Perfect dressmaking patterns for beginners to clothes making
If you're new to dressmaking, one of these patterns will be a great start. The ones nearest the top of the page that say BEGINNER DRESSMAKER are simple so you can gain skills and confidence with sewing and fitting without being overwhelmed or put off! Once you've made a simple garment you might want to try the ones that suggest BEGINNER DRESSMAKER 2ND MAKE
Scroll down below the images for tips and tricks on buying patterns and fabric and how to use this page
Our free in-class Pyjama Trousers or Shorts project is ideal as a first ever garment to make! Using the skills you learnt on sewing basic cushions and easy tote bags, this takes it gently up a level without too many challenges on fitting. Click image for full details of project and materials
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER
New Look 6346 Takes your skirt making up a level with a curved waistband and optional button front. Ideal 2nd or 3rd dressmaking project. Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER 1st or 2ND MAKE
If you've made a garment before, how about trying these fab Dungaree by Sew Liberated - no buttons or zips! Improver to Intermediate dressmaker pattern. Click image to buy pdf pattern. get your pattern printed full size on tissue at Fabulosew.co.uk instead of printing and sticking at home!
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER 2nd/3rd MAKE
New Look 6730 Skirts and Trousers - no zips! Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER
New Look N6352 Easy swing dress is easy due to the minimal fitting - just get the shoulders, neck and length right. No zip! Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER
New Look Pattern 6504 Child Dresses - with or without buttons on the shoulders and add as much or as little decoration as you like! Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER
Simple flared flippy skirt with elasticated waistband - no zip! Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER
New Look 6843 Pencil or Flared skirt pattern - with darts, zip and straight waistband. Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER
Simplicity 1563 - vest, t-shirt, pj shorts and long, dressing gown. Stretch or non stretch fabric (non stretch fabric is MUCH easier for beginners to clothes making). Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER
BD6914 Dress & Top is quite easy due to the lack of fitting needed on the body and no zip. However, the dresses would work best in a drapey viscose or crepe, and these fabrics are not as easy to work with. The top would look nice in an easy fabric like a light to medium weight cotton - try lawn or voile. Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER 2ND MAKE
New Look 6340 simple swing dress. View A neckline is much harder to sew the facing, so do the simple necklines if you're new to dressmaking. Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER
Our coatigan pattern is a very quick and easy make, ideal for those new to dressmaking. You can make it in sweathshirting fabric or in boiled wool. Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER
Burda 6721 sewing pattern for improving dressmakers - involves some fitting. Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER 2ND/3rd MAKE
S9291 Simplicity Dress Pattern ideal for improving dressmakers - involves fitting the bocice and learning to do gathers and rouleau straps. Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER 2ND/3rd MAKE
New Look Sewing Pattern 6262 involves some fitting on the bodice, plus gathering. You could make with or without sleeves and make sleeves longer if desired. Click image to buy
BEGINNER DRESSMAKER 2ND MAKE
To buy:
- Click image above to browse places to buy the pattern.
- Look out for the pattern code and brand to make sure you get the right one.
- For help buying and preparing your fabric and notions to make your garment, view our downloadable fabric and pattern buying guide here
- Make these in our Stitch! Sewing & Clothes Making Classes. Or one to one lessons (avail on video call if you need a hand at home).
- We will teach you how to tissue fit the pattern to your body before cutting into your fabric.
- Bring your glasses and wear whatever you'd wear with the final garment to your classes including the right bra or shoes! When making children's clothing it's helpful to bring along a similar garment that fits them well now to class.
PDF patterns: These downloadable patterns often come with the option to print pages at home or send the pdf to a copy shop and have it printed full size. We highly recommend the latter, and specifically to send it to Fabulosew, a UK online copy shop who will print onto a fab quality tissue paper. This will enable you to tissue fit the pattern (the pattern fitting method we use in all our classes) with our help to get the best possible fit before you cut out in your fabric. Print your PDF pattern at Fabulosew here
Contact us if you have any questions at [email protected]