My first blog post!
Since this is my first post I figured why not start with my favourite sewing pattern…
If you couldn’t guess from the title, it’s the Deer and Doe Plantain T-Shirt!
It is my most used pattern by far and the fact that it is FREE makes me love it even more.
So about the pattern:
The pattern comes in 3 versions – a 3/4 length-sleeved version with elbow patches (optional obviously), a short-sleeved version, and a long-sleeved version. It features a scooped neckline and flares at the hips which makes for a really flattering fit.
The pattern recommends lightweight jersey knits with 40-50% stretch, and between approximately 1.5 to 2 metres of fabric depending on the version of the pattern and width of fabric you have. It also suggests using clear elastic to stabilise the shoulders and a ballpoint needle.
The instructions were relatively straight forward in my opinion and Deer and Doe recommends this pattern for beginners which I would have to agree with. However since this was my first pattern using jersey, I did find that the first time it was helpful to watch someone else insert a neckband, so for anyone new to this I recommend checking out Lauren’s video from Guthrie and Ghani.
Whilst the pattern recommends lightweight medium-stretch jerseys, I’ve made it out of cotton spandex, stretch velvet, knit and even fleece and in all cases I’ve been happy with the end result.
With some strategic placement of pattern pieces, I can get away with as little as 70cm by 150cm or 100cm by 112cm and I generally use ribbon to stabilise the shoulders instead of clear elastic, which works well and uses up my abundant collection of ribbon.
I’ve also made several of my own variations of this pattern, including raising the neckline, omitting the neckband and cropping the length. So many possibilities!
My favourite so far is the short-sleeved one made in a mustard cotton jersey with white flecks from Spotlight which coincidentally is the most recent one. So far I’ve made 13 plantains which you can check out below and I already have plans for more!
If you’re keen to check out this pattern for yourself you can find it here. Or if you’ve already tried it out comment below!
Thanks for reading!
Bridgette Makes 
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