Menswear Patterns with Silver Fox
Our sewing community is filled with talented and creative craftspeople. Men’s sewing patterns offer endless possibilities, and Silver Fox is a perfect example of this. Through his projects, he showcases the art of a well-tailored shirt, stylish casual trousers, and the joy of making for others. In this blog, we’ve invited Simon to share his sewing journey and some of his favourite patterns.
Introducing maker Simon Turner
Simon, known online as @madebysilverfox, is a passionate Melbourne-based sewist who discovered his love for sewing during an adult learning session at RMIT in 2020. Since then, he has honed his skills, creating a diverse range of garments for himself, friends, and family. His projects showcase a keen eye for fabric selection and a willingness to experiment with patterns, resulting in unique and personalized pieces. Through his sewing journey, Simon has built a vibrant community on Instagram, where he shares his creations and loves seeing other people’s creativity.
Simon shares “Each of these projects reflects my growth as a sewist and my dedication to creating meaningful, personalised garments for myself and my loved ones.”
Simon shares many of his makes online you can follow his on Instagram at @madebysilverfox
Simon’s Top Sewing Patterns
Butterick B4443
For our 25th wedding reunion at Uluru, I crafted a hi-lo dress using a cotton fabric from Ikuntji Artists with a thick screen print. The firm structure highlighted the vibrant red base, and the pattern hack added a modern twist to this cherished piece.
Simplicity S9758
My latest summer ensemble features a camp shirt and shorts set in a lively cactus drill cotton. This easy-to-make combo is perfect for lounging by the pool or dancing at music festivals, offering both comfort and style.
McCall’s M8167
I designed a green dress for Liz’s night out with the girls, opting for a thicker jacquard fabric to suit early spring evenings. The choice added a touch of elegance and warmth, making it a standout piece for the occasion.
New Look 6378
Venturing into new techniques, I created a light cotton voile top for Liz. It was my first experience with bias binding, which presented a challenge initially, but mastering it was incredibly rewarding.
Burda Kids 9372
Utilising soft jersey fabric, I crafted a delightful baby outfit as a gift for a colleague’s newborn. The ensemble was charming, especially with the addition of a bow (though I didn’t make that part), and it was heartwarming to see it appreciated. And creating overalls for an adventurous little boy using a fun cotton drill fabric adorned with little monsters was a joy. The outfit was so well-loved that I was requested to make another pair once he outgrew the first—a testament to the appreciation of handmade gifts.
Simplicity 8180
This versatile shirt pattern has become a staple in my sewing projects. After a few attempts, I can now complete a short-sleeve version in under three hours, using various fabrics like drill cottons, chambrays, and Tana lawn. These shirts seamlessly transition from work to leisure.
Know Me ME2012
I’m eagerly anticipating working on this pattern. The dilemma lies in choosing between a bold red crushed velvet velour for a statement piece or a more subdued denim or chambray for everyday wear. Time will reveal the decision.
Burda 2691
Reflecting on my sewing journey, my first project was a pair of PJ pants from this pattern during an adult sewing session at RMIT in Melbourne back in 2020. While I only completed the pants, the fabric for the top still awaits its turn in my stash.
Simplicity 3971
Ok, so this might not be what you expect from a summer
pattern, but it is perfect! I’ve made this pattern many times. I call it “undercover pyjamas.” Sets like this are so popular for summer, and the oversized shirt is stylish. You can even turn it into a shirt dress. Customise it however you like, dressed up or down! Cotton poplin, seersucker, and double cloth work well for a casual look, or you can use satin for an evening vibe.
New Look 6471
A gift for my sister-in-law’s this time, I selected a crepe de chine fabric to sew a blouse. The material’s drape beautifully complemented the bow detail, resulting in a sophisticated and thoughtful present. While is pattern is no longer in print McCall’s 8042 is very similar with the neck tie detail.