We are over the moon today because we have just re-released our Sarah shirt pattern and she has had a makeover that we think you're going to love!

The added bonus of going back through our existing catalogue of patterns in order to update them with our extended sizes, is that we also get to make aesthetic changes, maybe throw in something new, and tweak the fit if need be.

For the Sarah shirt update, we have included:

• a fabulous 16 extra sizes! The B cup size range is now UK 2-24 (US 00-20) and the new D cup size range is UK 16-38 (US 12-34). You can check out the size charts for each size band below. Please note - dressmaker's cup sizes have absolutely nothing in common with bra sizes! Dressmaker's cup sizes relate to the ratio between your high bust and full bust measurements, whereas your bra size relates to the ratio between your full bust and under bust measurements. A dressmaker's B cup indicates that the full bust that is 2" larger than the high bust, while a dressmaker's D cup indicates that the full bust that is 4" larger than the high bust.
• two new collar offerings! We ditched the old Peter-Pan collars, as we were never truly happy with how they looked and would sit on the neckline. Instead, we now have a classic collar complete with collar stand (a deeply satisfying sewing experience) and a pretty pussy-bow necktie. The extra great news is that both of these collars will be compatible with another shirt/dress pattern we have in the works... and the two collar options that come with that pattern will also work for Sarah!
• a bonus dress variation! Not long after we released the Sarah Shirt, I hacked the pattern to make myself a maxi shirtdress with a gathered hem tier and it's honestly one of my most worn and complimented dresses. So we had to throw that in for you guys as well ;)
• we've also improved the fit of the armhole and sleeve which was a bit off/too tight in the old version of Sarah. I'm happy to report that, despite not knowing that we had tweaked the fit, one of our testers who had previously made the original Sarah noticed the improvement in her tester version.

Variation 1: The original Sarah swing shirt; long billowy sleeve OR short sleeve; pussy-bow necktie OR classic collar

This is the original Sarah shirt pattern that you already know and love, but with improved fit at the armhole and sleeve, all the new sizes, and mix-and-match options for the sleeve and neckline.

The swing shirt is a mid-century style with plenty of ease. A floaty and feminine blouse that can be styled up or down for maximum wearability.

We're so excited that this update will be joining our collection of patterns that now come in our extended size range! You can choose from two size ranges that have been drafted using different blocks, so hopefully will provide a solid foundation for as many bodies as possible. As ever, we're fully aware that most people of all shapes and sizes will have to make alterations to improve the fit for their unique body, and this is totally normal. Developing our pattern fitting and alteration skills is as essential as learning to sew basic seams! Our fully extended patterns are available in the following sizes:

UK 2-24 (US 00-20) - min hip: 33", max hip 54" (not incl. pattern ease)

UK 16-38 (US 12-34) - min hip: 42", max hip 67 3/4" (not incl. pattern ease)

Variation 2: The Sarah shirtdress with gathered hem tier; long billowy sleeve OR short sleeve; pussy-bow necktie OR classic collar

Quite literally, the ultimate dress! Dramatically chic, yet insanely comfortable. Perfect for layering up in winter, or swanning around in summer. Sleeves and collars are entirely interchangeable, so your variation options and hack potential is vast :)

To bring out the best in Sarah's floaty, drapey, swooshy vibe, we recommend light to medium weight woven fabrics with drape and body. Viscose rayon, floaty silks, lightweight brushed cotton, voile and soft linens are all excellent options.

Huge thanks to Rainbow Fabrics for providing all the fabrics for our photoshoot samples!

B cup UK 2-24 size chart & finished measurements

 

D cup UK 16-38 size chart & finished measurements

The new & improved Sarah is available now, and you can enjoy 20% off* until Monday 18th Oct midnight BST to celebrate her relaunch. Please note that if you bought the Sarah prior to this update, you should have already received the update automatically (please check your spam before emailing us 🤗).

This pattern is available as a PDF only, but remember that we do offer copyshop printing if you need it! We can't wait to see your Sarah's! Remember to tag us @byhandlondon using the hashtag #bhlSarah so we can find you 😘

Shout out to our amazing photoshoot crew! Our beautiful models Rumana, Mattie and Tabitha ♥️ our favourite photographer Elodie Nizon ♥️ hair and makeup artiste Poppy France ♥️ our lovely photographic studio next-door neighbours NKT Studio ♥️

*Discount applies to the individual size bands only; the dual size band bundle is already, and always will be discounted. Discount cannot be applied after the offer expires. No need to enter a code, discount will apply automatically at checkout :)