Are you learning how to sew with a sewing machine or know someone who is? This is the first of a three part series which is meant to offer a bit of advice to someone who is starting out sewing as to what Oliver + S patterns would be a good place to begin. This list of suggestions could be for an adult, a teen, a tween, or even a child. These are some ideas of clothing items to sew for someone else or for a young female to sew for herself.
In this series the focus will be on the one scissor level projects which are considered beginner. What is beginner you may ask?
Beginner is defined as the following: Suitable for someone who has either taken a first sewing class or has learned to sew from a book or video. Assumes familiarity with a sewing machine; understanding of how to sew a seam, thread the machine, etc.; and successful completion of a few small projects.
Let’s begin this series with girl patterns, shall we? These are not necessarily in a strict order. Keep in mind that it depends on who is sewing and who they’re sewing for.
1) Lazy Days Skirt
A sweet elastic-waist skirt, this is a simple first skirt project that a teen, tween or girl could sew for herself. Look at the one S recently sewed for herself!
It can be made in a wide range of sizes (I sewed one in girls size 16). This project is a tutorial and no pattern is required. It has about four seams, elastic casing at the waistband and an inventive ribbon hem. Would you like to sew along with Liesl? It is available as a Creativebug workshop. Also, ribbon doesn’t have to be used at the hem, don’t forget about this bias hem idea.
2) Popover Sundress
A girl’s A-line dress with a contrast yoke and bias ties at the shoulders. It is available in sizes 2-8, plus there is a version for an 18-inch doll, as well. After sewing this pattern you will have developed the skill of bias binding. What a great first dress sewing project this one is! I love sewing up the Popover Sundress. There is no elastic, no buttons, no zipper! It can be made so that it is completely reversible and the best thing about this pattern is that it is a free download. If you would like to sew along with Liesl, it is available as a Creativebug workshop.
3) Seashore Bloomers
These are quick and easy to make girl bloomers. It comes in sizes 6M-4. If you have a very young girl to sew for, this would be an ideal clothing item to start out with. As a Singles pattern, it’s digital-only and priced significantly lower.
4) Music Box Jumper
A simple empire-waist jumper (and was the first Oliver + S dress that I sewed). It is available in sizes 6M-12. Skills developed: buttonholes, plackets, and pleats.
5) Hula Hoop Skirt
A reversible elastic waistband twirly skirt. It comes in sizes 6M-12. As a Singles pattern, it’s digital-only and priced significantly lower. Skill developed: reversible garment.
6) Seashore Sundress
An easy sundress available in sizes 6M-12. Skills developed: buttonholes and front hip pockets.
7) Sailboat Skirt
An A-line skirt with button front closure and elastic back. It comes in sizes 6M-8. Skills developed: buttonholes, kick pleat, and set-in pockets.
8) Tea Party Sundress
A sundress that is available in sizes 0-5. Skills developed: buttonholes, curved seams, flat piping, and hem facing.
What was the first Oliver + S pattern that you sewed?
Next up in the series: boy patterns.