Pre-wash the off-white cotton jersey in warm water and tumble dry to remove shrinkage and finishes. Press lightly with an iron to remove wrinkles. Apply the wash-and-dry shrink allowance by noting any dimension changes and adjusting pattern placement accordingly.

Lay out pattern pieces

Lay the pre-washed fabric on a flat cutting surface, folded with right sides together. Place the Long Beach Bike Tee pattern pieces (front, back, sleeves, collar) on the fabric aligning grainline. Use pattern weights or pins to secure. Transfer notches, grainline, and markings with fabric chalk or marking pen.

Cut fabric

Carefully cut the fabric pieces using fabric scissors or a rotary cutter. Cut one back, one front, two sleeves, and the collar band as indicated. If the pattern calls for a hem allowance or coverstitch hem, ensure those allowances are present. Add fusible stay tape pieces to the shoulder seam areas (cut to length) but do not fuse yet.

Stabilize shoulders

Fuse the fusible stay tape to the wrong side of the shoulder seams on the back and front pieces following the manufacturer instructions. This prevents stretching when wearing.

Assemble shoulders and attach sleeves

With right sides together, pin and sew the front shoulder seams to the back shoulder seams using a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag (3/8" seam allowance unless pattern states otherwise). Press seams toward the back. Align the sleeve cap to the armhole, matching notches, pin or clip and sew using the same stretch stitch. Repeat for the other sleeve.

Construct side seams

Fold the tee with right sides together, align sleeve and side seams. Pin from sleeve hem through body hem and sew in one continuous seam on each side using a stretch stitch or serger. Finish raw edges if using a straight machine stitch with an overcast or zigzag to prevent fraying.

Neckline and hems

Prepare and attach collar

Measure the neckline opening and cut the rib knit collar band to the pattern length less 5-10% for stretch (check pattern instructions). With right sides together, form the collar band into a loop and sew short ends. Mark quarter points on both collar and neckline, match and pin. Stretch the collar slightly as you evenly pin it into the neckline. Sew using a stretch stitch or coverstitch, then press the seam allowance down towards the body.

Sleeve and body hems

Turn the sleeve hems up by the hem allowance (usually 3/4"–1"). Press, then topstitch with a twin needle or coverstitch for a professional finish. Repeat for the bottom hem of the tee. If using a twin needle, use a ballpoint needle and stretch stitch settings to avoid skipped stitches.

Finish raw edges

If any raw edges remain (inside neck, seam allowances), trim and finish with overlock, serger, or zigzag. Apply seam sealant (optional) to inside raw edges if desired for extra durability.

Finishing & optional trims

Apply graphic (optional)

If adding the Long Beach Bike logo transfer, place it centered according to the pattern placement lines on the chest. Follow the transfer manufacturer's instructions for heat and pressure (commonly a hot iron or heat press at recommended temperature/time). Allow to cool completely before handling.

Final pressing and quality check

Give the tee a final press, removing any remaining creases. Inspect all seams, hems, and the neckline for even stitching and secure threads. Trim loose threads and attach the care/content label at the side seam or back neck as specified. Attach packaging label or hang tag.

Packaging

Fold the tee neatly (traditional retail fold) and place it in appropriate packaging. Add hang tag and any branding inserts.