If you’re new to garment sewing, it can be a bit overwhelming to get started—we’ve all been there! Today we’re revisiting a classic newsletter topic as we take a look at sewing projects and fabrics that are perfect for beginners and beyond.
When you’re new to sewing, it makes sense to start simple! For beginning sewists, we recommend choosing patterns that match your skill level—this will allow you to build your skills in each project without getting frustrated. The projects we’re sharing today are great for beginners and beyond—making a pair of pants, a top, or a dress is as easy as 1-2-3! We often suggest beginner-level patterns that feature the following qualities:
If you’re shopping online, check out our beginner-friendly patterns section , and if you’re visiting the store, we have a browsable binder that contains the entire beginner-friendly collection!
“Better Basics” is what we call the essential collection of fabrics that we stock (and restock) year round. These high-quality fabrics are perfect for creating the core of your handmade wardrobe, no matter your skill level—these are garments you’ll want to wear everywhere, season after season. Our collection of woven better basics includes Favorite Cotton, Essex Linen/Cotton, Ventana Twill, Mammoth Flannel, Kitchen Window Wovens, and more! Since our last Better Basics newsletter, we have added two twill substrates, Kobe Cotton Twill and Fineline Cotton Twill, which feature the quality and wearability of Ventana Twill in two lighter weights.
Our woven better basics also happen to be excellent for beginners to work with! They are not too light and not too heavy, so they’re easy to cut, pin, and sew. The texture is easy to work with—not bulky or slippery. They are stable, meaning that the fabric is uniform and holds its shape well. Find examples of our better basics paired with our favorite beginner-friendly patterns below!
“So many people choose pajama pants as a first garment project, and for good reason—pajama pants make a quick and satisfying project with just four pattern pieces, lots of straight lines, and a loose, easy fit. Sew up a pair of Pants No. 1 or Jaimie in quilting cotton for a classic pair of pajama pants, and sew them up in a Kobe Cotton Twill or a linen/cotton blend for pants you’ll want to wear everywhere!
A basic shirt project is a great way to learn skills like sewing neck facings and taking bust, waist, and hip measurements. The simplest of shirts are just a front and back, so you can master those skills before you attempt sleeves and darts! Stevie, Shirt No. 1, and the Uniform Tunic are ideal first shirt projects.
INew to sewing? Not sure you want to cut into your good fabric just yet? Make a wearable muslin! A wearable muslin is a practice version of your garment that you sew to confirm the fit. You can use any inexpensive fabric you like for a wearable muslin, but it should be a fabric you like with similar qualities to your special fabric. We’ve recently added a huge batch of half-price quilting cottons to the shop, which will be perfect to use for wearable muslins!
