Almost every designer has a free sewing pattern to entice you into their line of patterns. Some are simple accessories, most are an easy project. I’ve picked five newer ones that really give you some great options for sewing a summer capsule wardrobe from free sewing patterns.
The first pattern is from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club (I feature two of theirs, but they have several!) The Colorblock set is both a boxy top, a boxy top with a big ruffle and a dress! Bonus! It comes in a colorblock cap sleeve and a long sleeve.
This sewing planner sheet is also free and you can get that on my blog. Print them out, double sided, on your printer and then hole punch them and place them in a notebook. You can staple swatches or tape inspiration photos to the side too.
The second pattern, also from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club is the Ballet Bow Skirt and can be made in both linen/cotton casual fabrics and fancy fabrics like taffeta.
The third pattern is a tank top from Helen’s Closet. The Luna tank is a cropped, curved hem A-line tank top perfect for layering or summer:
You’ll want some variety so here are some wide leg pants from Mood patterns: This is part of a 2 piece set called the Thelma halter and Louise Wide Leg pants. Mood has some excellent patterns and fabric/notions to go with their fabrics. I’d sew the halter too! On this one, a pretty racerback bra or even a strappy yoga sports bra would work well for the halter top.
The next pattern is my own, the August Blouson Bandeau Top. This easy wearing tube top is figure flattering with elastic bands that stay up above your bust, and sit at your waist with a blousing over the waistband. You can also make the top longer and end the elastic at your hips. The front/back center panel can be made with lace/crochet fabrics (great for upcycling some doilies from the thrift store), or contrast fabric or even omitted altogether.
And last, but not least, the Wavy Vest also from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club. This great topper is perfect for spring and summer, adding a layer of warmth or coverage over a tank top or bandeau tube top.
You can build quite a sewing pattern library from every designer’s freebie patterns. I’ve mentioned a few here, and you can search for more. Mood Fabrics is my go to (and they have fabulous fabric and trims too), but you can also get them from just about every indie designer out there. Once you get used to their pattern drafting, you’ll better be able to choose what patterns fit you best without any alterations – every designer uses a different “block” to design from. But do also consider purchasing from these designers once you get a taste of how their patterns work – the work of all of us is to support our independent online and brick & mortar sewing businesses. I know people are bummed JoAnn went out of business, but they were private equity designed to make a bunch of rich guys who know nothing about sewing, richer. We deserve to support our local and indie businesses online!
Enjoy these spring/summer sewing pattern options. You can start with nearly free fabrics (sheets, fabrics from thrift stores), or find gifted fabric (every now and again my freecycle group has some gives.) Estate and yard sales often have fabric or linens. Table linens are fun to sew with – check out St. Clair Scissors for inspiration of her upcycled garments.