Cara shirt sewing pattern

Skill level: Intermediate

Cara is for makers who want something more interesting than a standard shirt. The construction is clever rather than crowded: one piece folds back on itself, so accuracy and fabric handling matter.

Choose a fabric that looks good on both sides. The fold-back construction exposes the underside, so a fabric with a dull reverse or obvious wrong side can weaken the finish. Sand-washed silk, satin, silk or soft cotton all work well if they have enough movement.

Fabric requirements

• Main fabric: 140 cm / 58 in wide × 190 cm / 75 in
• Interfacing: 140 cm / 58 in wide × 45 cm / 18 in

Cara works best in fabric with drape. Sand-washed silk gives the shirt a cool, textured, luxurious finish. Satin makes it feel more evening-led. Silk keeps the shape fluid. Soft cotton gives a more relaxed, wearable version.

The key is movement. The shirt needs fabric that can fall, fold and twist without becoming stiff.

Supplies

• Main fabric
• Interfacing
• Matching thread

Equipment

• Sewing machine
• Overlocker / serger
• Pins
• Needles
• Fabric scissors
• Paper scissors

Cara is available in XS–L / UK 4–18 / EUR 32–46 / US 0–14.

Choose your size by comparing your bust, waist and hip measurements to the size chart. The fit is relaxed and draped, but the shoulder, collar and crossover shape still need to sit cleanly.

All sewing patterns are drafted for a dressmaker’s B cup, so fuller cup sizes may need a full bust adjustment.

Included in your download pack

• PDF sewing pattern in A4 and US Letter, tiled pages for home printing, all sizes nested
• PDF sewing pattern in A0, one sheet for a copy shop, all sizes nested
• Step by step sewing instructions PDF
• How to print guide PDF: print settings, scale check and how to piece the pages together

File structure

├── How to Print Documentation.pdf
├── Sewing Instructions.pdf
└── Sewing Patterns
    ├── A0 (one sheet)
    ├── A4 (tiled pages)
    └── US Letter (tiled pages)

The size chart is on this page and on the Size charts page. It is not a separate file in the pack.

This is a digital product. No paper pattern will be posted.

After checkout, you can download the sewing pattern pack from your order completion page, from your download email, or later through My Account → Downloads.

• PDF: Open the PDF files in Adobe Reader and print at 100% scale, not “scale to fit”.
• Downloads: Save the ZIP file to a laptop or computer rather than downloading it to a mobile device.

For personal use only.

You may not sell garments made from this pattern, and you may not resell, lend, share, or redistribute the original pattern files. Please read our Terms & Conditions for more information.

Cara is a shirt pattern with movement built into the cut.

The shape crosses over the body instead of buttoning down the front. The batwing sleeves soften the shoulder. The collar and cuff details bring it back into shirt territory, but the construction keeps the whole piece looser, stranger and more fluid.

Make it in sand-washed silk if you want texture and softness. Use satin for a sharper evening version. Try soft cotton if you want the shape to feel more relaxed and easier to wear.

This is a good project for makers who like clever construction and fabric that moves. Not a basic shirt. Not trying to be.

Folded shape. Slouched front. Clean drama.