March 24, 2021

Plus Size Sewing Patterns for Beginners from Cashmerette


When you learn how to sew garments, it’s lovely to finish a project that you’ll actually wear.  In fact, when you strut your stuff in a garment you made for your body, whether it’s to the office, the grocery store, or your living room, you’ll feel like sewing royalty- it’s a feeling you won’t be able to get enough of!

That said, choosing your first garment sewing project can be intimidating – in fact, choosing your second or third garment sewing project can be intimidating – especially if you’ve got a few unwearable garments cluttering your closet.

But we are here to help! In this post, we’ll set you up for success with the best plus size sewing patterns for beginners from Cashmerette, so you can build your sewing skills and your wardrobe. 

All of our patterns have excellent instructions, and we support our customers with an active Facebook group, sewalongs and tutorials, online courses, and email support!

Want to design and sketch your sewing plans on a body figure that looks like you? Get your free MyBodyModel preview »

There are two main ingredients for a successful beginner sewing project: choosing a manageable sewing pattern and getting the right fit.

Let’s get started!

Choose a Beginner-Friendly Sewing Pattern You’ll Actually Finish and Wear

We’ve all gotten bogged down in a project that was above our skill level and lost the motivation to go on.  Don’t go for the boned-corset evening gown or the lined suit jacket right away (don’t worry- you’ll get there).  Choose a pattern that uses fabrics and techniques that you’re comfortable with already, or that you feel you could learn in the course of the project.  

And pick something that you like!  Don’t wear dresses?  Don’t make one!  Love shirts and leggings?  Go for it!  Cashmerette has quite a few plus size patterns for beginners to fit any wardrobe, and they’re all pretty stylish, if we do say so ourselves.

You can use this post to pick your first Cashmerette project. We’ve included a brief description of each sewing pattern and a list of techniques you’ll learn while making it. Make sure to click the “Shop the Pattern” links to see all the views available– we give you a lot of bang for your buck with neckline, hem, and sleeve options!

Most of the sewing patterns listed here have a detailed, step-by-step photo sewalong that you can peruse before purchasing the pattern.  This way you can feel confident that the pattern includes techniques you already know or feel like you’ve got a guide to reference when you come up against a new skill.

And, since we’re all in it for the high of wearing a garment we’ve sewn ourselves, choose something that fits your taste!  

Choose the Right Size Sewing Pattern for Your Body

Have you ever made a perfectly beautiful (insert garment name here) that would fit someone- just not you?  Don’t worry- us too!  Sometimes it’s due to lack of experience, and sometimes it’s due to lack of options.

If your body doesn’t fit the typical silhouette of most sewing pattern companies, it can be difficult to find any patterns, not to mention beginner-friendly patterns for plus size bodies – and hat’s where we come in.

Cashmerette Patterns are designed with curves in mind.  We prioritize sizes 12-32 and each of our patterns come with three cup size options; C/D, E/F, and G/H- no FBA required! So, you get a head-start on fit before you even cut out your fabric!

Don’t know what size to make?  Try our handy size calculator!  Just plug in your measurements and it gives you a great place to start.

If you have questions about your size result, join Cashmerette Facebook group, or get in touch and we’ll help you choose the size that’s right for you.

When you make something for your body and wear it all day long- you’re going to feel like the ruler of the universe- trust us, we know!

Let’s get set for your next project! Oh, and don’t forget to browse our “Learn to Sew” Pattern Bundles, which include a 20% discount–no coupon code needed!

Cashmerette Plus Size Sewing Patterns for Beginners: Tops

Cedar Dolman Top

An ideal sewing pattern perfect for a beginner, the Cedar can be made from a lightweight woven fabric or a knit!

No worries about setting sleeves on this top. It’s a quick sew that’s built on our full-bust-loving foundation- so no FBA required!

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Sewing a tie-front
  • Finishing seams on woven fabrics.
  • Hemming knit or woven fabrics

Montrose Top

If you’re not quite ready for knits, the Montrose is for you! This sewing pattern for a woven top lets you go as casual or fancy as you like- let your favorite fabrics be your guide.

Our sewalong includes detailed instructions on working with sheer fabrics and guipure lace, when you’re ready to step things up a notch!

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Darts in a woven fabric
  • Gathering
  • Bias binding and facings
  • Setting woven sleeves

Tobin Sweater

Get cozy! The Tobin Sweater offers you a chance to sew up a comfy sweater while learning to sew darts and hems on knit fabric. There are three necklines to choose from and you get the chance to mix your favorite colors and prints- so you’ll flex your design muscles while building your sewing skills with this beginner-friendly sewing pattern!

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Color Blocking
  • Darts in a knit
  • Setting sleeves in a knit

Saybrook Tank

A basic tank with no FBA required and no bra straps peeking out to say “Hello”!

The Saybrook is wonderful breezy piece for warm days or for use as a base layer when you’re trying to stay cozy.

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Knit binding
  • Seaming knits/rib knits
  • Hemming knits

Concord T-Shirt

The T-Shirt you’ve been waiting for!

The Cashmerette fit system means your bust has room to be itself while your neckline won’t fall off your shoulders- and no unnecessary tightness around the hip or abdomen area.

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Setting sleeves in a knit
  • Applying a knit neck-band
  • Sewing sleeve tabs
  • Easing seams together on a knit

Springfield Top

This woven shell sewing pattern is ideal for layering under a cardigan or pairing with dark jeans and your favorite heels.

Show off a gorgeous woven fabric from your stash while you master some basic skills.

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Sewing with lightweight woven fabrics
  • Applying a hem band
  • Sewing split side seams

Dartmouth Top

A step up from a basic t-shirt, this wrap top is a sharp partner with your favorite jeans! Jazz up your wardrobe and build your knit skills!

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Ruching
  • Seaming and hemming knits
  • Setting sleeves in a knit

Cashmerette Plus Size Sewing Patterns for Beginners: Dresses

Appleton Dress

The wrap dress made for curves is here! No gaping necklines!

While we list this pattern as “Intermediate Beginner”, you’re ready for it if you’re comfortable sewing with knits.

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Hemming Knits
  • Applying knit neckbands
  • Setting sleeves in a knit

 

Turner Dress

This is the perfect dress to get you into the swing of sewing your own wardrobe.

Simple seams plus a fit meant for curves means this is a low-stress, high impact sewing project that can get you on your way to the perfect “secret pajamas” at the office or a tasteful frock for an evening out.

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Sewing a V-Neck
  • Setting sleeves in a knit
  • Hemming a knit
  • Stabilizing knit seams with elastic

Pembroke Dress & Tunic

Pick between tunic or midi length; short, three-quarter length or long sleeves; turtle neck, jewel or scoop neck; waist-tie or not!

Whatever version, you’ll have a modern, stylish garment garment and a few more sewing skills in your repertoire!

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Sewing a turtle neck
  • Setting sleeves in a knit
  • Sewing cuffed sleeves

Cashmerette Plus Size Sewing Patterns for Beginners: Pants

Belmont Leggings

(without gusset)

The Belmont Leggings & Yoga Pants are super high-waisted and fit curves to perfection, so no more pulling up flimsy, ill-fitting waistbands!

After you master a basic pair, challenge yourself with the gusset-view for ultimate flexibility.

Skills & Techniques You’ll Master

  • Sewing with Activewear fabrics
  • Color blocking
  • Sewing knit bottoms (crotch seams and inseams)

Cashmerette “Learn to Sew” Plus Size Pattern Bundles for Beginners

Get 20% off when you buy our pattern bundles!

Learn to Sew Bundle

This bundle includes 3 printed patterns at 20% off the cover price:

  • Montrose Top
  • Springfield Top
  • Turner Dress

Learn to Sew Knits Bundle

This bundle includes 3 printed patterns at 20% off the cover price:

  • Concord T Shirt
  • Appleton Dress
  • Dartmouth Top

Got a question about sewing pattern sizing? Visit our sizing page and use the calculator!

Resources for New and Beginner Sewists

At Cashmerette, we’re here to help you learn to sew with blog posts, sewalongs, and fitting tips galore!

Check out these useful resources if you’re stuck on a sewing project!

Are you a beginner sewist? What’s your biggest challenge? Or, if you’re more experienced, tell us about your favorite starter-project!

8 thoughts on “Plus Size Sewing Patterns for Beginners from Cashmerette

  1. Stephanie M tavares-buhler says:

    Yes! I’d make one in every cute fabric I can find.

  2. Julie Armitage says:

    Just found your site from a page on Pintrest. I’ve signed up and registered and so far I am so impressed.
    I will dive in properly this evening with a coffee and a snack 🙂

  3. Evelyn says:

    Hello I was wondering if you have a pattern for a skort pattern?

    1. Ayelet says:

      Not at the moment, sorry!

      -Ayelet at Cashmerette

  4. Lisa says:

    Do you have a pattern for lounge or pajama pants? I’ve used your patterns before and they are great for my curvy daughters.

    1. Ayelet says:

      Hi Lisa, we have a pattern for knit pajama pants in Jenny’s book, “Sewing the Curve”: cashmerette.com/stc

      But at the moment, we don’t have a pattern for woven pajama pants. Sorry about that!

      -Ayelet at Cashmerette

  5. Kay Melius says:

    What about bodies I call “big bird” bodies with big square torsos, big waIsts (straight up & down I no assist indentation), skinny arms & legs and no butt?

    1. Any pattern can be adjusted for your specific body shape – check out my book “Ahead of the Curve” which covers this in detail!

Let me know what you think!