Free downloadable sewing patterns are one way the internet has change the life of the average home sewer. Sure, most of us have our still have our stash of sewing patterns in some drawer or sewing cabinet somewhere, but we don’t rely on them anymore. If there’s something we’d like to make that’s not in the files, all it takes is a google search to show up some free pattern that someone somewhere has made and put online for the masses.
While you can always get started with your own pattern making, it’s fun to browse through directories of free downloadable sewing patterns as well, and find inspiration for new projects or innovative takes on old ideas. Here are some fun places to start in your search for free patterns.
The Sewing Directory has lots of free patterns, nicely categorized under a number of themes: Dressmaking Projects, Accessory Projects, Upcycling Projects, Sewing Accessory Projects, Gift Projects, Sewing Projects for the Home, Patchwork and Quilting Projects, Bag Making Projects, Projects for Babies and Children, and Simple Sewing Projects for Beginners.
So Sew Easy is another collection of free downloadable sewing patterns; mostly women’s wear, with some other random stuff thrown in. It’s not an enormous selection, but there are some nice patterns here. The website is easy on the eyes, and the patterns are actually tutorials, so you get all the handholding you need.
Do you like shopping at Jo-Ann’s fabrics? It’s a fun place to browse, and JoAnn’s has put online a collection of quality patterns as well. The organization isn’t the best—patterns and basic sewing/crafting tutorials seem mixed into a strange conglomeration—but a little digging on here will bring up some treasures.
If it’s quilts and home décor you like to make you’ll also find some beautiful patterns at Amy Butler Design. Each pattern is a pdf, and you get directions as well as detailed measurements, and pattern pieces where appropriate.
But my favorite go-to place for free downloadable patterns is Sewing Support. This isn’t actually a repository of free patterns—I don’t think they’ve got a single one on the website. What it is, is a catalogue of what is available on the world wide web, scattered over hard-to-find places that won’t come up in a simple google search.
With more than 4500 free patterns, you’re sure to find something you like. The patterns are organized under a number of categories: at the time of this writing, there were 1,128 free bag patterns categorized, 615 free baby patterns, and 1,326 free clothing patterns—not to mention another five categories: free soft toy patterns (467 patterns), free home décor patterns (671 patterns), free pet accessory patterns (168 patterns), free holiday patterns (273), and miscellaneous (533).
Each category is divided up in subcategories to make it easy to pinpoint what you’re interested in. For instance, ‘bag patterns’ has 23 subcategories, which includes such headings as handbag patterns, tote bag patterns, backpack patterns, caddies & organizers, hobo bag patterns, and messenger bag patterns. Once you enter a subcategory you get a nice visual listing of all the patterns in that subcategory, with information on where they’re at and whether or not there is a pdf available. Click on a picture link, and you get right to the pattern at its home page. Nothing could be simpler.
The creativity of the world is available to you, today, on your laptop in your sewing room. Get browsing!