SEWING Articles 2 min read

Top 10 Beginner-Friendly Sewing Patterns

Picking the right pattern to get started in garment sewing is super important. You want to pick a sewing pattern that will teach you something but render a wearable result so you carry momentum to create your next sewing project. If you enjoy the sewing process along the way, even better! Below, we’ve gathered our favorite beginner-friendly sewing patterns, including sewing patterns for wovens and knits.

Woven Patterns

1. Elastic Waist Pants

You may be thinking pants, pants are hard. But actually, pants are a great place to start, especially the elastic-waist kind. Think fancy pajama pants made up in fabric you can wear outside the house (hedgehogs optional!). There are a number of terrific elastic waist pants patterns on the market now. A few of our favorites include the following:

When you’re ready for something a little more involved, something with a flat front and pleats instead of gathers, try the Emerson Crop Pant by True Bias.

2. Antero Shell from Sew News

Consider this oversized basic V-neck as a great first top. Constructed with a very basic facing and no sleeves to construct or install, the Antero Shell top sews up quickly and with just a little bit of fabric. 100% beginner friendly.

3. Donovan Skirt by Helen’s Closet

There are many elastic waist skirt patterns on the market but we’re a big fan of the Donovan as a starting place. You’ll take everything you learned with elastic waist pants waistbands and apply them to a wearable skirt that is stylish and simple to sew.

4. Wiksten Shift Dress and Top

Sew a boxy top and dress with multiple sleeve options. Fitting is easy: the shift is boxy but gets subtle shaping with a simple fabric belt. You’ll learn basic seaming, get more practice with a neckline facing and create a timeless dress for multiple seasons.

5. Willow Top and Dress by Grainline Studio

If you’re going to get far in garment sewing, you’ll need to practice your bias binding. Practice darts to create a fitted shape around the bust and perfect your bias-binding application along the neckline and armholes. For a full review of this pattern, click here.

6. Fen Dress by Fancy Tiger Crafts

Shirt and dress options galore! The Fen has similar lines as the Wiksten Shift but includes darts and a slightly gathered skirt. With multiple sleeve options and tons of great garment fabrics to choose from (including flannel), this pattern will get you through summer and beyond.

Knit Patterns

7. Lou Box Top by Sew DIY

This is a terrific boxy top with multiple hems and options that can be sewing in knits and wovens. It’s a pattern workhorse that will ensure quick and wearable results.

8. Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio

There is nothing as satisfying as sewing your first cozy sweatshirt and the Linden is a perfect mix of classic and modern styles. You’ll get practice with sewing stable knits without a serger, which are a perfect starting place if you’re new to knits, as well as stitching raglan sleeves, which are easier than a standard set-in sleeve.

9. Loveland Leggings from Sew News

Leggings! If there’s a reason to sew your own clothes, custom (inexpensive!!!) leggings might be it! The Loveland Leggings are about as basic as they come — with no side seam, these sew up quickly.

10. Isla Top and Dress by Made by Rae

If you’re looking to take your knit skills up a notch but still say in the beginner-friendly range, the Isla is a great pick. Again, you’ve got top and dress options built in. You’ll take what you’ve learned about installing knit neckband and apply those to the arm holes as well, and experiment with gathers. The Isla is also a great first intro into negative ease; you’ll notice that for the bodice, the finished measurements are smaller than the body measurements, for a nice snug fit (as intended).

Finding the right beginner-friendly sewing patterns is so important to your success as a beginner! We hope you found a pattern or two that struck your fancy.

Happy Sewing!


Beginner-Friendly Patterns

  • Sew News June/July 2020 Digital Edition

    $14.99
  • Antero Shell Digital Sewing Pattern

    $7.99
  • Loveland Leggings Sewing Pattern Download

    $7.99

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