Teen Boy Sewing

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Sewing for teen boys is really hit or miss.  

I always thought it would be my girls who would be the hard ones to sew for.  They have always been the pickier ones as far as clothing options are concerned.

Then my oldest son hit his teen years. 

And he discovered girls which lead to the discovery of mirrors and a sudden desire to look dashing and debonair.  The days of clothing him in bowties on Sunday morning quickly flew out the window.  While I appreciate his new found love for styling his hair and smelling good, I'm a tad sad I can't clothe him in cuter boy clothes anymore.

It's difficult to find good patterns for older boys who aren't quite big enough to fit in men's sizes but have outgrown the smaller boys sizes.  Which is why I love Pickle Toe Patterns.

They have quite a few "boys" patterns that go up to at least size 16, some even to 22!

So, when Mr. Model (also known as Picky Teen Boy) decided he liked this "Merica" panel from Peek-A-Boo Fabric I had to find the perfect top for him.  I decided on the Safari Tank by Pickle Toe Patterns.  He has recently had a little bit of a growth spurt and has a 36" chest so he falls solidly in the 14/16 regular size.  I had originally (like last fall) cut the panel to be a different top and apparently abandoned it, so I was a little short on the fabric for the panel which lead me to color blocking.  I decided I should color block the front and back to match.

I also added some length to the what I cut out.  I can't tell you exactly what I added, because I didn't measure other than to make the front and back the same length (sorry!).  I just know that he's almost 15 which means he'll probably be hitting a growth spurt really soon.  I'd like it to fit all summer, so I added the length rather than having to "threaten" to add a ruffle later on.  Although I find it funny to joke about adding ruffles to his clothes, he doesn't find it very funny.

 Don't let his lack of smiles fool you, he really likes his tank top.  He really does love it.  I did manage to get him to smile by asking him about the girl he likes...he still won't tell me her name.

If you aren't careful your kiddo will be doing things like the picture below in their Safari Tank!

So, run and grab your copy because all of your kids will LOVE it!

Get it HERE

I got the Merica panel at Peek A Boo Fabric  

And the solids are from Elevated Fashion Fabrics