Kailin Shirt Pattern Testers Roundup Part 1

Hi all Marit here.

Thanks for checking out Kailin! The ultimate blouse for spring and autumn, but also amazing for a festive occasion in December. I love combining shirts with jeans and Kailin is totally my style. The silk one looks very posh with heels and a dark jeans (I live in jeans) and I also made one of a light viscose, perfect for business or a day at the park!

Sewing was not as hard as you would think and I am totally absolutely in love! Happy sewing!!

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Hi, I’m Meredith from Sydney, Australia, and I’m excited to share my experience with the newly released Kailin Shirt sewing pattern. Although the pattern is launching in our summer, it’s perfect for any season—light and breezy for warm weather or layered for cooler days. The pattern offers versatility and elegance.

One of the standout features of the Kailin Shirt is its customisation options. You can choose between two collar styles: a sleek stand-up collar or a traditional collar with a collar stand. Similarly, the sleeves offer flexibility. Go for a classic cuffed look or opt for the gathered cuff sleeve for a touch of femininity. For those wanting to stay on-trend, you can even extend the cuff width to create an oversized cuff—a chic detail that’s very popular right now.

Fabric choice plays a crucial role in making the Kailin Shirt shine. It’s best sewn in fabrics with excellent drape—nothing too heavy or stiff. I chose satin mixes for my shirts, with the mustard one being slightly heavier. Drapey fabrics can be slippery, so sharp scissors and plenty of pins are a must. Also, iron as you go—it makes a big difference in achieving polished results.

When making my first shirt, I learned an important lesson: always read the instructions. I skipped this step, making my usual DS size, but it ended up being a size too big. Thankfully, the pattern includes cup sizing and detailed measuring instructions from Ann, which ensure a perfect fit when followed. Despite my initial mistake, I was able to gift the oversized mustard shirt to a friend who loves it and has received many compliments.

The sewing process itself isn’t difficult, but it does require patience. The most challenging part is ensuring the front pleat sits neatly, but the clear, well-written instructions guide you through every step. I’ve worn my pink floral Kailin Shirt a few times now and, though pink isn’t a colour I usually choose, I’ve received so many lovely compliments.

Thank you, DS, for another beautifully drafted pattern. The Kailin Shirt has already become a favourite, and I know I’ll be making more!

You can follow me on Instagram for these and more makes

Happy sewing – Meredith

Hello Ashley R here from London. Today I’m here to talk about the new Kailin top which is amazing for your flowy woven fabrics. I used a woven crepe and a lightweight poly linen from @abcfabric UK base. May main tip I give everyone is to make a toile first is the same weight fabric to check for any problems that need fixing. I always rise my dart a little and shorten the sleeves by an inch and took nearly 2″ off the length for my height. I styled my Kailin with jeans for a casual look but pop a pair of heels on and your ready for a night out. Kailin looks great with the front tucked in so you can see the nice long curved back. I worn mine out for dinner and felt very smart but stylish in it. I can see myself making many more in the future. https://linktr.ee/madebyashley

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 My name is Synthia, can I just say how much I love the Kailin top. I love the length and what a nice fit. I made two Kailins to go with my new DS London pants and my new DS Estelle pants. For the red Kailin I used a stable crepe/chiffon. I enjoyed working with this type of fabric, very easy to work with, still needed French seams. For my blue/white/black Kailin, I used a, hmmm, I forgot, it’s a flowy-very light weight, stable charmeuse type fabric, more French seams here too. I love the flowiness of both my Kailin tops. Tips, always make a muslin to obtain proper fit, and when using soft fabrics that fray very easily, French seams is very useful. I plan on making more of the Kailin top. My photographer was impressed with the Kailin top and how I styled both tops. I plan on using my tops over the coming Holidays. Thank you, DS for a stylish and fun top. https://sewsynsewn.blogspot.com

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Hi there. Jen here and I live in rural California. I made the Kailin Shirt from a lightweight poly crepe from Joann’s. The Kailin is a quick, easy sew and makes a very elegant top. I enjoyed making the stand collar variation with the elastic sleeves. I paired it with leggings and my partner said it looked lovely when I wore it to dinner. I would like to make the cuff sleeves variation as well! Congrats to Ann on another great pattern. My instagram is https://www.instagram.com/sageandoakstudio

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Hi all, Jose here. Thank you for checking out my Kailin makes! In short, I absolutely love them. I’m growing very fond of the oversized look this year and I’ve adopted it in my daily looks. But it is a kinda casual look normally. Well, not anymore because this blouse is oversized but classy and soooo easy to mix and match. Pick your sleeves and your collars and combine with something stretchy in bottoms and you’ll have your secret pj’s for work outfit.

I love this look with the hat with it, but you can do tucked in, or loose, sneakers or pumps, pants or skirt it’s gonna shine in every setting I can guarantee you! My black/sand one is in a shiny satin fabric, wears like a dream, sewing is a bit shifty. I finished everything with French seams for a neat finish. My blue one is a viscose crêpe by Atelier Brunette, i little moor drop in the fabric but it works great too. I would recommend taking your time with the hem, hemming before closing the sideseams.

Due to the curved (narrow)hem combined with a slippery fabric I had best results by sewing a basting stitch along the edge, gathering it slightly, the fold in for 3 or 4 mm, sew close to the edge. Clip the seam allowance close to the stitching. Fold in again and sew along the edge. Super neat en perfect finish every time. Just keep in mind the marking for where the hem and side seam meet to get an even side seam.

There may be more in my future, because I’ve gotten already lots of compliments about it so far. If that ain’t motivation

Follow me for more: https//www.instagram.com/jose.vernooy

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Hello everyone. I am Tina and i am from England.

I made 2 Kailin blouses during testing. My first was a lightweight polyester in navy blue. This looked so smart. My second make was a green satin and it is just so gorgeous.

When you cut out your patter, no doubt your fabric will be lightweight, i would say cut as precise as you can for the front opening. Then when you sew on the opening take your time and be precise again. This will help you achieve a beautiful pleat.

I made the stand collar for both versions along with long sleeves with elastic cuffs and faced openings. I did french seams for my satin Kailin.

I would love to try my next Kailin in a lace to see if i could get it to work.

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Tina here from California and I want to share about my Kailin top today. This was such a fast and satisfying sew, especially when you’re short on time. I just got back from vacation where the weather was going to be warm and needed a top I could quickly sew up! I used a floral crepe woven fabric with the short sleeves options and it was perfect!! If you’re worried about the deep v neckline, you can easily tack down the opening or layer with a tank. I’m planning on the elastic long sleeves with collar ties for my next Kailin.

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I’m Maria and I live in Sydney Australia

I tested size 4 in a flowy poly from Drapers.

The silk version is size 3 using a silk from The Remnant Warehouse

Do a test version in a less expensive fabric just to check how the pattern looks on you and fits too.

The first version is a poly and I’ll be wearing this version a lot of the Summer because it’s cool to wear and is a gorgeous guard against insects that come out as the sun sets. I know this version will look great at any garden bar this summer.

The two part collar and the gathered sleeve.

This is a comfy and stylish version for my lifestyle.

These are all alterations I did with Ann’s advice after seeing my test version. She’s really generous with her knowledge.

Shortened the bust dart.

I took out 6 cm from the centre back.

I took out 2 cm from the front placket and slimmed the collar by 2 cm.

This also meant I needed to slim back the front fold.

I shortened the sleeve by 4cm.

I shortened the neck to shoulder point by 2cm.

I’m really happy with this.

My sewing friends love this shirt. They were really interested in all the variations you can use to make this work for you.

I think they secretly want to use their silk stash now Kailin is here.

In the winter, I’ll do a sleeve cuff version. There are a couple of new silk fabrics waiting to be used.

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