Made by a Fabricista: Know Me Pattern ME2052, An Oversized Button Front Shirt

Hello friends,

I’m Byrd, and today I’m excited to share my latest Fabricista project with you—an oversized button-front shirt made from the Know Me Pattern ME2052, sewn using a gorgeous 100% Tencel sand-washed challis from Fabric Mart called “Chalkboard Black.”

This shirt has quickly become one of my go-to wardrobe staples for fall, thanks to its versatility and classic design. One of my favorite things about this oversized shirt is its versatility, especially as we transition into cooler weather. In the first photo, I’ve paired the shirt with wide-leg pants, which I think is perfect for fall. I used New Look 6271 for the pants. The loose, flowy fit of both the shirt and pants creates a relaxed but put-together outfit that I can wear just about anywhere. In the second photo, I’m wearing the shirt layered over a jumpsuit. This is such a fun way to wear it, turning it into a light jacket that adds a casual but stylish layer. Whether you’re wearing it as a standalone piece or as a layering piece, this shirt is a must-have.

Let’s talk about the fabric. The sand-washed Tencel challis is incredibly soft, with a luxurious drape that’s perfect for this oversized shirt. The first step in any sewing project is preparing your fabric, and this one is no different. I always recommend washing and drying your fabric before starting. This prevents shrinkage and ensures that the garment holds its shape over time. I machine-washed my fabric on a delicate cycle with cold water and tumble-dried it on low.

This project is intermediate to advanced due to the shirt’s construction details, including a collar with a stand, buttonholes, and double cuff sleeves. In the close-up photos, you’ll see the details that make this shirt stand out. The collar and placket are clean and structured, while the double cuff detail adds an extra touch of sophistication. These design elements might seem intimidating, but they’re worth the effort.

I cut a size 18/20, but I could have easily sized down. However, I really love the oversized look—it adds to the relaxed, effortless vibe of the shirt. For reference, my measurements are bust 42”, waist 40”, and hips 47”.

As the seasons change and the weather cools down, I find myself gravitating toward more detailed projects like this one. There’s something so satisfying about creating a garment that requires a bit more time and focus, especially when the end result is a timeless, versatile piece like this button-front shirt.

I’m so happy with how this shirt turned out, and I can’t wait to wear it all season long. The Tencel fabric from Fabric Mart is a dream to work with, and it gives the shirt that perfect balance of structure and flow. Stay tuned for more of my fall sewing projects—I’ve got plenty more planned!

Thank you Fabric Mart for the beautiful fabric!

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Thank you for reading!

Until next time, happy sewing,

BYRD | @yogabyrdsews

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