How to measure yourself for a sewing pattern
Where to place the tape for bust, waist and hip, and which size to cut.
Sewing guides
Short answers for sewing from PDF patterns
Sizes, printing, fabrics and the tools you need, each answered in a few minutes. For techniques step by step, with video, see the sewing tutorials.
How to use a PDF sewing pattern
Print at home on A4 or US Letter, or on one A0 sheet at a copy shop.
Sewing pattern size chart, XS to XXXL
Our sewing pattern size chart in centimetres and inches: bust, waist and hip for sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and XXXL, and how to choose between two sizes.
PDF vs paper sewing patterns: which should you buy?
PDF sewing patterns are cheaper, instant and printable in your size only; paper patterns come ready to cut. A clear comparison to help you choose.
What is a layered PDF sewing pattern?
A layered PDF sewing pattern puts each size on its own layer, so you can hide the sizes you don't need and print only yours. How it works and how to use it.
Seam allowance on sewing patterns: what it is and how much is included
Seam allowance is the fabric between the cutting line and the stitching line. Most of our PDF sewing patterns include 1 cm (3/8"). How to check and sew it.
The best fabrics for beginner sewing projects
Cotton and linen are the easiest fabrics to start with. We counted the fabrics recommended on our 245 beginner patterns: here is what they use and why.
What you need to start sewing clothes
The short list of tools you need to sew your first garment from a PDF pattern: sewing machine, scissors or rotary cutter, pins or clips, tape measure, iron and thread.
How much fabric do I need?
How much fabric a dress, pants, a skirt or a top needs, from the minimum amounts printed in 357 of our sewing guides, by type of garment, in metres and yards.
Beginner vs intermediate sewing patterns: what's the difference?
What makes a sewing pattern beginner or intermediate, from our 554 patterns: zips, collars, darts and closures, and which level to start with.