Sewing Patterns

If you’re a beginner sewist, it is best to look for simple craft sewing patterns such as cushions or basic bags or you could dive straight into dressmaking patterns (we really recommend giving them a go, they are so much fun!). If you choose to go for a dressmaking pattern, try to choose a design that can be sewn up in stable woven fabrics like cotton or denim.

Look for patterns with fewer pieces and no advanced features like zips or buttonholes. It is also a good idea to pick something that isn’t overly fitted. A simple T-shirt pattern is a great place to start, will have relatively few pattern pieces, usually won’t require any fastenings, but will teach you some basic techniques. Alternatively a simple skirt or pyjama trousers with an elasticated waist are also a good option.

Most sewing patterns are multi sized and you will usually find a body measurements chart on the back of the packet which will list bust, waist and hip measurements. Measure your own bust waist and hips and see which size you match on the chart to make sure there is a size included in the pattern that will fit you.

In reality very few of us will fit perfectly into one size, but because there are usually a range of sizes included with each pattern you can grade between sizes if you need to. This simply means blending the lines between a size 10 at the bust to a size 12 at the waist for example. You can read more about this in our article 'how to achieve the perfect fit from your sewing pattern.'

Sometimes it will be necessary to tweak the fit further than by simply grading between sizes. For example, some common fit adjustments include altering the fit at the bust, altering the length of the sleeves, trousers legs or skirt hem. As a beginner sewist it's probably best not to worry too much about these things and make a less fitted garments first.

When you're ready to elevate the quality of your fit there are some great books that can help you to develop and hone your fitting skills. Our absolute favourite is the 'Complete Guide to Fitting by Palmer and Pletsch' and we’ve even made some accompanying tutorials for some of the fit adjustments and shared them on our YouTube channel. Another great tip for anyone who has issues with fit at the bust can be to try sewing patterns that include specific cup sizes. This allows you to pick the right size for your frame and bust rather than basing the whole size on your bust. If you have a very large bust, but a very small frame for example this can really help to get a better fit.

Yes, you absolutely can! We have a large format printer to print your PDF patterns out on size A0 paper if desired. Our 60gsm pattern paper is excellent quality - we honestly think it’s the best we’ve ever used! Once printed we'll ship it out to you (usually the same day). We'll also email you the digital files and instructions so you can start to get excited about your sewing project while you wait for the paper pattern to arrive.

Of course you also have the option to print your PDF patterns at home on A4 paper and for some PDF patterns you even have the option to use projector files.

Choosing the right fabric for your pattern can elevate a handmade garment from zero to hero! Patterns are usually designed for either knit fabrics (stretchy) or woven fabrics (non-stretchy) and it is really important to make sure you get this right. This information is detailed in the pattern description and on the pattern packet. You also need to consider things like whether it needs to drape, hang and move fluidly for garments like a bias skirt or slip dress or if you need something more structured for garments like jeans or tailored coats and jackets. You can find more detailed information in our article 'how to choose the right fabric for my sewing project.

As your experience grows you will find it easier and easier to choose the right fabrics for your project, but in the meantime the pattern packet gives a wealth of information. It will give you a list of suggestions, which are not exhaustive, but a good starting point and very often patterns designed for stretch and knit fabrics will also include a marker so you can test if your chosen fabric is stretchy enough. It will also usually list the notions and haberdashery you need, all of which you can find right here on our site!

The vast majority of patterns include seam allowances these days and all of the individual patterns you can buy on our website do include seam allowances.

We do also stock Fibre Mood magazine, which includes several patterns, which have to be traced and seam allowances added due to them being included in the magazine, but patterns you buy individually on our site include seam allowances.