Sewaholic Renfrew Pattern Review and Giveaway // Stretch Yourself

This series is sponsored by Baby Lock. For over 40 years, Baby Lock has been dedicated to the love of sewing by creating machines for sewing, embroidery, quilting and serging – all with ease-of-use, high quality and a touch of elegance.

Every woman needs a great-fitting tee shirt. One option is to make one yourself, either by measurements, or from a favorite tee you already own. Another (much easier!) option is to use the Sewaholic Renfrew pattern! You may have heard of it? I think it’s been tried and tested by every single sewing blogger that I read, and thousands of others (seriously, check google image search, this is a must-have pattern.) I was curious if it lived up to all of the hype. And guys, it does!

Sewaholic patterns are paper, which makes getting started really simple. I traced a size 4 (I’m converted to tracing) and was able to get to work. I loved that even with all of the possible options, the pattern is labeled really well so I knew right away which pieces to trace for my chosen style of tee shirt. The instructions are also super well written and clear. The details included make this a great first project for even a very beginner seamstress. I was able to whip mine up in just under an hour, start-to-finish.

This pattern comes with three neckline options: round, v-neck, and cowl, as well as three sleeve length options: short, 3/4, and long. Without even being creative you’ve already got a bunch of possible combinations! I opted for the very most basic short-sleeved, round-neck tee to get a feel for the pattern before I get all crazy. Which you know I will. I made mine even more simple by finishing the construction without the arm and hem bands, by using the coverstitch on my Diana. Normally, I have a little bit of trouble with the neckbands on tee shirts, but the Renfrew labeling has you match up all the correct points for a super easy neckband insertion.

As far as size and fit, I couldn’t be more pleased. This is just the right fit that I love for basic tee shirts. Not tight enough to look like I’m trying to be a teen, but fitted enough to steer clear of the dreaded frumpy. The Sewaholic patterns are written specifically for pear-shaped women, so I was a little worried that it might look too hippy on my boxy body, but I think the length makes it fit around my hips just right. If I were to do any alteration on my next Renfrew, it might be to just make a tiny adjustment for my sway-back.

In addition to being a fantastic and must-have basic, the Renfrew, and all of Sewaholic‘s Patterns, are just so well branded, I might have to start collecting. I love the technical designs on the envelope cover, which give you such a better idea of the possibilities than a styled photo. And Tasia is just so sweet and talented, I wish I could give her a high five for this awesome tee! It’s become a fast favorite!