Struggling with what to sew for autumn? I’ve got you! Now that temperatures are starting to decline (it’s finally below 100-degrees in Texas!), I’m planning my fall sewing projects and am so excited to layer up. There are many wonderful free fall sewing patterns out there and, after thoroughly digging through the all the resources I could find, I’m happy to share a few of my favorites in the roundup below.
Whether you’re a novice or advanced sewist, these are fun, satisfying makes to add to your handmade wardrobe!
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Here’s a look at what we’ll cover:
FAQs
What are the best sewing patterns for beginners?
If you are a new seamstress, the upfront costs of your machine, tools, and setup can add up rather quickly. That’s why starting with free sewing patterns to download for some of your first makes is a way to get your feet wet without breaking the bank. Look for simple silhouettes that can be pulled on.
I’ve curated the following collection of free fall sewing patterns that are beginner-friendly. In every category, I’ve included at least one garment that has no zippers, buttons, or other tricky features. These garments are easy to pull on and don’t require a ton of fitting, making them perfect for absolute beginners.
That said, those garments do tend to be a roomier, boxier fit. If the result is too loose for my liking, I’ll use my hip curve to take it in a smidge at the waist and create the more tailored, waist-defining look that I feel best in. Don’t be afraid to tweak your garments to adjust the fit. The beauty of sewing your own clothes is that you can truly adapt your wardrobe to fit exactly the way you want!
Where to find free sewing patterns?
Many indie pattern designers will graciously offer a pattern or two for free, which allows you to get a taste not only of how they draft their patterns and instructions, but also how they fit your body to determine if their patterns are a great match for your skill level, style, and overall wearability.
Peppermint Magazine, Fabrics-Store.com, and Mood Fabrics are some of the best free sewing pattern websites. They each have extensive libraries of free sewing patterns to download.
How to get free patterns online?
Please note that many pattern designers require a newsletter subscription, site registration, or may ask for a small pay-what-you-can donation in order to download their free sewing patterns. Lots of time and energy goes into drafting these free sewing patterns, and you’re supporting lovely small businesses.
How do you plan sewing projects for beginners?
Decide which garments you would like to make, then download the pattern and instructions. Read through the included pattern details, fabric recommendations, and measurements. Search for the pattern’s hashtag on Instagram to find inspiration from other sewsits who have brought these garments to life. This will help give you a sense of how different fabrics work with the pattern and any common alterations. I’m constantly amazed by all the clever sewing pattern hacks! If an active hashtag exists for the free sewing patterns below, I’ve included it for your reference.
Free Sewing Patterns for Fall
SKIRTS
Wrap Skirt by In The Folds & Peppermint Mag
This classic silhouette has made a comeback this year. I love how easy this is to throw on and cinch around your waist. I’ve seen some sewists hack this into a playful shorter version.
Frankie Wrap Skirt by Made Label
Add a fun frill to the classic wrap skirt. According to Made Label, Frankie Wrap Skirt 2.0 is coming soon with extended size range and updated instructions.
Pocket Skirt by Paper Theory & Peppermint Mag
Easy, breezy, and stretchy – my kinda garment. Pair it with a top made in the same fabric and you’ve got yourself a me made coordinating set!
Veronika Skirt by Megan Nielsen
Circle skirts are such flirts. This voluminous make is just asking to be twirled about! What I love about this free fall sewing pattern is that it’s made for both wovens and knits! Stitch it up in a woven if you’re more confident with that fabric type to familiarize yourself with the pattern and then stitch it again in a fun knit.
PANTS
Cass Wide Leg Culottes by Fabrics-Store.com
Who doesn’t love a wide, swishy pant leg? They are so fun to strut around in. Not only does Fabrics-Store.com offer lots of free sewing patterns from beginner to advanced skill levels, they’re often paired with a tutorial on their blog and they respond to questions in the comments.
The Linda Pants by Mood Sewciety
Can you tell I’m here for the elastic waists? Mood has TONS of free fall sewing patterns (and every season) on their website. While their instructions aren’t always as thorough for the novice sewer, these are fairly simple and you could practice with the Culottes listed above first to get the hang of how elastic pants are constructed.
Wide Leg Pants by In the Folds and Peppermint Mag
I’m so glad wide-leg pants are here to stay. I really like how form fitting this pair sits up top around the waist and hips and then open up to a roomy leg. Peppermint Mag is another fabulous resource for free sewing patterns, though a pay-what-you-can donation is encouraged if it’s within your budget.
SHIRTS
Friday Bateau Top by Friday Pattern Co.
Hot off the presses, erm, cutting room floor! Just in time for fall sewing, this new addition to Friday Pattern Co.’s lineup features a boat neckline and will pair well with just about everything you can stitch up. New to knits and/or don’t have a serger? Not to worry – their sewalong video has you covered.
Core T-Shirt by Closet Core Patterns
Same, same but different. With a rounded crew neck, this cropped, boxy t-shirt is a basic you’ll reach for time and time again. With an optional patch pocket and two sleeve options, this wardrobe staple is begging to be worn all year long.
Athina Top by Tessuti
A great basic woven top that’s easily hackable. Crop or lengthen to suit your style. Want shorter sleeves? Omit the lower portion. Stitch it into a dress with a gathered skirt. Check out the pattern hashtag on Instagram and be inspired by all the ways you can stitch up this free sewing pattern!
York by Seamwork
A few special details like the keyhole tie in the back and the split cuff sleeves to help level up your sewing game. Seamwork is a paid membership community with a library of sewing patterns, courses, and materials to help you sew your own wardrobe. York is a great opportunity to try before you buy.
Paddington Top by French Navy Patterns and Peppermint Mag
Puff sleeves, oh my! Add a little flair for those days when you’re feeling yourself. Skip the buttons and cut the back bodice on the fold to make this even easier to stitch up. Shorten the bodice and add a gathered skirt (or several tiers) to hack this top into a floaty dress.
DRESSES
Rea Dress by Bel’Etoile
Worn with or without the belt, this cute, pull-on dress is sure to become a staple in your closet. Don’t forget to add seam allowance and hem allowance since it’s not included in the pattern!
Everyday Dress by In The Folds & Peppermint Mag
With a relaxed fit, this dress easy to throw on. The fun details like in-seam pockets, reversible neck line, and optional tie belt make this a great pattern with which to learn and practice some basic skills.
Cora Half-Sleeve Dress by Fabrics-Store.com
Gathered skirts make for a loose, comfortable dress. There are some great tips on how to modify the pattern in the comments if you need to make any fit adjustments.
Noor Wrap Dress by Fabrics-Store.com
Wrap dresses are such a classic style and I love how easy they are to wear. The slight puff of the sleeves gives this pattern some extra flair.
Ariana Midi Dress by Sew Mag
Gathered tier dresses are a popular make for summer, so the addition of sleeves here is a great for the transitional months!
JUMPSUITS
Celine Pull-On Jumpsuit by Fabrics-Store.com
There’s something about jumpsuits that always put me in a good mood. Maybe they bring out my OshKosh B’Gosh wearing inner child? Whatever it is, I’m here for the one-and-done outfits.
Valley Jumpsuit by Readytosew and Peppermint Mag
Did I mention I love jumpsuits? It’s always been a challenge for me to find RTW (ready-to-wear) options that fit both my upper and lower halves well, and the waist is almost never at the right spot. Sew your own with this free jumpsuit pattern and tailor it to fit your needs exactly!
OUTWEAR & JACKETS
Nino Open Jacket by Fabrics-Store.com
AKA beginner-friendly sewing pattern with no closures! If open jackets aren’t your jam, a snap or simple hook-and-eye could easily be added.
Simple Waterfall Jacket by Sew Mag
Though this free sewing pattern calls for faux suede, I could see an upcycled blanket working well here or the sherpa, teddy fabrics that have been popular for the past few years. I also found this two-sided flannel sherpa fabric that would be perfect! Just add a bias binding to finish off those edges.
Paola Workwear Jacket by Fabrics-Store.com
Sew many options. See what I did there? Puns aside, this is a great free fall sewing pattern that provides a canvas to customize and make it uniquely you. I saw a similar RTW (ready-to-wear) garment with a creamy white base, green topstitching, and slash pockets. Have fun and change things up!
Begonia Jacket by Mood Sewciety
Another simple-to-construct jacket option with no closures. With its chic silhouette, this would look equally good in an classic everyday fabric or a fabulous statement fabric.
LOUNGEWEAR
Loungewear Set by Common Stitch and Peppermint Mag
Who are we kidding, this is perfectly acceptable to wear outside of the house! Make a matching set and you can wear them together or mix it up with other items in your handmade wardrobe.
Anything But Basic (ABB) Leggings by DIBY Club
What I love most about this free sewing pattern is the instructions are so well thought out and will guide you through how to grade between sizes to ensure a proper fit. Which is crucial for leggings that are comfy and don’t slide or bunch all around as you move!
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