Collared minister’s shirt sends sewers on a pattern search

Dear Julia: I am looking for a pattern for a collared minister’s shirt that has a space for a tab collar (at the throat) and does not button up the front. I would like to have something that can be slipped over my head, buttoned with one button at the back of the neck, and will work with lightweight stretch knits. Oh, and it needs to be a 3X or larger. I have done some searching, with no luck, and am wondering if I just need to find a seamstress to modify a regular shirt pattern.

I enjoy reading your column in the Virginian-Pilot. Sincerely — Lou, Franklin, Va.

Hi Lou: I did some searching, too, and unfortunately I didn’t have much luck finding a pattern that meets your needs, either. Although I did find one readymade option that might work for you.

Almy.com’s Ideal Clergy Shirt is a pull-over, tab-front shirt. But it has a zipper in the back instead of a button. The shirt is generously cut for comfort and is described as “the world’s most comfortable clergy shirt.” It is shortsleeved and made of a lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric.

Almy lists a size guide with measurements. Check it out and see if one of the sizes might work for you. If not, you might have to go custom and have a seamstress create something for you. Good luck!

Dear Readers: In a previous column, I gave some tips to Brenda to help her get a straight stitch line, and also asked for some suggestions from you. Some of you have written in to generously share your expertise. First up is Norma, a former home economics teacher.

Dear Julia: I taught junior and senior high school home economics until retirement. I found that the colored tape did help a lot. The raised foam tape also gives something to push against, if that would help. Other suggestions:

1. It is extremely important for students to know that they need to avoid looking at the needle as they sew. It will make the sewer dizzy.

2. The sewer needs to look ahead at where he or she is going, not at where the needle is — it is then too late to correct.

3. This is like driving a car: Look ahead. Watch the edge of the paper, fabric or tape so you travel straight.

4. Let the fabric flow forward through your hands. Do not turn the “steering wheel” or fabric back and forth. That will give you an uneven seamline.

5. I also had students practice stitching with no thread ⅝ inch from the edge of paper to help them sew straight. The students could see if the holes made by the needle formed a straight line without wasting their thread. They also gained confidence without having to rip out seams — too frustrating.

6. New sewers need to be complimented, and it needs to be fun so the learner will want to continue.

Thank you for your column. We all can learn new ideas and techniques by sharing. — Norma J.L.

The raised foam tape tip is new to me. I’m definitely going to try that one myself. Thanks, Norma, for sharing your wisdom! In next week’s column I’ll share some great advice from reader Joanne.