What’s better than making a super comfortable awesome tee? Making a FREE super comfortable awesome tee!
I’m late to the party, but I finally downloaded and sewed a Grainline Hemlock Tee. Better late than never, right?
It’s a one-size-fits-most pattern that’s suitable for beginners. It’s hard to tell from the crazy print I used, but the shoulder seams are dropped low so it’s nice and roomy in the armpit area. I stress sweat a lot (ew, TMI, sorry… not sorry) so this tee works very well for airing me out!
This pattern basically consists of sewing rectangles together, which makes for easy seam matching and no fiddly “real” shoulder seams.
While it may not be the most flattering shirt around, it sure is comfortable and works well with skinny jeans. It also works really well with hiding a tummy full of pizza, Chick-fil-A, beer… what have you.
The fabric is a jersey knit from GirlCharlee.com and turned out more see-through than expected. I have to wear a white tank top underneath, but that’s not raining on my Hemlock parade. I usually shy away from super crazy bright prints, but now that I’m sewing my own clothes, I can control the amount of crazy and pair the fabric with a suitable pattern. Ah, the joys of home sewing!
I have a black and grey striped knit set aside for my next Hemlock. I love the striped versions I’ve seen from other sewists so naturally I have to be a copycat. It might have to wait until the fall to be constructed because the temperatures keep rising here and the thought of making a long-sleeved tee right now kills me.
For my next version, I’m thinking of making the back a little longer for a scooped hem. Or high-low hem. Or mullet hem. Whatever terminology floats your boat. A little more booty coverage means it can be worn with leggings and I am all about that.
There’s not a whole lot more to say about the Hemlock except repeating that it’s a great pattern! And the fact that it only takes a couple of hours to cut and sew doesn’t hurt, either.
So tell me…
…have you made the Hemlock or another Grainline pattern? I have the Tiny Pocket Tank, Maritime Shorts, and Scout Tee just waiting to be traced and made into something from my Japanese fabric stash!
-RED
Sew RED-y 
Very nice. I like the print pattern.
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Thank you!
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Love your poses! I went crazy over Hemlock a while back and I think I made quite a few! Most were in sweater knit, as it was during winter and it is cold over here in Calgary. But I have also made it into the most comfortable dress too! Such a versatile and easy pattern.
I love your fabric choice!! So cool 🙂
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LOL thank you! I start running out of ideas for poses quickly and resort to general goofiness. 🙂
A Hemlock in a sweater knit sounds amazing! Or even as a sweater dress… hmmm you’re giving me ideas!
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I’ve steered clear of the Hemlock because of the loose fit, but lately I’m choosing most of my tops based on underarm airiness for the same reasons you give. I think I’ll add it to the list and also try it as a sweater like anya-zoe
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I’m glad to see I’m not the only one with the underarm issues. 😉 I think a sweater will be super cozy and will lend itself well to layering underneath with a tank or tee for extra warmth. I think I’ll hop on the bandwagon, too! … but I’ll wait ’til it’s cooler!
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Not yet made this pattern but you had me at FREE😂. Love your version.
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Thanks! Yes, you can’t beat free! I can totally see you rocking this shirt, Hila! 🙂
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I’ve seen a few of these shirts. I totally love the way they look but I know that seam so low on the arm would drive me nuts. As you mentioned there’s no true shoulder seam but it wouldn’t feel right to me. It’s one of those crazy little nuances of being me. 😦
On a side note, totally feeling you on that stress sweat!
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I don’t notice a different feeling with the shoulder seam being so low, but then again I understand the “off” feeling a garment can give you. When I was a child, I could not STAND the feeling of the seam of my socks, so I just ended up stretching the toe part out and tucking it under my toes, which would make you think that would drive me even more crazy! I’m happy to report I got over that since then. 🙂
Ugh, stress sweat is the worst! I stress out talking to people… even friends! I blame a self-diagnosed case of Social Anxiety Disorder. But I swear I’m normal-ish in person, LOL!
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