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What patterns would you recommend for beginners?
The Dreamstress Advanced NEW ZEALAND Member since 7/4/09 Posts: 28	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 1/6/13 6:46 PM I'm compiling a list of good beginner patterns for my students to work from. What was the first pattern you sewed? What are your favourite beginner patterns and why?
Elcue   Advanced WA USA Member since 6/13/12 Posts: 193	Login to reply to this post In reply to The Dreamstress << Like this post Date: 1/6/13 9:11 PM kimono bath robe All seam lines are straight and the fit is not challenging.
ahrizel Beginner PA Member since 4/22/12 Posts: 293	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/6/13 9:26 PM Easy fit pants by the Scientific Seamstress. That was the adult version, but they're is a kids also. One pattern piece, adjustable length and very well written instructions designed for beginners. I like all of her patterns, and they work well for beginners. But for the complete novice, I would start with this one. In 2 or 3 house, including cutting, they will come out with wearable pants. They're designed for wovens, so easy cutting and sewing. If I was teaching a complete newbie, this is what I would start them on. Mary
Michelle T Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 4176	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/6/13 10:55 PM Kwik Sew Kwik Start patterns Kwik Sew has great instructions and the Kwik Start line has more than just PJ bottoms and pillow cases. I have to admit when I was a beginner I would not have made another thing, if I was told I had to make PJ pants as my first project. My first project was an Esprit jumpsuit in 1 inch orange gingham. It had a placket, bottom holes, set in seams and of course lots of matching of pattern. My second project was a skirt and blouse. ------ Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student
Red Dragon Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 2/4/08 Posts: 336	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/7/13 3:41 AM I stupidly cut my teeth on satin formal wear, but I don't recommend it For a beginner, I would recommend some simple knit patterns - my go to skirt pattern is from New Look 6730 It also includes pull on pants and a tshirt, I'm even wearing one of my many skirts from this pattern now. ------ Tracy, Canberra Janome 7700QCP, Janome 4618QC, Husky S25 overlock/coverstitch
KathleenS   Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 11/18/02 Posts: 572	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 1/7/13 3:52 AM I would recommend the students get to pick a design they actually want to make and wear (filtered by your knowledge of what's hard or easy). Or if you're teaching a class maybe get votes and go with whatever type of garment is most popular. I think wanting the end product is much more motivational to beginners. Something like a basic a-line skirt or a pair of pyjama pants might be good, but only if they want to wear them. (My first sewing project was a princess seam sleeveless dress, and I chose a plaid fabric. I was proud of the result and I learnt a lot from it.)
PattiinATL   Beginner GA USA Member since 5/9/08 Posts: 28	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/7/13 7:29 AM I agree with Michelle on the Kwik Sew patterns. Another option is yoga pants. I like Silhouette Pattern 3400. There are only 3 pieces and the pants are very flattering.
LDT2011 Advanced Beginner UNITED KINGDOM Member since 11/18/11 Posts: 451	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/7/13 7:35 AM I would say pencil skirt and simple top that you can add sleeves too at later stage. And then that can be a 'base' pattern' to learn fitting before changing the pattern e.g. neckline to add difficulty later. My first successful pattern was a skirt. ------ 'The purpose of most fashion is to be ostentatiously non-functional.'
JTink Intermediate VA USA Member since 4/20/08 Posts: 4800	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/7/13 8:31 AM It would depend on how you want them to start. I teach at Joann Fabrics and I can say from experience, pillows and tote bags are a big hit. We have been working with Simplicity 9873 View A and it's a fun project. They are able to pick out their own "design" as far as fabric choices. It teaches them "right sides together", how to turn an item inside out, how to turn a corner and how to read a pattern. If you are going to teach them garment sewing right off the bat, I would choose something that didn't have to have a lot of fitting involved, so everyone could leave class with a wearable item. For example: Simplicity 2272 View A, is going to be taught in our March/April Classes. Working on tops can lead to a lot of frustration for folks who have never done any garment sewing. Not many have walked into our classroom sporting B cups. If you go with tops, you may have to start working with Alterations,(FBA, shoulders, back, sleeves, length etc) This can be overwhelming to someone just beginning. -- Edited on 1/7/13 8:33 AM --
bluefly   Advanced Beginner GA USA Member since 8/19/06 Posts: 486	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/7/13 9:27 AM My first item I sewed in home ec class was an A line Cotton navy twill skirt with back zipper. It turned out very well.Before that I made a bishops apron. ------ "Let's make the most of this day" bluefly

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