Learn to make your own clothes

If you’re thinking of sewing your very first pattern or you are just starting on your sewing journey, it can be a daunting task trying to find that perfect beginner’s pattern! With an abundance of sewing pattern houses and independent pattern makers out there it can be hard to wade through them all! To help, we have put together a helpful top ten list of our favourite patterns to get you started. Super stylish and designed with newbies in mind, we’re sure they’ll become firm DIY favourites for years to come.

Papercut Patterns SJ Tee

This slouchy fitting tee by Papercut Patterns comes with the option of a long or short raglan fitted sleeve with wide cuff. Both options make this a perfect choice for a g0-to casual top. This tee would look amazing with a pair of high-waisted jeans to give you that uber-modern dressed-down look.

Papercut Patterns SWAY Dress

Get two amazing shapes for the price of one in this stylish SWAY dress pattern by Papercut Patterns. The classic swing dress suits every body shape and can be made in a swing style or with a tie waist. You can also learn how to add in side seam pockets – perfect for summer patterns!

McCalls Misses’ Flared Knit Top & Dress 7407

This has got to be one of the comfiest dresses out there for a beginner sewer. This McCall’s Swing Dress shape looks great in knitted ponte fabric teamed with tights for the winter and then a lighter-weight jersey fabric matched with sandals for your summer hols. This dress pattern has a centre seam to both the front and the back making it super easy to sew and fit.

Sew Over It – ULTIMATE shift Dress

Looking to make your very first dress? This could be the pattern for you! This gorgeous dress from Sew Over It is extremely versatile – with three different sleeve lengths, and will work in your wardrobe all year round. You could even make it as a top or tunic! Classic and timeless, it will suit all body shapes too

Tilly and the Buttons – AGNES top

We love this stretch jersey top by Tilly and the Buttons. This pattern offers easy step-by-step photo instructions and helpful tips for sewing jersey on a regular sewing machine. There are eight possible combinations to choose from, making this pattern a great go-to wardrobe staple that you will want to make for all seasons.

Named Clothing – BLAIR batwing Top

This top pattern by Named clothing ticks all the boxes for an easy wearing casual tee. With its loose batwing sleeves and dropped-shoulder line, this oversized top would look great with jeans or dressed up with a pencil skirt and statement necklace.

Louis Antoniette – JADE Dress

The Jade dress by Louis Antoinette is reminiscent of a 1930s Charleston shape with its tunic lines and dropped waist. Not only does the dress look good from the front but it also has a lovely bra strap band feature at the back.

Louis Antoinette LOUISE Top

The Louise Tee by Louis Antoinette is an essential pattern for any sewer even if your are a more advanced sewer. Its loose shape and puffed sleeves adds an edge of femininity to any DIY wardrobe.

Grainline Studios – LARK Tee

With a modern, slim fit ideal for layering, the Lark Tee pattern by Grainline Studios will soon become an everyday favourite.

There are 16 potential pattern combinations to choose from in this pattern to help build your skills and your wardrobe at the same time!

Grainline Studios – LINDEN Sweatshirt

A favourite with our Editor Sam, the Linden sweatshirt by Grainline Studios is well worth a sew. This sweatshirt pattern gives a modern take on a classic shape with its scooped neckline and raglan sleeve, and can be layered and worn all year round. Choose a solid colour with a bold textured fabric as seen here on Sam.

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