If you’re starting out fresh on your sewing journey, mainstream sewing patterns can be quite daunting. The instructions usually assume you know the terminology and there’s often steps that aren’t spelt out – which when missed can be detrimental to a project. It’s time to acquaint yourself with some of the beginner friendly patterns on the scene. These pattern makers have created simple patterns with detailed instructions that are perfect for your first few projects. Some also have sew along tutorials so you can watch the instructions online as well as reading them. You’ll be sewing like a pro in no time. Here’s my top picks for beginner friendly patterns that are also fashionable.
Elbe Textiles
This Perth-based pattern maker is focused on sustainability and slow fashion, hoping to inspire people to value their clothes more and keep them for longer. The patterns available are a line up of minimalist tops, shirts and dresses for men and women. There’s also a zero waste pattern that uses every inch of the fabric required. The patterns are available digitally only.
Try the Elbe Textiles Cornell Shirt
Common Stitch
Brisbane-based sewing studio and pattern makers Common Stitch are doing the epic work of creating beginner friendly sewing patterns, instructions and kits. The patterns include a sweet loungewear set, wrap dress, jumpsuit and tops as well. There’s also a a dress with a gathered waist (good skill to learn!) and a men’s button up shirt. Common Stitch sells the patterns in print or digital format, or you can buy a full kit including the pattern, instructions, fabric, thread, labels and anything else you need to complete your garment.
Try the Common Stitch Fawn Dress
Papercut Patterns
Papercut Patterns is a New Zealand-based pattern design house that celebrates the combination of women’s individuality and eco-friendly fashion. The brand designs modern and renewable sewing patterns for a wide range of garments that span across all skill levels. They are available to purchase physically or digitally for your convenience. Look for the “rookie” patterns to start and work your way up to expert.
Try the Papercut Patterns Rise & Fall Turtlenecks
In The Folds
This Sydney-based brand creates thoughtful and detail-rich sewing patterns and tutorials to help you become a more confident maker. The range includes women’s top and dress patterns in print and digital versions – available in inclusive sizing from 6-24. Check out the pattern skill scale to see where you’re at and pick a pattern to suit your level of skill. See the sew along tutorials to help you out along the way. The patterns are available in paper and digital format.
Try the In The Folds Acton Dress
Paper Theory
This UK-based brand makes modern sewing patterns so you can create a contemporary, sustainable wardrobe that fits like it should and doesn’t cost the earth. The Paper Theory patterns are simple in style, with clean modern silhouettes referencing Modernist Design and heavily inspired by the workshop wardrobes of the most prominent female painters, sculptors, writers and crafters of our time. Paper Theory patterns are available in digital format only.
Try the Paper Theory Zadie Jumpsuit
Anna Allen
US-based pattern maker Anna Allen makes romantic and practical clothing patterns, with a desire to help women create timeless garments that are worn and cherished for years to come. The patterns are all in US sizing so this can be confusing – but this is the case with most patterns so it’s good to always have your measuring tape on hand.The Anna Allen patterns are a range of tops and bottoms and dresses available in digital format only.
Try the Anna Allen Pomona Pants (made from a single pattern piece!)
Bonus: Keep an eye out for the free patterns in Peppermint Magazine’s Sewing School. There’s a new pattern with every issue.
