Advice on simple sewing patterns

LadyMayBelle

Got a sewing machine at the weekend, and have the basics in pattern cutting etc and using the machine. But, I am not at a clued in to what patterns are good to buy, or even can I get them on line?

I want to make simple skirts, a shift dress etc, basic, nothing fancy, but can someone suggest the best patterns? I am thinking Simplicity Sew Easy and Sew Simple...would that be right?

Thought they'd be handy get them off amazon etc but it seems not. Any advice appreciated, I wont be able to get a store (Im in the UK and also they are very expensive from what I have seen compared to online)

Thanks in advance!

looksee

Simplicity, Butterick and Vogue in the 'sew easy' or similar descriptions. I would tend to stick with these as some of the others don't put seam allowances or other details that complicate matters. Burda might be ok but I can't remember - I suggest sticking with the first three till you have a bit of practise.

Whichever you get you will have to cut out for your size so spend a bit of time working out which line is your size and how it works around places where the lines cross over. Cut the pattern pieces to size before you pin to fabric.

Rosy Posy

I find that older patterns are much better than modern ones and you can pick them up for next to nothing in charity shops or on auction websites. If you have a friend who sews then borrowing patterns is a good way to get started too. They're usually all wrinkled but you just have to iron them on a low heat. They usually indicate the skill level needed on the pattern. I found the easiest thing to start with was pj bottoms as sleeves and shoulder seams or anything with facing can be a bit tricky starting out. I found the help/advice of a friend who was a bit more advanced to be invaluable but I'm the type of person who needs to be shown something rather than follow something in a book.

Also be sure to wash and dry your fabric before you start to avoid shrinkage.

Best of luck!

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

you could try a circle skirt, here's a youtube video of someone I'm subbed to who has loads of great videos whitneysews. I also find withwendy's videos helpful as well.
I'm a beginner myself hope you keep at the sewing.

Touch Fuzzy Get Dizzy

Woman's Way (I think) someone told me they've a simple dress pattern in it next week

looksee

You do not need to wash the vast majority of fabric, only undyed or unprocessed fabric would be likely to shrink. Better not to wash it, it is easier to sew with the 'finish' in it.