12 FREE Beginner-Friendly Sewing Patterns We Love

Learning to sew? These 12 FREE sewing patterns for beginners are perfect for you (psst … want to see free sewing classes?). These straight-forward projects teach key techniques, giving you the confidence to tackle the harder projects on your sewing bucket list! 

Beginner Sewing Patterns Collage

Learn new techniques with these 12 free sewing patterns for beginners!

Find free patterns for your sewing room, baskets and trays, bags and totes and clothing. (Yes, there are great free clothing patterns!) Your next on-trend beginner project is in this list of 12 — did we mention they are all free?!

Sewing room flair

Start with one of these two sewing patterns for your sewing station. In a few hours, you will have a beautiful project you can use each time you sew!

Free Strawberry or Mouse Pin Cushion Pattern

Photo via Bluprint member Get Sewing

1. Mouse or Strawberry Pin Cushion

What could be cuter than a little mouse holding your pins while peeking up at you? This pin cushion is a fun and useful project made with scraps of felt. The only technique you need to know is how to sew a straight line! Make sure you fill the pin cushion well so it’s sturdy.

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FREE Hobby Apron Pattern - Get Sewing

Photo via Bluprint member Get Sewing

2. Hobby Apron

Keep threads off your jeans (or if we’re being honest, sweatpants) with this cute apron. Its simple design will be finished in no time, letting you get on with your next project. The customizable pockets allow you to fit your personal sewing items – or create the perfect hostess gift!

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Beautiful Baskets

Organizing your personal items is easy when you sew a basket to fit your needs. Even better, you can use the perfect fabric to match your decor!

FREE Sturdy Fabric Basket Pattern - Lillyella Stitchery

Photo via Bluprint member Lillyella stitchery

3. Sturdy Fabric Basket

This Fat Quarter–friendly project can organize any space in your home. Fill it with stashed fabrics, linens, books or toys!

Sturdy interfacing helps this basket hold its shape beautifully. Batting or fusible fleece are good substitutes for interfacing if you don’t have any on hand. The handles are easier to create than they look — they are made with inexpensive thrifted leather belts — but you can leave them off for an even quicker project.

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Free Travel Tray Pattern - Angie's Bits 'n Pieces

Pumpkin & Purple Travel Trays by Bluprint member Skey

4. Travel Tray

Coral your “stuff” in these adorable fabric trays. They fold up small to fit in your suitcase, so they’re very travel friendly. At your destination, use them to keep your earrings and glasses from getting misplaced! These small trays would also be useful for keeping your makeup, or toiletries organized as well. Make a few for a hostess gift, or send some with your favorite grad as they decorate their dorm room.

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Totes, pouches and bags

Carry around a handmade project, and show off your skills! These beginner-friendly bags and pouches are perfect for your things, and for gifting to others!

Free Mini Tote Pattern - Shiny Happy World

Photo via Bluprint member Shiny Happy World

5. Mini Tote

The perfect tote for carrying small things around — a few books, your lunch, your child’s toys. Stretch your skills by sewing some embroidery, or choose your favorite piece of fabric to be the star. This mini tote would make a great gift bag for that hard-to-wrap small item.

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Double Zip Gemini Pouch - ChrisW Designs

Photo via Bluprint member ChrisW Designs

6. Double Zip “Gemini” Pouch

Repeat after me: “Zippers are not scary.” Sewing zippers is actually really fun, and you can learn how to insert one with this project. Use it for the perfect pencil pouch, make-up bag or place to stash your sewing supplies. Be bold and give it a try!

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The Hedgerow Book Bag Pattern - Red Rabbit Mercantile

Photo via Bluprint member Red Rabbit Mercantile

7. The Hedgerow Book Bag

Your books and laptop will finally have a gorgeous home! Sew your own Hedgerow Book Bag to carry them around in style. Learn how to insert a magnetic snap and sew waxed canvas, or substitute your favorite twill or heavier denim to make it sturdy. Be creative! What will you store in the outer pockets?

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Caroline Clutch Pattern - ithinksew

Photo via Bluprint member ithinksew

8. Caroline Clutch

This tiny clutch is just waiting to be filled with your favorite things. The button closure is easy to sew, and allows you to choose the cutest button! It is only 6½” wide, so you can fit it into your purse full of snacks, hand-sewing supplies or other necessities. 

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Sew your own clothes

It’s not as hard as you might think! Many un-tailored patterns are very figure flattering, allowing for an easier fit. Try one of these (totally free patterns!) today.

Free Kimono Jacket Pattern - Sew Caroline

Photo via Bluprint member Sew Caroline

9. Kimono Jacket

Take your wardrobe from summer to fall or winter to spring by adding this easy-to-sew (and easy-to-throw-on) piece to your wardrobe. It’s cute in lightweight cotton, but imagine it in a large buffalo check flannel or lightweight, neutral-colored wool. Make it your own by adding embellishments like lace or ribbon.

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Annie A-Line Skirt - Sew This Pattern

Photo via Bluprint member Sew This Pattern

10. Annie A-Line Skirt

A-Line skirts are so flattering! This one can be made in sizes 6 to 16. Find simple instructions for installing a back zipper and facing a waistline. Use a medium-weight twill or corduroy to help the skirt hold its shape. In the right fabric, this skirt is nice enough to wear to work!

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Free Tiered Summer Skirt Pattern - So Sew Easy

Photo via Bluprint member So Sew Easy

11. Tiered and Gathered Skirt

The perfect casual gathered skirt — sure to become a staple in your wardrobe! Choose a light and airy fabric for summer, or a light twill or wool for fall. This skirt incorporates an easily sewn (and comfortable!) elastic waistband. Sizing is provided for a 34″ – 52″ hip. Plus, you only need 1½ yards of fabric to get started.

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Free PJ Pants Pattern - Nap-Time Creations

Photo via Bluprint member Nap-Time Creations

12. Women’s Pajama or Lounge Pants

Sew your own comfy pants! This free pattern almost definitely comes in your size — featuring XXS – XXL sizing. There are so many options: Sew them in a warm flannel or a cool cotton. You could even sew them in a knit fabric for the ultimate stretchy lounge pant. 

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40 Techniques Every Sewer Should Know

Do You Know These Essential Sewing Techniques?

Discover 40 techniques to sew your best! Enjoy expert guidance as designer Gail Yellen demystifies pressing, applying binding, setting in sleeves and more.Enroll today »

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

8 Responses to “12 FREE Beginner-Friendly Sewing Patterns We Love”

  1. Uchenna Opara

    Good morning ma, pls help me to learn how to sew

  2. Penny Barnes, Miller

    I retired and would like to learn how to sew please Help!

  3. LINDA

    Be nice if you had the patterns you were showing here; I would like to make the sturdy fabric basket but it doesn't come up when I click on it. I paid for a membership & feel my membership should be extended due to so many patterns not being available since I signed up last December.

  4. Michala Kazda

    the links to the patterns are wrong - they just go to your home page

  5. Sophia

    1st time sewing

  6. Betty Lowe

    when are we going to be able to get back to our forever classes that we paid for?

  7. Rocio

    Is there any way to add articles or classes to a wishlist? Maybe a Wish List or Favorites function could be added sometime soon please? Thanks!

  8. lelitzik20576419

    I am a premium member but I cannot get the patterns. When I click on the links it only brings me to the Craftsy homepage. I am having trouble getting any of the free patterns in any of the articles.