Making Clothes Beyond Beginner
Pattern Selection Guide
As part of the online booking system for this course, you'll be asked to select a garment to make. Below are the options we currently offer.
It's worth noting that these images represent just one version of the pattern, and there are often 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. For the beyond beginner course we offer beginner and intermediate level patterns.
If you need any help choosing a pattern, feel free to get in touch
Beginner Level Patterns
If you have had some previous sewing experience, but you're feeling a little unsure, or you just fancy something simple, then choose one of these.
ZINNIA
Colette
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.
SENCHA
Colette
Simple, versatile blouse perfect for creative embellishment, with deep tucks at the front and back waist for a loose but curvy shape great for tucking in. Version 1 closes with back snaps, making it easiest to sew. Version 2 has neckline tucks and buttons up the back. Version 3 has a keyhole neckline with tie closure and buttons up the back.
FRANCOISE
Tilly & The Buttons
Françoise is a chic and easy-to-wear mini dress, inspired by sixties fashion yet always in style. The design features striking French darts and raglan seams. Choose from two-piece three-quarter length sleeves or a sleeveless version, with optional collar and waist tab.
HARDWOOD DRESS
Colette Patterns
Harwood is a beautiful sleeveless dress featuring a yoke with gathers, button front closure and beautifully flared skirt. Choose between a knee length skirt or shorter, mid-knee length skirt.
Add optional piping or trim to define the yoke seamlines and broaden the shoulders and bustline. Use matching buttons if you want them to blend in, or pick contrasting ones to make an impact!
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.
CREPE
Colette
A sweet and easy wrap dress with no closures to sew. The dress wraps in back and has cap sleeves. The wide ties encircle the waist for a comfortable dress with a fitted look. Version 1 has a rounded neckline, while Version 2 has a shaped sweetheart neckline and waist ties in a contrasting fabric.
IRIS
Colette
These simple and cute shorts are so quick to sew, you could make them in every color. Pockets are set into a front side seam and optionally close with buttons. The shorts sport a 4 1/2 inch inseam length and close with an invisible side zipper.
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.
HAZEL
Colette
This quick and easy dress combines a flattering V-seamed bodice with side panels cut on the bias, letting you play with patterns such as stripes and plaids. The simple dirndl style skirt has in-seam pockets. Version 2 gives cutting layouts for using border print fabrics.
STRATHCONA
Thread Theory
This modern, slim-fitting t-shirt pattern is a wardrobe staple that can be sewn up with a crew-neck or a 1” henley placket and long or short sleeves. It would suit both fine or medium weight knits to create either a shirt or light sweater. The sleeves and hem can be turned and hemmed or finished with bands.
MIETTE
Tilly & The Buttons
A gently flared wraparound skirt that ties at the front in a bow. The skirt has a wide overlap at the back (no danger of flashing!) and optional patch pockets. Miette has no fiddly zips or buttonholes and is easy to fit.
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.
DAHLIA
Colette
Seasons change and wardrobes transition, but Dahlia remains the perfect dress all year long.
Version 1 is perfect for cooler weather; the 3/4-sleeved raglan- style dress has a flat front skirt which sports a kick pleat at the back hem. Version 2 is summery and sleeveless, featuring straps cleverly constructed from bias tape, and a six-panel skirt.
Intermediate Level Patterns
If you're thinking of doing one of these patterns, then we recommend you have at least some past experience of making garments, even if you've only completed one other project.
SELENE SKIRT
Colette
Show off your love for vintage influence style in a modern pencil skirt that boasts classic details. This wardrobe staple is professional, fun, and flattering. Selene’s body-hugging shape shows off your curves no matter what. Selene combines a contemporary silhouette with timeless details such as a lapped zipper, welt pockets, and a finished vent. Take on a new sewing challenge and tackle the welt pockets on Version 2, or enjoy the simplicity and ease of sewing Version 1.
ALDER
Colette
Alder is a loosely fitted sleeveless shirt dress with two options. View A falls into an A-Line at the waist and features a curved hem, bust darts and two breast pockets. View B features the same bodice as View A but with a gathered skirt at the sides and back of the garment resulting in an incredibly flattering and fun silhouette.
JASMINE
Colette
Lovely figure-skimming top with no closures, due to the flattering bias cut. This blouse is shaped with bust darts and center seams that gently hug the body. Version 1 has a long collar that can be tied in a bow and elbow length sleeves gathered to a cuff. Version 2 has a shorter contrast collar and a notched cuff.
VIOLET
Colette
The neckline sports a sweet peter pan collar that can be embellished or modified in all kinds of creative ways. This blouse can be made with short gathered sleeves (Version 1) or mid-length sleeves that gather at the hem with elastic (Version 2). It is shaped with bust darts, and back yoke with center gathering. See more.
JUNIPER
Colette
Classic wide-leg trousers perfectly fitted through the hips and falling gently to a moderately wide hem. This pattern will guide you through sewing slash pockets and a fly front. With a simple construction and flattering shape, you can practice new skills while creating a wardrobe staple.
MATHILDE - Tilly & The Buttons
This blouse features tucks down the front bodice, flowing sleeves and an adorable button-back opening. Suitable for advanced beginners, you'll learn to create all these features plus French seams so you can make the inside as beautiful as the outside.
ECLAIR - Colette
Strapless summer or party dress has a flattering shape which tapers at the waist, and gathered waist ties in a contrasting fabric. This dress is fully lined and has a gathered six-gore skirt with the front panel of the skirt left ungathered for a smooth line. Dress includes side seam pockets and optional boning. Closes with an invisible side zipper.
FAIRLFIELD BUTTON-UP
Thready Theory
A button-up shirt with all of the classic details. Available as a regular slim fit, or with separate pattern pieces for larger figures, and to accommodate a rounded stomach.
The button band is drafted onto the shirt front to make matching plaids and stripes simple. The hem is curved so that this shirt can be worn tucked in or loose. The sleeves include tower plackets and the option for a hidden tab so that they can be rolled and secured at the elbow.
PEONY
Colette
This elegant bateau neck sheath dress is simple to sew, with added interest from a fully removable cummerbund style belt which can be made in a matching or contrasting fabric, closing with a single button in back. Version 1 has 3/4 length sleeves, a contrasting belt, and in seam pockets. Version 2 has short sleeves, a matching belt, and no pockets.
PARFAIT
Colette
A versatile dress designed to be worn as either a sun dress or layered over a shirt or blouse as a pinafore style in cooler weather. Features a gathered bust and flattering curved midriff that fits snugly around the high waist. The straps and gathered pockets fasten with buttons. Skirt is a gently flared six-gore style. Closes with a side invisible zipper.
CHANTILLY
Colette
This fully lined dress is designed to be made in a soft fabric. A neckline yoke and flattering curved midriff provide shape, while gathers at the bust and six gore skirt give soft fullness. Closes with an invisible side zipper.
ROOIBOS
Colette
Slim dress with high inset waist, gored straight skirt, and scalloped pockets. The wide neckline has a tiny collar formed from a facing in a contrasting fabric. Piping on the neckline and pocket edges is optional. Closes with an invisible side zipper.
ARCHER - Grainline
The Archer Button Up is a loosely fitting shirt with long sleeves. View A has angled cuffs and a back pleat at yoke. View B has straight cuffs and a gathered lower back detail.
Techniques involved include sewing a straight seam, setting sleeves, continuous button plackets, adding a shirt collar and buttons & buttonholes.
ASTER
Colette
Aster offers a fashionable twist on the classic button-up blouse. With three different sleeves and two bodice options, you can mix and match features to create your ideal shirt.
Version 1 has short, cuffed sleeves for a casual look, while version 2 combines long sleeves and pleated bodice for a professional appearance. The delicate flutter sleeves in version 3 provide a feminine, short-sleeved option.
CAMAS BLOUSE
Thread Theory
This blouse is designed to be comfortable and can be sewn in knits or stretch fabrics. It features shoulder and back yokes, elegant gathering, and a flattering curved v-shaped neckline placket.
The gathers create a flattering shape that is loose enough to float over the body rather than cling to it. The delicately curved hem can be tucked into trousers and skirts or can be left loose to float over skinny jeans. The slim sleeves end just below the elbow to create the perfect multi-season blouse.
BEIGNET
Colette
High waisted straight skirt provides a very flattering shape with paneled styling: not too loose or too tight around the hips, with a very fitted waist. Buttons up the front, has side seam pockets, and includes a self tie belt, which can be swapped out for your own narrow belts. Skirt has a faced waist, button placket and full lining.
MACARON
Colette
A flattering and curvy dress. Includes a bodice fitted with darts, along with a contrasting top yoke, sleeves, and narrow midriff band. Short sleeves are gently scalloped along the sleeve hem, echoing the shape of the bodice. Skirt has large pleats, with pockets hidden in the front pleats. Closes with an invisible side zipper.
HAWTHORN
Colette
Turn heads in this curve-hugging classic that combines gamine styling with a flattering and feminine fit. Version 1 is a short sleeved peplum blouse, which pairs perfectly with a pencil skirt or our slim trouser. Version 2 has 3/4 length sleeves with a cuff and menswear-style placket. Version 3 is sleeveless, with armholes finished with bias tape inside.
OOLONG
Colette
Flowing bias cut dress with bodice ruched vertically at the center front. Knee-length skirt is formed by six gores that skim the body. Dress is lined for a flattering, smooth fit. Sleeves are short and gathered. Dress slips on without a closure.
ORLA
Tilly & The Buttons
Orla is a semi-fitted shift top with delicate details offset by a modern exposed zip. Classic at first glance, a closer peek reveals a wealth of interesting design details to develop your sewing repertoire.
The bodice is shaped by curved French darts at the front, with contour and shoulder darts at the back for a great fit. The booty-shielding dipped hem is finished with a facing.
LAUREL
Colette
Looking for a stash-buster that will work with a wide range of fabrics and nearly any print? This chic and simple shift dress is easy to sew, astoundingly versatile, and comfortable to wear year-round. Version 1 includes instructions for underlining, so you may use sheer or lace fabrics. Version 2 includes patch pockets. Version 3 features classic gathered cuffs. Version 4 is an easy pullover blouse with no closures.
JEDEDIAH PANTS
Thread Theory
Chino-style trousers updated with a slim, casual fit, back yoke and stylish slash front pockets. These trousers include length options - knee length shorts with rolled cuff and full length trousers. They will wear well in a denim, corduroy or twill with the extra durability of flat fell seams. They could also be made in a lighter cotton or linen when sewn as summer shorts.
MORRIS BLAZER
Grainline Studio
The Morris Blazer is the perfect mix of casual and cool. It will quickly become the go-to garment to complete any outfit. With a mixture of drape and structure, bracelet length sleeves, and gentle shawl collar, it looks great dressed up or down. It works up well in fabrics with stretch, making it comfortable on top of everything else!
Techniques involved include sewing a straight seam, setting sleeves, sewing a shawl collar, facings, and topstitching. Pattern is nested to facilitate cutting between sizes if needed.
LILY
Colette
Princess seam sundress with a curve skimming fit. The neckline and pockets are adorned with a flap detail that can be made in self fabric (version 1) or contrasting fabric (version 2). The skirt is slightly tapered for a slim fit, and includes a back kickpleat for ease of movement. The back closes with an invisible zipper.
CLOVER
Colette
Beautifully simple slim trousers that will go with practically anything! These pants close with a side zipper for a streamlined look and easy sewing. Version 1 is ankle length, with small in-seam pockets set into the waistband. Version 2 is cropped just below mid-calf.