Do you love sewing for kids?
Today I'm sharing some of my favourite sewing patterns for kids clothing, for both boys and girls.
Fortunately, many of these patterns come in adult sizes too!
I've tried to pull together a list of well known and lesser known patterns, so hopefully, you'll discover something new here.
All patterns listed are by independent pattern designers, by mums who have turned their passion for handmade fashion into designing sewing patterns for modern clothes.
Enjoy!
Tops/ T-shirts:
1. Waterfall Raglan
This wonderful pattern by Chalk and Notch will not only help you sew beautiful tops for girls, you can use it for a dress too. And it comes in an adult version as well. Doesn't it look super comfy?
Suggested fabrics: Cotton Jersey and Bamboo Jersey.
2. The Jarvis Top by Made It Patterns
A fantasic top designed for boys with unique details. The patterns from Madeit always come with a good dose of humour and are fun to sew.
Fabric suggestion: cotton jersey.
3. Julia Sweater by Compagnie M
This is one of those super fast projects. Just combine a front and back panel, and add matching ribbing to finish it all off. (And it comes in a Mum size too.) With this tutorial, you can even turn it into a dress.
Suggested fabrics: French Terry or cotton jersey with matching ribbing.
4. Billie T-shirt
Everybody needs a good basic T-shirt pattern. I particularly love the Billie T-shirt pattern by Zonen09 as it comes with many options (raglan and regular sleeves) but unfortunately, it's only available in Dutch, and does not include seam allowance. However, if you are an experienced seamstress you can sew this without the instructions.
It was designed for boys but nothing stops you from using it for girls too. This is a pattern to use over and over again.
Another alternative is the Safari Raglan by Titchy Threads. (great for dresses too!)
Or for regular sleeves, there is the School Bus T-shirt by Oliver + S.
Raglan designs are ideal for combining printed fabrics with a solid colour.
Here's a tip to make the T-shirts last longer for your fast growing kids: Put a regular foldover hem on the end of the sleeves and the bodice. Once it becomes too short, just add a strip of ribbing to the bottom, and cuffs at the end of the sleeves, and you've just added at least another year to the life of that t-shirt.
Suggested fabrics: cotton jersey with matching ribbing.
Dresses:
5. Ume Shirt Dress by Straightgrain
A beautiful design suitable for all seasons, and with lots of option to create a large range of different dresses.
For a winter version, a great fabric is a soft gabardine. For a summer version, why not try a Tencel Denim or a Viscose Fabric?
6. Issie Top & Dress by Sewpony
This pattern comes with so many options, you can use if for jumpers and dresses, with and without ruffles, and different collars too.
It also comes in an adult size. Here is an example of one I sewed for myself.
Recommended fabrics: French Terry
7. Isa Sweater & Dress by Bel Etoile
This is a fantastic pattern for fans of colour blocking. Use it for tops, jumpers and dresses.
Have a look on Instagram here to see a lot more examples of what you can create with this pattern.
You may spend more time deciding on your colour combination than the actual sewing process!
I'm so glad this sewing pattern is also available in teen & adult sizes.
8. Spin Dress by Madeitpatterns
It twirls! What more can I say? It's the type of comfy knit dress young girls love to wear.
Fabric suggestion: Cotton Jersey and Bamboo Jersey.
9. Lena Dress by Wisj (FREE pattern)
This simple yet stylish little dress is a great pattern for a beginner, or if you are new to sewing with knits.
The original tutorial is written in Dutch, but you can see a translated version when you choose English in your browser.
Suggested fabrics: French Terry or denim look cotton jersey.
10. Groove Dress by Madeit Patterns
Here's a really cool dress for cool girls. And did you know this one comes in a teen and adult size too? Now you can be comfy and cool together.
Suggested fabrics: Cotton Jersey and French Terry. Or use a Bamboo Jersey for an extra flowy version.
Pants:
11. Hudson Pants by True Bias
Another family favourite! Such a quick and easy sewing project. This pattern also comes in a Mum & Dad size. YAY! It is truly my most used pattern. You can even use it to sew pyjamas (I just skip the pockets in that case).
Suggested fabrics: French Terry with matching ribbing.
12. Clara Culottes & Shorts by Wisj
This is a pattern that will serve you come winter and summer. Use it to make culottes or shorts. Plus this one pattern includes all the size from kids up to adult. Definitely a great value pattern.
Suggested fabrics: French Terry and Ponte.
Cardigans:
13. Ole by Zonen09
Another Zonen09 pattern, great for a stunning cardigan for boys. And it's reversible!! How cool is that? I love the retro vibe of this design.
Available in English sizes 2-9 yrs, with 10-16yrs sizes currently only available in Dutch.
14. Josephine Cardigan by Iris May
I discovered this pattern after See You At Six used it for several garments made for their collection photoshoots. Here is an example:
When using matching ribbing, it looks fabulous.
Suggested fabrics: French Terry with matching ribbing.
15. Susanne Cardigan by Compagnie M
Sewing cardigans can hardly be easier with this pattern. With the many options you can even make this one reversible. Also available in an adult size.
Suggested fabrics: French Terry lined with Cotton Jersey, or 2 French Terry fabric combined.
I hope you found some inspiration in this list!
Happy Sewing!
xx
Maaike
