I get asked a lot for recommendations for free patterns, and whilst I do wholeheartedly believe that sometimes you can’t beat a paid-for pattern for quality of fit/instructions/options, I totally appreciate the draw of FREE – especially when you’re first starting out sewing or are just after a pattern for a one-off project.

So I thought I’d pop together a round up of some of the best looking FREE patterns I could find. Although adding a disclaimer that I certainly haven’t tried them all so cannot vouch for the quality! As such, I’d always recommend making a muslin out of cheaper fabric before sacrificing any more expensive or custom fabric on a new pattern.

Super popular and a great first selfish-sew – Patterns for Pirates Peg Legs! The lovely ladies at P4P have recently added loads of options that work with the Peg Leg pattern too so it’s a great time to give it a go. Find it on the Patterns for Pirates Website.

A handy beach or pool side holiday cover up or a gorgeous robe for home, this Kimono Robe Pattern from Jess at Gracious Threads looks great. Find it on the Fleece Fun website.

One of the newest free ladies patterns in my own pattern stash is this fabulous Thankful Top from George and Ginger Pattern Co. It has a great range of sizes and comes with some great instructions and photos to follow. You can download it from the G&G Free pattern dropbox via their website.

If you like matchy-matchy with your little ones then this pattern will be right up your street! The City Gym Shorts Pattern includes both Kids sizes from age 2 – 11 and Ladies! Perfect for summer (definitely not just for the Gym!). Find the tutorial and the links for downloading the patterns on the Purlsoho website here.

One of my most used patterns when I first started sewing clothes for my son was the great Hooded Raglan pattern by Brindille and Twig. Other than finding it’s a slightly small fit, it’s a great pattern and goes together nicely. You can find it on the Brindille and Twig website.

Another great wardrobe staple are the Bonny Legs pattern from Made for Mermaids. They could with a few different options for you to try out and is a great unisex pattern. I’d just consider sizing up if your little one has a big bum or wears cloth nappies! You can find all the details for the pattern here.

All the things you could possibly want from a t-shirt pattern – that’s the Elliedactyl 5K pattern! Includes sizes from NB to age 12 and is a great wardrobe staple. You can find the pattern on the Elliedactyl website and you need to join the Elliedactyl Facebook group for the coupon code (find it in the pinned post).

The Simply Knot Hat pattern from Stitch Upon A Time is a great little pattern for your baby or makes a fabulous new baby gift. You can find it on the SUAT website here.

I certainly don’t want to forget the men in our lives – or the talented male sewists out there! This Pyjama Shorts pattern will be a great project for summer sewing. Available from the Craftsy website with more details on the So Sew Easy site too.

Perfect for Father’s Day! This Wallet pattern doesn’t even need a printer for a pattern, it’s all squares and rectangles which you can measure out at home. You can find it on The Sewing Directory website.

One of the great range of free bag patterns available from designers Swoon – the Alice Shopper Tote would be a great project for someone wanting to learn some new skills and expand their sewing. You can find it on the Swoon website.

A treat for your sewing machine! This great tutorial from Wagdoll talks you through making a fab sewing machine cover using your own machines dimensions so you can be sure it will fit! Find it on the Wagdoll website here.

Phew, that’s all for now! I hope you enjoy trying out some new projects and finding some great new pattern designers. Don’t forget that you can find all the sewing tools and haberdashery you need for your sewing projects over in our Shop.

I’d love to hear how you get on and see your finished projects – either tag us on Instagram @Littletshabdash or share them in our Sewing Room Group on Facebook.  If you have any favourite FREE patterns that I haven’t included – please do let me know, and I can always add them on next time!