Easy Patterns to Autumn-ify Your Wardrobe
Are you trying to hit reset on your sewing after a summer of enjoying outdoor pursuits and trips away from home? While I write this, I too am trying to dust off my sewing machine and get back into the sewing flow. The weather hasn’t quite shifted into autumn mode (maybe it’s stuck and needs refreshing too!) so it can be hard to feel motivated into sewing things for what’s to come.
I’ve been trying to inspire my first autumn sewing project so have been looking for something to settle me in that is not too difficult, but isn’t basic either. Something I am excited to sew and wear that won’t take forever to make. A nice approachable project to ease back into my sewing practice. So I have scoured the shop for easy patterns to autumn-ify your handmade wardrobe and have a little list of excellent options to share with you… next up, drink my first pumpkin-spiced latte of the year. Enjoy team!
I am going to kick off with a piece I think we will all be sewing this autumn/winter – a 1/2 zip sweater. Yes, it is trickier to sew than a basic sweater, but it is still very approachable and is a key look for this season. The French Navy Roscoe Sweater has a cool, boxy shape and features a 1/2 zip on the front yoke that can be worn open or zipped up as a funnel neck. The other thing I really like about this pattern is the fact the panelled front has loads of colour-blocking and/or scrap-busting potential. Perfect for those odds and ends I always have knocking about.
Sizing: UK 6/8 – 34
Autumn is all about layering and I find dungarees and overall styles a really useful item to have in rotation. The Ready to Sew Pincha Overalls have artistic vibes and a really interesting shape. They have a unique cut and style that has been designed to wrap around your hips and waist. It features a bow tie at the front, balloon legs, five patch pockets, and front and back darts for extra shaping. Wear with your favourite t-shirt or a polo neck on cooler days. You could also try the Pablo Overalls which have a similar vibe but with a wide-leg silhouette.
Sizing: UK 6/8 – 14/16 and UK 18 – 32/34
Next up is something I have been meaning to sew for ages but haven’t quite got around to it – the New Craft House Everyday Waistcoat. It’s a lovely layering piece that will transform any outfit and requires very little fabric. It’s a great opportunity to use up smaller remnants of fabric or something really special, like a jacquard. It looks amazing paired with a puff sleeve or as an accessory to a dress! If you’ve been considering garment quilting, this is a great project to start with.
Sizing: UK 6 – 34
Slip dresses have been a hero item for years as they can be worn across the seasons, and styled in different ways. This is my autumn version which is kind of slip dress meets pinafore. The Fibre Mood Kaya Dress is fully lined and has an easy-to-wear A-line silhouette, V-neck at the front and back, and optional pockets in the side seams.
The best thing about this pattern is the fabric options… there are loads. You can decide on the look you want, and match your fabric to it. It can be woven or knitted, so there’s a wide range of choices: interlock (e.g. punta di roma), jacquard knit, neoprene, quilted, wool, corduroy, denim – it’s quite the list. I really love the full-length version. It would look great with chunky boots and a sweater on top when the weather cools.
Sizing: UK 6 – 28/30
There is one skirt silhouette that I am seeing everywhere on the high street this autumn and that’s the slip. This clean and minimalist shape lends itself beautifully to patterns and prints as well as luxe fabrics like satin. You can dress it up with a cami top or glitzy number for parties and dress it down with a sweatshirt and trainers for daily wear. And it’s pretty straightforward to sew. The Patterns Room Helen Skirt is bang on the money. This A-line, bias-cut midi skirt has a beautiful drape and fits smoothly over the hips.
Sizing: UK 6 – 24
I am so happy that this dupe of the viral Uniqlo bag exists. When something is so good everyone wants one, I want to sew it! The Fibre Mood Nousha Bag is the one we will all enjoy sewing and carrying on a daily basis. This bum bag is worn in the cool, crossbody position which allows quick and easy access to your essentials. It’s also a pretty approachable sew. I think it would be fun to sew one in something waterproof as there is nothing worse than a damp bag. It’s also so small you may be able to use remnants to make it or something a bit more pricey as 45cm for the main outer and 45cm for the lining is not much at all!
From what I have seen, sewists cannot resist a blouse. I am one of those sewists. Tops are one of my favourite things to sew. If you’ve got your eye on an autumn floral print fabric, I have the pattern for you. The Atelier Jupe Zoey Blouse is a timeless shape that is very easy to dress up or down and is even smart enough for work. The loose-fitting blouse is easy to sew and features a V-neck and bust darts for shaping. The voluminous three-quarter sleeves, which are gathered at the cuff, give this blouse an elegant look. It’s a perfect autumn make!
Sizing: UK 8/10 – 22/24
There’s no escaping the fact that cargo has made a comeback. The thing about cargo pants is that they are actually a super practical piece for autumn, especially for anyone who enjoys outdoor pursuits. The Puff and Pencil Versa Pants are pretty cool. These easy-to-sew trousers feature an adjustable elastic cord in the waist on the sporty view of the pattern and plenty of pockets. You can also sew an everyday version with a more classic look by leaving off the elastic cord and side leg pockets. The pattern instructions include s QR code for video which is great for visual learners.
Sizing: UK 6 – 22/24
I don’t know why I’ve never made this pattern because the more I look at it, the more I love it. The idea of sewing a jacket can be a little daunting so I wanted to suggest one that is a pretty easy project for confident beginners and beyond. Helen’s instructions are top-notch, so you are in safe hands. The Helen’s Closet Pona Jacket has an extra-wide facing that allows this unlined jacket to drape open in the front – no closures necessary! It has an oversized blazer feel that is easy to throw on and wear indoors in place of a cardigan and the cropped version looks great with high-waisted garments.
Sizing: UK 6 – 34
I am going to leave you with one of my favourite things to sew and wear – the humble tee. I am definitely going to have to add this pattern to my stash as it includes all the basics you could ever need. The Sew Liberated Bedrock Tee pattern comes with two fits – semi-fitted and boxy with drop shoulders. The former can be made as a vest, t-shirt and long-sleeved top and the boxier fit can be made sleeveless, with short or long sleeves. That’s a lot of bang for your buck! The instructions are full of tips for sewing with knits, so if you’re ready to begin making your own t-shirts, the Bedrock Tee is a great place to start.
Sizing: UK 6/8 – 32/34
