Blank Slate Patterns Perfect Polo Shirt

I had such a great time trying out and sharing my thoughts on the fashionable and functional patterns from Blank Slate Patterns last year, and I'm proud to announce that I am continuing on as member of the Blank Slate Patterns Sewing Team! My most recent project is the ever popular Blank Slate Patterns Perfect Polo Shirt Pattern. (affiliate link)

Ella recently started back to school, and as I have mentioned before in this post on her Blank Slate Patterns Schoolday Skirt, her clothing has to meet standard school attire requirements. Polo style shirts are definitely on the list, and since her store-bought polos from last year no longer fit, it was time for me to try my hand at sewing one! Thanks to the Blank Slate Patterns Perfect Polo, I've got another great staple pattern to add to my collection. (affiliate link)

Using some fairly stable interlock knit in pink (at my daughter's request), I sewed together this Perfect Polo Shirt in roughly a couple of hours. Following the sizing chart included in the pattern, I used Ella's actual measurements for chest and waist to determine that size 7 is the best size for her. The finished shirt is a fantastic fit!

The pattern includes sizes 18 months to size 8, so I should be able to make her several more shirts in both short and long sleeves for school this year and next.

This summer, I sewed several blouses and shirts with plackets and collars, so I felt pretty confident that I wouldn't have any issues with a knit placket and collar on this polo. The pattern instructions and photographs were very clear and thorough providing plenty of guidance to sew both the placket and collar correctly.

Since the opening is not extremely deep, I chose to omit the buttons and buttonholes on the placket. I also machine stitched the inside of the collar to the neck opening despite the instructions specifying this area to be hand sewn. I used wash away Wonder Tape to temporarily hold the seam in place while I sewed it from the right side of the shirt.

While this pattern design features more masculine lines, I decided to soften up the look a little by rounding out the bottom of the pocket. Also, on the next Perfect Polo I sew, I plan to change the sleeve to add a few gathers at the top to create a slight puff for a more feminine style.

The saddle shoulder pieces are difficult to see in my solid color polo, but this design element provides the perfect opportunity to add a unique touch to this shirt. Use a different color knit or a even a fun, woven print for the saddle shoulder pieces and pocket.

So there--I've done it! I've sewn my first ever knit polo shirt, and it was a breeze to do thanks to the Perfect Polo Shirt Pattern! (affiliate link) This definitely won't be my last.

Have FUN sewing!