So Great
- For some reason the designer has chosen to give each size a letter (A-R) rather than the traditional kids sizes (2T, 3T etc.). I don’t see the point of this as it just means it takes longer to work out what size you need to make. And yes, I get that you’re supposed to measure your child.
- The printing layout diagram included in the pattern instructions doesn’t line up with the A4 printout.
- This pattern can’t be used commercially – even by small businesses.
Final Verdict
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll have seen that I’m not really a big fan of this t-shirt and I can’t really put my finger on why. While it is great to have both cuff and hem options in one tee, you’re essentially paying $7.99 for something super basic that can only be used for personal use. The Waves and Wild (MBJM) kids tees that I’ve tried looked much better when complete, and had more options included with the pattern too. While I do like the patch pocket – and it was great to have instructions on how to make these properly (I’ve always winged it in the past) – I don’t think it’s a pattern I’d make again. I do expect, however, that regular purchasers of Sinclair Patterns will have a different opinion, especially if they’re new to sewing kids clothes.
The Sinclair Patterns Kids Blueberry Tee requires a light to medium weight stretch fabric such as cotton Lycra or cotton interlock. The cuffs and waistband both require a stretchy fabric – you can use ribbing or cotton Lycra. The PDF pattern can be purchased from the Sinclair Patterns website for $7.99. It is available in sizes A to R (which equates to newborn to 14 years according to the Sinclair Patterns website).
