Whether you are taking your very first steps into dressmaking or you’re an experienced sewist looking for a quick, easy make, beginner patterns are always a popular choice.
If you’re a beginner you’ll want projects that will build your confidence, teach you new skills without being overwhelming, and will result in a satisfying make you’ll actually want to wear.
That’s why we’ve rounded up five of our most popular beginner-friendly sewing patterns. None of these patterns involve complicated fastenings, and they all come with our step-by-step video tutorials to hold your hand through the entire construction process. Grab a cup of tea, start dreaming up your fabric choices, and let's take a look!
1 - Framfield Dress
Suitable for beginners, this is a really flattering & comfortable dress with V neck, in-seam pockets and a pleated skirt.
Make up in a light cotton or linen for sultry summer days or go for a heavier weight linen, denim or wool mix for Autumn/Winter.
You can get a different look by adding patch pockets, shortening the skirt or omitting the sleeves.
Sizing
UK: 8 - 30.
US: 4-26. EU: 34-56.
Suggested Fabrics
Spring/Summer: light cotton lawn/linen, cotton linen mix, chambray, double gauze, viscose challis
Autumn/Winter: linen, denim, wool, challis, viscose twill
Fabric Requirements
140cm width: 3.5m (size 20-30), 2.8m (size 8-18)
Notions
Interfacing, thread.
Skill Level
Beginner
Approx Finished Garment Measurements
Length 1.33m shoulder to hem
Bust by size: 8 = 84cm; 10 = 88cm; 12 = 92cm; 14 = 94cm; 16 = 100cm; 18 = 104cm; 20 = 110cm; 22 = 115cm; 24 = 122cm; 26 = 128cm; 28 = 134; 30 = 140cm
Format
This is a paper pattern plus instructions. We aim to mail out patterns the next working day.
If you would prefer a PDF digital download of this pattern, you can order it here: Framfield Dress PDF
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The Framfield Dress is a flattering and comfortable wardrobe staple, and our most popular beginner pattern.
Featuring a classic V-neck, practical in-seam pockets, and an elegant pleated skirt, this dress proves that beginner patterns can still have details.
It’s a true year-round pattern: make it up in a light cotton or linen for sultry summer days, or go for a heavier weight linen, denim or wool mix for Autumn/Winter.
It’s also easy to customize when you gain some confidence - try shortening the skirt, leaving off the sleeves, or adding patch pockets for a different look.
2 - Amberley Dress
Ageless and timeless. Super easy to wear and make. Snug empire line bodice and oversize skirt for comfort and coolness.
Wear as is for summer, layer with long sleeve T or turtle neck for Autumn/Winter.
Easy to customise, you can shorten the skirt for a different look, or add on big patch pockets, maybe in a contrasting fabric?
So easy to make and wear, I have lots of these made up in different fabrics. So comfy!
The pattern is also available as a kit, including Fabric and notions, from our kits page (while stocks last).
Cover model is 5'6" tall and wearing a size 16 with no alterations.
Sizing
UK: 8 - 22.
US: 4-18. EU: 34-48.
For sizes UK: 20 - 30 (US: 16-26), see the Amberley Dress ES.
Suggested Fabrics
Linen, cotton lawn, chambray, double gauze
Fabric Requirements
140cm width: 2.5m
Notions
Interfacing, thread.
Skill Level
Beginner
Approx Finished Garment Measurements
Length 1.33m shoulder to hem
Bust by size: 8 = 84cm; 10 = 88cm; 12 = 92cm; 14 = 96cm; 16 = 100cm; 18 = 104cm; 20 = 110cm; 22 = 116cm
Format
This is a paper pattern plus instructions. We aim to mail out patterns the next working day.
If you would prefer a PDF digital download of this pattern, you can order it here: Amberley Dress PDF
Want a 10% Discount? Join our mailing list
Also extremely popular with beginners, the Amberley Dress is a timeless design, suitable for all ages.
The Amberley is beloved for being exceptionally comfortable and super easy to construct.
It features a snug empire line bodice that flows into an oversized, gathered skirt - perfect for keeping cool on hot days or layering with a turtleneck and tights when the weather turns chilly.
With its simple short kimono sleeves and classic boat neck, the Amberley is a fantastic introduction to gathering. (There’s also an extended sizing version for sizes up to 30).
3 - Fishbourne Pinafore
The Fishbourne is an easy to wear pinafore dress with a flattering square neckline, in seam pockets and a relaxed fit for comfort. It just slips over your head as there are no zips or fastenings.
Make up in a light cotton poplin or lawn for summer. In Autumn/Winter try a needlecord or mid weight denim and wear with a long sleeved T or polo neck. Make up in a woven fabric with some stretch in it if you want a more snug fit.
This pattern is also available as part of a kit, including the pattern, a choice of fabrics, and required notions. See the kit page here: Fishbourne Pinafore Kit
Cover model is 5'6" tall and wearing a size 16 with no alterations.
Sizing
UK: 6 - 30.
US: 2-26. EU: 32-56.
Suggested Fabrics
For summer, use a light cotton poplin, lawn or linen. For the cooler months use a needlecord, light to mid-weight denim or wool mix wovens.
Fabric Requirements
Up to Size 30: 140cm width: Directional = 3.5m, Non-Directional = 3.0m
Up to Size 22: 140cm width = 2.5m; 115cm width: Directional = 3.2m, Non-Directional = 3.0m
Notions
Interfacing 40cm (1m wide) Thread
Skill Level
Beginner
Format
This is a paper pattern, we aim to ship patterns within 1-2 working days.
If you would prefer a PDF digital download pattern you can order it here: Fishbourne Dress PDF Download
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The Fishbourne Pinafore is another beginner pattern that doesn’t skimp on features, while still being completely fastening-free - no zips, no buttons.
Designed with a relaxed fit to simply slip over your head, it features a highly flattering square neckline and those all-important in-seam pockets.
The Fishbourne is incredibly versatile depending on your fabric choice. Whip it up in a light poplin or lawn for the warmer months, or use a mid-weight denim or needlecord to wear over a long-sleeved tee in the winter.
4 - Southwater Dress
The Southwater is a perfect thrown-on loose fit dress or tunic for the Summer months. Wear over a swimsuit during a day at the beach or wear to the bar in the evening. Pair with flat sandals and throw over a cardi for a chilly evening.
The Southwater is an easy to sew dress for beginners with no zips, buttons or other fastenings.
The video tutorial that comes with it is also aimed at new dress makers with useful hints and tips for making your first dress.
Sizing
UK: 6 - 30.
US: 2-26. EU: 32-56.
Suggested Fabrics
Cotton, viscose, linen, lawn, challis, crepe de chine, georgette, double gauze, muslin
Fabric Requirements
140cm - 150cm width: Dress 3.2m, Tunic 2.0m
115cm width: Dress 3.4m, Tunic 2.2m
Notions
Interfacing for facings (30cm, 1m width), thread.
Skill Level
Beginner
Format
This is a paper pattern, we aim to ship patterns within 1-2 working days.
If you would prefer a PDF digital download pattern you can order it here: Southwater Dress PDF Pattern
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The Southwater is the ultimate throw-on, loose-fit dress (or tunic if you prefer), making it a brilliant staple for your holiday wardrobe or just an everyday go-to.
With simple mid-length sleeves, optional side vents, and absolutely no fastenings to worry about, it is an incredibly fast and stress-free sew.
It’s also great for showcasing a favourite fabric. If you’re a beginner this is a great way of making your early makes look stunning.
5 - Brighton Swing Cami
A wardrobe staple. The Brighton Swing Cami can be worn on the beach or out for the evening. A truly versatile and classic piece for your wardrobe. Better still, it’s a quick and easy make!
Sizing
UK: 6 - 30.
US: 2-26. EU: 32-56.
Suggested Fabrics
light weight wovens including; crepe de chine, cotton lawn, double gauze, light viscose, linen.
Fabric Requirements
115cm-140cm width: 1.6m
150cm width: 1.4cm
Notions
Interfacing (40cm, 1m width), thread.
Skill Level
Beginner
Format
This is a paper pattern plus instructions. We aim to mail out patterns the next working day.
If you would prefer a PDF digital download of this pattern, you can order it here: Brighton Swing Cami PDF
Want a 10% Discount? Join our mailing list
You’ll have probably noticed that the Top 5 so far have all been dresses. But sneaking in at number 5 is the brilliantly simple Brighton Swing Cami.
Sometimes you just want a quick, beautiful make that you can wear the exact same day, and the Brighton Swing Cami fits the bill perfectly. This versatile and classic piece can effortlessly take you from daytime casual to an evening out.
Designed for lightweight woven fabrics like crepe de chine, double gauze, cotton lawn, or viscose, the Brighton offers beginners a wonderful opportunity to create a gorgeous, wearable staple without a huge time commitment.
Want More?
For more - head on over to the main pattern store page, where you’ll find more beginner patterns, as well as confident beginner patterns if you’re a bit more experienced.
All patterns come with tutorial videos and you’ll also find customer reviews, so you can see how others got on - we always love seeing your makes!
Sussex Seamstress is an independent pattern studio, based in Sussex, UK.
Check out our range of dressmaking patterns in sizes 6-30. A Selection of our recent patterns is shown below. Thank you!
The Broadwaters are classic culottes that combine the feminine silhouette of a skirt with the practicality of wide-legged trousers. They feature a flattering shaped front waistband with an elasticated back for pull on-and-off comfort and easy fitting. The deep front and back pleats add drape without adding bulk over the tummy area; while the generous slanted pockets provide everyday functionality.
This pattern is also available as part of a full kit with pattern, fabric and notions. You can find it on the kit page.
Sizing
UK: 6 - 30.
US: 2-26. EU: 32-56.
Suggested Fabrics
Make up in a Needlecord, 8oz Denim, Gaberdine or medium weigh wool / wool mix for the cooler months. A Cotton Poplin, Linen or Linen mix will give a more structured silhouette in the warmer summer months; or go for a softer more draped effect with a viscose or cotton lawn.
Fabric Requirements
Fabric Width 140cm:
Up to Size 30: Directional = 3.5m, Non-Directional = 2.9m
Up to Size 22: Directional = 2.5m, Non-Directional = 2.2m
Up to Size 18: Directional/Non-Directional = 2.0m
Notions
• Waistband Elastic 3.5cm wide. Length = half your waist measurement + 2cm.
• Interfacing 12cm strip for front waistband. Optional 20cmx1cm strips to stabalise pocket opening.
Skill Level
Confident Beginner
Format
This is a paper pattern, we aim to ship patterns within 1-2 working days.
If you would prefer a PDF digital download pattern you can order it here: Broadwater Culottes PDF Download
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