Feeling confident in your sewing skills and ready for your first creation? If so, you’re exactly where you need to be. To help you start sewing up clothes and accessories for yourself and your loved ones, I carefully selected 12 easy yet beautiful sewing patterns. Read on to find out what makes them special and well worth the money.
1. Kimono Patterns by Simplicity
If you like dressing in layers, this easy and inexpensive kimono sewing pattern set should definitely be on your to-consider list. Simplicity’s kimono-sewing pattern for women comes with instructions for 4 lovely kimono styles written in English and Spanish. There are a few different lengths and trim options you can choose from, including lace, fringe, and ruffles. This novice-friendly kimono pattern set is available on Amazon for less than 10 dollars. It’s a great way to put your beginner sewing knowledge and skills to the test.
2. Skye Sundress by Tilly and the Buttons
Hot summer days call for flowy, throw-it-on sundresses. If you are team light dresses, it’s safe to assume that the Skye Sundress by Tilly and the Buttons can easily become an essential part of your summer wardrobe. This stunning clothing item features side seam pockets and a slightly square scoop neckline. You can make this dress with a mini-, knee-, or maxi-length hemline.
To be able to sew this effortlessly gorgeous sundress, you’ll need either the printed or the digital sewing pattern. The former costs 21.40 dollars, while the latter is available for around 16 dollars.
3. Victoria Skirt by I AM Patterns
If you enjoy working with thin denim, double gauze, or cotton poplin, then the Victoria Skirt by I AM Patterns might be right up your alley. This elegant skirt features a large waistband, a zipper, and a button at the back for closing. If you like challenging yourself, consider customizing this skirt with pockets (you can find the free add-on with 3 different pocket patterns at the link above).
All the necessary instructions and tips for this simple yet versatile skirt can be purchased for less than 13 euros (I AM Patterns is a French business).
4. Hadley Top by Grainline Studio
Hadley Top’s difficulty level is advanced beginner. However, you shouldn’t have a hard time making it if you follow the detailed instructions closely. This semi-formal top weds simplicity with sophistication. You can pair it with your favorite jeans for a casual look or combine it with a nice pair of pants for a more polished outfit. For great results, opt for linen, rayon, cotton, lawn, voile, or other light- or medium-weight fabrics.
Get your hands on a paper sewing pattern for 18 dollars or save a couple of bucks by opting for the PDF version.
5. Luna Pants by Made by Rae
You can hone your sewing skills by giving the cute Luna Pants by Made by Rae a try. These comfy and quick-to-sew pants are made up of 4 main pieces and include inseam pockets. To be able to rock them on sticky summer days, it’s best to go with a lightweight fabric or blend such as double gauze lawn, voile, shot cotton, broadcloth, and rayon challis. Dare to play with colors and patterns if you want to incorporate a pair of Luna Pants into your everyday wardrobe, or go with a minimalist design for dressier occasions.
The Luna Pants sewing pattern is available both as a PDF file and in print for 12 and 20 dollars, respectively.
6. Coco Top & Dress by Tilly and the Buttons
Tilly and the Buttons create fantastic sewing patterns for newbies, and this one is no exception. The Coco Top and Dress set is an adorable tribute to the 60s. The step-by-step instructions will help you make this garment on a regular sewing machine without using an overlocker or a serger. This sewing pattern allows you to choose between boat neckline and funnel roll neck, long or ¾ sleeves, and top and dress length. For a more fun look, you can also include patch pockets and rolled cuffs.
Purchase a printed copy for less than 22 dollars or select the 16-dollar digital version and begin your Coco adventure as soon as possible.
7. New Look Misses Dresses by Simplicity
I’m completely in love with this Simplicity sewing pattern! It includes instructions for 4 flattering dresses in size A (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) which are written in English, French, and Spanish. Each of the looks can be made with various fabrics, including laundered cotton, crepe, crepon, laundered rayon, and silk. You’ll only need 60 minutes to sew one of these dresses up.
Aside from being quick and easy, this sewing pattern is also affordable. You can get the whole set (4 stylish dresses) for 9.33 dollars. Talk about smart shopping!
8. Ninni Culottes by Named Clothing
This novice-friendly sewing pattern designed and printed in Finland will teach you how to make a pair of chic and deliciously simple pants for everyday use. The Ninni Culottes by Named Clothing offer a large amount of ease, feature an elastic waist for increased comfort, and come with useful side pockets. For the best results, choose a lightweight drapey knit or woven fabric.
If you order the 18-euro printed version, you’ll receive one large-scale pattern sheet. The PDF file is cheaper (costs only 10 euros) and includes layered patterns. The instructions, of course, are written in English.
9. New Look Miss/Men Separates by Simplicity
Want to practice your sewing skills on PJ separates for yourself and/or your family? Then this sewing pattern might be the perfect choice for you. Simplicity has created yet another easy-to-follow pattern which includes 4 different styles. The New Look Miss/Men Separates sewing guide will help you learn how to make PJ pants and shorts for women, men, and teens. The recommended fabrics here are flannel, gingham, broadcloth, chambray, linen and linen blends, and, of course, cotton. Get your copy now for less than 10 dollars.
10. The Joe Pyjama Bottoms/Shorts by Tilly and the Buttons
I’m sure you’ve already noticed that I can’t get enough of Tilly and the Buttons’ beginner-friendly sewing patterns. But can you blame me? The Joe Pyjama Bottoms/Shorts offer everything a man needs for resting and lounging—comfort with just the right dose of style. The PJ bottoms are full-length, while the shorts are an above-the-knee model. You can also add a drawstring for a more relaxed fit.
Unlike my previous two Tilly and the Buttons picks, this sewing pattern is available only as a PDF file for around 13 dollars.
11. Plantain T-Shirt by Deer and Doe (Free Pattern)
There’s no shame in admitting that you don’t want to spend money on a sewing pattern as a newbie. But to get to a more advanced level, you need to practice your skills. That’s precisely why I decided to include two free options.
Deer and Doe’s Plantain T-Shirt is an amazing way to start your sewing journey. It can be made with cotton, linen, rayon, wool, and other lightweight jersey knit fabrics. The free PDF file contains in-depth instructions on how to fit the garment at the shoulders, sew short, ¾, and long sleeves, and stitch elbow patches. All you need to do to get a copy of this lovely sewing pattern is create an account with your email address.
12. Mini Backpack Coin Purse by So Sew Easy (Free Pattern)
My second free pick is So Sew Easy’s Mini Backpack Coin Purse pattern. If you don’t want to bother with taking measurements for clothes, sewing an accessory might be ideal for you. The Mini Backpack Coin Purse can be made in about an hour, but be warned that you’ll need to be patient because you’ll work with small and fiddly pieces. This pattern doesn’t require any fancy materials or tools; you can complete it with vinyl or faux leather, a nylon or metal zipper, and a matching thread. Obviously, you’ll also need a snap hook and keyring set.
You can use this cute little purse on its own, put it inside a large handbag for optimal organization, or give it to a friend as a birthday/Christmas present. I’m sure they’ll love it.
Final Thoughts
If you feel a bit overwhelmed by all these options, let me remind you that you can take things slow and practice as often (or as seldom) as you want to. Plus, you don’t have to buy brand new materials to try your hand at one or more of these sewing patterns. Reusing and repurposing old clothes is an excellent idea if you’ve just entered the wonderful world of sewing. And who knows, you might end up specializing in sustainable and eco-friendly sewing practices, which is exactly what our planet needs right now.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
