The projects included in the Beginner’s Guide to Sewing are:
The Envelope Cushion
Sewing up a simple cushion cover will help you get comfortable using a sewing machine and handling fabric. You’ll learn how to pin and cut out a pattern, use basic sewing machine settings to sew the seams and how to topstitch for a neat finish.
The Drawstring Bag
As well as being a really useful item to own, the Drawstring Bag is a great opportunity to practise your machine sewing techniques. You’ll learn how to make a channel for your drawstring and how to finish the seam allowances neatly.
The Tote Bag
Building on the skills you learnt with the first two patterns, the Tote Bag project will also teach you how to make and attach straps to a simple bag. Make one for yourself or make them for friends and family to spread the sewing love!
The Toiletries Bag
The Toiletries Bag will help you get to grips with sewing zips whilst making something really useful. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can make them in various sizes to fit pretty much anything!
The Wrap Skirt
Your first dressmaking project and exclusively available with the eBook, this simple wrap skirt comes with two length options (midi and knee-length) and a waistband with ties. You’ll learn how to use your first multi-sized PDF dressmaking pattern, how to use interfacing, sew on a waistband, create ties and a tie gap and how to hem a skirt. Because it’s a wrap skirt, you can adjust the ties to get a perfect fit so it’s a great project for a novice dressmaker.
The Pyjamas
Wide-legged with a flattering, generous fit, these pyjama bottoms are a great first trouser project. You will learn how to create an elasticated waistband and you’ll have the option to add in-seam pockets, because everyone loves pockets!
Sewing Level
The Beginner’s Guide to Sewing eBook is aimed at absolute beginners.
Fabric Suggestions
The fabrics we recommend in this eBook are those best suited to beginners; craft cotton, cotton poplin & cotton lawn. When you feel comfortable working with cotton, you may want to try the dressmaking projects in a viscose.
Sizing & Fabric Requirements
The Pyjamas and the Wrap Skirt are sized between UK sizes 6-30 and are split into two different blocks, sizes 6-20 and sizes 18-30. See the chart for details on fabric requirements.
Like all our patterns, the sizes are nested to make it easier to grade between the sizes, depending on your measurements.
You can find the fabric requirements for all of the projects here.
What will I receive?
The downloadable pattern files contain:
- printable pattern (in both tiled print-at-home and copyshop format) in all sizes
- fully-illustrated printable instruction booklet
- copyshop permission letter
The Wrap Skirt pattern is either 37 A4 pages, 42 US letter pages or 2 A0 copyshop pages (sizes 6-20), or 46 A4 pages, 51 US letter pages, or 4 A0 copyshop pages (size 18-30).
The Pyjamas pattern is either 32 A4 pages/letter pages or 2 A0 copyshop pages (sizes 6-20), or 36 A4/US letter pages, or 2 A0 copyshop pages (size 18-30).
If you purchase the PDF Pattern + Copyshop Printing option, you will also receive your pattern printed on A0 paper in the post. Find out more about our PDF Printing Service here.
So what is a PDF pattern?
A PDF pattern is a downloadable pattern that you print yourself at home on A4 or US letter paper. Alternatively you can choose to have the copyshop files printed on large A0 paper, and posted to you at home. If you’re using the A4 or US letter options, simply download, print at home, tape together and let the sewing begin! When you print the pattern, print at 100% (you might have to uncheck the scale box). Print page 1 first, the square should measure 10cm x 10cm.
Never used a PDF pattern before and would like some help? Learn everything you need to know in our handy Guide to Assembling PDF Patterns over on our blog!
Layered PDF pattern
The Beginner’s Guide to Sewing PDF pattern files are layered, meaning you can choose to print only the size(s) you need when printing at home. Find out more here.
