The Best Children’s Sewing Patterns (& Some Free!)
When I first started sewing children’s clothes it was really difficult to find children’s patterns that I actually wanted to make. Since then, there’s been a huge growth in the number of children’s sewing patterns available online, and now there’s so much choice!
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To help you find the gems, in this post I’m sharing a curated collection of over 20 delightful sewing patterns for kids. From everyday wear to special occasion dresses, this list will get you inspired for your next sewing project.
Here are some of my favourite sewing patterns for children, so you can start sewing for your kids and grow your love of sewing, without worrying about finding the perfect pattern!
Why I Recommend Indie Children’s Sewing Patterns (over Commercial Patterns)
All of the sewing patterns I’m recommending today are from independent (or ‘indie’) sewing pattern designers. I prefer to use independent designers for a few reasons:
1. Patterns from indie designers are often more interesting!
2. When you buy from an indie designer, you’re supporting a small business
3. Indie sewing patterns are often designed with complete beginners in mind, which makes them a bit easier when you’re starting out. The instructions for a commercial sewing pattern will often assume a base level of sewing knowledge or experience.
4. Indie sewing pattern designers are often very willing to offer support to new makers, which means you can message them for help when you need it.
5. Indie sewing patterns tend to have more realistic sizing. I find commercial sewing patterns are often based on size charts that are outdated, while newer indie designers use size charts that are truer to life.
Since I’m only recommending patterns from indie pattern designers, you’ll find that most of my suggestions are only available as PDF sewing patterns. Personally, I find PDF patterns much easier to work with than physical patterns – no more tracing off large pattern pieces!
Watch the YouTube Video
If you’d prefer to watch this as a YouTube video, you can find it below:
The Best Children’s Sewing Patterns
Flora Child Co
Flora Child Co is hands-down my favourite children’s sewing pattern designer. Their patterns are unique and beautiful, with easy-to-follow instructions that give you lovely results every time!
Most recently, I used one of their patterns to make a beautiful little patchwork dress.
Bluebell Dress
One of my all-time favourite dress patterns for children, the Bluebell Dress is a beautiful, simple design that’s perfect for beginners. I love this pattern so much I’ve made 5 of them! There are countless options for customisations, including ruffles, button plackets and extra tiers. I’ve sewn this from an old shirt and from vintage linens, and it works just as well for upcycled fabrics as it does for new.
Sage Pants
The Sage Pants are the perfect little relaxed fit trousers for little ones. These are so quick to sew and even quicker if you batch cut a few pairs at once (ask me how I know). I love to make these in soft linens in summer and cord in winter, but it’s such a versatile pattern that the possibilities are endless.
Poppy Pinafore
The Poppy Pinafore is a wonderful little pinafore skirt, with details that make it extra special. It works beautifully over blouses or long-sleeve tees. There is quite a bit of top-stitching, so probably not one for complete beginners, but it makes a great quick project once you’ve got some sewing experience.
AYO Mini
With a selection of patterns that are perfect for girls and boys alike, AYO Mini is one of my go-to pattern designers.
Quilted Jacket
This little quilted jacket pattern is so versatile. I made it for my son from deadstock fabric with wool batting and it’s got him through lots of chilly UK mornings! This pattern is a great introduction to quilting if you’d like to try it, but you can also make it from pre-quilted fabric too.
Wrap Top
The AYO Mini wrap top is the perfect little top for layering in winter and wearing on its own in the warmer months. It would make the perfect little outfit set with a pair of Sage Pants.
Ruffle Dress
The sweet little Ruffle Dress has a gorgeous vintage feel thanks to its beautiful voluminous sleeves. I have plans to make this one from a vintage bedsheet!
Oh Me Oh My Sewing
Oh Me Oh My has a huge range of sweet kids patterns in classic styles. With plenty of simple beginner options, it’s a good place to start for those new to a sewing machine.
Breezy Romper
This fun little romper is beginner-friendly and has a lovely comfortable fit that’s perfect for play time. It makes a super quick sew and is versatile enough to work across seasons.
Leggings
Oh Me Oh My is one of my go-to places for stretch sewing patterns, and this legging pattern is the perfect example. Stretch sewing is super quick so you could probably sew these while your little one naps!
Wrap Romper
The little wrap romper is perfect for little and big children alike. The wrap style is super cute and the straightforward instructions make this a quick sew.
Rooney Clothing
With beautifully designed patterns for women and children alike, Rooney is the perfect place to go for simple, easy-to-make garments. Each one has a video tutorial guiding you through the process, making this a great way to get started with sewing.
Rhodes Overalls
Structured but still soft, the Rhodes Overalls are the perfect little basic overall pattern. They’re great for pairing with little tees or jumpers and will make a lovely beginner project even if you’ve never sewn before.
Betty Dress
Another one for the twirly dress lovers, the Betty Dress has sweet details and a women’s pattern to match.
Bear Pattern
This bear makes the perfect scrap-busting project, and is so much fun! They are great as an affordable but lovely gift.
Slipper Pattern
If you’re looking for another little scrap-busting project, this slipper pattern might be it. I made these at Christmas for my older two and they turned out so cute. They’re a tiny bit fiddly (as slippers always are!) but very beginner-friendly and surprisingly quick to make.
Rose & Rail
With a curated collection of a few beautiful patterns, Rose & Rail is the place to go for something a little bit different.
Harem Romper
This romper by Rose & Rail is so simple but also extra special. I’m obsessed with the shape of this romper, with its curved waist seam and barrel leg. It’s would look fabulous in all sorts of fabric, from breezy linen to structured denim.
Arbor Hat
This darling little sunhat has a sweet cottagey feel. Great for summer garden days and sweet in floral linens.
Waves & Wild
Waves & Wild make simple and lovely clothing patterns for kids. They even have a few free patterns, to help keep costs down!
Wild & Free Dungarees
My go-to dungaree pattern, which I’ve made a few times from fabric and from an old shirt. With adjustable straps and different pocket options, it’s the kind of pattern you can come back to again and again.
Bandana Bib
The Bandana Bib is a free sewing pattern and would make the perfect thing to gift to a new parent. While I’ve never sewn this myself, I think it would be very accessible for beginners and quick to sew.
Fibre Mood children’s sewing patterns
Fibre Mood are well-known for their adult patterns, but not many people know they also have a collection of childrens sewing patterns.
Indigo Jumpsuit
The Indigo Jumpsuit is such an exciting pattern. It’s rare that you find properly fun sewing patterns for boys, and this definitely fits the bill. It’s a great unisex option, perfect for tree climbing and playtime. I love the idea of making it in hard-wearing twill or denim.
That’s the full list (for now!) If you’ve got a favourite kids sewing pattern or brand that I didn’t mention, I’d love to hear it – pop it in the comments!
