Sewzy
The main places to find free sewing patterns are sewing blogs and magazines that give away PDFs, pattern shops that offer a freebie, free tools that draft a pattern from your measurements, apps with a free tier and library books. A free PDF from a blog is the quickest way to start. A drafting tool gives the best fit for your own body. Whichever you choose, check the size range, the seam allowance and the license before you print.
TL;DR
- Quickest start: a free PDF from a sewing blog or magazine. Check the site's terms before you print.
- Best fit for your body: FreeSewing or Seamly2D, which draft a pattern from your own measurements.
- Every size in one place: our free patterns come in every size, with a letter file, an A0 copy-shop file and a written guide.
- Before you print: look for a test square, a body size chart, a stated seam allowance and written instructions.
- If you plan to sell what you sew: read the license. Free to download is not always free to sell from.
Sew the Drawstring Bag from this guide, step by step, in the Sewzy app
Pick your size, print it from your phone, and follow every step with a sewing coach beside you.
The main kinds of source
Free patterns come from five kinds of place. The table shows what each one gives you and what to check.
| Source | What you get | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Sewing blogs and magazines | Free PDF patterns, often with a photo tutorial | Size range (some offer a short one), whether the PDF has layers, and the license |
| Pattern shop freebies | A free pattern offered as a sampler or for an email sign-up | Terms vary, and a freebie may cover only one style or a few sizes |
| Draft-your-own tools | A pattern drawn from your measurements by free software | A learning curve, and the printed scale, so check the test square |
| Apps with a free tier | A few free patterns, with others behind a subscription | Which patterns are free, which sizes are included and what the files look like |
| Library books and archives | Pattern books and older magazines you can trace | Copyright status, and older size charts that do not match today's |
Sites that offer free PDF patterns
At the time of writing, sites such as Mood Sewciety, Peppermint Magazine, SewCanShe, Selfmade and So Sew Easy offer free downloads; check each site's terms before you print. Offers change, so treat this as a starting list.
Some sites give one size or a short range per pattern, some ask for an email address, and some use layers so you can print only your size. Read the pattern page before you download.
Make your own: FreeSewing and Seamly2D
FreeSewing is free and open source, and it makes a pattern from your own measurements. Seamly2D is free drafting software that does a similar job on your computer. Both are worth a look if standard size charts never fit you.
The trade-off is time. You enter measurements, check the result and print it, so expect a longer first project than with a ready-made PDF. Print the test square first, as you would with any pattern.
How to judge a free pattern before you print
A free pattern costs you paper, ink and fabric, so a two-minute check is worth it.
- Test square. Print that page alone and measure it with a ruler. If it is the wrong size, fix your print scale before anything else. Our guide to printing PDF sewing patterns shows the settings.
- Size chart. Look for body measurements (bust, waist, hip), not only the finished size of the garment. If you are unsure which size to pick, see what size sewing pattern you need.
- Seam allowance. The pattern should say whether it is included and how wide it is. If it is not stated, work it out before you cut. Our seam allowance guide explains the usual widths.
- A written guide. Numbered steps and a cutting layout matter more than a pretty photo. A pattern with only a picture is hard to follow.
- A copy-shop file. Large pieces are tiring to tape from many sheets. If there is a single large file, you can have it printed at a shop. See printing at a copy shop.
- Layers and license. Layers let you print just your size. The license says whether you may sell what you make, so read it if you sew to sell.
New to PDF patterns? What a PDF sewing pattern is covers how the files work.
Which one is best for you?
- Best for a first project this afternoon: a free PDF from a blog, or one of the beginner patterns below.
- Best for a body that charts do not fit: a drafting tool such as FreeSewing or Seamly2D.
- Best if you want every size and a written guide in one place: an app with a free tier, as long as you check which patterns are free.
- Best for tracing without printing: library books, if you do not mind older sizing.
Our free patterns, as one option
The Sewzy app for iPhone includes free patterns. Each one comes in every size, as a letter-size PDF for your home printer, an A0 file for a copy shop and a written step-by-step guide. You do not need Premium or a trial for them. You can also download each free PDF from its pattern page on this site by entering your email.
Good beginner picks are the Scrunchie, which uses scraps, the Drawstring Bag, which is cut from one folded piece, the Boxed Tote Bag and the Boxy Tee, a first garment sized XS to 3XL. See them all on the free sewing patterns page.
It is one option among many. Try a free PDF or two from different places and keep the ones whose instructions you can follow.
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