It can be difficult knowing where to start when looking for easy sewing patterns, what looks like a straightforward sewing project can be full of tricky techniques or involve working with fabrics you’ve yet to master. We’ve taken the hard work out of the searching process, and picked out our favourite beginner friendly sewing patterns designed by UK and Irish crafters! The DIY and sewing scene across the UK and Ireland is thriving right now, with a huge surge in the popularity of sewing workshops, repair groups and amazing crafty bloggers to inspire you to get your needle and thread out. These step by step affordable sewing patterns are ideal for new sewists who want to get to the end of a project without too much stress and learn some of the key steps along the way. So, let’s get started!
1. Slip Dress by Camimade
This is a simple sewing pattern that even beginners can get done in an afternoon! In 2019 Camimade opened a London studio, giving people more access to their gorgeous contemporary sewing patterns. This timeless slip dress and top sewing pattern is a great first project.
Located in Scotland, Love & Jam sewing patterns are going to be your new faves. Whether you make this easy sewing project as a night dress, summer dress, or a casual day dress, you will surprise yourself with how straightforward this project is! Using non-stretch cottons is recommended for beginner seamstresses, as the lack of stretch makes it easier to work with.
3. Planets Garland by FeltTails
The UK based Nicola from FeltTails designs sewing patterns for garlands and bunting. For this easy sewing pattern, you don’t even need a machine! Just a sharp scissors and a needle and thread! If you want to encourage children to practice DIY and sewing, this project will fill an afternoon. This is great for working on your hand-stitching and cutting skills!
4. Unicorn Teddy Pillow by Sew Eleven
SewEleven is based in the UK and creates gorgeous sewing patterns for everyone who loves unicorns, using lush, soft fabrics and a colour palette that will brighten any day! If you are looking for a step by step sewing project to make, this cute unicorn pillow is a great start.
Crafty Kooka are an Irish sewing pattern creation company, located beside the seaside and taking inspiration from the gorgeous environment around them. This simple rag doll sewing pattern will make a perfect thoughtful gift and you will have it made in an afternoon! Who said handmade toy patterns had to be complicated!?
6. Zephyr Leggings by Sparkle & Roar
Based in the UK, Sparkle and Roar create easy sewing patterns for children. Taking your through each step of the making process, this project is a great place to start when working with jersey or stretch cotton. Plus, it’s fast and think about all the fabric prints you could use! Use these leggings for sleep, playtime or for school.
7. The Kitty Dress by Maven Patterns
Maven Patterns hail from England and they are one of our most popular designers. The Kitty Dress is the perfect example of why. This sewing pattern takes a classic shift dress and leaves it open for personalistion. In this pattern, you will learn how to create a design by one of the UK’s favourite sewing pattern designers.
8. Mia Ruffle Top by Lil Rocky Wear
We always appreciate a sewing pattern that you know you will come back to again and again, and the Mia Ruffle Top by Lil Rocky Wear is just the sort! Based in the UK, they design sewing patterns that kids will love and that are beginner friendly. You’ve no excuse not to make it!
9. Utility Dress by Cassandra Ellis
London based Cassandra Ellis creates sewing patterns centred around the home and practicality. And this easy peasy utility dress is a great place to start if you are new to sewing your own clothes! Utility wear combines functional fashion with a timeless aesthetic and pieces like these form the foundation of any versatile wardrobe.
10. Brie Mouse by Angela Jardine
Angela Jardine is another great sewing pattern designer from the UK, who’s patterns are super popular with crafters on Makerist! We picked this cute little mouse soft toy pattern to get you started. Sewing your own soft toys is simple when you’ve got a pattern creator as great as Angela guiding you!
And there you have it, the Makerist guide to easy sewing patterns from some of our favourite UK and Irish pattern creators! Once you’ve mastered the basics and memorised our essential sewing tips for beginners, how about learning how to sew your own summer capsule wardrobe? After finishing these projects, you will be an expert! It’s so inspiring to see the maker movement evolving in the UK and Ireland and we hope that you enjoyed this highlight!
