Getting started
What you need to start sewing clothes
To sew your first garment you need a sewing machine, fabric scissors or a rotary cutter, pins or clips, a tape measure, an iron and matching thread. That is the list every one of our 554 patterns starts from; some add notions such as elastic, a zip, buttons or interfacing, listed on each pattern page.
The essentials
- Sewing machine with straight and zigzag stitch.
- Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter (with a cutting mat). Keep them for fabric only.
- Pins or sewing clips; clips are kinder to knits and thick fabrics.
- Tape measure for your measurements and the pattern.
- Iron: pressing each seam is half of a neat result.
- Matching thread, all-purpose polyester for most fabrics.
For PDF patterns
- A printer that prints A4 or US Letter at actual size (or a copy shop for the A0 file).
- Paper scissors and tape to assemble the pages.
- A ruler to check the test square on the first page.
Notions some patterns add
Elastic for waistbands, fusible interfacing for collars and facings, zips, buttons and eyelets. Each pattern page lists them under Notions & supplies needed. Tutorials: elastic waistband, fusible interfacing, buttons and buttonholes.
Easy first projects
#60
Loungewear Set PDF Sewing Pattern
#113
Tiered Skirt PDF Sewing Pattern
#130
Summer Shorts PDF Sewing Pattern
#134
A-Line Dress PDF Sewing Pattern
#241
Easy Shorts PDF Sewing Pattern
#55
Nighty Set PDF Sewing Pattern
Every pattern in the library, for one payment. 550+ PDF sewing patterns with layered A4 / US Letter files, A0 copy-shop files and illustrated guides, for $49, new releases included.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a serger (overlocker) to start?
No. A zigzag stitch on a regular machine finishes seams well; a serger is a nice extra later.
What sewing machine features matter for beginners?
A straight stitch, a zigzag stitch and adjustable stitch length are enough for almost every pattern.
Where do I find what a pattern needs?
Each pattern page lists its fabrics and notions, and the sewing guide lists everything again before the first step.
More sewing guides
- How to measure yourself for a sewing pattern
- How to use a PDF sewing pattern
- Sewing pattern size chart, XS to XXXL
- PDF vs paper sewing patterns: which should you buy?
- What is a layered PDF sewing pattern?
- Seam allowance on sewing patterns: what it is and how much is included
- The best fabrics for beginner sewing projects
- How much fabric do I need?
- Beginner vs intermediate sewing patterns: what's the difference?