Sometimes the best sewing projects are the ones that bring you back to the basics. Whether you’re brand new to sewing or getting back into it after a long break, starting with well-designed beginner sewing patterns can make all the difference. Back-to-basics patterns help build confidence (and wardrobes!) by focusing on essential skills, clear step-by-step instructions, and classic designs.
In this roundup, we’re sharing a collection of beginner sewing patterns designed for success, including simple tees, hoodies, and bags. These patterns include beginner-friendly tutorials, and focus on basic fundamental techniques without sacrificing style.
Many of the patterns are designed for knit fabrics, but there are a few woven patterns too. New to sewing knit fabrics? Check out our blog and YouTube video series that make it easy to get started!
To make browsing simple, the patterns are organized into three sections: Adult Patterns, Kids’ Patterns, and Accessories — so you can find the perfect beginner project no matter what you’re excited to sew next. Featuring designs from Buttons & Blueprints, Goober Pea Designs, Zen Llama Patterns, and Needles Patterns, each project is practical, approachable, and truly wearable.
This FREE Elemental Tee is the perfect staple tee in adult curvy fits. It includes crew and scoop necklines and short, elbow, 3/4 and full length sleeves. This pattern is a great place to start if you're newer to sewing clothing or knits. Check out our YouTube sew along video!
The Mabel Top & Dress is designed for knit fabrics. The most basic version features a sleeveless bodice* with a circle skirt - or you can kick it up a notch with a dramatic puff sleeve and/or a handkerchief skirt. This pattern is also available for kids - perfect for matching outfits! *You can also add simple sleeves in various lengths from the free Elemental Tee pattern, which is compatible with this design.
The Hemlock Hoodie (Curvy and Straight fits) is a fan favourite with a ton of options. Start with a basic crew neck pullover with bands, or explore options with ears, spikes, pockets, a flared dress, and more. This one is also available in kids versions, for those who like to match.
Designed for knit fabrics, the Basic Tee is an adult sized straight fit tee with V or crew neck and short or long sleeves. It is designed to be a quick sew and easy to alter to your preferences.
The Basic Raglan is designed for knit fabrics and includes two crew neck options (higher or lower cut) or a V neck. It features hemmed sleeves in long or elbow length. It is a great pattern to try your V-neck skills!
More than just your basic tee - The Elemental Tee Deluxe is an amazing pattern to teach & practice different sewing techniques - from a basic crew neck to a hood with drawstring, hemmed sleeves or thumbhole cuffs, bishop or flutter sleeves, this pattern will give you all of the basics plus help you grow as a sewist.
Super easy - you can make these Tulip Palazzo Pants without even needing to hem! Designed for lightweight knits, these pants are flowy and stylish, and much easier to sew than you would think. Try adding the hidden back pocket if you're feeling adventurous.
The Serene Sweater is another pattern that you can make more than once with totally different results. This pattern can be a flowy tee or expanded on with a hood, cowl, butterfly hem, or thumbhole cuff.
The Zenith Sweater is a great pattern to help you start colour blocking patterns. Make it with a mock neck or a crew neckband. Great instructions make colour blocking easy!
A pattern that can really take you from basics to adventurous, the Berlin Tee can be made as a basic tank, tee or hoodie. Want to try even more? Make it edgier with an asymmetrical hem, thumbhole cuffs, or a zipper hood.
The Rogue River Joggers are packed with options. You can add simple cuffs or work on your hemming, you can use an elastic waistband or a knit band, and as you grow your skills, you can add a zipper or welt pockets.. the options are endless!
This FREE Elemental Tee is the perfect staple tee for kids. It can be your basic crew neck, or kick it up and make a hoodie with a kangaroo pocket. This pattern is a great place to start if you're newer to sewing clothing or knits. Check out our YouTube sew along video!
The Mabel Top & Dress is designed for knit fabrics and includes 6 different sleeve options as well as 6 different skirt options. Build on your basic sewing skills by making this in different versions, from more simple to adventurous.
Hip 2 B Square is a very versatile pattern, from a basic unisex fit tee, to a ton of different colour blocked options. Choose from a straight fit or flared, for many body types. Try a square panel or a sleeve vent when you're feeling adventurous! Designed for knits.
The Hemlock Hoodie (Curvy and Straight fits) is a fan favourite with a ton of options. Start with a basic crew neck pullover with bands, or explore options with ears, spikes, pockets, a flared dress, and more. This one is also available in kids versions, for those who like to match.
The Serene Sweater is another pattern that you can make more than once with totally different results. This pattern can be a flowy tee or expanded on with a hood, cowl, butterfly hem, or thumbhole cuff.
The Basics Hoodie, designed for knits, is the perfect basic hoodie pattern. Make a solid front hoodie or add a zip, with or without pockets.
Designed for knits and to be easily altered to your needs, the Blueprint Joggers are a great staple for kid's pants. The relaxed fit is great for all bodies, and the yoga waistband is easy to attach. Add pockets, or try hemming instead of bands to grow your skills.
The Maya Jane Leggings are a basic knit legging pattern. This pattern has a yoga waistband, or try an elastic option. Available in 4 lengths. We even have a YouTube video tutorial to really help you learn these sewing skills.
The Kid's Robe is a cozy pattern which will help challenge your skills and make it easy with clear instructions - sew in seam pockets and a lined hood (with or without cute accessories!).
One of the best features of the Simple Hoodie is that it is also available in an over the knee, banded dress length! Try this one out if you'd like to make a comfy sweater dress, while also getting an awesome basic hoodie pattern.
A pattern that can really take you from basics to adventurous, the Berlin Tee can be made as a basic tank, tee or hoodie. Want to try even more? Make it edgier with an asymmetrical hem, thumbhole cuffs, or a zipper hood.
The Rogue River Joggers are packed with options. You can add simple cuffs or work on your hemming, you can use an elastic waistband or a knit band, and as you grow your skills, you can add a zipper or welt pockets.. the options are endless!
The 3 Fat Quarter Bag is very easy to make, and it can help you build your skills because there are no pattern pieces to print - it uses a simple cut chart. Bust your scraps while building your sewing skills and get a great result!
