Part One of Sewing Curriculum: Beginner Sewist? Start Here.

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Are you interested in sewing? Not sure where to begin? Here’s my list of patterns to try in order. This list is designed to first build confidence and then slowly challenge and build your abilities. This is the list I wish I’d had when I started sewing. It would have saved me a lot of heartache (think attempting to make blankets with minky….the devil fabric).

I’ll be including learning objectives for each pattern beneath the options. I’m a former teacher. I’m all about some learning objectives. I’ll also be linking up all the patterns to various shops. Hopefully that will introduce you to the different sewing shops in the United States.

Speaking of fabric shops; I have some recommendations on fabric choices for beginners. Try using a cotton or polyester/cotton broadcloth fabric at first. 100% Cotton Broadcloth has a good weight, will wrinkle and need ironed, but will be easily cleaned. A polyester/cotton broadcloth also has a good weight, will not wrinkle as easily, but will not be as easily cleaned.

Here are some examples of 100% cotton broadcloths: Boat Print, Pretty Floral Print, Check Fabric, Solid Fabric.
Here are some examples of a Polyester/Cotton blend broadcloth: Solid colors.

Alright! Now that we’ve got the fabric choices, here is my list of patterns:

Some kind of sleeveless, collarless jumper. Not sewing for a girl? Skip ahead to number three and make several of them. Here are some options: If your pattern has options make sure to choose the simple jumper.
- Children’s Corner Store Lucy. See this tutorial. And this tutorial.
- Creations by Michie Jumper #140
- Bonnie blue Madison
  - Take specific note of the seam allowance. Learn and practice button holes.
A different variation of the jumper. Here are some options:
- Bonnie blue Elyse
- Bonnie blue Madison-view with pants
- Bonnie blue Lydia’s Swing Play Dress-view with bloomers
  - Learn and practice gathering fabric by using elongated stitches for the ruffles. Continue work on button holes. Create a casing for elastic .
A one piece playsuit. Here are some options:
- Children’s Corner Taylor: See this tutorial.
- Children’s Corner Johnny. Unsmocked view. See this tutorial.
  - Continue skills learned in previous patterns- Possibly add some hand embroidery for a new challenge.
A Swing Dress or Diaper Set. Here are some options:
- Children’s Corner Frannie (Feeling confident at this point? Try the view with the collar!) or Frannie Baby
  - Continue skills learned in previous patterns. Introduction to the idea of a placket. Possibly learning to do a collar.
- Bonnie Blue Carley and Corey:
  - Introduction to tucks and possibly angel sleeves.
A garment with a belt and placket. Here are some options:
- Michie 123. Use this tutorial (just don’t do the smocking part if you don’t know how to smock yet.)
- Bonnie blue Tiffany Noel
- Children’s Corner Harper (Feeling confident at this point? Try the views with sleeves and collar)
- Bonnie Blue Brylee
  - Introduction to a waistband and placket.
    - Tip: when adding attaching the bottom to the waistband try using three gathering threads (lengthened stitches) instead of the prescribed two. It helps a lot!