I love to sew, I even have a sewing tattoo—haha! But my skills are pretty minimal. I realized this past year that the best way for me to keep learning is to just start. Today, we’re partnering with JOANN to show you their amazing selection of sewing patterns and what you can make with them, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced!
Links- Tips for using sewing patterns:
Start small with easy patterns.
I made this pig puppet in one night. It was very simple to put together, but I guarantee you if I would have tried to make it without a pattern, it wouldn’t have turned out so nicely. Remember, you can start with extremely simple patterns and grow your skills one project at a time. You can browse the patterns online or even on the JOANN app- there’s an iOS and Android version.
As an enneagram seven, I am the type of person who wants to sew an elaborate Halloween costume for my very first project. But it’s SO much more encouraging to choose a simple pattern and be able to complete it really quickly.
Remember you can modify patterns to make your dream DIYs!
No matter what you’re sewing, a pattern can help. Even if you know exactly how you want your pillow or apron or shower curtain to look, it still takes a lot more trial and error to sew without a pattern. They can save you a lot of time.
Don’t forget you can make more than just clothing.
My favorite things to browse when looking for patterns (well, besides baby clothes!) are home decor and crafts. There are so many super useful patterns that can save you money or help you get the look you can’t find in stores. A few interesting ones I saw were crib linens and pillows.
Use your imagination.
The examples for the sewing patterns may not be your style, but make sure to imagine it with your fabric and styling.
Links: Adult pattern and kiddo pattern.
Mallory sewed these two dresses for Nova and I (from the patterns linked above) for Easter. We’re so excited!!!!
If you have any questions about finding or using patterns, we’re here to help! xx – Elsie
18 Comments
Wow, I love the bright yellow colours! So pretty! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I am a seamstress and want to learn more
Do you guys still offer your sewing ecourse?
Hi! We retired our sewing course, but we posted a bunch of the tutorials in the sewing archives (http://abeautifulmess.com/category/sewing)
Is this yellow fabric vintage or is it available for purchase?
Hi Jessica! It’s from our new fabric line— we’ll announce as soon as it’s available 🙂
I don’t think that dress and that pattern are quite the same one. The waistline, seaming, and skirt are different!
I thought the same thing. Not the same dress as that pattern. They are different bodice darts/seams, waistline, and the skirts are totally different looks and construction. The dress Mallory made Elsie is darling, I’d love to know what pattern she used!
You absouletly correct
I love the dress pattern! Those pleats make it so flattering! As an avid sewist, I totally agree! Starting small with simple, non-stretch fabrics gets your “feet wet” and makes the entire process so much easier. My first project was a baby blanket for my oldest, and years later, I made my own princess-style wedding dress.
Do you have any patterns for dhoti pants?
Wonderful
My mom sewed all my clothes growing up, and I started doing my own around 7th grade. I never loved sewing, but I am OK. I made all the curtains for our AirBnBs (14-foot ceilings!) and slipcovers for lots of chairs. And Barbie clothes. I grew up going to the fabric store with my mom and leaving through the big pattern books. I wish I had kept some of the patterns after she died.
Where does one get patterns now? There are no pattern books in any fabric store I’ve been to. It almost feels like trying to play piano without being able to get sheet music. I am not up to improvisation.
Your dress looks a lot like something my mom would have made me. I love it. I have some former curtains (my daughter rejected pink rather quickly and they didn’t get much use), and I plan to do a Scarlett and turn them into a nice summer dress, similar to yours. If I can find a pattern!
Oh my gosh, I love this! I don’t get on here too much anymore, but I have to admit, I’d love for you to make a new sewing e-course or sewing patterns for different levels. Just a suggestion! I’ve always wanted to learn how to sew, but I must admit to being intimidated by it.
Sincerely,
Laurali
https://www.havelymoon.com/
This is a great time to be a home sewer and get into making your own clothes! There are lots of indie sewing pattern designers out there now as well, and you can find some excellent beginner patterns. They come with super detailed instructions and many of them also have blog posts and online sewalongs detailing every step individually. I started with a simple tank top at the beginning of last summer and now I’m making button down shirts and dresses! Just a few great companies are Closet Case Patterns, Grainline Studio, True Bias, and Wiksten.
What a cute dress and nice patterns! 🙂
I have the same problem as you have: I would love to start sewing, but my skills are rather limited…maybe I should just start like you did!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
“I am the type of person who wants to sew an elaborate Halloween costume for my very first project.” I feel this so much. The struggle is real!