What a great idea for a video! There are so many shares of free patterns - which are greatly appreciated - but real-life experience adds a lot of extra value. Thank you!
Thanks Theresa. Love hearing your assessment of these free patterns. Hope your wrist is all better. I’m still working on strengthening mine after a bad break of both bones. I’m finally back at the sewing machine. This is the year I learn shirring. Be well-Claudia
@@cjane51 We have to be patient with our bodies! I hope that yours is healing well. Good luck with shirring. It's fun and satisfying, once you can work out how to do it with your machine.
Zero waste is meant to be zero waste fabric. Yes this pattern could have just given instructions to guide you through the cutting plan of the rectangular construction without having to printout the pattern. Unfortunately many people are not comfortable taking a ruler and chalk to fabric instead of having pattern pieces, hence the pattern allows more people to feel confident in trying this pattern. Perhaps in future look for No Waste Sewing Patterns that have a cutting diagram to follow instead of a printed pattern.
@@MikeJohnson-ct2bw good point. I knew that zero waste was referring to the fabric only, but I think as it's being touted as a sustainable pattern, it still felt ironic.
My first time watching and I’m impressed-with your sewing skills and your delivery of content catagory and clear explanation. No droaning on and on-I like that!
This was such a fun idea for a video!! The free pattern that I totally love is the Plantain Tee by Deer and Doe. It has such a nice shape, and a variety of sleeve lengths (including a 3/4 length which I think is a little more rare, and it hits my forearm perfectly)
Honestly your shirred jumpsuit tutorial is a summer staple for me! And i made a second one in a different colorway of the same lawn. I always get lots of compliments when wearing them and the lawn is 👌 for our hot, humid summer days
Oh my gosh, I am so delighted to hear that!! I do need to make more with a better fitting trouser. And now I'm finding out that I need one in cotton lawn. I am on it!
Glad to see this review! Your honesty and practicality is very much appreciated. Most of us go to the free pattern when we start sewing. Just want to say that all the makes look great on you.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this vlog. I know I'll be referring back to it in the future. I have the Peppermint wrap top already print shop printed, so really need to get on with that :)
I haven't yet read through all the comments so maybe this has already been covered. The only one of these I have actually made is the Mandy Boat Tee. I completely agree with you about the lack of finishing at the boat neck and the boxiness. It is difficult to wear this under other garments because the sleeves start so far down the arm. On the subject of sleeves, I found them to be very tight - I widened them by 2" and moved down the little curve at the top of the side seam accordingly. Once I had done that the arms fit well and I have had a lot of wear out of the two Mandies I have made. I also looked at the Monroe Turtleneck pattern, also from Tessuti, and decided it was bascally the same pattern with a turtle (or as we would say, a "polo") neck. I made one with a merino jersey using the Mandy Boat Tee pattern. All I did was borrow a crew neckline from another tee shirt pattern and drafted a folded over polo neck to attach instead of a neck band - be careful to make the polo neck big enough to stretch over your head! I wear it with pinafore dresses and slipovers with large armholes and it is super useful. Thanks for such a comprehensive overview of so many free patterns. If I get a good free pattern from a designer I always look to see if they have another pattern I could buy as a sort of thank you. If the free pattern is rubbish it puts me off the designer altogether. Designers need to be careful what they put out there for free! Other suggestions to try are: Love Notions Laundry Day Tee; Fabric Store Salome dress (see reviews about the waistband length); 5004 Pyjama pants (fab!) and Sherry dress; Peppermint Patterns In the Folds Button Up dress; So Sew Easy has quite a few free knit dress and woven skirt patterns with tutorials (I've made several); Itch to Stitch Largo tank, Cartagena tank (great for leftover knit jersey) and Uvita tee; French Navy Stellan Tee; Pattern Scissors Cloth Galaxy T shirt; DIBY ABB tee and ABB leggings; Tessuti Athena top; Megan Nielsen Harper Shorts and Skort (not size inclusive) and Veronica circle skirt; Ready to Wear Justine skirt (just print the waistband for the pleat markings to save paper); Sinclair patterns Harper Knit cardigan (excellent!); Mood Society Woodsia cargo shorts (men's pattern); Purl Soho Cross back apron (highly recommend for gifts). I didn't realise I had so many in my collection! I've not made them all but where I have I added a comment.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! Others have said the same about the sleeves on the Mandy. I found them tight but comfortable. I'm glad that you were able to make it work for you. Thanks for all of the pattern suggestions. I am familiar with most but will check them all out. It sounds like you have made a lot of them. There are never enough hours in the day, are there?
I smile 😊 everytime I see you've posted a new video. I'm definitely going to download the peppermint skirt; I loved it the first time I saw you talk about it. Thanks for all you do to inspire sewing enthusiast like myself 🤗
Thank you for the video! I am using the peppermint dress pattern right now for the bodice (upcycling a thrifted dress into a top) and it was really nice to hear your thoughts about that pattern! I am also considering making a dress with it in the future.
Thanks, Erin! It was a lot to put together, but it was so much fun. Pushing my video editing skills, that's for sure. And oh boy, ranking all of the patterns I've paid for would probably make a 2 day long video!!! Hahaha! Now you're giving me ideas, though. I could break it down into garment type... Hmmm...
Great video, you introduced me to lots of patterns and designers I haven’t heard of. I will suggest the Peg Legs from Patterns for Pirates and the Paige Piko from Made for Mermaids. Both are free patterns and both sites have more free patterns available too.
Oh, awesome! It's so nice to get recommendations for patterns that have worked well for other people. I'm grateful to have some more to check out. Thank you!
Wonderful video as always! My absolute favourite free pattern is the Vera Top by Forget Me Not Patters. Ive made it so many times, and it just works. All of their patterns fit so well, and it's a lovely sew!
I have the wearable blanket pattern and used it to make an extra long one for my husband for Christmas last year - he's 6ft3 so shop bought ones end up a little risque on him lol. I have a lot of the others downloaded so this video has been really useful helping me decide where to focus my efforts 😊
I found you through this video! I truly love the idea of this video, your real-life experiences made it golden, and I appreciate your clear way of explaining things.
Thank so much for this video. Its the 1st time ive seen you. So informative. Im going to have to check out the jumsuit, it looks fabulous! Ive only ever used free patterns for toys. After recently paying £12 for a childs dress pattern, and discovering 2 mistakes on the pattern,😞 I'm all for trying free downloads 😊
If you find a good one, why not use a freebie? As with anything, you have to be careful. I tend to go with pattern companies who have a lot of patterns out, ideally with a lot of reviews or photos of people sharing their versions on Instagram.
I'd disagree on the Purl Soho shorts and think they are great. Wear alot on holiday. But glad to hear about the Bardon dress as I have that pattern 😊👍🏼
I don't dislike my City Gym shorts, I just don't think it's a great option for everyone or all fabrics. I was being super harsh in this video in order to differentiate between them. I hope you love the Bardon Dress! Also great for summer and holidays.
Thank you so much! I know... I was having the hardest time ranking them all. So many are real winners in my wardrobe. I had to find ways to differentiate!
I really like the setup of this vlog, thank you! I hope more people do this. I personally would’ve put the By Hand London Shirred Dress ‘tutorial’ lower, because it was such a frustrating make for me. I feel like it would work better on flat chested people, but it did not work well with my full bust. The shirring is level all around the rectangle fabric, which leads to the waist sitting so much lower on the back when you put it on. The front would be on my natural waist, the back the shirring was almost on my butt! It honestly was so unflattering. I eventually took out 5 rows of (painstakingly done) shirring on the back to balance it out, even though the side seams were then uneven. The sleeves were even worse, there was just no way to make it work so I gave up and just went for tie straps. I now get why all my commercial shirred dresses that I love are made up of cut and sewn panels 😅
I completely understand where you're coming from. I've even had shirred dresses that had bust darts, to allow for more space in the bust whilst not being as long in the side seams. That's one good fix. Personally, I just live with the imbalance, as so many shop bought dresses have this for me. It's got to be personal preference, though.
Great review and great timing as sew frugal is coming up. The only one I've made is the Mandy Boat Tee which I agree is a great quick make. Like others however, I found that the sleeves were really light so I graded up to the largest size sleeve, as well as taking some out of the side seams. My most made freebie is the Drop Sleeve Top by The Avid Seamstress, I've also hacked it into a sleeveless dress.
Yes! I was thinking of Sew Frugal when I decided to make this video. It's funny how popular the Mandy Boat Tee is, considering how many alterations many of us have to make to get it to work. Thing is, when it works, it works! The Drop Sleeve Tee looks like a great basic. It's so nice to have a freebie tried and tested (TNT) pattern!
Loveeeeed this video and the honesty of these patterns! All of them look good on you despite some of the issues you encountered. The Billie blanket looks so amazing and I need it in my life 😍 My fave free pattern is the Orchard dress from Helen's Closet. I also am obsessed with the Jesse tee from True Bias, it's super oversized and perfect for lounging around. Thanks for sharing all your makes 🥰
For real, we all need the Billie Blanket. They should be standard issue. Haha! I love the look of the Orchard Dress on other people but worry that it would look like a sack on me. I really need things to come in at the waist, or they just hang... maybe with a drapey enough fabric? It might end up happening one day!
@@LostMyThread I totally hear that and had that same concern, but I just leaned into it. It is great for those hot summer days when you want something flowy on the body. I want to add that I really appreciate this video bc often times, free patterns are recommended but not reviewed, so it's great getting feedback about what worked, etc.
That was a fun and honest video. I agree that some free patterns are much better than others and some are not worth the download. Two of my favorite free patterns are the George +Ginger 40K Sway Tee and the Sinclair Harper’s Cardigan. The 40K tee is excellent and even with my curvy body I haven’t had to alter at all. I know the Harper’s cardigan is a sewing favorite. I think what both of these patterns do is give you an idea of the quality and fit of the brand. I have purchased other patterns from each of these brands because of the quality of the free pattern.
I completely agree. It's great when pattern companies put out a freebie, as a low risk way to check them out. I've had the same experience of sewing a free pattern once and then buying some of their other patterns. If the free pattern is good, it's a fantastic marketing strategy. I feel like I have similar patterns to the Harper, which is why I haven't tried that one. It does look like a great, versatile one, though. And as you said, it's a community favorite!
What a good list and thank you for taking the time to do it. I haven't made any of those patterns. In fact the only free pattern I have ever made has been the vera top by forget me not patterns, which is a really good pattern. I'm not sure if it's free anymore but that a good one.
So glad to hear that it was helpful! I haven't made the Vera Top. I love the sleeves on it, but I'm reluctant to try jersey tops that don't have multiple bust cup options. I know I'll have to alter them a lot, so it puts me off. I may well try it some time, though. It gets great reviews!
Totally agree with ya 😁 great FREE Patterns (which free ones are great 😂) also love the tier system & yes yes yes please 🙏 do another one 😁 I absolutely loved ❤ this video thank u so much xx
Thank you for this great video! I just started sewing and it is so useful to me. You look wonderful in your shirred jumpsuit. I'm definitely going to make that!
Oh, that's so exciting! You have a whole world of sewing ahead of you. Enjoy the ride! And please let me know if you make the jumpsuit. It's a fun project, and it would be awesome to see how it works for other people!
I love this video especially there are a lot of channels recommending free patterns without feedback or trying to see if these patterns actually drafted in a good way or not. Thanks for the feedback and the rating is highly appreciated. Please make a review on mood patterns as there are a lot of free patterns but mixed feedback and the quality of photos on the website are not the best my opinion
Mood patterns have been on my list for ages! They are all designed by different people though, so I wonder if there is consistency in the patterns. If I do make any, I will of course, report back!
Glad to hear that you also enjoyed making the wrap top. It's such a favorite of mine. I think if you've been considering the billie blank in bardon dress, you should definitely give them a try. Both really great patterns!
This is a great video. I’ve learned to be cautious when it comes to free patterns and hearing someone’s honest thoughts is very refreshing! The Peppermint Pocket Skirt was a fail for me but this makes me want to try again. I had to shorten it quite a bit (I’m 5’1”) and I think getting the pocket placement & flop factor right is key. This was on my no-sew list but now I’m rethinking that. I’m going to try your tips and give it one more try. A few favorite free patterns: the Laundry Day Tee & Dress from Love Notions (I’ve made it multiple times - there are so many variations & I find it very flattering), the Allspice Apron from HeyJune Handmade (new favorite! I made it out of an old IKEA curtain and it’s my absolute favorite apron), the Ruby Skirt from Sew Over It (there’s a free class too), and I second the basic tank from Halfmoon Atelier. Thanks again for the great video!
I do think that the pocket placement for that skirt will make or break it. I did also narrow the pocket by 1" (I just overlapped it by 1/2" over the side panel on each side) because I worried about it flopping out to much. I think our individual bodies will influence what shapes we can get away with. You can always hold it up to your hip to test, though. I love that you make the pocket first. I hope you can make it work! I've been curious to try out a few of the ones that you've mentioned. There's never enough sewing time!
Thanks for this. The tiers of grading made me chuckle too! I have made lots of free patterns and some have been truly dreadful! Others like the Peppermint wide leg pants my wardrobe would be bereft without!
Love this video! I agree about the Peppermint Bardon dress. It's also my favorite woven summer dress. One pattern that's my winter staple is the So Sew Easy Turtleneck Top Pattern. I've made it quite a few times. I can't really speak to size inclusivity; I just know that it fits me.
Glad to hear that others are agreeing with my love of the Peppermint Bardon dress for the summer. Our bodies deserve comfort! It's always great when we can find a tried and tested (TNT) pattern. Especially when it's free!
Definitely going to check out some of these patterns. My favorite free pattern is the Harper cardigan by Sinclair patterns. They have multiple lengths and even petite, regular and tall files. I have sewn several!
I keep going back and forth on this pattern because I have similar ones already. But it's such a favorite in the community. I'll probably end up going for it at some point.
Oh, I'm definitely not the first doing tier ranking videos. It's such a youtube standard. It was fun to do a sewing twist, though. I think it works well!
That was fun. I downloaded the Basic Instinct Tee after you spoke about it. I like how it seems to sit on the sides for everyone, giving them shape but being relatively loose and comfortable at the same time. I hope it works like that for me too. At the moment, I don't agree with you about the Peppermin Pocket Skirt. I really want to, but the thing is massive. I know that if I didn't make my actual size according to my measurements, I would have sized down. I'm not sure which though. But I need to take it in about 6" to 8" to look right on me and not fall to the ground unless I stick my stomach out as far as I can to try to hold it up. And I doubt that would even help. The trouble is, with those gorgeous big pockets, I'm not sure how to take it in. I don't want to harm them in any way, so it is sadly sitting in my mending pile until I figure out how to take it in. I know I could recut it, since it is so big, but I was hoping to preserve the waistband and pockets, since I did a really lovely job of them. I probably can just take it in along the front and back line of the pockets and reattach them though, so sometime when I'm not so busy making all the new things, I'll try it. Then maybe I'll agree with you.
I hope the basic instinct tee where it's out for you. There are so many t-shirt patterns out there, and it's hard to find the one that has just the right shape. I'm disappointed to hear that the peppermint pocket skirt wasn't a winner for you. I think your plans of where to take it in sound like that should work. I hope you can find a way to reshape it for your body. It's a great skirt with a lot of potential!
This was a lot of fun to watch :) I made the Peppermint skirt at the end of summer, and loved it. More coming in favarious brics that for fall winter and spring. I made the Mandy tee but took it in to a fitted tee pretty soon after. Now, I am looking forward to sewing the wrap top 😀
Nicely timed post with Frugal Frocks coming up next month. Algorithm suggested you, I liked and saved this, need 3 more of your next posts before I subscribe. 😊
I like when the algorithm works out! And yes, part of my reason for wanting to make this video is so that I don't feel I need to mention these makes in my frugal frocks video at the beginning of March. I always enjoy that challenge!
Your video just popped up for me and I really enjoyed it. Your ranking system is very helpful and useful. I loved the way you went over the pros and cons of wearing the garments. Since I am new, I don't know if you have explored the free Mood fabric patterns. They have a lot of free patterns in a lot of different styles with inclusive sizes. I haven't tried their pants, but have made a shacket and a blouse. Both came out nice. The only downside is you have to download the instructions from the blog. But, it is pretty easy to do.
Thank you so much! It's always fun when RU-vid gives you a good surprise. I haven't tried mood patterns before, but they have been on my radar for a while. I feel like I need to check them out. I've seen some great designs, so maybe this year!
Fabulous video. Loved the categories! I made the Mandy Boat Tee and found it’s really tight on the arms. It’s in the basket of shame at the moment. I made the Billie Blanket based on your videos saying how much you loved it and I agree - it’s amazing!
Oh no - I hope you can find a way to salvage it. Do you have any more of the fabric? Could you remake the sleeves bigger? And I'm delighted to share the Billie Blanket love. It makes me happy to know that others out there are as cozy as I am!!
@@LostMyThread It was squeezed out of a remnant so I’ve got no more of the fabric. I might just chop the sleeves so it’ll be more of a t shirt. It can stay in the naughty corner for now!
This video was thrilling and I’m not even exaggerating. I love a good ranking system and downloaded quite a few of your recommendations during the video. (Definitely not the zero waste dress 🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️)
I used The Laundry Day T dress to teach my daughter in law to sew. It turned out really cute and she wore it many times a week. It is adorable. I also made the Fabric Store (the linen place) sleeveless tank. I forget the name. I made about 4 of them including making it into a silk dress for a friend. It’s cute, but doesn’t have breast darts which it needs. Luckily it is easy to just fold the armhole to add one. I am looking for a better pattern.
The Laundry Day Tee is a big favorite in the community. I haven't had great success with Love Notions knit tees, so I'll probably give that one a pass, but I'm glad it worked out for your daughter in law. And how lucky for her that she's got you to teach her!
Thank you so much for this video! There are a few I'm going to try. I'd recommend the Cargo Pant (elastic waist) from So Sew Easy. There's a regular and curvy version and good tutorial on making a cargo (bellows) pocket. Not sure what I made from here but Mood Fabrics has a lot of free patterns.
Oh wow, the Cargo Pants look like a fantastic option for a free pattern. I love that it shows how to make a bellows pocket. Those are really fun. The size range is pretty disappointing, though. And I've been meaning to try out Mood Patterns. I'm curious to see how they compare!
That t shirt by basic instinct was great it fits you well.. I loved the blue white version... the pocket skirt from peppermint skirt was NOT my favourite..it looks amateurish and I was shocked you liked it do much. Not sure I even liked your version and was surprised that you felt it was flattering on you ..its basically a piece of fabric that is pulled in on the waist by elastic with some pockets sew to the front....but .. each to their own ..thanks for sharing ❤
Love this video!!! Thanks for sharing! This is very helpful when ppl plan for frugal frocks too! I made the Simplicity oversized hoodie that’s basically a wearable blanket and I loooovvveee it so I definitely get it!
The pockets are pretty adjustable. Just hold the pieces up to your body (folding down the waistband) and matching notches on the side panel/pocket. You'll be able to see if you want to move them up or down before you cut your fabric out. It's a great pattern. I hope you love yours if you try it out!
One of my tnt free patterns is patterns for pirates “walk the plank pjs. They are beginner friendly, although I don’t use their instructions for the waistband elastic because it is non adjustable.And they only go up to a 3x ( 58” hip) although when they came out that was considered size inclusive….
Thanks for a great review! Nice to see reviews of free patterns. I've got that tank pattern. It's a good one for sure! New subbie here. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your channel!
So awesome, thank you! It's always nice to hear that other people have had a good experience with the patterns that I've enjoyed. And thanks for hopping on! 🙂
I’m a big fan of free patterns, I’ve made the valley jumpsuit which I find is very difficult to get in and out of but I love the way the waist band comes together. I did love the striped fabric I chose, with the one piece back and front made cute directional patterns. I’ve used just the pants for pj’s and it’s really an easy pattern to sew up. I also changed the neckline based on your review, vee neck but added a facing. I’ve seen the wide leg pants from peppermint mag and with TDCO fitting came out pretty well.
Totally agree with getting in and and out of the Valley Jumpsuit. I've had easier jumpsuits to put on/off. And yes, the stripe is fantastic for that pattern. Really fun. I am so glad to have made it.
@@LostMyThread I saw a dress pattern that looked like a good dupe of the valley jumpsuit top but with a skirt bottom and thought that would be a fun thing to try.
I made the pearl city shorts and really liked them. I will try the other one you suggested, I have some extra fabric I can use to try it out. I’d like to see you try the Little pomegranate skirt, I have in my queue to sew. And I’d like to see you try the wide peppermint maxi dress. Also in my que to sew. Seems like both of these may be your style. Let us know what you think of the recommendations you get here in your comments and if you’ll try them. I loved your ranking system! How clever!
I've been meaning to make that little pomegranate skirt since it came out. I think it probably would get a lot of wear in my wardrobe, it just never seems to be at the top of my list. I don't think I'd go for the peppermint maxi dress because it's very loose and there is not much shaping. For my body shape, I really need something that goes in a bit at the waist or it looks like I'm wearing a sack. We all have to find what works for us!
I have my eye on that Billie blanket for next year. I saw it and downloaded a little while ago, but it's a bit more than I wanted to take on at this point (newbie). I'd love to make one for my husband, because he's always chilly in the winter time, but he hates the feeling of fleece, sherpa, most 'fuzzy' fabrics, really, so that poses a little bit of a challenge. I also have the free DiBY tee that's I've tucked away for when I decide to give knits a whirl. I saw some good things about it, and it goes up to my size, so fingers crossed. As long as it's good enough for me to knock around the house in, I'll be pleased. I'm not expecting wonders from my early attempts at making clothes. 😄
@@debsmadethis The patten says to use knits with no vertical stretch and 30% side to side stretch. Then, right after that, it says you can use fleece with no stretch. I'm new to this stuff, so that doesn't make a lot of sense to me. As big as they are, and if you can use a non-stretch fleece, it seems like a prequilted cotton could be okay, but I haven't seen one made up like that anywhere yet.
Great video! My favorite free patterns are Little Pomegranate Sabine skirt, the Galaxy Tee by Paper Scissors and the Wide Pant pattern at Peppermint patterns, it’s kind of a Jean/trouser. I understand Peppermint patterns may not be free any longer? Not sure about that. I have the Olive skirt printed off and it’s on my short list to sew, I love how it looks. Your video is very inspiring. Thank you!❤
I've had the Sabine Skirt on my list for ages. I will make it up one day. I know it would get a lot of wear in my wardrobe. And Peppermint have removed the free option for newer patterns, but you can still choose to get the old ones for free. Personally, I'd always pay a little for any pattern from a pattern company that I trust and want to support (like peppermint), but technically you can still get the ones I've mentioned for free.
Lots of sewists seem to rave about the Peppermint Wrap Top but that pattern didn’t work for me at all. My favourite free patterns are the Closet Core T-shirt, the Paper Scissors Cloth Galaxy Tee and the Mood Sewciety Liv Pants. There are some really great free patterns out there.
Peppermint wrap works really well for my bust and armscye Really doesn't work for my waist. I am planning to try and fix the waist because the overlap is that good. I really want to try the live pants
Oh, that's disappointing! Of course, all of our bodies are unique, and not every pattern is going to work for every body. I've just checked out the Liv Pants, and wow - they look amazing. I'm really impressed with the fit when I looked at the #livpants on instagram. They look fantastic on everyone. I'm definitely going to make a note of that one and try it out sometime!
Such a great gift. My husband loves the one I made him, and they're easy to fit!! 😉 Main question is the length, depending on the height of the recipient.
