Answer
Best Free Sewing Pattern Websites: Where to Look
Good free sewing pattern sites are Mood Fabrics' free pattern library for clothing, AllFreeSewing for browsing thousands of projects, Peppermint magazine for modern garments, and Sew Can She, So Sew Easy and Treasurie for bags, gifts and beginner projects. Craftuary's free Simple Tote Bag is an easy first project, cut from rectangles with no paper pattern.
At a glance
| Where | What's there | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mood Fabrics (Mood Sewciety) | Free downloadable sewing patterns sorted by category, including dresses, menswear, outerwear and a beginner section. | Free garment patterns |
| AllFreeSewing | A very large collection of free sewing patterns and tutorials gathered from designers and blogs. | Browsing many free ideas |
| Peppermint magazine | Modern sewing patterns for clothes, with a Free filter on the pattern page. | Modern garments |
| Sew Can She | A long list of free beginner sewing patterns: bags, organizers, quilted projects and gifts. | Bags and gifts from scraps |
| So Sew Easy | Free sewing patterns and tutorials, including a page of easy projects for beginners. | Free clothing and accessories |
| Treasurie | Free sewing patterns and easy projects with step-by-step tutorials. | Easy projects with lots of photos |
| Craftuary Simple Tote Bagours | An unlined 14 x 15 in canvas tote from two 15 x 17.5 in panels and two 4 x 24 in straps; 3/4 yd of fabric, 1/2 in seams. | A first sewing machine project |
How to start
- Decide: print or no print. PDF garment patterns need a printer and taping; rectangle projects like a tote need only a ruler.
- Check the size chart against your measurements. Sewing pattern sizes rarely match shop sizes.
- Look for seam allowance. Patterns differ (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8 in); it's printed on the pattern.
- Start with woven cotton. It doesn't slip or stretch while you learn.
Questions
Are free sewing patterns any good?
Many are, especially from fabric shops and established blogs. Read the size chart and other sewists' comments before you cut.
Where can I find free sewing patterns for beginners?
Sew Can She, So Sew Easy and Treasurie have beginner lists, and Craftuary's free Simple Tote Bag needs only straight seams. See also craftuary.com/free-easy-sewing-patterns-for-beginners.
Do I need to print a free sewing pattern?
For garments, usually yes, at 100% scale with the test square checked. Projects made from rectangles, like a tote bag, are cut from measurements instead.
Site and brand names are used only to identify them; Craftuary is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@craftuary.com.
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