Sewing patterns - dd 23 has just started using a sewing machine

[AbsolutelyPatsy]

she balks at the idea of beginner patterns, but of course though she is not a child she is a beginner

anyone any recommendations for patterns? books, whatnot

Tilly and the buttons do great patterns for beginners, easy shapes and good instructions. Cashmerette also have some easy patterns and there is a really helpful FB community and tutorials to help when she gets a bit stuck.

Tilly and the buttons is a good place to start. I’m an experienced sewer and often use beginner patterns.

Its not my style, but many people rate Tilly and the buttons for beginners.

Kwik sew patterns tend to be simpler than the other main pattern companies.

The sewing bee books from previous series had some good patterns in them that were well explained.

Ellie and Mac patterns

They are pdf only but there are plenty of places you can get them printed out on A0 paper for less than £2

They have a pattern sale every week where the put around 4 patterns on sale for a $1 each so it's worth waiting until the pattern you want comes up in the sale .

The instructions are really clear though.

I'd stay away from the 'big 4' until she is more confident

I don’t really think there are ‘beginner’ patterns - I’m experienced and will get patterns I like, some of which are beautifully simple.

The Sew Liberated hinterland dress is an easy sew and well drafted. Tilly and the Buttons and Sew Over It also make up a fair chunk of my wardrobe. The Megan Nielsen ‘darling ranges’ dress looks a good bet but the drafting is terrible and the fit is crap - avoid.

The Assembly Line puff top is lovely and good for starters. I make loads in Liberty material and I’m an experienced sewer.

I see a lot of Waves and Wild (previously MBJM) and while they do have a great deal of children's patterns their adult patterns are very clear and in a range of fabrics

There's an online company called Patterns 4 Pirates which has a capsule range with lots of 'hacks' to increase the ways you can make or wear their designs. They have a Facebook group which is hugely helpful and supportive. Their clothes use knit fabric rather than woven but I only have a sewing machine and manage fine.

thanks very much

How to start sewing