Get ready folks – we've rounded up our favourite sewing patterns for beginners so you can start making your own clothes, accessories and more!
Whether you're returning to sewing after a few years away from your machine or have never sewn a stitch before, it's a good idea to start making clothes with a simple pattern so you can perfect the basics before moving on to trickier projects.
We've included a mixture of free patterns and designs to buy in our roundup. If you want to brush up on your sewing skills before take a look at our sewing for beginners guide.
Jump to:
- Skirt sewing patterns
- Top sewing patterns
- Easy dress sewing patterns for beginners
- Trouser patterns for beginners
- Accessories sewing patterns
- Free bag sewing patterns for beginners
Best sewing patterns for beginners
Is there anything more satisfying than wearing clothes that you've made yourself? We've put together some of our best sewing patterns for beginners to help you get started.
These easy sewing projects will help you to build up your confidence and bring out your individual style at the same time.
Skirt sewing patterns for beginners
1. Wrap skirt pattern
If you want to try making a skirt for the first time, we'd recommend beginning with this simple wrap skirt pattern from Simply Sewing Magazine.
It's easy to follow and the pattern includes a video tutorial to guide you through the process.
2. Maxi skirt
A maxi skirt is a great wardrobe staple to wear in the summer and early autumn. It will keep you cool on blazing hot summer afternoons and keep your legs warm on summer evenings.
If you struggle to find a maxi skirt to fit your frame then this is the pattern for you, because it can be adjusted to suit your figure perfectly. Try making our DIY maxi skirt pattern today.
3. Salida skirt
Is there anything comfier than a cord skirt? This super versatile skirt could be worn to work or thrown on at the weekend. While we think it looks great in cord, it could easily be made using denim or linen too.
This pattern is great if you want to try something a little trickier to make and take your stitching to the next level.
- Buy the Salida skirt pattern on Etsy
4. Victory skirt
Get started with dressmaking in style with this easy-to-construct starter skirt with a gathered waist – it's a great project for learning how to use your sewing machine, handle fabric, add a button and finish with a hem.
You'll also get to try your hand at inserting a zip. Want to adapt the length or design? It's easy to shorten or lengthen, and you can also choose from three different pocket styles.
The Victory skirt pattern includes six sizes.
- Buy the Victory skirt pattern from Iam Patterns
Easy top sewing patterns
5. Staple tee
What do we want? Easy-sew tops with a comfy fit! When do we want it? Now!
This Staple tee is the top you'll want to wear with every outfit and t-shirts are a breeze for beginners to sew. You can even extend the pattern to make a cool t-shirt dress.
The pattern is available in UK sizes 6-20 (US sizes 4-18).
- Buy the Staple tee pattern on Etsy
6. Cropped kimono-style top
With just two pieces to cut out and stitch together, garment construction doesn't get any simpler than this kimono-inspired top from Simply Sewing.
It can be made in a variety of fabrics – make yours in a cotton print as we have for a crisp, structured feel, or try crepe or viscose for a more loose, draped look. And if the cropped length isn't for you, it's easy to lengthen to suit your style.
Get the free kimono top pattern and find out how to make it.
7. Silk cami top
Learn to sew with silky fabrics like a pro with this chic and simple top. You'll get to practise sewing garments with a neat finish using French seams and learn how to add an all-in-one facing for a professional finish.
Need a hand with your cami? Check out the Silk cami sewalong.
The pattern is available in UK sizes 8 to 18 from Sew Over It's pattern store.
- Buy the silk cami top pattern from Sew Over It
8. Wrap top
Get ready for warmer days by making your own stylish wrap top! You just need three cotton rectangles to make this breezy summer look.
Find out how to this cute wrap top pattern with Debbie Wainhouse.
9. Inari crop tee
Cropped tees are of the moment, and it's easy to sew the trend. Not ready to wear cropped tops? No problem! You can turn your tee into a loose-fitting dress, as this pattern gives you both options.
Try your hand at sewing short sleeves with a cuffed effect and adding slits at the side of the dress version.
If you're a bit nervous about sewing with knits and heavier fabrics then this is the garment for you as it works well with light to medium-weight fabric with no or slight stretch.
Sew it in UK sizes 4-18 (EUR 32-46, US 0 -14).
- Buy the Inari crop tee pattern from Named Clothing
Easy dress sewing patterns for beginners
10. Rosa dress
This swishy dress is perfect for summer parties – or choose an autumnal pattern and team it up with a cardigan for cooler September outings.
Available in UK sizes 6-20 (US 4-18/EUR 34-38).
- Buy the Rose dress pattern on Etsy
11. Cleo pinafore and dungaree dress
The on-trend Cleo pattern has no fiddly zips to worry about and minimal fitting required. Make it dungaree-style with buckles or as a pinafore with button fastenings. You can vary the length and add optional topstitching and patch pockets on the front or back.
If you're a complete newbie to dressmaking, never fear! The pattern comes with easy-to-follow steps and jargon-busting instructions, plus photos to show you how to sew each part.
12. Moneta dress
Say hello to simple dressmaking with bags of understated attitude. With its mix of elegance and comfort, this is THE dress to make if you want to learn to sew with knits and make a garment in just a few hours or days (depending on your available sewing time!).
Choose between three versions which all share a curved neckline, fitted bodice and shirred skirt with in-seam pockets. You can adjust the sleeves, collar and bodice lining to suit your skills and style.
Sew it in sizes XS to 3XL.
- Buy the Moneta dress from Colette Patterns
13. Amélie square neckline dress
Bring some vintage style to your wardrobe with this gorgeous square neckline dress pattern! This lovely design includes a fluted sleeve option so you can put your new sewing skills to the test!
It's ideal for spring and summer days, but you can team it up with a cosy cardigan when the weather starts to cool off in September.
This dress pattern comes in UK sizes 6-20 (US 4-18/EUR 34-38).
- Buy the Amélie square neckline dress pattern from Etsy
Catch up with your favourite craft TV show
The Sewing Bee is one of our all-time favourite craft TV shows and it always inspires us to do more stitching!
Find out the latest news about the Great British Sewing Bee with Gathered.
14. Coco dress and top
Learn to sew with knits and you'll unlock a whole new world of dressmaking... and the Coco is here to show you how!
Whether you choose to make Coco as a Breton top or knit dress this pattern comes with plenty of variations to suit your style. Plus it's super simple to sew, easy fitting, and doesn't include any zips, buttons or other fiddly bits.
- Buy the Coco dress and top pattern from Tilly and the Buttons
15 DIY wrap dress
Twist it, drape it, tie it… one dress, countless ways to wear it – and we’re here to show you how to sew it! Portia Lawrie has designed this convertible wrap dress tutorial for a clever multi-style frock that makes party dressing a doddle.
This is a patternless project, so you can skip the pattern-cutting stage completely and make this dress using just your measurements (and your chosen fabric, of course!). It’s simple and quick to make and you can style it in a multitude of ways.
Learn how to sew an infinity dress
16. Ultimate shift dress
You can never have too many shift dresses! Designed with beginners in mind, the Sew Over It Ultimate Shift Dress pattern will guide you through the dressmaking process, from sewing bust darts to attaching neckline facings.
There's plenty of scope for customisation once you've mastered the basics, and it comes with a free maternity hack option.
This pattern is available in UK sizes 8 to 20 as a paper or PDF pattern from the Sew Over It pattern store
- Buy the Ultimate shift dress pattern from Sew Over It
17. Leila dress
This pretty dress is super comfy and perfect for lounging around at home – or throwing on at the weekend for some casual style. It's easy enough for beginners to make too!
The pattern is available UK sizes 6-20 (US 4-18/EUR 34-38).
- Buy the Leila dress pattern on Etsy
18. Breton dress
This beautiful skater dress is incredibly comfy and easy to wear. Give it a classic Breton look by opting for a striped fabric for the top section or get creative and make up your own colour combo.
- Buy the Breton dress on Etsy
19. Liberty dress
This classic dress is suitable for almost any occasion! Dress it up with a smart jacket for a special occasion or throw on a cardigan for a more casual look.
- Buy the Liberty dress pattern on Etsy
20. Beachcomber dress
This easy-to-wear dress can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes and worn as a dress or a tunic. It's a wardrobe essential for spring and summer days! This pattern is available in a wide range of sizes from XXS up to 5XL.
- Buy the Beachcomber dress pattern on Etsy
21. Olivia dress
This lovely dress is floaty and elegant! It has a shirred waist panel to ensure a comfortable fit and this pattern is suitable for more adventurous beginners to make.
The Olivia dress pattern comes in UK sizes 6-20.
- Buy the Olivia dress pattern on Etsy
22. Lara set
This fantastic set comes with both a top and a dress to make. We're completely smitten by the chic outline of the Lara dress – it even has pockets! This is another sewing project that would be ideal for a beginner sewist who is looking for something a little more challenging to make. This would be a wonderful outfit to wear for an occasion where you need to look smart and sophisticated.
The matching Lara top has a lovely shift silhouette – both practical and stylish. Available in UK sizes 6-20.
23. Sun dress
Dreaming of warm summer days? This gorgeous sun dress created by The Avid Seamstress is bound to become one of the staples of your summer wardrobe!
24. Wrap dress
Learn how to draft your own sewing pattern to match your own measurements with Portia Lawrie's guide to how to make a wrap dress without a pattern.
Try our DIY wrap dress pattern.
Trouser sewing patterns for beginners
25. Sweatpants
Who doesn't love cosying up in a pair of snuggly sweatpants? This easy sweatpants pattern by Portia Lawrie is made using a pair of sweatpants you already own as a template, so you can guarantee the perfect fit.
These sweatpants are so comfy, you'll want to make them in every colour!
26. Leggings
Leggings are both casual and comfortable to wear, so they're a real wardrobe staple. The good news is that they're really easy for beginners to sew!
Discover how to make this simple leggings pattern with Karoline Dahrling-Hughes.
27. 101 trousers
We were looking around for a go-to trousers pattern for ages when we came across these drawstring trousers with side pockets and a false fly, cut to sit on the waist.
Choose between three versions – cropped and tapered trousers, wide, straight trousers or shorts (pictured below).
- Buy the 101 trousers pattern from Merchant and Mills
28. Pyjama bottoms
Is there anything more cosy than snuggling up in some comfy pyjama bottoms? This easy sewing pattern from The New Craft House is a straightforward sewing project for beginners and they're perfect for chilly winter nights!
Find out how to make pyjama bottoms.
Best sewing patterns for beginners: Accessories
Looking for more sewing patterns for beginners? Every outfit needs some stylish accessories to finish the look!
We've put together some of our favourite easy sewing projects from Simply Sewing Magazine to help you get started – they're quick and easy to make and you're bound to find something you love. Many of these patterns make great gifts too.
Take a look at the list below to see our collection of easy sewing projects and discover your next make!
29. DIY headband
This quick and easy sewing pattern can be made using fat quarters or any leftover scraps of fabric that you have hanging around. It's an ideal sewing project for beginners too. Find out how to make a headband with this sewing pattern created by Jennie Jones.
30. Homemade scrunchies
Scrunchies are simple to make and can be made to match every outfit! Try this easy sewing pattern for beginners created by Jessica Entwistle and learn how to make a scrunchie step by step.
Free bag sewing patterns for beginners
31. Bento bag
Heading off to the beach? This Japanese-inspired bento bag is perfect for all of your holiday accessories – or to sling over your shoulder when you go out shopping. Find out how to make a bento bag with our free beginner sewing pattern designed by Jennie Jones.
32. Envelope clutch bag
While we've used a summery fabric here, you could easily choose a more seasonal design and take this clutch bag to a wedding or a festive party. Try Jennie Jones' wonderful sewing pattern and discover how to make an envelope clutch bag.
33. Clasp purse
Keep your coins safe by sewing your own clasp purse! This easy sewing project would make a wonderful gift for a young child and it won't take you long to master the pattern. Follow Jessica Entwistle's sewing tutorial to learn how to make a clasp purse.
34. Japanese knot bag
This adorable Japanese knot bag pattern designed by Shikira Alleyne-Samuel is perfect for carrying your shopping (or anything else you like!). It's both pretty and practical.
35. DIY heat packs
If you're new to sewing, making a DIY heat pack is a great way to practice some basic sewing techniques and familiarise yourself with your sewing machine. Plus they'll keep your hands warm in cold weather! Learn how to make your own DIY heat pack.
36. Fabric necklace
New to sewing? This easy sewing project is a great way to use up any fabric scraps and transform them into a stunning accessory. Learn how to make a fabric necklace with Anna Alicia's step-by-step guide.
Make your own clothes with our sewing patterns for beginners
If you're new to sewing, making your own clothes and accessories can feel intimidating, but luckily there are lots of fantastic patterns and tutorials for beginners out there.
You'll soon learn how to stitch everything from skirts to t-shirts with our favourite beginner sewing patterns!
Get started with the best sewing machines for beginners
Choosing the right sewing machine can make your crafting much easier, especially if you're a complete novice.
We've reviewed some of the best sewing machines for beginners to help you make an informed decision.
