Learning to Sew? What pattern to start with?

I get asked this question quite often.

“What would be the best pattern for my young, or brand new sewista to start with?”

Best sewing patterns for beginners to make doll clothes.

Learn to sew doll clothes with easy sewing patterns by oh sew kat! American Girl doll clothes patterns plus free skirt pattern at www.ohsewkat.com. #dollclothes #diy#sewingproject #beginner #ohsewkat

Oh Sew Kat! offers patterns with basic pattern pieces and simple constructions for this very reason. The goal is to give success to someone who has NEVER SEWN A PATTERN EVER.  Here are my top 3 patterns for newbie seamstresses: The Sixth Grade Skirt, the Playtime Peasant Top, and the Easy Up! Jumper.

Find easy sewing patterns for doll clothes at Oh Sew Kat!

  1.  Sixth Grade Skirt
Doll Skirt sewing pattern by Oh Sew Kat!

The greatest thing about the Sixth Grade Skirt is that it’s very hard to mess it up. Because it is an open skirt, with a hook and loop tape closure in back, it fits a wide variety of dolls (and toys), and also accommodates a beginning seamstress’ (possibly) uneven seam allowances.  It’s fun to mix and match different fabrics, and you can add easy pockets with this TUTORIAL, or ruffles or lace to the hem like in this TUTORIAL.

Learn to sew doll clothes with easy sewing patterns by oh sew kat! American Girl doll clothes patterns plus free skirt pattern at www.ohsewkat.com. #dollclothes #diy#sewingproject #beginner #ohsewkat

2. Playtime Peasant Top

As far as a doll shirt goes, the peasant top is a timeless staple for every doll wardrobe.  It really does not get much easier than this.  The simple construction still lends itself to whimsical fabric combinations for unique styles.  Feeding a safety pin through an elastic casing for the easy neckline will teach a beginner a skill that can be then used on skirts, pants and shorts too!

Peasant Top sewing pattern for wellie wishers dolls

Make the Playtime Peasant Top with long sleeves with elastic at the wrist.  This classic look works for both historical and modern outfits.

Julie doll in white top and red gingham long skirt

Playtime Peasant Top with short sleeves with elastic.  Add lace to a skirt with this easy TUTORIAL. This outfit below, and Julie’s outfit above are both very easy to complete and can be done in an afternoon.

Lace Skirt Country Western Doll Clothes by Oh Sew Kat patterns

3. Easy Up! Jumper

Beginner sewing pattern for 18 inch doll clothes

The Easy Up! Jumper is just that! Easy! It’s easy to cut, and quick to sew.  For first time seamstresses, make the simple version (no side pleats) and use FOE (fold over elastic) for the straps. Be careful, this pattern is addicting! It’s hard to make just one!

Simple sewing pattern doll jumper by ohsewkat

Oh Sew Kat! are easy sewing patterns for beginners to make their own doll clothes.

Visit the Inspiration Gallery for each pattern to see more ideas.

Ready to try some other simple patterns:  Boardwalk Boutique, Playground Pants, HalterAlls, Backyard Bibs, and the Party Time Peasant Dress.

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Sewing patterns to make doll clothes by Oh Sew Kat!