Ever wanted to sew your own classic shirt but felt put off by collars, cuffs and buttonholes? Meet Frida - a timeless, relaxed-fit shirt sewing pattern designed to help you build real shirt-making skills while creating a wardrobe staple you’ll love to wear.
With its boxy silhouette, dropped shoulders, and beautifully classic details, Frida strikes the perfect balance between polished and easy-going. Choose between short sleeves or long sleeves with cuffs and plackets, plus a hip-length or contemporary cropped hem. However you style it, Frida is endlessly wearable.
But that’s not all, we’ve also launched our Learn to Sew a Classic Shirt online workshop to guide you step by step through making Frida. Whether this is your first shirt or you want to refine your technique, this workshop is designed to build confidence and help you sew with clarity.
Why you’ll love the Frida shirt sewing pattern
- Everyday relaxed fit you'll reach for on the daily
- Button-front opening with impressive two-piece collar and stand
- Box pleat and lined yoke at the back for a beautiful finish
- Choice of casual short sleeves or long sleeves with fancy plackets and cuffs
- Two hemline options to suit your style
- Optional statement curved patch pocket
- Available in 15 sizes (UK 6–34 / US 2–30 / EUR 34–62 / AUS 6–34)
- Printed, PDF (with layered, projector-friendly files), or even a bundle format for the best of both worlds!
Learn to sew with our online workshop
Fancy sewing the Frida shirt without second-guessing yourself? Like the idea of a friendly teacher holding your hand through each step?
Our Learn to Sew a Classic Shirt online workshop is designed to walk you through making the Frida shirt with calm, clear, step-by-step video lessons.
Join Tilly as she guides you through the entire process - from choosing fabric to sewing on the final button. Along the way, you’ll learn how to:
- Choose suitable materials and understand how they'll impact the finished garment
- Cut and mark fabric accurately - including on the bias
- Construct an impressive two-piece collar with stand
- Sew a beautiful lined yoke and box pleat
- Attach sleeves easily using the flat method
- Stitch a classic sleeve placket opening and cuff
- Confidently tackle buttonholes
- Sew buttons on using your machine
- Finish your shirt beautifully from start to finish
With structured video lessons, you can watch anytime, anywhere, and sew at your own pace.
And the best part?
The Frida pattern is included in the workshop price, so you can start straight away.
Whether you’re tackling your first shirt or levelling up your sewing skills, this workshop gives you techniques you’ll use again and again.
Here’s what our workshop students have been saying:
"Tilly is fantastic at explaining the instructions in her videos and keeping them extremely clear and easy to follow. Highly recommend to try her online workshops if you haven’t already, she holds your hand all the way, giving me the confidence to have a go." - Judy
"This is the first significant garment I have ever made and I'm so impressed with the result – all down to such a good tutorial. Tilly made every step so straightforward – easy to understand and to copy her instructions... I strongly recommend anyone who wants to take up sewing but is nervous about starting, to take the plunge and get an online workshop." - Myra
"This course was brilliant! I am new to sewing and wanted in-depth easy to understand instructions and this is exactly what I got on the course... I have learnt so much, fallen in love with sewing and discovered my happy place." - Erica
Pattern formats & sizing
The Frida shirt sewing pattern is available in two formats:
Printed pattern – Delivered to your door with a beautiful full-colour instruction booklet and durable pattern sheets
PDF pattern – Instant download to print at home (A4/Letter) or at a copyshop (A0), including layered sizes and projector files
Frida includes 15 sizes (UK 6–34 / US 2–30 / EUR 34–62 / AUS 6–34), and our signature step-by-step photo instructions will guide you every step of the way.
Order the printed pattern and receive a beautifully packaged envelope for your sewing stash. Choose the PDF for instant access and the option to print only the sizes you need.
What fabric should you use for the Frida shirt?
- Cotton lawn, poplin, or "shirting" – crisp and beginner-friendly
- Dobby – pretty and textured
- Washed linen – relaxed and breathable
- Chambray – timeless and versatile
- Viscose/rayon – for a soft and drapey silhouette
- Fine needlecord or lightweight flannel – cosy seasonal options
- Matching thread
- Iron-on interfacing
- 10–13mm (3/8-1/2in) buttons (5-9 depending on size and version)
- Sewing machine and basic tools
Show us your Frida makes!
Models: Megan Pawson and Rita Fitchett
Photographer: Jane Looker
Sample sewist: Susan Young
