or more than one Penny for your thoughts…
I impulsively bought the Grainline Penny Raglan – after resisting it for quite some time. Even after I bought it I thought “did I really pay that much for an oversized raglan tshirt pattern??” Yes I did.
It was money well spent. I’ve made four of these and I love them all. It’s the tshirt I reach for every other weekend and afternoon. It went so quickly from my sewing machine into my wardrobe I barely thought to blog it.
Described by Grainline as “The Penny Raglan is an oversized tee perfect for summer fun. The breezy shape keeps the fabric from clinging so you can stay cool while looking great.”
Penny Raglan, Grainline Studios. I hate these pictures – taken months ago. Just having a bad day 😦
My first one, pictured here, was sewn from a double-sided knit, stripes one side and dark grey marle on the other. I simply flipped the fabric for the sleeves… and hey presto, saved on some stripe-matching trauma. Yay for contrast raglan sleeves! This is a rather heavy knit but I actually like the body the knit has and how boxy it is. Not to everyone’s taste but I’ve worn it a lot – so clearly my taste.
Is it flattering? Not particularly… but it’s perfect for lazy days. I like it with skinny jeans.
Is it huge? Yes. Massive. The neckline is wide and the armholes deep. Sometimes I like that. I made size 0 which matches my measurements.
I think I added an inch in length as I favour lower cut jeans and have a longer torso.
Penny Raglan – back view. I was post-gym and in hockey mother Saturday morning mode – hence the sports crop top. Hockey has been over for months – which shows how far behind I am!
I have no doubt I will try it in a light knit sooner or later… but I need to sew some dresses and skirts for summer first.
Penny Raglan – contrast mustaches. Life selfie (again). The ‘matching shirt is simply reversed – black jersey main and mustache sleeves.
My second and third were from a mustache print and black jersey and the fourth a blue floral french terry (no pictures sorry). My daughters love these oversized tees too and are eagerly waiting for my cast-offs… The black jersey one with mustache sleeves has already been claimed by the ‘posing coach’ as a PJ top.
It’s simple to make, allows for some fun sleeve or neckband options. And it’s the easiest thing to wear with jeans.
I sewed all seams with my overlocker (pattern is designed with seam allowances for this). I did pin and use my machine to first attach the neckband before serging it as serged ‘oops’ are much harder to fix!. I used my coverstitch to finish the hems.
If you prefer a fitted tshirt – this is not the pattern for you!
I have much love for the humble Grainline Penny Raglan. Simple, basic, easy to wear.
Perhaps unblogged but not unworn.
Pattern: Penny Raglan by Grainline Studios, size 0
Fabrics: Make It Fabrics Brisbane (stripes) and Spotlight Stores Australia (mustache & floral)
Sew Busy Lizzy 
Yes, nice, but would not suit me at all. Love it on you though!
it’s not everyone’s cup of tea – and I don’t think it’s the most flattering tshirt I own but I love it to death anyway! Clothes can be funny like that.
I love your penny Raglans! I also resisted this for ages and finally bought in Black Friday sales – I love it also. Made two straight away, both from bamboo knit which is heavy enough to make it drape well. One with stripes and plain contrast sleeves like you have. A great basic pattern. Have plans to make another this weekend 😄
I have a great love of Grainline – for me the fit is good and they are solid reliable patterns… the garments I pull out of the cupboard to wear most often.
You look very stylish!
Thanks Fiona!
My go-to pattern for drape-y knits is the Hemlock sewn without sleeves, but next summer I think I’ll give this one a try! I love the slouchy look of it. Somehow Jen does these simple shapes so well!
I love Grainline for basics. While at first some of the patterns might seem almost too austere that always end up being my most worn garments. Everyone needs some basics in their wardrobe.
I always love reading your blogs! I bought this pattern because you recommended on instagram. Waiting for summer to make. Thank you for your inspiration!
Thank you Susan 😊 I hope you enjoy it!
I am a huge fan of Grainline but I don’t have this Tee pattern probably for the same reason you resisted (Do I REALLY need yet ANOTHER Tee pattern??) 🙂 but seeing yours I’m SO tempted. I love Tee’s loose fitting comfy easy on and off…and Grainline? They are always so darn good.
I do love Grainline too. In fact I’m thinking there might be an Archer in my near future!
I did think about using a Big 4 pattern or a Burda one… but I’ve always had good experiences with Grainline and it’s just a few clicks to buy, download & send to the printer!
Sometimes a simple style can be very chic indeed! Love the contrast striped version!
I think we all overthink design elements some times. Some of my favourite garments are incredible simple!
Now this looks like a very useful, comfortable pattern to have! Thanks for sharing.
It’s a great basic. Even better, easy to make and not really fitting dramas!
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You’re just so stinking cute as a button that I gm simply biased where you are concerned. Sorry, the top is cute you, you are cute in it.
Done, it’s decided. What are ya working on next?
Thank you – I rather like being compared to a button. Perfectly appropriate as a sewing compliment!
Ive just finished one of Vintage Vogue dresses – writing a blog post in fact. And then I want to make a button-up shirt!
You know, I would like one day to qualify to be a Mood sexist.
Meanwhile I shall work on my skills and increased quality during 2017!
Whoa, I wrote sewist. This cell phone is not good when it comes to texts.
Lol too funny!
That’s the best way to improve, sew more! I think I learn something new every project.