To date, I haven’t come across as great a collection of free sewing patterns than what Mood Fabrics provides. Sharing over 300 free patterns, I’ll share with you a few of my faves to help you just jump straight to sewing. And a shoutout to all of the amazing designers who created these free patterns for us to use.
Each of these patterns cover basic techniques of sewing, like shirring, adding elastic waistbands, darts, sleeve construction, etc.
But before we start….
Choosing Fabrics
I quickly learned one critical thing early on in my sewing journey – the fabric you’re using MATTERS. It’s funny how something so obvious was not made obvious to me when I was getting started until after I bought a good amount of fabric. But there’s a huge, huge difference in the way clothes are made depending on if they’re KNIT or WOVEN.
- Knit fabrics have stretch and are great for clothes that are more form-fitting or need a little stretch to put on/take off. They tend to have drape and can be different thicknesses. Examples include t-shirts, hoodies, leggings, and swimwear.
- Woven fabrics don’t stretch and are actually great for a lot of clothes. I used to think that you’re always better off with stretch fabrics where you can use them to replace woven fabrics, but I don’t think that’s true anymore! Button down shirts just wouldn’t have the same charm if they weren’t made with woven fabric. You can also make some dresses, lots of different kinds of pants, and plenty more with woven fabrics.
When you’re perusing through the remnants section, you’ll be excited over all the different kinds of fabric there are. I want to help you make more informed decisions about what to use for your next project.
It’s helpful to have an idea of what you think you’d like to make and consider if that item would be better made with woven or knitted fabric (Don’t be like me and sew a boxwood hoodie that doesn’t stretch, lol!).
Without further ado, here are my 13 favorite free sewing patterns from Mood Fabrics. I highly encourage you to check out the original posts, where they show you step-by-step instructions with pictures. Who knows, this could be your next capsule wardrobe all in one place!
Free Patterns for Woven Fabrics
This was a great and motivating first pattern for me. I love jackets and I love the charm of button down shirts. Having them combined was just a no-brainer for me!
This pattern can show you the valuable basics of shirt construction and also hemming, which is vital to making your clothes look polished.
2. Camelia Top
Shirring is another basic technique to pick up on your sewing journey eventually. It’s a great design feature, but also a clever way to add some stretch to woven fabrics. This top is great for summer and we still have a few warm days left of the season if you live in the northern hemisphere!
3. Linda Pants
Learn pant construction without the complication of belt loops and the pant fly. I find the most intimidating part of sewing pants is the waistband, particularly sewing the fly. And feeling like I won’t be able to achieve that deters me from learning pant construction at all.
However, an elastic waistband really solves that problem. If you’re like me and are intimidated by pants for the same reason, then I think this is a great pattern to try.
4. Erica Skirt
The bubble skirt is trending again, so I thought I would add it to the list for funsies! It’s fun to make new things. And this would be great to style during the Fall! I’m sure you can apply the techniques here to making bubble sleeves as well.
5. Maisel Dress
We all need a simple dress. And you can learn the very important technique of sewing darts with this pattern. I’m not the hugest fan of how high the neckline is, but I think that can be easily adjustable.
This one is great for advanced beginners. It’s got quite a few more pieces to sew together and I think the bust is would be great in other looks too. Perhaps as a blouse or with a different skirt bottom.
With Fall around the corner, I added a raincoat for those rainy days to come. If you want to give a go at waterproof fabrics, this is a great and practical start.
Free Patterns for Knit Fabrics
8. Brando Tee
The most basic of basics is the T-shirt and I think it’s absolutely necessary for any closet. Why make your own at all? Well, I personally find there’s a lot of return of investment to make a simple and versatile shirt with materials you love and knowing it will last a long time.
This pattern is actually a 2-for-1, where you can build in an undershirt for extra length and style. It’s a great opportunity learn the construction of basic sweaters, and perhaps learn to modify your current ones!
10. Boxwood Hoodie
Everyone needs a hoodie, and this was my other first pattern when I got started with sewing. What I love about this pattern is that you can adjust the length and choose a really nice fabric to make your next favorite cozy hoodie you’d want to live in all the time. That is a SUCH a great return of investment in my opinion.
Speaking of loungewear, if hoodies aren’t for you, Mood Fabrics also provides this one, which is actually a 3-for-1 tutorial. The sweaters are stylized quite nicely for each length option. The versatility and comfort is what I love about this pattern.
The same can be said for this basic slip dress. I think it’s important to learn how to make form-fitting clothes once you become a confident sewer.
Finally, I’m rounding out all the patterns with a set that can compliment the pants and skirt on this list. This tank and cardigan combo can tie together any ensemble. Or you can wear the cardigan over the dresses.
One of the most exciting things about sewing is all of the potential your favorite fabrics have. I hope this list gave you a few good ideas on how to use them for your next project! And that you’ve picked up a few tips that resonate with you!
Till next time, xo.
Note that am not affiliated with any of the brands, authors, or organizations mentioned in this post.