SIZES 6-26 | INTERMEDIATE | 🪡🪡🪡🪡
This post contains affiliate links. When you shop using affiliate links you support Just Lillia at no extra cost to you.
Wondering about our needle rating system? Click here to learn more!
When I think of the perfect oversized button down, I think of the Phen Shirt. It’s almost as if this pattern jumped out of my cottagecore dreams! I first saw this shirt in a suggested instagram post a few years back. I immediately followed Pattern Fantastique and have loved her airy and feminine designs. I have her Sulis hat pattern on my to sew list for spring to help protect my face and neck for when I am working in the dye garden. Pattern Fantastique is an indie pattern designer based in Australia. Her patterns represent the artistic and eclectic nature of designers, and often draw in those who are looking for something unique and unconventional. Her patterns range from apparel and accessories, alongside sewing kits to go with her visor pattern.
For this pattern, I really wouldn’t change anything. I love the customization options so I can really create this shirt again and again, making it look a little different each time. So far I have made this top twice with plans to create another shirt this fall. This top has become my go to shirt to grab, especially paired with my Forest & Thread Just my luck jeans.
Pattern
The pattern itself included a little design brief, finished measurements, fabric suggestions, notions, and skill level. The finished measurements is one that I appreciated. As this top is very much oversized, having this was beneficial to helping me choose a size. The cutting layouts were also extremely helpful, and were detailed for the various options you could sew. It included fabric width for 55″ (140cm) and 44″ (110cm), which was helpful as well. Fusing layout was also included in the instructions. While the pattern does not have a projector file, you can use the printshop A0 file though on Pattern Projector on your projector. The file does not have the ability to hide the sizes you do not need. Which isn’t a deal breaker for me, but does make is harder to see sizes on those smaller pieces.
Fit
I love the fit of this pattern. I am a sucker for oversized fits, and this was beautiful. As mentioned, the sewn measurements are included, and this is a true oversized fit. I chose to make the size 16, and it fit beautifully. I did not need to alter anything in the pattern, but if you want to tuck it into your pants and have it not slide out when you raise your arms, you may want to adjust the length.
Instructions
Detailed instructions are a must, and this pattern has both words and pictures for the steps! Detailed diagrams accompany many patterns and are very helpful if you aren’t sure what the instructions are. The diagrams also include little markers like scissors, irons, and pressor feet to mark lines, making sewing easy to understand. The measurements are in both cm and inches which is great for both US and international. I did also enjoy how the burrito method of sewing the yoke onto the back of the shirt was explained and the photos make it even better! I would have loved a little more detail on the written instructions. As someone who sews professionally, I was able to figure it out. However if this is your first advanced pattern or you haven’t been sewing for a very long time, you may find yourself confused and relying more on the photos.
Sewing level
This is 100% a more advanced pattern. The details really make this pattern especially interesting and add a level of technique to the final product. With the back yoke matching up with the under sleeve, along with the curved hem finish and the locker loop on the back over a pleat. If you take your time, the finishings can really take this top over the edge into a beautiful daily wear for a dreamy button-down. While it appears that it’s just another button down, the devil is in the details with this one, which elevates the sewing level to an intermediate sewing project.
Final thoughts
Again, I’m obsessed with this top! The two I have made have truly become regular wears in my me made rotation and I love how this simple classic piece adds a fun twist to any look. Will I be making a third one? Yes. Will I make more? Probably also yes. If I could make one for every day of the week, I would (and quite frankly will).
This is a 4 needle pattern on our rating scale, making it a challenging pattern, but beginners can follow along roughly with tutorials and patience. The sizing is great, but you may want to lengthen just a little to accommodate the tuck into your pants. The pattern has both A4 and A0 files, however, you cannot remove layers in adobe to make cutting your individual size easier. After sewing this pattern twice, it’s a sew again. Especially when I know I’ll get to show off my finishing techniques.
If you sew this pattern, be sure to tag Pattern Fantastique and Just Lillia to show off your #MeMade outfit with the Phen shirt!
