Lara shirt sewing pattern

Skill level: Beginner / Intermediate

Lara is a good project for beginners ready to move beyond the simplest shirt shapes. The oversized fit removes the pressure of close fitting, while the collar and cuff tabs give you enough detail to practise cleaner construction.

For an easier sew, use cotton poplin, soft linen or another stable woven fabric. If you have more experience, try sand-washed silk, satin or habotai for a softer, more fluid shirt with a more luxurious finish.

Fabric requirements

• Main fabric: 140 cm / 55 in wide × 125 cm / 50 in
• Fusible interfacing: 140 cm / 55 in wide × 14 cm / 6 in

Use soft cotton, cotton poplin, linen or another non-shifting woven fabric if you want the easiest construction. These fabrics make the collar, cuffs and seams easier to control.

For a softer version, use satin, silk, habotai or sand-washed silk. The shirt will feel more fluid and relaxed, but the fabric will need more care when cutting and sewing.

Supplies

• 9 buttons, 1 cm / ⅜ in diameter
• Main fabric
• Fusible interfacing
• Matching thread

Equipment

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

Lara is available in UK 4–16 / EUR 32–44 / US 0–12.

Choose your size by comparing your bust, waist and hip measurements to the size chart. Because Lara has an oversized straight fit with no darts, it is more forgiving than a fitted shirt. If you want a neater shape, check the finished proportions before cutting your final fabric.

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.

Lara is a shirt pattern with a loose shape and sharper edges.

The kimono sleeves keep the fit relaxed. The mandarin collar gives the neckline structure. The roll cuff tabs add the small detail that makes the shirt feel finished rather than plain.

Make it in cotton poplin for a crisp everyday shirt. Use linen for a softer, more relaxed version. Choose satin, silk or habotai if you want the shape to feel more fluid and vintage-led.

This is a good pattern for makers who want a shirt that is easy to wear, but not anonymous. No darts. No tight fit. Still enough detail to make the project count.

Loose shape. Clean collar. Proper finish.