When the Genra Shirt released last year, it was clear it was an instant sewing community cult classic. Since I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect summer button ups, it seemed like the perfect pattern to add to my collection! Overall, I really enjoyed making this pattern and the resulting top. The Gilbert is more beginner friendly IMO, but if you have experience sewing button-ups, the Genra is great.
Choosing Fabric + Sizing
I purchased this beautiful linen from Mood last year and had been waiting for the right project to use it on. It’s super lightweight and sheer, but still has some structure to it. I love the ‘graph paper’ look of it. I think linen is a good match for the Genra, but could see something drapier being really pretty as well.
For sizing, I went with an XS. From what I could see on Instagram, the shirt is intentionally oversized. I was between a XS and S measurements wise, so it felt like it made sense to size down.
Making the Genra shirt
The drafting of the Genra was pretty solid in my experience and I had little issues getting everything constructed. The construction is very similar to other button ups I’ve made, like the Gilbert or Archer. I did the short sleeve version, so I can’t speak to the cuffs or sleeve plackets. The only nitpick I have about this pattern is that the written instructions aren’t very detailed. It seems like there is an assumption of the reader knowing how to do things already. This wasn’t an issue for me since I’ve made a few button ups, but I could definitely see it tripping up a beginner.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I really liked the Genra pattern. I wasn’t sure if the style was right for me, but I’m pleased with how it turned out and will definitely be wearing it often. It may not be the best button up pattern for a newbie, but with some help from some online tutorials anyone could probably make it work.
