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, 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.
Here at Cashmerette, 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!
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 through each pattern link 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 or video sewalongs 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!
Sewing the Curve: Learn to Sew for Plus Sizes
Learn how to sew your own plus size clothes with this one-of-a-kind sewing book! Includes 6 patterns in sizes 12-32 to create your new confidence-boosting wardrobe.
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 that’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 full bust adjustment 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 the 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!
Plus Size Beginner Tops Sewing Patterns
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 full bust adjustment required!
Skills you’ll learn:
- Finishing seams on woven fabrics
- Hemming knit or woven fabrics
- Sewing a neck facing
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 you’ll learn:
- Sewing darts
- Gathering
- Bias binding
- Setting in sleeves
Eustis Top
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 you’ll learn:
- Setting in sleeves
- Applying a knit neckband
- Hemming knits
Thorndike Tank
The simple and chic sleeveless tank that doesn’t gape or show your bra! The crisp facings and back button closure create a refined, clean finish, and the two lengths let you perfectly complement any outfit in your wardrobe.
Skills you’ll learn:
- Sewing French darts
- Sewing a keyhole neckline
- Hemming woven fabrics
Plus Size Beginner Dresses Sewing Patterns
Montvale Dress & Tunic
The ideal first dress project! The Montvale is easy to sew and with two sleeve and length options plus roomy pockets and cup sizes C-H, you’re sure to end up with a garment you adore.
Skills you’ll learn:
- Sewing neck and armhole binding
- Sewing inseam pockets
- Hemming woven fabric
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 you’ll learn:
- Sewing a v-neck
- Setting sleeves in 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 you’ll learn:
- Sewing neck binding in a knit
- Setting sleeves in a knit
- Sewing sleeve cuffs
Plus Size Beginner Pants Sewing Patterns
Everett Pants & Shorts
Sew these chic pull-on woven pants and shorts sewing pattern with an ultra-comfortable waistband, deep pockets, and fabric belt. Includes a full bum back piece with a 1″ full bum adjustment already done for you!
Skills you’ll learn:
- Sewing a waistband with elastic
- Sewing inseam and patch pockets
- Hemming woven pants
Ardley Pants
The comfy knit pajama pants that are chic enough to wear anywhere! Includes an ultra-comfortable waistband, drawstring and deep pockets.
Skills you’ll learn:
- Sewing a knit waistband
- Inserting a drawstring
- Hemming knit pants
Ashwood Pants
Elevated ponte pants sewing pattern with princess seams, yoga-style waistband, and optional pockets and front slits—these are a whole lot more than leggings!
Skills you’ll learn:
- Sewing stable knit fabrics
- Sewing princess seams
- Sewing a waistband
Plus Size Beginner Skirts Sewing Patterns
Grafton Dress, Top & Skirt
Create an entire wardrobe with this knit mix-and-match sewing pattern, with over 400 possible dresses, skirts, and tops.
Skills you’ll learn:
- Sewing a knit waistband
- Sewing pockets
- Hemming knits
Randolph Skirt
A chic lined wrap skirt sewing pattern with two lengths, perfect for any season.
Skills you’ll learn:
- Sewing lining
- Hand-sewing a button
- Sewing an asymmetrical garment
Wickham Skort, Shorts & Skirt
Sewing pattern to make knit shorts, a skort, or a skirt! Optional side panel pockets and gusseted inseam.
Skills you’ll learn:
- Sewing an internal elastic
- Sewing built-in shorts
- Hemming knits
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!
Yes! I’d make one in every cute fabric I can find.
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 🙂
Hello I was wondering if you have a pattern for a skort pattern?
Not at the moment, sorry!
-Ayelet at Cashmerette
Do you have a pattern for lounge or pajama pants? I’ve used your patterns before and they are great for my curvy daughters.
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
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?
Any pattern can be adjusted for your specific body shape – check out my book “Ahead of the Curve” which covers this in detail!