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The Aria button down is new from Love Notions and it can be either a shirt, tunic or shirt dress. There are many options for you to choose from and you can finally take out your favorite woven fabrics! you have hours of fun ahead with this classic pattern.

The Aria button down comes in sizes XS-5X, has a standard & full bust option. It’s 28% OFF through the 2nd of May. Get yours HERE with my affiliate link. Also, don’t forget to use my code Lifting10 at checkout for an extra 10% off (even on top of sale prices).

Love Notions is offering an on demand online course for the Aria button up. During release week, if you purchase the course, the pattern will be included for FREE. This is only during release week. The course will not include the pattern after the 2nd of May 2022. When you purchase the course, the Aria pattern will appear at checkout marked as $0. Get your course HERE.

Features of the Aria button down

You can choose between a banded collar or an all in on collar and stand that has the traditional look, but is easier to sew and just as pretty. The button placket is super easy to sew.

There are two yoke layers, and that means that the seams can be enclosed with a burrito roll method. There is an inverted box pleat on the back piece, below the yoke.

Your Aria can be a shirt, tunic or dress length. The tunic and dress have side seam vents and they all have a curved hem.

You can choose between sleeveles, short sleeve with a cuff or long sleeve with a tower placket, pleats & cuffs.

If you are making the dress, add a self belt or exposed casing & drawstring for subtle waist shaping.

Best fabrics for the Aria button down

You can use a huge variety of fabrics for the Aria button up. The graphic above, groups them into structured and flowy. I am finally going to use cotton! I am also using chiffon, crepe and rayon for my versions.

You need fusible interfacing for the collar, button and sleeve plackets and cuffs. The buttonholes are functional and you need lots of buttons 🙂

Sizing

The Aria button down has a relaxed fit, but it’s not overly boxy or too oversized. The shoulders seam is not dropped. The full bust option has a bust dart, but the regular bust option does not. See above the approximate wearing ease. The numbers with an ** are for the full bust option, because this option adds 2″ to the waist and hips.

Choose your size based on your high bust measurement. If your full bust/high bust difference is smaller than 4″, the regular bust will be ok. For 4″ or more, use the full bust option.

Personal fitting

This is the first time I use the full bust piece. My difference between the high and full bust is 3″ and technically, the standard bust should be ok. But, I know I benefit from a bust dart and the standard bust option does not have it.

The full bust option has 2″ extra inches of ease at the waist and hips and I did not need the extra ease. I tried on my Aria and took it in at the side seams from the waist down to the hem by 3/8″. This reduces the extra ease, but it still is a comfortable fit.

I always add length because I am taller than standard. I have 2″ extra added to the shirt and dress.

Sewing considerations

• The main seam allowance is 3/8″ but pay attention, because certain areas use 1/4″ and 1/2″. Make sure you read the instructions well.
• You need to interface both collar pieces for both options and I agree. You need the structure there. The all in one collar option is missing the traditional seam between the stand and collar, so you need both layers interfaced.
• For the tunic and dress options, you need to serge the side seams separately because the side vents require this.
• Consider using more buttonholes with less space between them if you worry about gaping on the center front. I like mine 2″ apart and place one exactly at my bust height and calculate above and below from there.

Helpful Videos on my channel

Here you can find many videos that have sewing content that will be helpful for sewing shirts and blouses. There are many!

Enclosing yoke seams with Burrito roll method

Most shirts have a yoke in two layers and these seams are neatly enclosed with a burrito method. This video shows you 4 ways of doing this. These alternative techniques to achieve the same beautiful neat result. You can choose different ways to approach this step according to fabric choice, shoulder details and preference. I used method number 2 for the Aria button down. See below.

Setting in woven sleeves

I have TWO FAVORITE methods that are EASY, STRESS FREE and always provide a beautifully set-in sleeve. I am also sharing the way I used to set-in sleeves in the past and why this method might not be the best out there. The Aria button down has cuffs and I like to have those sewn to the sleeve before setting in the sleeve. See below.

How to sew a banded collar

A banded collar is a great option if you are newer to sewing shirts and blouses and many patterns have this cute option. I am sharing how to sew them 3 ways: my least favourite method, the traditional method, and my absolute favourite way. You will see great sewing footage and you will be ready to tackle your shirts with confidence. The Aria button down has a banded collar option too.

How to sew collar & stand

The Aria button down has a simplified method. It has an all in one collar and stand and you can see how to sew it in this video. I am also sharing the traditional method that has a separate collar & stand. See below.

How to sew sleeve plackets

This video includes how to sew the long sleeve tower placket from the Aria button up. It’s very detailed with up close footage. You will be able to do it too.

Aria button up pattern review, sewing button plackets, sleeve cuffs & more

See a detailed pattern review, my cotton and chiffon versions on and how to sew the button plackets, short sleeves/cuffs and so much more.

A shirtdress & two more Aria shirts. Waist casing & side vents.

In this video, you will see 3 more versions of the Aria button down: 2 shirts and 1 shirtdress. I have included sewing footage of the exposed waist casing and side seam vents from the dress. A lot of inspiration for you with fabric choices.

Let’s see

Flowery cotton Aria with short sleeves

This is a very light weight cotton and, it’s almost sheer. The print is so happy! This type of fabric is super easy to work with and if you are newer to sewing, something like this could be a great choice for you. I have the short sleev with a cuff option and the all in one collar & stand option.

This version of the Aria is shorter on me because I used the original length and I am taller. I have paired it with my denim Glissando skirt, also from Love Notions. Love the casual fresh look here!

Animal print chiffon Aria with long sleeves

I recently made terra-cotta Allegro linen pants (See video about them HERE) and this animal print had the same tone sprinkled in there. I couldn’t help it and had to make an Aria with it! The project was exciting because I have experience with this type of fabric. The final result up is a dream come true. It was a lot of extra time and dedication, but I am not complaining. The sleeve tower plackets turned out great and look delicate with this fabric.

Hounds tooth crepe Aria with long sleeves & color blocking

I wanted a formal Aria shirt and chose a medium weight crepe with hounds tooth print. To highlight all the features, I used a dark green rayon/linen blend. This version has the collar band and long sleeves. Special buttons finished the look I was going for.

Purple shirt dress Aria with exposed casing/drawstring

This is a dream come true for me. I love the comfortable feel & ease of the dress version of the Aria. You could wear it loose like a shift style dress, make a sash from the same fabric, use a belt or sew an exposed casing with a drawstring. I love the last option mentioned and chose it. The all in one collar & stand turned out very neatly.

This fabric is a scrumptious rayon linen blend and gorgeous to wear. It’s sleeveless and fresh. At the hem of the sides, one of the cute details, are the side vents.

White & black linen sleeveless Aria

I had 1 yard of this gorgeous linen/rayon blend in one of my favorite types of prints: black & white. This is the heaviest and most structured fabric I’ve used for all my Aria versions. It was a delight to sew! the banded collar stands up very well. To avoid bulk, I used a light satin lining fabric for the inner yoke. This version will work well open as a light layering pieces also.

Final thoughts

I am so hooked on the Aria button down and would make so many! I have set aside some of my favorite wovens and have plans for some hacks! some of them simplify the sewing and others don’t lol. You’ll see many more of these from me for sure!

The Aria button down comes in sizes XS-5X, has a standard & full bust option. It’s 28% OFF through the 2nd of May. Get yours HERE with my affiliate link. Also, don’t forget to use my code KARINA10 at checkout for an extra 10% off (even on top of sale prices).

Love Notions is offering an on demand online course for the Aria button up. During release week, if you purchase the course, the pattern will be included for FREE. This is only during release week. The course will not include the pattern after the 2nd of May 2022. When you purchase the course, the Aria pattern will appear at checkout marked as $0 with a code. Get your course HERE.

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