Thread Theory Strathcona Henley and Tee

Part of Thread Theory’s Parkland Casual Collection, the Strathcona Shirt is a modern slim-fitting design with versatile options for creating the perfect casual, hand-made wardrobe for an active lifestyle. Quick and quite easy to sew, once you try it, this will become your go-to pattern every time you need to refresh the closet with staple tees! Variation 1 is a henley-style knit shirt or sweater with a three button placket, long sleeves, cozy cuffs and an easy-to-sew hem band, perfect for early fall camping and weekend mountain biking, while Variation 2 is a casual crew-neck tee with short sleeves and a twin needle (or zig-zagged) hem, a classic shirt for comfy everyday wear. However, there's no need to stick to the pre-made versions; you can mix and match these elements to create endless custom t-shirts!

Recommended Fabrics:
Variation 1: For the henley, you can use light to medium weight knit fabrics or some light stretch wovens. For an easier fabric, choose more stable knits such as wool blends, stretch woven athletic materials, and thick t-shirt knits (hello ponte!), while for more of a challenge you can try ribbed knits, thin t-shirt knits, and knit athletic materials. Beginners might like to use a woven contrast fabric (something with no stretch) for the placket the first time around.

Variation 2: For the T-shirt, use light to medium weight knit fabrics. Easier fabrics include thick (and more stable) t-shirt knits like ponte, while more challenging fabrics include ribbed knits, thin t-shirt knits, knit athletic materials. A t-shirt doesn’t take much fabric or time to create, so this is the perfect canvas for edgy print choices!

For the neckline: Ribbed knits spring back into their original shape very quickly, so a ribbing-bound neckline will not be prone to stretching out. If you are using fabric with considerable drape, you can try cutting your neckband shorter or using a ribbing fabric for your neckband to prevent any dragging or drooping. If your fabric contains a small percentage of spandex, you will easily be able to skip purchasing ribbing because the spandex performs the same job as the rib knit; a spandex content will also create a tighter fit in the body of the tee.

Notions: For Variation 1, you will need 1” x 5” fusible interfacing and three ½” buttons or snaps.

Sizes: XS-4XL

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. If you’re new to knits, have no fear! The thorough instructions (plus their helpful sewalong!) include finishing techniques, step-by-step illustrations, and suggestions for setting up your sewing machine to correctly deal with the fabric you choose, with or without a serger. They also include different tips and tricks for beginner or intermediate sewers, so everyone has something new to learn!