Learn to Sew For Beginners: Free PDF Patterns & Online Tutorials
Welcome to our complete course for new sewists! In these lessons, you'll learn everything you need to know to make beautiful home-sewn garments. We know that it can be difficult to know where to start, so we've broken it down into a series of lessons, each with an easy free project, so that you can learn to sew with us for free.
Can everyone learn to sew?
It is much simpler than you think to master the basics of sewing. The act of sewing at its simplest is just attaching two pieces of fabric together with thread. Beyond that, everything else is just about practice. In this learn to sew series, we will take you through the steps to learn all the key skills you need to master dressmaking!
Children can begin learning to sew with plastic sewing needles and felt fabric from a young age, and lots of folks continue sewing all their lives!
Sewing is a fantastic craft because you can make projects very quickly, and even complete beginners can sew simple clothes.
The other great thing about learning to sew is that it is relatively easy to teach yourself to start sewing. It may take a little patience, but once you've mastered the basics you can follow the steps to make your own clothes.
That said, some members of the sewing community do face bigger challenges than others. You will need a certain amount of manual dexterity for fine sewing and it can be physically taxing to cut out fabric and to sit at a sewing machine for a long time, so if you have certain disabilities you may need to find strategies to make sewing more comfortable for you. There is a huge and wonderful community of disabled sewists who frequently share tips and tricks to help make sewing more accessible. For example, if you use a wheelchair you might want to check out the SewnShownSeated tag on instagram to get an idea of how a pattern might look when you're sitting down, and check out the ChronicallySewn tag to meet folks with chronic conditions who love to sew.
DOWNLOAD YOUR ULTIMATE SEWING BEE COMPANION
Download our FREE magazine, packed with projects and ideas to get you started in sewing.
Essential Sewing Supplies For Beginners
What do you need in your sewing kit as a beginner? Before you start learning to sew, you will need to pick up a few essentials. Assuming you will be using a machine, you will need:
- Sewing machine
- Fabric - here's our guide to finding the perfect fabric for your pattern
- Spools of thread to match your fabric - find out how to choose thread
- Bobbins - these need to be in a style which is compatible with your machine
- Sewing machine needles - find out how to choose the best sewing machine needle for the task
- Scissors - especially a pair of dressmaking shears which is used ONLY for cutting fabric
- Hand-sewing needles
- Pins and pin cushion
- Iron and ironing board for pressing
- Seam ripper - learn how to use this life-saving tool
- Marking tools - check out our breakdown of your options
Find Out More: We asked Alison Smith MBE to talk us through her must-buy tools and products that every sewist needs. Read Alison's complete guide to sewing kit essentials here.
Learn To Sew Lesson 1: Sewing With a Machine for Beginners
Free PDF Pattern: Neck Pillow & Eye Mask
Take it step by step to sew this lovely relaxing set. Because let's face it, you deserve a little bit of chill-out time!
This pattern will teach you:
- How to print and assemble PDF sewing patterns
- How to cut out a pattern on fabric for sewing
- Get to grips with your sewing machine with a quick and easy project
- Practice sewing around curves
Machine Sewing Tutorials
If you're new to sewing, or an experienced sewist who just wants a refresher, check out our fantastic range of expert tutorials to learn all you need to know to master your machine!
- Sewing Machine Guide for Beginners
- Presser Foot Guide
- How to Sew Jersey on a Regular Machine
- Choosing the Correct Sewing Machine Thread
- Sewing Machine Needle Guide
- Beginner's Guide to Sewing Machine Stitch Settings
Learn to Sew Lesson 2: How to Sew Clothes for Beginners
Free PDF Pattern: Learn to Make an Easy Top
This pattern will teach you:
- How to make your first garment
- Develop your sewing machine skills
- Learn to read a dressmaking pattern
- How to take your measurements
- Finishing seams simply
Learn to Sew Lesson 3: Dressmaking Tips & Tricks for Beginners
Free PDF Pattern: Sew a Simple Skirt with Pockets
This pattern will teach you:
- How to choose the right fabric for your dressmaking pattern
- Expert Guide: How to Sew Darts
- How to Sew Gathers
- Top Stitching
- Beginner's Guide to Sewing Zips in Handmade Garments
Learn to Sew Lesson 4: How to Sew a Dress for Beginners
Free PDF Pattern: Make Your First Dress
This pattern will teach you:
- How to sew with stretch fabric
- Tips for sewing with jersey on a regular machine
- Make adjustments for a great fit
- Unpicking and fixing mistakes