Answer
Free Easy Sewing Patterns for Beginners: Where to Start
The easiest free sewing patterns for beginners use only straight seams and rectangles: a tote bag, a pillowcase or cushion cover, a drawstring bag or a scrunchie. Good free sources are Sew Can She, So Sew Easy, Treasurie, Mood Fabrics' free pattern library, AllFreeSewing and Craftuary, whose free Simple Tote Bag is cut from two rectangles and two straps with no paper pattern.
At a glance
| Where | What's there | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 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, no paper pattern needed. | A first sewing machine project |
| Craftuary Sewing basics in picturesours | Seam allowance, notches, grainline, pressing, size tables and fabric width, each in one picture and two sentences. | Understanding what a pattern assumes |
| 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 sewing projects, with step-by-step tutorials. | Easy projects with lots of photos |
| Mood Fabrics (Mood Sewciety) | A library of free downloadable sewing patterns, mostly clothing and bags. | Free garment patterns once you've made a few things |
| AllFreeSewing | A very large collection of free sewing patterns gathered from designers and blogs. | Browsing many free ideas |
How to start
- A tote bag or pillowcase. Straight seams only, and you use it the same day.
- Medium-weight woven cotton or canvas. It doesn't slip or stretch; avoid knits and silky fabric at first.
- Learn seam allowance first. Sew with the fabric edge on the machine's guide line, not under the needle.
- Then a drawstring bag or elastic-waist skirt. They add a casing, the next skill most patterns use.
Questions
What is the easiest thing to sew for a beginner?
A tote bag, a pillowcase or a cushion cover: rectangles and straight seams, no zips or buttons.
How much fabric do I need for a tote bag?
3/4 yard of 44 in wide canvas makes Craftuary's 14 x 15 in tote, straps included.
Do I need a printer for free sewing patterns?
Not always. Many beginner projects, like the Simple Tote Bag, are cut from measured rectangles, so there is nothing to print.
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.
More answers: Best Free Beginner Embroidery Patterns Online: Where to Look · Free Beginner Knitting Patterns: Dishcloths and First Projects · See a Crochet Pattern Built in 3D, Round by Round