Level Up Your Sewing: 4 Skill-Boosting Sewing Patterns

Playing it safe with sewing patterns isn’t a bad thing, especially when you're short on time or prefer simple silhouettes, but it can also be rewarding to challenge yourself with a new technique or experiment with a different style.

We’ve rounded up four sewing project ideas you can use to develop your skills!

Challenge highlights:

· French seams

· Placket cuffs

· Shirt collars

Shirt-making is a classic milestone in sewing as you create a wardrobe staple and dive into a traditional garment with a rich history. The shirt pattern V8772 features great details you can work through with the different versions. French Seams, placket cuffs, and shirt collars are all excellent traditional skills to learn. French seams involve sewing pieces wrong sides together first before sewing right sides together. It’s a clever method of construction you can add to many projects of your choice, but it’s super helpful when the instructions remind you at every step! The classic stand collar construction will also have you practicing sharp corners and neat curves, where clipping and notching are essential. Start in a stable fabric like cotton lawn, then try a silk or viscose version to hone your skills further. If you’re not a shirt wearer, why not make a shirt dress? M8508 or B6843 are great options.

Challenge highlights:

· Topstitching

· Button installation

· Fly front zipper installation

· Optional decorative pocket stitching

· Silhouette variations

Jeans are a great project for those looking for a slightly longer make. Mimi G’s S8516 pattern has three styles to pick from and is full of interesting construction techniques! The pattern includes enjoyable topstitching and hardware installation. You can add decorative pocket stitching, then work out any aggression hammering in the button and rivets. Plus, you’ll take pride in discovering how fly front zippers are created to sew your own polished version. There are three silhouettes to choose from – curvy, average, and slim fit – so you can make your dream jeans a reality. Why not follow Mimi’s sew-along videos for extra support at each step? You’ll learn to find the perfect stretch woven fabric, use the correct needles, and pick the perfect size. If you’re lucky enough to have two sewing machines, you can have one threaded up with topstitching thread and another with regular thread for construction. That way, you don’t have to keep switching threads for each topstitching round. If you can borrow a machine from a family member or friend, we’d definitely recommend it. Nervous about creating wobbly topstitching on your first pair? Choose a matching thread color to take the pressure off! Check out our full range of jeans patterns for more inspiration. And refer to our sewing tutorials for skills like topstitching and sewing a front-fly zipper.

Challenge highlights:

· Wool tweed fabric

· Three-piece sleeve construction (for increased fit and shape)

· Mock sleeve vents (non-open vents for decorative purposes only)

A timeless tweed jacket with hand-sewn details is an excellent way to learn about the art of haute couture from Vogue Patterns. Coco Chanel introduced the couture cardigan jacket in the fifties as an easy-to-wear style following Dior’s New Look. We have several cardigan-style patterns, but V1992 features all the classic elements that make these jackets famous. You may need to pattern match your tweed, add a lining, and use custom trims for a designer finish. With this jacket sewing pattern, you’re improving your skills and creating something very special indeed!

Challenge highlights:

· Sew to shape

· Powernet fabric for lingerie-making

· Underwire

· Panty variations

Making underwear is an exciting way to work with fit and opens up a beautiful world of fabrics, closures, straps, and buckles – a shopping delight! We have a beautiful bra pattern from indie pattern designer Madalynne, our lingerie expert, who collaborates on patterns with Simplicity. Learn how to choose your size and create a well-fitting bra using stretch lace, powernet, and underwires. Madalynne is an expert teacher and shares helpful tips throughout her patterns plus offers video tutorials and blog posts for extra support. Since this is a two-piece pattern, you can make the perfect matching set. S9478 is available in sizes XS through 4XL for cup sizes A through F. Thong or full coverage panties with elastic edging and cotton crotch lining in sizes XS through 4XL. Want to ease yourself in? Try making one of Madalynne’s beautiful slips with lace trim first, like S9729.