Simmzy's Sun And Surf Tee In Navy Recipe

Prewash and Prepare Fabric

Prewash the navy cotton fabric in warm water and tumble dry to pre-shrink. Press with an iron to remove wrinkles and lay flat on a large cutting surface.

Prepare Pattern

Lay out the crew neck tee pattern pieces (front, back, sleeves, neckband) on the folded fabric following grainline. Use safety pins or pattern weights to secure. Mark notches and grainlines with chalk or fabric marker.

Cut Fabric

Carefully cut out all pattern pieces with scissors or a rotary cutter. Transfer any pattern markings (darts, center front, fold lines) to the fabric.

Apply Stabilizer to Neckline

Cut a strip of lightweight fusible stabilizer to match the inside of the front and back neckline. Fuse it according to manufacturer instructions to the wrong side of the neckline area to prevent stretching during sewing.

Prepare Neck Rib

Measure the neckline opening and cut the rib knit to 85% of that measurement (to create a slight stretch for a snug neckline). Fold the rib in half lengthwise, with wrong sides together, and press lightly.

Attach Neck Rib

With right sides together, pin the rib to the neckline matching quarter points. Stretch the rib slightly as you pin so it fits the neckline evenly. Using a ballpoint needle and a 1/4"-3/8" seam allowance, sew the neckband to the neckline with a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag. Press seam toward body and understitch if desired.

Assemble Shoulders

Place front and back pieces right sides together. Align shoulder edges and sew each shoulder seam with a 3/8" seam allowance using a stretch stitch or serger. Press seams toward the back.

Set in Sleeves

With the body turned right side out and sleeves wrong side out, insert each sleeve into the armhole aligning notches and underarm seam. Pin evenly and sew with a stretch stitch or serger around the armhole. Repeat for the other sleeve.

Sew Side and Sleeve Seams

Fold the tee right sides together along the side seam, aligning sleeve and body seams. Starting at the bottom hem, sew up the side seam and continue through the sleeve to the sleeve hem in one continuous seam using a 3/8" seam allowance and stretch stitch. Repeat on the other side.

Hem Sleeves and Body

Turn up a 3/4" hem on each sleeve and press. Finish using a twin needle or stretch stitch to maintain elasticity. For the bottom hem, turn up 1" (or desired hem depth), press, and stitch with a twin needle or stretch stitch for a professional finish.

Trim Threads and Press

Trim any loose threads and give the entire tee a final press, paying attention to hems and neckline so the garment looks crisp.

Prepare Logo Transfer

If using an iron-on Simmzy's Sun and Surf label or heat-transfer paper, print or position the logo on the wrong side of the transfer paper per manufacturer instructions. Trim close to the design to minimize excess carrier.

Apply Logo

Position the logo transfer centered on the chest (approximately 3-4 inches down from the neckline for a medium). Cover with a pressing cloth and press with an iron set to the transfer's recommended temperature and time. Allow to cool, then peel the carrier paper according to instructions.

Final Inspection

Check all seams, hems, and the applied label for secure attachment. Try the tee on (or measure key points) to ensure fit; make any small adjustments if needed. Remove any remaining chalk or marker with a damp cloth and give one last press.