Sewing Clothes for Beginners
Pattern Selection Guide
Here you will find the selection of sewing patterns for this course. We take a zero waste approach to everything we do and encourage sustainable making whenever possible.
You will need to purchase your own sewing pattern but we will discuss and make this decision together at the first lesson. Both digital PDF and printed patterns are suitable.
If you're completely new to sewing, it's worth noting that these images usually represent just one version of the pattern, and there are normally other versions available. These might include longer/shorter sleeves, longer/shorter hem, or additional features such as pleats or gathers.
Clicking on the pattern name will take you to the designer's website, where you'll find lots more information, including more photos of the garment and sizing charts.
If you have any questions about patterns, please feel free to get in touch.
Zero Waste + Minimal Waste Sewing Patterns
Zero waste patterns are a relatively new addition to the home sewing world. They have been developed to address the textile waste that is created when cutting out a conventional paper pattern from fabric. On average a conventional pattern creates 15-25% fabric waste per garment. Based on 2015 figures, in the global fashion industry this equates to 60 billion square metres of fabric wasted annually. Zero waste design has created a solution to this problem through creative pattern cutting that uses the whole width of the fabric. Minimal waste patterns use much less waste than average but are not 100% zero waste. To learn more about zero waste design visit: zerowastedesignonline.com
ZERO WASTE SOFT BLOUSE
by Birgitta Helmersson
This is an oversized top and has a dropped shoulder. It comes with 2 sleeve options, a gathered and twisted double layer sleeve, or a long sleeve with a gathered and elasticated wrist. The front has side bust darts for shaping. The neckline is a minimal crew neck finished with a back bind and a split with loop and button at the centre back to close.
MINIMAL WASTE CROSS BACK TANK
by Process of Sewing
An open back tank top with armhole darts for a fitted bust and a-line shaped waist, reminiscent of a 1950’s bodice top look. The piece also features an optional back closure, which is detailed
within the pattern.
ZERP WASTE XANTHEA T-SHIRT
by Liz Haywood
The Xanthea t-shirt is a zero waste pattern with an unusual construction. The body hangs on the bias (45 degree angle of the fabric) with an X-shaped seam across the front.
ZERO WASTE BLOCK SKIRT
by Birgitta Helmersson
A simple skirt with a skirt with patch pockets and an elasticated waist. It has an attached waistband with inserted elastic. It is a pattern hack from the Block Pant Pattern.
ZERO WASTE STRAP DRESS
by Process of Sewing
The Zero Waste Strap Dress is a versatile dress with a v-neck bodice and a gathered skirt. The straps are made adjustable by tying them at the back. It has a relaxed, modern, boxy fit and can be made in a variety of woven fabrics.
ZERO WASTE TIE FRONT TOP
by Liz Haywood
PATTERN LINK HERE
The Tie Front Top is a zero waste pattern cut from an exact square of fabric. The body hangs on the bias (45 degree angle of the fabric), as do the pretty petal sleeves and tie bow. There are no fastenings; the top pulls on over the head.
ZERO WASTE BLOCK PANT
by Birgitta Helmersson
Simple trousers with an attached waistband with inserted elastic and front pleats for a slightly tailored look. There is a feature seam line on the back legs. The side seams sit slightly into the front pant and there are concealed in-seam pockets at the front and patch pockets at the back.
ZERO WASTE LILLYPILLY DRESS
by Liz Haywood
The Lillypilly dress is zero waste. It uses woven fabric, cut in a simple A-line with a cowl neck, pockets and bound armholes. The dress pulls on over the head.
ZERO WASTE ENVELOPE DRESS
by Cris Wood Sews
PATTERN LINK HERE
The Envelope Dress is a versatile loose fitting caftan style dress. It is a garment that can be made repeatedly in a variety of fabrics for dramatically different results. For maximum versatility, an additional pattern packet including 3 sleeve variations is available here.
ZERO WASTE GORE SKIRT
by Process of Sewing
The Zero Waste Gore Skirt is a sustainable take on a traditional gore skirt. It features ten panels (sizes A-H) or twelve panels (sizes I-O), a roll hem, a fold over waistband and an invisible zipper. It can be made with pockets and is best suited for woven non-stretch fabrics.
ZERO WASTE SMITH PINAFORE DRESS
by Liz Haywood
The Smith Pinafore dress is a low waste pattern; the pattern pieces form rectangles which can be cut to leave convenient-sized pieces for other projects. The clean, utilitarian lines hide excellent pockets in the front seams, which are also the pinafore's closure.
ZERO WASTE BOG DRESS
by The Sew Sew
PATTERN LINK HERE
The modern BOG sewing pattern is inspired by the historical bronze age Bog Coat dating back 2000 years. This design is both minimal in look and construction and the oversized boxy fit is chic and modern.
Conventional Sewing Patterns
THE BLOCK TEE
by Paper Theory
PATTERN LINK HERE - DIGITAL PDF
PATTERN LINK HERE - PAPER PATTERN
The Block Tee is a modern, oversized t-shirt, designed to look relaxed and feel easy to wear in a woven fabric without restricting movement. The body is much wider than a regular t-shirt and the sleeves are longer than normal, sitting just above the elbow, with the angular square armholes being its hallmark feature. The neckline has a hidden binding to complement its minimalist design and the hem turn ups are extra deep to emphasise its boxy silhouette.
INNES PATTERN
by Homer + Howels
PATTERN LINK HERE - DIGITAL PDF
PATTERN LINK HERE - PAPER PATTERN
The straight, feminine silhouette, darted bust and squared-off cut out neck give Innes a crisp modern edge. Innes pattern has 2 views a Cami top length, perfect for layering and tucking in. The dress view has deep faced side splits, perfect for summer.
HAZEL DRESS
Colette Patterns
A great basic top for spring and summer which does double duty as a layering piece in the fall and winter. This top features a tiny pocket as well as bust darts and a slightly relaxed fit. Suitable for many fabrics, dress it down for day in cotton chambray or make it fancy with a printed silk.
DOMINIQUE
Tilly & The Buttons
A straight skirt, designed to be super simple for beginners. It features straight seams to practise your stitching and an elasticated waistband for an easy fit - with no fiddly zips or buttonholes. Choose from knee length or above-the-knee hemline, and the optional turnover top patch pockets.
LB PULLOVER PATTERN
by Paper Theory
PATTERN LINK HERE - DIGITAL PDF
PATTERN LINK HERE - PAPER PATTERN
The LB pullover is a quick and easy to sew jumper with full length sleeves, designed to be made in a low stretch fabric or a woven. It comes with two options. Option A is a turtle neck, option B is a regular crew neck. The body is cut wide and boxy with a relaxed fit and low dropped shoulders. The dropped shoulders enable the style to have ample room around the bicep but still allow the sleeves to be cut straight and slim so you have the golden combination of comfort without being swamped in fabric, and the jumper still looks polished.
ARRAY TOP + DRESS
by Papercut Patterns
PATTERN LINK HERE - DIGITAL PDF
PATTERN LINK HERE - PAPER PATTERN
A statement and wardrobe essential that offers multiple variations to suit your personal style. Choose between a puffy bell sleeve with an elasticated hem, or a wide flared sleeve.Make your dress with the straight-cut body, or add the extra-long wrap-around ties to cinch in at your waist. You have the same options for the top, but you can also add an elasticated hem to turn your Array into a cute jumper.
MARIGOLD JUMPSUIT or TROUSERS
Tilly & The Buttons
The relaxed peg-shaped trousers are easy-fitting at the hip, with slash pockets for nonchalant slouching, tapering into a slim line ankle. The waist has gentle shaping from pleats and darts, cinched in with a quick-sew elasticated waistband. The jumpsuit bodice is shaped with bust darts and a sweetheart neckline, with a comfortable blousy waist, wide (bra-concealing!) shoulder straps, closing with an invisible zip at the side.
ARIELLE
Tilly & The Buttons
Arielle is an asymmetric pencil or mini skirt with an adorable button opening to one side. Long darts and a high waistline create a flattering, figure-hugging shape. The unlined version is an ideal project for confident beginners, or take your sewing prowess up a notch by adding the optional luxury lining.
PEPPERMINT POCKET SKIRT
by Paper Theory
PATTERN LINK HERE - DIGITAL PDF
Featuring a relaxed midi silhouette, an easy gathered waistband and oversized ‘just in case' panel pockets, this skirt is the perfect trans-seasonal piece and a really simple sewing project. Perfect for beginners! Pair it with a crop, tuck in your favourite tee or layer it with tights and a turtle neck. It would look great with sandals, boots or trainers.
WILLOW TANK TOP
Colette Patterns
The Willow Tank Dress is a versatile and reliable staple for all warm weather seasons. It’s fitted at the shoulders and falls into a relaxed fit below the bust. It’s unfussy and can be made into a dress or a tank top. Wear it to a picnic or on an elegant evening out.
Techniques involved include sewing a straight seam, darts, hemming and applying bias facing. Pattern is nested to facilitate cutting between sizes if needed.
GINGER
Colette
This simple and pretty a-line skirt with high waistband will be a new wardrobe staple. Quick to sew, flattering to wear, and complete with excellent step-by-step instructions, this beautiful skirt is suitable for any sewer from beginner to advanced.
BETTINE
Tilly & The Buttons
Bettine is an easy-peasy throw-it-over-your-head dress. It has a blousy bodice with scoop neckline, kimono sleeves which hang softly around the underarm, turn-up cuffs, elasticated waistline to cinch you in and flattering tulip skirt.
The plain skirt version is a perfect project for beginners, as it's simple to sew, with no fiddly darts, fastenings or set-in sleeves - yay! More experienced? Try the pocket skirt version and optional cuff tabs for a speedy, satisfying project.
MILLER TROUSERS
by Paper Theory
PATTERN LINK HERE - DIGITAL PDF
PATTERN LINK HERE - PAPER PATTERN
The Miller trousers are a relaxed and easy to wear trouser that comes with the option of an elasticated or tie waist. They are designed to sit high on your natural waist above your belly button. The silhouette is full around the hip with a pleat in the front leg for extra fullness and deep side pockets. There is a dart in the back waist for extra shaping. The leg tapers inwards towards the ankle at the hem creating a streamlined, slightly carrot shaped silhouette. The finished length is just at the ankle bone but they look great rolled up too.
ZINNIA
Colette Patterns
This quick and easy skirt will have you sewing up a new wardrobe in all your favorite fabrics. It's easy to sew, easy to fit, and works in such a wide range of fabrics that we know it will become your next handmade wardrobe staple.
THE LOTTIE DRESS or SHIRT
by Christine Haynes
The Lottie Dress and Shirt are loose fitting wardrobe staples with three sleeve and three length options for 18 mix and match combinations.
All three views pull over the head without the need for closures, making it a great project for a new sewer, or a fast sew for someone more experienced..
Conventional Patterns for Curvy / +Size Bodies
WEBSTER TOP & DRESS
by Cashmerette Patterns
PATTERN LINK HERE - DIGITAL PDF
PATTERN LINK HERE - PAPER PATTERN
urn heads in the Webster Top and Dress! Featuring a hi-low hem and playful crossover back, this elegant design can be made as either a tunic or a knee-length dress. The V-neck bodice is bra-friendly and semi-fitted, while the flowy, unfitted skirt is perfect for dancing. Intended for lightweight wovens, turn the Webster into a breezy festival top with cotton lawn or a slinky party dress with silk charmeuse.
MONTROSE TOP
by Cashmerette Patterns
PATTERN LINK HERE - DIGITAL PDF
PATTERN LINK HERE - PAPER PATTERN
Elevate your style with the Montrose Top, designed for curves with cup sizes C – H, and standard and full bicep sleeve options! Despite their simplicity, woven tops can often be hard to fit if you have big boobs, ending up too tight at the bust or baggy at the shoulders, or feeling restrictive when you move. The Montrose was designed specifically for bigger boobs to give you a fantastic fit, and provide a blank slate for you to express your personal style.
Conventional Menswear Patterns
Belvedere Waistcoat
by Thread Theory
PATTERN LINK HERE - DIGITAL PDF
PATTERN LINK HERE - PAPER PATTERN
Sew a timeless waistcoat with this perfect minimalist garment. This design features a curved back seam and long darts to fit the garment close to the body. It includes a back neckline facing for a high-end professional finish. Optional welt pockets for more advanced sewers.
EASTWOOD PYJAMAS
by Thread Theory
PATTERN LINK HERE - DIGITAL PDF
PATTERN LINK HERE - PAPER PATTERN
Classic pajama pants with mix and match details to suit any wearer. These straight leg pants are comfortable but not baggy. They feature an enclosed elastic waistband with the option of a drawstring to further perfect the fit. Pajama pants need not be boring to sew - these pants will teach you many of the essential techniques for sewing jeans and trousers in the future. Learn to install useful pockets and employ topstitching to create very functional and hardwearing loungewear.
Conventional Childrenswear Patterns
LULLABY LAYETTE
by Oliver + S
A unisex, four piece set of baby clothes for newborns. Students will focus on one piece, with the option to make more if time permits.
SWINGSET SKIRT
by Oliver + S
This simple, fully-lined skirt features two elastic casings and a drawstring that ties at one side. The flared shape will have girls of all ages twirling happily.
Size: 6 months - 14yrs