Top 7 Sewing Clothing Patterns

The massive selection of sewing patterns available on the market can be truly overwhelming. It’s hard to decide what patterns are worth trying out. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 7 top picks for apparel sewing patterns.

The sewing patterns below range from beginner-level to designer sewing patterns. But all come with great instructions to help you get the best results possible from your sewing.

1. OgdenCami from True Bias Patterns

The Ogden Cami pattern is a simple and versatile spaghetti strap top. It’s a great sewing pattern for beginners and can be completed in just an hour or less. This top is perfect to wear in hot summer weather or layered under a cardigan for cool fall days. The Ogden Cami pattern works best sewn up in a lightweight fabric with some drape.

This pattern comes as a downloadable PDF, which can be printed on a home printer. You will find three versions of the pattern on the True Bias Patterns website: a kids’ pattern, sizes 0–18, and sizes 14–30. Before purchasing, make sure to check which size range you fall into so that you get the right version.

2. Heather Blazer from Friday Pattern Company

The Heather Blazer from Friday Pattern Company is a loose-fitting, relaxed blazer pattern. This pattern offers the perfect opportunity to sew an outerwear garment without the technically challenging tailoring of a fitted blazer or peacoat. This pattern can be sewn in a range of different fabrics, depending on the look you prefer — any mid to heavy weight non-stretch fabric will work well.

The Heather Blazer pattern is available in women’s sizes XS (0) through 7X (32) and can be purchased either as a PDF pattern or a physical printed pattern. If you’re an advanced-beginner sewer, this pattern will be challenging but doable for you.

3. Zadie Jumpsuit from Paper Theory Patterns

The Zadie Jumpsuit is a loose, unstructured jumpsuit with a wraparound detail to one side of the front. This wrap style allows for easy fitting since the tie can be loosened or tightened as you wear it. The Zadie Jumpsuit has wide-cut legs that fall to the mid-calf or ankle area. There are two sleeve options included: short sleeves or three-quarter length, wide sleeves. You’ll get the best results from the Zadie Jumpsuit pattern when it is sewn from mid-weight woven fabrics like linen, cotton and viscose.

This pattern includes sizes 6–28 and is available as either a digital download or a physical pattern. The Zadie Jumpsuit is another great clothing pattern for an advanced-beginner or even beginner sewer.

4. Toaster Sweater from Sew House Seven

If you’re ready to delve into sewing knits, the Toaster Sweater is the perfect place to start. This pattern includes two designs — Toaster Sweaters #1 and #2. Both designs feature a high neckline, but otherwise fit differently. One is a looser-fitting, longer sweater with drop shoulders, whereas the other includes raglan sleeves and large arm cuffs with a band at the hem. Sew this pattern up in a cozy, thick, structured knit to keep yourself warm this winter.

The Toaster Sweater pattern is drafted to include sizes XS to XXL. It’s a great beginner sewing project, so if sewing apparel is new to you, this would be an easy sewing pattern for clothes.

5. Dawn Jeans from Megan Nielsen Sewing Patterns

On the other end of the spectrum, we have a more complicated and involved sewing pattern: the Dawn Jeans from Megan Nielsen Sewing Patterns. This designer sewing pattern is for classic, high-waisted, non-stretch women’s jeans. The Dawn Jeans pattern contains four separate patterns, each for a different cut, so you’ll be able to use it over and over again to make all the jeans styles you like. Make it in denim for a classic look or try another heavy-weight fabric, such as corduroy or twill.

You can purchase the Dawn Jeans pattern in two different size ranges: 0–20 and 14–30. Each pattern also comes with different length options including regular, tall and cropped. This pattern is best suited to intermediate and advanced sewers.

6. Kielo Wrap Dress & Jumpsuit from Named Clothing

The Kielo Wrap Dress & Jumpsuit pattern from Named Clothing is the perfect versatile pattern for fashionable casualwear. This pattern includes a dress version and a jumpsuit version, both of which include a stylish wrap detail at the front. This wrap style makes fitting easy and is flattering on just about every body type. The Kielo Wrap Dress & Jumpsuit pattern is intended for light to mid weight jersey fabrics with 30–50% stretch.

This pattern comes in sizes 0–24 as either a PDF download or a printed paper pattern. An advanced beginner would find this pattern to be an approachable and fun sew.

7. Hinterland Dress from Sew Liberated

The Hinterland Dress from Sew Liberated is a classic, timeless style — a relaxed, flowy dress with a front button placket and a lightly gathered skirt. The pattern includes multiple options, from different sleeves to adjustable placket lengths. Another big benefit of the Hinterland Dress pattern is that it’s the perfect “hackable” style; there are tons of different alterations and pattern hacks you can make to get completely different looks. The Hinterland is made for medium weight woven fabrics.

This pattern comes as a PDF downloadable file and includes sizes 0–34. It’s a great project for advanced-beginner sewers looking to gain experience sewing button plackets, darts and bias facings.

How to Choose a Clothing Pattern

Choosing the right sewing pattern depends on a few factors including your level of sewing, what size you will be sewing and whether you want to create a designer sewing pattern. If you are a beginner sewer, you will want to start with an easy sewing pattern for clothes.

The next step will involve taking measurements. In order to get the most accurate measurement, you will want to measure over your undergarments. Start with the bust around the fullest part of your chest area. Next, you will want to measure the thinnest part of your waist, followed by your hips, where you will want to measure around the fullest part. These are the basic measurements you will want to use when comparing them to your sewing pattern sizes.

Must-Have Sewing Supplies

Now you have several options for easy sewing patterns for clothes. Whether you need a sewing pattern for beginners or a designer sewing pattern, you will want to make sure you have all the most important supplies needed to sew your patterns. Besides your trusty sewing machine, some essential sewing supplies include a threader, scissors, sewing machine needles, dress forms, bobbins and more! Premier Stitching carries a large selection of all the sewing accessories you need to complete all your sewing projects including sewing machines should you need an upgrade.