Free free free pattern roundup!

At the end of my last post I was planning to do a quick little roundup of some free sewing patterns that I either had made up myself and liked, or ones that I liked the look of and would consider making in the future. However once I started making my list I realised that it wasn't going to be quick. Crikey there's a lot out there! As I got deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole I realised this list deserved a post all of it's own, so here tis!

I'll be very clear here - I've not made all of these, and some I've only just discovered in preparation for writing this post. I have downloaded many of them though, and had a quick peek at the layout/sizing/instructions (or lack thereof) and done a super quick search on made up versions or feedback so I will comment on what I can. I know this is not an exhaustive list of what's out there, but it is what I've found that I like and what I'd seriously consider making - but please do let me know if you've another favorite that you think is a fab find! 

Also check out Sewn By Elizabeth's blog - she has a monthly segment called Sew Cheap where she sews and reviews one free pattern a month.

Here is a link to an online size conversion chart, which compares international clothing sizes. All pics sourced from designer's website unless otherwise stated. 

Dresses

Horrockses dress

Based on a vintage dress from the 50's this pattern is available from the V&A website as part of their Golden Age of Couture exhibition that was run a few years ago. I was lucky enough to see this exhibition when it toured here in a Australia and the frocks were magnificent. I'm not sure I'd every get around to making this myself but it's a beautiful vintage inspired frock and work a look just for the eye candy. It is sized for UK 10-12-14. Seam allowances are included, and there is the option for either print at home or copy printing.

Brigette shift dress by Simple Sew

This was a recent freebie from the Love Sewing Magazine. The pattern is by UK company Simply Sew who have a few other cute PDF patterns in their Etsy store. It's a cute little 60's style shift similar to the colette laurel and countless vintage patterns out there. It comes in UK sizes 8-16 and currently there is a sewalong on the Thread Carefully blog. There are a few comments about the PDF - apparently there are no guides to joining the pieces so you have to judge yourself if they are lined up correctly. I've not printed it myself but I have downloaded the PDF and there are indeed no guides.... It's a pretty simply pattern though so it's probably not that hard to do if you're experienced....

Sonja Dress by Salme Patterns

Available off the Burdastyle website, this is very popular. It is sized US 4-16. It's almost racerback in style but that neckline could easily be widened if you want more shoulder coverage. I quite like the skirt portion and I think it has a lovely elegant neckline.

Mollytov Batwing Dress
This one's a bit random and kind of a pattern-tutorial hybrid but I thought it was cute in an 80's way. It instructs how to self draft a batwing top and tube skirt to make a dress. Not sure that I'd do the dress but I'm tempted by batwing as top....

Faux wrap dress from Sew Sew Easy

A multi sized knit faux wrap dress with side pleats. I've been a bit obsessed with finding a wrap dress pattern after seeing Cut Cut Sew's gorgeous and sexy DVF wrap dress made from an original DVF pattern. This wasn't what I was after but it's got excellent photo instructions and sized from S-XL.

Hope wrap dress off Burdastyle 

A true knit wrap dress but in one size only.  Probably fairly easy to size up if you're that keen. A winner if you're lucky enough to be  that size! 

Prom Dress from The Pattern Selector

 

This is a freebie pattern in Peppermint Magazine, from a gorgeous book called the Pattern Selector which I actually have, and have been meaning to review for ages (despite not making anything from it yet!). The book is devoted to womens fashion through the 20th century and garment sewing, and has 15 lovely patterns in it. This dress is the Prom Dress, sized _____. There are several other patterns on the same Peppermint link - including shorts, a cape, a shift dress, a tunic dress and some toys. I've included the shorts below.

Tops - woven

Sorbetto by Colette Patterns

A basic darted tank with central pleating by Colette Patterns, downloadable from here in the full Colette size range. Many many versions about out there. I'm yet to make it up, but there's oodles of inspiration out there, starting with the Flickr group. 

Zoe Top by Tessuti Fabrics

A simple top sized S-XL, designed for floaty wovens like chiffon. Would be nice in a lightweight voile as a beach coverup.

The Diana Cami by Sew Loft

I've only just heard of this new indie company, based in Portland Oregon, through the Stitch 56 sewing shop. I love the look of this Cami - the slight racer back style is a bit different to the standard woven cami. The instructions look excellent, and it's sized XS - XL.The other patterns look interesting too and there is a free lined knit skirt pattern on the website too.

Portrait blouse by Gertie. 

Lovely vintage styled kimono sleeve blouse with side zipper and front pleats. I found this goodness knows when and how, as a freebie from a Make Magazine. Only slight issue is that it isn't scaled to print on PDF paper, I think its meant to be copy shop printed (or maybe not printed at all!) Some how I managed to print it on A4 paper but it doesn't have a scale square or markers to join up the pieces. Once I get around to sticking it all together I'll probably just have to choose my size based on whatever pattern pieces fits my measurements - there's just no way to know if it has printed to scale!

By Hand London Polly top

Honestly I was underwhelmed when this top was released, mostly because the fabrics used for the BHL website were pretty clashy, but have been converted by versions such as Morgan's amazingly beautiful cloud top. The design is clever with the use of a central panel that adds shaping and avoid the need for bust darts. 

Sew in Love tank

Simple trapeze shape one size tank, drawn from the directions. I really like that high neckline I think it'd be simple enough to adapt it to other sizes, if you have a basic woven block or bodice that you know fits you well otherwise. Other DIY patterns on this blog include a cocoon cardi and some basic skirts.

Tops - knit 

Kimono tee by Maria Denmark

 

Available from Maria when you sign up to her newsletter here. If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll know I just love this top, and have made at least 5 versions, including a dress. My best versions have been in cotton-Lycra blends. I'd love to make a spotty version this summer. And floral. And more stripes. And black. It's sized XS-XL and has very good instructions, but I finish my necklines with a binding/facing folded to the inside and top stitched, rather than fold over elastic. Highly, highly recommended.

Fringe Festival Top by Hot Patterns

I've only just found this pattern, as a free download from here. It reminds me a bit of the Jalie 2921 scarf necktie pattern. I'm not a fan of the fringing bits on the tie, but it's got potential as a cute tie neck top, and comes in an impressive size range6-26. I'm very keen to give this one a go.

Mandy Boat Tee by Tessuti Fabrics

  
Another personal favourite - loose fitting boat neck tee with fitted sleeves. One sized but a generous one. I've made 3 versions and wear them often, especially my cheap and nasty stripey with the curved hem - must make another in a classy quality stripe. I narrowed the width of the top and therefore also the neckline at the centre front and back. Be aware the sleeves are white snug despite the generous sizing of the body of the top. 

Fave Top by Tessuti Fabrics

A bit more of a drapey mumu style, again one size fits all. Designed to have a draped bias effect at the side seams. 

Hemlock tee by Grainline

I haven't made this pattern up, mostly because it looks so similar to the Tessuti Mandy top, but adored by many throughout the blogosphere. Also one size only. These styles just look so great in stripes.

Plaintain by Deer and Doe. 

 

Blogged in my last post, and available here - many pretty versions out there. The slightly A-line cut suits many, and helps if you're a bit of a wide hipped gal. Sized European 34-46. Cute elbow patches!

Sami Cami by Iconic Patterns

Nicely drafted knit camisole with instructions on making self fabric binding. You can also use fold over elastic or lingerie elastic instead but there are no instructions on how to do this. Recent very good tutorials on applying picot lingerie elastic include this one - the trick is it has to be sewn on twice, which I didn't do in my first attempt and it was craaaazy wavy (wearable but craaaazy). I've made this and lengthened it a little but that's because I do love a tucked underlayer in winter. 

Yellow Tail Camisole By Seamster

Lovely seaming and detailing down the centre front. This is a 'pay what you can afford' pattern, with 50% going to charity if you chose to pay for it. On the website Marie says to take it for free if you want to try her patterns or are strapped for cash - your call. Sized 2XS through to 3XL.

Men's tank by Thread Theory

Men's singlet pattern available here. I'd be tempted to make this in a XS for me! Just showed it to the husbo and he likes the look of it. Very Chesty Bonds don't you think (Aussie readers!)

Dixie DIYHot Cocoa

A one-size raglan tee with a slight high- low hem. My version is here. Very easy fitting, and would be simple enough to take some width out of the centre front and back to size down. Great pattern, well drafted and went together very well. Next time I make it I think I'll give it a bit more shaping and lose the hi-lo hem. 

Cation Designs dolman tee

Not made this one yet, but it's very popular. I love a dolman tee for striped fabric - I love the unbroken horizontal lines a dolman provides. Comes in sizes XS-XL.

Swoon Scarf Neck Cardigan

Find it here. Just reviewed in my previous post. Clever design, sizes S-XL.

True Bias Cocoon jacket

Self drafted cocoon jacket. Voluminous for sure but the potential for snugliness cannot be denied! This would be lovely made up in a fine wool jersey to reduce bulk.

Elise Tee - Fine Motor Skills

A loose fitting wide scoop tee, available here, that the designer says is more like a muscle shirt over the shoulder - not quite a tee, not quite a tank. Sized S-L. Designed for very drapey knits - I think it would be gorgeous in a linen knit.

Skirts

Libby A-Line Skirt - Tessuti Fabrics

Fairly new, from here. I like the three lengths, especially the mini version. I think I'd rather add a waistband to it, but you don't jive with waistbands this might be a good one! 

Self drafted gathered skirt

Endless versions out there, including Burdastyle, Tilly and Gertie versions. Most are just gathered rectangles - beware the bulk of a gathered rectangle over generous hips!

Very Gathered Skirt - Pattern Runway

Download from here. Elasticated waist back and gathered front. Sizes XXS-L

Burdastyle Marie Skirt

Cute pleated tulip skirt from here sized 34-44. Has seam allowances! Lots of cute versions on the website.

Burdastyle Kasia Skirt

Gorgeous high waisted skirt from Burdastyle. My favourite version was this one, seen on the Tessuti website. Would love to make this one day, little need to in my current wardrobe but that shouldn't stop me! 

Trousers/pants 

Leggings - self drafting tutorial from One Little Minute

Self drafted leggings pattern using instructions from One Little Minute. Reviewed in my last post. Easy, great instructions. Make sure you use fabric with a little lycra/elastane to prevent bagging at the knees and bum. 

Madeline bloomers by Colette Patterns

Very cute little bloomers/shorties. I've not made them but many sweet versions out there. Pair them with a Sorbetto for PJ's.

Darcy Boxer Shorts by Measure Twice Cut Once

Super cute his and hers patterns. Lovely simple design but cute details for endless variation. Would be great stash busters. Mmmm Darcy. 

Shorts - Peppermint Magazine

These shorts look quite simple (although they are giving me horror flashbacks to my failed Kwiksew sailor shorts) and come in sizes 10-12-14 Australian. 

Jimmy shorts - Fine Motor Skills

A simple pleated short available here. There's a few versions on Burdastyle. Worth a try! 

Simplicity PJ pants

His and hers PJ's available here off the Simplicity site. I didn't even know any of the Big 4's did freebies!

Various trousers off Tamanegi-kobo

 

This website has some great patterns for sale, and heaps of free adult and kids patterns including several free trousers patterns such as pleated pants, jeans and the crazy joker pants with amazing back pockets. The instructions are all in Japanese but the patterns have seam allowances and a good size range, but being Japanese you'd want to check the finished measurements as they sizing may be a bit smaller than Caucasian patterns.

Phew. I'm knackered. You're welcome!