Today, I want to give you a short review about the Bonn Shirt by Itch to Stitch. I’ve sewn this pattern six times, and it is my personal TNT. This shirt has a nice mandarin collar, and you can sew the Bonn shirt with long sleeves, short cuffs, ¾ sleeves and flared sleeves. Also when it is summer or any occasion, you can sew the Bonn dress which is also included in the pattern.
Size Range
The size range is a 00 – 20 and includes the cup sizes A – DD. The smallest size 00 with an A-Cup has the following measurements:
- Bust: 30 1/8 inch (76,5 cm)
- Waist: 25 3/8 inch (64,5 cm)
- Hip: 33 ¼ inch (84,5 cm)
The biggest size is a size 20 with a DD-Cup and has the following measurements:
- Bust: 49 inch (124,5 cm)
- Waist: 40 ½ inch (103 cm)
- Hip: 48 inch (122 cm)
The pattern includes metric and imperial measurements, the charts for the body measurements, and the measurements of the finished garment. I sewed a size 16 C, and here are my body measurements:
- Bust: 44.49 inch (113 cm)
- Waist: 38.19 inch (97 cm)
- Hip: 45.67 inch (116 cm)
- Height: 5’’6 ft”inch (168 cm)
- Cup-Size: C / D (Sewing a C / RTW-bras more a D)
The last time I sewed this blouse, I made a few little changes, but I had a problem with the fabric that I used before (a stiff Japanese cotton with little sailing boats).
So this time, I added 1 inch in the sleeve length and added 1 cm width in the back, but this time, I found that because of my fabric, I didn’t need these changes. Overall, these adjustments took about ten minutes.
I used a quilting cotton (100% cotton) for this version. The fabric is called “Moon Garden” by Drewberry for Free Spirit.
The instructions are very clear, and each written step includes a picture. Also, there are instructions for understitching, grading between sizes, and lengthening/shortening (with the corresponding pattern markings). I really love that on each pattern tile is a hint to how much seam allowance is included. If this is your very first shirt, you will get a lot of help from the instructions.
The fit is really great for me on my upper arms, my back, and everywhere else – it is my personal TNT pattern. When I sew it I know that my garment will turn out great, and I can sew really without thinking. It is more yoga for my mind than you can imagine. I saw a lot of Bonn shirts on the web, and each turned out really well for the different body types. What I really like is that the sleeves are not tight.
My next Bonn shirt (number 7!) is planned, and I will also host a little Sew Along in the “Itch to Stitch Design” Facebook group from the 13th of November to the 26th of November. But for this shirt, I will modify my last changes: I will only add 1,5 cm in the length of the sleeves not add 1 cm width in the back again.
When you want to give this fabulous pattern a try, take a look at the finished measurements and your fabric choice, and then choose your size. The pattern comes with the option of printing in layers so that you can print only the size(s) that you need, making it is easy to cut and tape the pattern or also to grade between sizes. The instructions have a lot of advice, but when you need help for the mandarin collar, you can take a look on the homepage of Itch to Stitch where a great demo is shown: https://itch-to-stitch.com/
You can also find tips how to make narrow hem curves on the ITS Homepage: https://itch-to-stitch.com/
And if you want to know the difference between notch or clip… Take a look here: https://itch-to-stitch.com/
Now my pattern rating:
Size Range (1-5)
4-5 (size range from 0 – 20 with cup sizes A-DD)
Instructions (1-5)
5
Construction Process (1-5)
5
Final Fit (1-5)
5
Overall Rating (1-5) + Explanation
5
Great size range, and the pattern has cup sizes! The shirt has a really great fit for different body types and sizes. The instructions are very clear with helpful pictures for each step and extra tips. The construction process well-organized and very clear, even with all of the different pattern options. The final fit is perfect, and it looks always great. All in all I did not gave a whole 5 in the size range because it also is a very great size range with many different cup types and a very good fit, but bustier sewers may still need to make pattern alterations. The sleeves fits also my bigger upper arms without any changes. I will warmly recommend this pattern and I am really interested to see other versions of this shirt.
Really like the look of this pattern, but just hate having to tape the pieces together. Does this have the option of taking to a print shop to print on large paper? Also, I’m a J cup—would love to discuss alterations with someone who has same fitting issues. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment 🙂 Yes, you also get a Large Format of this pattern and a normal to print it at home and the pattern also includes the layout print. You can only print your own size or may be two or three to blend sizes if you need it. I am not a J cup and can’t give you an answer. May be you will ask this question in the facebook group of Itch to Stitch? Have a nice weekend and warm regards 🙂
I am actually reading your wonderful article about the Bonn shirt in BONN, Germany, Christiane! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your review – this pattern fits you perfectly and both shirts are beautifully made. Since I’m a big fan of sewing with quilting cotton and I’m always on the lookout for patterns with wider upper arms I just might give this pattern a try.
Thank you for your kind comment, Karen! In my opinion many quilting cottons have a wonderful quality so I don’t know why we shouldn’t make nice garments for our closet with them 🙂 I didn’t visit Bonn but I will one day 😉 I am excited to see your shirt! Warm regards from Switzerland to my homeland Germany!
It never came to my mind that the Bonn Shirt is named after Bonn. But it’s kind of obvious, right? 😀 Greetings from Zürich nach Bonn! Bettina
Nice work–the metal buttons are a great detail and your stitching looks perfect! Thanks for noting that the pattern has cup sizes. I’d rather avoid a FBA if I can.
Thank you! I also adjusted my patterns before with a FBA but prefer patterns with cup sizes, too. It’s much more easier than drafting!
Thank You for sharing!
I didn’t realize she had such fantastic tutorials! Wow! I ordered the Bonn shirt (I’ll make short sleeves :o) and the Vienna Tank. It might be only 16 degrees here in MN (-9 celcius) but I don’t like long sleeves unless its a coat! :o)
I love mandarin collars and always search high and low for patterns with them!
Oh I am excited to see yours! I also sew a loose fitting one with short sleeves for hot summer! Now it’s getting cold and I will sew another one with long sleeves;) Have fun while sewing yours! Warm regards from Switzerland 🙂
I have the pattern printd out and your article gives me the incentive to try it out. Thanks
Looking forward to your Bonn! Thank you for your comment 🙂
I love your fabric choices and the fit is impeccable! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Claire 🙂 I had really fun while writing the review!
Thank you for the article, Christiane! This shirt looks so good on you. I always wanted to try it and now I will. I am still looking for my TNT pattern which will not give me too many problems and adjustments in the bust area. This sounds like a winner.
Warm regards from cold Canada!
Thank you Inna for your kind words and the warm regards! I am looking forward to your shirt and really hope that this pattern will also be your TNT 😉 Warm regards from getting cold Switzerland to Canada 🙂