Our Favourite Sewing Patterns for Beginners
Starting a sewing practice can seem daunting at first, especially with so may sewing patterns out there to choose from. That's why I've rounded up 12 of my favourite beginner sewing patterns to help you narrow down your search and start your sewing journey strong! Whether you're an absolute beginner with little to no experience at all, or a confident beginner with a couple of garments under your belt already, these 12 patterns will help you build your skills and create a me made wardrobe you can be proud of!
Our Favourite Beginner Dress/Jumpsuit Patterns:
Horizon Day Dress - Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
Sewing Level: Beginner
Why We Love It: The relaxed silhouette means beginners don't need to be worried about fit issues and it's designed with beginner friendly fabrics - cotton and linen - in mind.
Avenir Jumpsuit - Friday Pattern Co.
Sewing Level: Confident Beginner
Why We Love It: Loose and flowy with an elasticated wait and neckline means this jumpsuit is both comfy and completely doable for a confident beginner with a couple of makes already under their belt.
Zita Dress - Fibre Mood
Sewing Level: Beginner
Why We Love It: A simple tank dress, it can be worn loose or tied at the waist for a more defined look. The pattern also offers a short dress version as well as a tank top variation.
York Pinafore - Helen's Closet
Sewing Level: Beginner
Why We Love It: It's simple silhouette lends itself perfectly to being dressed up or down and it's a great beginner introduction to sewing with heavier fabrics.
Our Favourite Beginner Shirt Patterns:
Hansie Top - Seamwork
Sewing Level: Beginner
Why We Love It: The cut-on sleeves make this a truly beginner friendly pattern and it's simplicity lends itself perfectly for fun fabrics.
Milly Wrap Top - Fibre Mood
Sewing Level: Beginner
Why We Love It: A wrap top is an extremely forgiving sew for beginners and this one can be made in a wide variety of fabrics, both knit and woven.
Our Favourite Beginner Bottoms Patterns:
Ninni Culottes - Named Clothing
Sewing Level: Absolute Beginner
Why We Love It: One of the trickiest parts of sewing, especially pants, is getting the fit right, but with an elastic waistband and generous amount of ease, these wide leg culottes are hard to mess up. And they have pockets!
Free Range Slacks - Sew House Seven
Sewing Level: Confident Beginner
Why We Love It: There is no shortage of beginner-friendly elastic waisted pant patterns out there, but the Free Range Slacks are one of my personal faves. You'll definitely want a little sewing experience before attempting these, but the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Peppermint Pocket Skirt - Paper Theory
Sewing Level: Beginner
Why We Love It: It's free! It's also super cute, comfortable and functional.
Our Favourite Beginner Men's Patterns:
T-Shirt - Merchant & Mills
Sewing Level: Beginner
Why We Love It: Most men's shirt patterns involve buttons and plackets and all sorts of more advanced sewing techniques, but Merchant & Mills has taken a classic t-shirt pattern and adapted it for woven fabrics while still keeping it beginner friendly.
Every Day Trousers - New Craft House
Sewing Level: Beginner
Why We Love It: Because men deserve stylish elastic waisted pants too!
Our Favourite Beginner Accessories Pattern:
Stash Pocket Tote - Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
Sewing Level: Absolute Beginner
Why We Love It: A tote bag is an excellent intro to sewing project, but this one takes it up a notch by making it fully lined and adding an large outer pocket. It can be made in a single fabric or in a patchwork style for the ultimate scrap-busting project. Plus, you can never have too many totes!