Beginner’s Sewing Patterns
I remember when I started sewing, I picked some patterns that I believe are still sitting somewhere in the pattern stash because they looked good but were the wrong choices when I was starting out. Too fitted, zipper and buttons galore or gasp… an evening dress. Stay away from those choices when you are starting out.
Here is a list of recommended sewing patterns if you are a beginner and don’t know where to start your sewing journey. When selecting a pattern for a beginner it is important to stay away from very fitted patterns, lots and lots of pieces or patterns with a plethora of buttonholes, zippers. You want a pattern that will be quick and easy for a garment that you can wear right away.
A few of my favorite tried and true patterns for beginner’s.
Coco Top and Dress by Tilly and the Buttons - a classic top and dress with a plain or funnel neckline. Its a great pattern not only because you can make a classic top or you can also make a dress with a funnel neckline, add pockets or add in cuffs. The instructions are beautifully photographed and outlined. Its available in both a printed pattern or a PDF download. Sized 2 to 20.
Cielo Top and Dress by Closet Core Patterns (who recently changed their name from Closet Case Patterns) - a boxy tee and shift dress, but what I like about this pattern is that it has pockets or you can change the sleeves. You can make it on so many different types of fabric (I usually vote for linen), double bonus its loose fitting so fitting the pattern is not hard at all. The pattern is available both as a printed pattern or as a PDF download. However, the PDF download has a larger size range, so do keep this in mind when selecting sizes. Sized 0 to 30 on the PDF version.
Ogden Cami by True Bias - A simple blouse with straps that you can wear on its own or under a cardigan. The Ogden Cami is also provided in a larger size range separately with bust darts, great if you have a larger bust and want something a little more shapely. It is available as a PDF Download and printed pattern. Sized sized 0 to 30. I linked both styles above.
Stevie Top and Dress by Tilly and the Buttons - The Stevie pattern won an award as an “easy to follow” sewing pattern. It’s the perfect summer dress and its an easy to sew pattern with a tie on the back. Perfect for fabrics such as chambray, cotton lawn, viscose or double gauze. Available as a printed pattern or a PDF Download. Sized 2 to 20.
The following patterns are from the Big Four Pattern Companies, these are known as McCall’s, Vogue, Simplicity and Butterick. Anytime you hear “The Big 4” it means these companies.
Astrid McCall’s M8112 - Pull over shirt that can be either a short sleeve or long sleeve, Its part of McCall’s Learn how to Sew series (which has some great patterns!), Perfect for knit fabrics and it is sized from S to XXL.
M7531 - Another learn to sew pattern, this is a pull over dress, its a little more fitted but really easy to make. You learn how to set in a sleeve, how to sew a back slit and double bonus no zipper. The pattern is sized from Small to XXL. It is a printed pattern only.
Isabel McCall’s M8058 - Another great pull over knit dress with no zippers, I also love this pattern because you get to learn how to attach a neck band and it also has a V neck option. Available as a digital download or a printed pattern. Sized 6 to 22.
Jill McCall’s M8068 - Make a long or short skirt with a faced waistline and an invisible zipper. I promise you its not hard at all to insert a zipper. This pattern explains it in detail.
When it comes to beginner’s patterns set yourself up for success, make sure you pick something that you will actually wear, that is after all the ultimate reward. Wearing something that you made. A lot of these patterns have sew along videos on You Tube by fellow sewists or by the pattern designer themselves. Happy Sewing!
