If you are new to sewing & dressmaking and looking for a simple first dressmaking pattern, then I have got you covered.
These pattern are easy to follow and doesn't have a lot of fitting involved which, let's be honest, is the trickiest part of dressmaking. I have found 6 patterns for you that simple and perfect to tackle for beginners. These projects include 3 upper body garments, two of them can also be sewn as a dress, and 3 bottoms, including one for girls.
FIORE SKIRT BY CLOSET CASE PATTERNS
Whenever someone asks which first dressmaking project they should tackle, I always recommend a skirt. It is easy to sew and very little fitting involved. You pretty much just measure your waist and hip and that's all you have to worry about. No crazy back or bust adjustments.
The Fiore skirt a high-waisted A-line skirt that comes in two lengths (above and below the knee). The pattern also comes in 3 variations to give you more outfit potential but also to grow your skills. Start simple with View A, a flared skirt and progress to View B an asymmetrical wrap skirt all the way to View C with a button up front. Lots to learn in one pattern.
The instruction from Closet Case Patterns are (as always) remarkable and perfect to follow for beginners.
You can use easy-to-sew with fabrics such as linens, chambray & denim, cotton lawn & poplin but also drapier fabrics (only for Views A & B) like rayon or silk.
The pattern is available in the shop.
ULTIMATE PYJAMAS BY SEW OVER IT
Another great beginner sewing project for you and the entire family - pyjamas! No fitting involved, as they come loose-fitted anyway and learn basics of feeding elastic through the waistband and hemming. That's why we make them in the Beginner Course too.
Wide-legged with a generous fit, the Ultimate Pyjamas by Sew Over It fit snug to the body with an elasticated waistband. With very few pattern pieces, they are a quick and simple project, which makes it perfect for beginners.
You can use easy-to-sew with fabrics such as cotton lawn & seersucker but also quilting cottons, flannels and brushed cottons. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try rayon.
Handmade PJs make wonderful presents, so why not sew for a special someone and use the EASTWOOD PAJAMAS BY THREAD THEORY.
JUNIPER SKIRT BY POPPY & JAZZ
Quick and easy to make, the Juniper skirt is your go-to pattern for little girls' skirts. Sew it in cottons for summer and wear with tights during the winter.
The pattern comes in two variations: View A is a simple knee-length gathered skirt with elasticated waistband. Level up your game with View B and sew a flat front waistband with elastic only at the back. View B also features a top yoke with an attached gathered skirt band.
You can use easy-to-sew with fabrics such as linens, chambray & denim, cotton lawn & poplin, quilting cottons and corduroy.
The pattern is available in the shop.
CORAM TOP & DRESS BY ALLIE OLSEN
A loose-fitting dress with easy-to-sew sleeves: raglan sleeves. Much easier to sew than set in sleeves. With this pattern you can level up your sewing game and tackle a tricky silk-like fabric.
The loose-fitting top or dress features bust and shoulder darts for shaping. View A, which is the top, features a hi-lo hem and View B, the dress is even from front to back. Allie Olsen instructions are very well put together and easy to follow for beginners.
For your fabric choices think drape: rayons, linen & rayon blends, crepe de chine and georgettes.
The pattern is soon back in the shop.
INDIGO TOP & DRESS BY TILLY AND THE BUTTONS
You know that Zara Dress that everyone loves?! Well, why wouldn't you love it. It's cute, comfy and effortlessly stylish.
the pattern has no tricky fastenings. It's loose-fitting style, is perfect to thrown on and be chic every day. Learn how to gather fabric - which is a very cool technique to know. And the dress has pockets - win! Tilly's instructions are so thorough, perfect for beginners.
Sew this pattern with light to medium-weight woven fabrics that have drape such as cotton lawn and seersucker, chambray, viscose/rayon, double gauze, crepe de chine or georgette.
I hope you have this pattern in the shop soon.
LARK TEE BY GRAINLINE STUDIOS
Once you have nailed those woven fabrics, let's tackle some knit and stretchy fabrics. A t-shirt is basic in everyone's wardrobe.
This pattern is so unbelievable versatile. You can choose between 4 different sleeve options and 4 different neckline versions. All of them are interchangeable, so that gives you 16 different t-shirt styles. As all of Grainline Studio's patterns, they come with easy to follow instructions.
For this t-shirt, you will need light to medium-weight knit (stretchy) fabric that has at least 20% stretch. Check out all of the Cotton Jersey fabrics available online.
The pattern is available in the shop.
I hope you enjoy these beginner friendly dressmaking patterns, as much as I do.
Happy Sewing,
Maria