Sewing silk shirts using a vintage pattern: B7396

By Elisenne on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 in Sewing for Me. No Comments

The fact that it is not a dress invites a celebration in itself! Can you believe this? I have just sewn not one, not two but three shirts, all in silks of different colours.

Using a true vintage pattern for the first time

It is no secret that I adore the 1950’s style. I have been using re-edited patterns from this era quite a bit recently (mostly by Butterick). However I had never sawn using a truly vintage pattern. I had little interest in hunting them down on e-Bay or Etsy, paying a hefty price, only to find out that the fit was a disaster. I am boring like that…

However, as part of my recent Vinted addiction, I have discovered that not only can I buy the most stunning unworn designer heels for a fraction of their initial price. I actually have an entire theory on the second hand high heel shoe market (but here is not the place ). But I can also buy sewing patterns!! Similarly unused, similarly cheap. Oh God, the beginning of the end….

In any case, I had been looking for a shirt with a bow collar and here it was! Perfectly adjusted, looking extremely easy with very few pattern pieces… For £5, how could I resist? And how cute is this envelope?

I made a toile to check the sizing and I just had to add 2cm on each side… and then nothing else!! I am a size 10 for Vogue/ Butterick/ McCall so I think either 12 or 14 vintage is what I need. The shirt is very adjusted but it exactly how I wanted it! For the black one I mispositioned my buttons so will have to revisit this when I am brave enough…

Butterick Vintage 7396: full review

Sizing: I used a bust 30/ size 12 for my UK 8/ FR 36/ US 2 and Vogue/Butterick/ McCall’s 10. I had to add 2cm on each side and I am very happy with the adjusted fit that resulted. I am an E cup and did not need an FBA.
Level of difficulty: easy peasy, 4 pattern pieces (5 when I changed the sleeves), you just need to be precise with the darts (2 at the front, one at the back).
Fabric used: for all 3 shirts, I used a lightweight silk dupioni and I love it! I used a microtex needle but otherwise no change to my sewing routine, this thickness of silk is very easy to manage.
Changes to the pattern: I used the puff sleeves from M8197; and I did French seams throughout, for a more polished look for the inside of the garment.
Love rating: extremely high, this will be my go-to shirt pattern for the foreseeable future. I cannot wait to make winter versions…