Our quilting tutor Laura recently said “Sewing isn’t a poor man’s hobby” and my goodness she is right. For those of you who had discovered the hobby of buying fabric, a completely different hobby from actually sewing, you will realise just how expensive it can be. A common topic of conversation in the studio is places to buy reasonably priced fabric and the best place for low cost fabric. It can be lovely to treat yourself to special fabric, something high quality and beautiful, but when you are a beginner or trying something for the first time it’s wise to save the special fabric for later. 

Sewing patterns can be expensive too. I have to say I recognise the work that goes into creating a sewing pattern so I understand why the designers price them as they do. Our patterns in the studio range from £15 to £20. Writing the instructions, photographing the steps or providing the illustrations and of course you can use the pattern time and time again to create many garments. What you might not know though is there are a wealth of free patterns out there. Of course, as you would perhaps expect with anything free, not all are the best quality. 

So, I have taken the time to put together a list of free patterns to get you started, with links to help you find them. All of these patterns are PDFs to download and print at home. If you have never done this before take a look at our YouTube clip showing you exactly what you need to do

The Etty Cami

This lovely little cami top from tammy hand made has a stunning scalloped neckline, although it would be straightforward to change this to a straight neckline. It runs from sizes 6-24 and for most sizes you will be able to get it out of around 1m of fabric! What’s not to like! If you are a little unsure of any of the steps there is even a Youtube sew along to help. The Etty camisole will look amazing in any light-weight woven non-stretch fabric such as: Satin, Cotton Poplin, Rayon/Viscose, Crepe, Chiffon and Voile. 

The Frankie Wrap Skirt

Such a lovely skirt for summer the Frankie wrap skirt from Made Label has a lovely flounce trim which can be a little tricky at first, but take it easy, persevere, it will be worth it. It is an Australian pattern and runs in sizes (AUS) 4-16 (about 96cm waist.)  

The Jade Dress

If you are on the hunt for free patterns Sewmag.co.uk is a good place to look. 

They have free patterns for just about everything from quilts, gift ideas, stuffed toys, kids clothing and dressmaking patterns. The Jade dress is a lovely quick sew, it a classic t-shirt dress and could easily be adapted into a shorter t-shirt. 

Kids Summer Romper

Purl Soho is predominantly a site for knitters but they do have some lovely free sewing patterns. Lots of their free patterns are for home interiors but if you like to sew for kids their Summer romper pattern is lovely. It’s a straight forward sew and I know that over the years its one my girls have been happy to wear time and time again. 

Mood Fabrics

Mood Fabrics are a huge American fabric emporium, if only we lived there! Online they have a catalogue of free sewing patterns that are always worth a look. You will find just about everything in there from dress patterns to coats, underwear to trousers. Be warned, don’t start browsing unless you have time and a cup of tea, you will be a while!! 

TILLY AND THE BUTTONS

When you are on the hunt for free patterns, don’t forget our favourite bee, Tilly. Although you won’t find any patterns for a full garment there are lots of lovely add on patterns for free on the Tilly site. There are inseam pockets – required, obviously, as well as the FiFi eye mask from our beginners class and my personal favourite, the detachable, oversized collar. 

Sew You Can Sewing Group

Don’t forget if you find a fantastic free pattern our Facebook group is the place to share it with everyone else and if you do make one of these patterns, we want to see! Don’t be shy and make sure to share your makes. 

Saving the best to last! Possibly the most stylish free patterns around, Peppermint is an Australian magazine and every month the release a new, free pattern. There’s lots of lovely things on there from the Valley Jumpsuit to the Skye Shorts. The Paddington Top has become an Instagram classic and I love their peplum top. The Peppermint Milton Pinafore is firmly on my to sew list, an absolute stunner! 

Happy Stitching,

Amanda x