4 — Hem and Finishing Touches

Now we will hem the sleeves.

Turn back the 1cm seam allowance and then turn back the hem at the notch and edge stitch the sleeve hem closed. The finished depth of the sleeve hem is 6cm.

Turn back the 1cm seam allowance and press. Then turn back the hem at the notch and press.

Edge stitch the hem closed. The finished depth of the hem is 6cm.

Mark the buttonholes on the right centre front using the button and buttonhole markings on the template as a guide. There are x4 buttons on the shirt placket and x1 button on the collar stand. The collar stand buttonhole is 1.5cm from bottom edge of collar stand and is 1cm in from the curved edge (refer to template included with your pattern). The first buttonhole on the placket sits 2.5cm down from the edge where the collar stand meets the upper placket. The last buttonhole sits 3.5cm from the placket end. The remaining two buttons are 8.5cm apart.

We would recommend you mark these and check that you are happy with the placement before you sew them. You may wish to increase or decrease their spacing, or even add more buttons, depending on your personal preference.

Once you are happy with the placement, sew your buttonholes according to your machine’s manual. Carefully cut your buttonholes open.

Sew the buttons to the front left, opposite the buttonholes.

Fold your collar down and give it a press.

Give the front pleat a gentle press and clip any loose threads.

Your Sparrow Shirt is complete!