Block Paper Scissors is a monthly column featuring patternmaking hacks that will help you give your Seamwork patterns a custom spin—all you need is paper, a ruler, and a pencil!

This hack creates a cute tie hem detail for the Jane T-shirt.

Note: Be sure to make any fit adjustments before doing the pattern hack.

You'll Need:

• Jane


• Paper


• Pencil


• Tape


• Scissors


• Clear Ruler

How to:

Step | 01

Trim 1/2” from the hem of the front and back pattern pieces. This will change the hem allowance to be 1/2” instead of 1”.

Step | 02

Tape a piece of pattern paper to the bottom of the front. Draw a tie extension to create the new hemline of the front. Experiment with the tie length. The one illustrated is approximately 10” long, but you can go longer or shorter. In order to tie the extension, it shouldn’t be any shorter than 6”.

Step | 03

Retrace and cut out a new front pattern piece with the tie extension.

Sewing Notes

1. Cut out the pattern according to the instructions. You may need to purchase additional yardage, depending on the length of your tie extension.










2. Follow the original instructions for completing the shirt, up to the section for creating the hem.









3. Using a coverstitch machine, or the twin needle on your sewing machine, hem the shirt at 1/2”. Be careful not to stretch the hem while sewing.

About the Author

As pattern designer, Anna works hard to make sure our sewing patterns boast both great style and instructions. She believes in the power of chocolate and coffee to cure just about anything.