Slow living stories from a Bristol blogger

Me-made clothing, Slow living

My 6 favourite easy & affordable sewing patterns

2 September 2025

I love sewing, and making my own clothes from scratch. Truly nothing beats the feeling of answering, “I made it 😌” when someone asks you where you got a certain item of clothing.

There are times when I’m more experimental with my sewing. I’ve been doing it since I was a child, and although I’m not formally trained in pattern making, I can usually wing it to a decent standard when I’m wanting to make something that I can’t find a sewing pattern for – like my 2023 birthday dress.

However, there are a handful of sewing patterns that I come back to time and time again – I love the simple and versatile shapes, and they’re pretty quick ‘n’ easy too.

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Bathurst Top by Stitch Witch Patterns

CA $16 (approx £8.60)

I bought this sewing pattern back in 2022, and immediately made it in 2 colours - white first, then black. I made the bodice ever-so-slightly shorter, as I am a below-average kind of human - in height only 😉

This sewing pattern has also been the jumping off point for sewing another tie-back top, which I also made reversible for even more versatility.

I wear these tops a lot in the summer - having an open back is ideal on a hot day.

Buy the Bathurst Top Pattern

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Bob Pant by Style Arc

AU $21 (approx £10.15)

This is an easy sewing pattern, but I will say: you need to make sure to account for your hips/butt, especially if your waist is a lot smaller. I have one pair where the waist is too loose, and one that is very tricky to get on over my bum.

The barrel leg of these remind me of the insanely popular Beyond Nine trousers. I've also made a pair where I widened/straightened the leg - they're not perfect, but I love the shape, and they're so comfy, and I've worn them 374 times since making them at the beginning of August.

Buy the Bob Pant pattern

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Delilah Dress by Made My Wardrobe

£12.50

This is a sewing pattern I haven't used since 2022, and I definitely need to make another Delilah dress, as I can't quite squeeze into this one anymore.

The square neck is super flattering, as is the low back - although there's a high neck and cross back option too, and you can of course make it to any length you want.

Writing this has got me really excited to make a new one that is big enough to put a layer under for winter too...

Buy the Delilah Dress pattern

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Everyday Waistcoat by New Craft House

£14

This was one of my favourite makes of 2024 - it's super quick & easy, and the only alteration I needed to do was to make it slightly shorter, as always. I also didn't use wadding, as I wanted it to be lightweight enough for spring days.

For this black version, I laid scraps of various black fabrics over a lightweight cotton, to create this cool, textured look. That made it a longer process, but I love it.

I have a reversible white corduroy/vintage floral version for sale here.

Buy the Everyday Waistcoat pattern

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Willow Dress by Cinnamon Daisy

£14.50

If you follow me on Instagram, you will have seen this dress a few times, and I even wrote a blog post about making the Willow Dress, if you want to know about that in more detail.

This is a great dress if you want to feel fancy, and be comfy - you're able to loosen and tighten the waist to your desire.

I've made 3 midi versions, and one mini version of the Willow Dress, and I'm sure there'll be more!

Buy the Willow Dress pattern

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Daisy Top/Dress by DIY Daisy

FREE

This is a self-drafted sewing pattern for a top by DIY Daisy, but she posted an Instagram tutorial to make it into a dress here.

This was my me-made birthday dress in 2024, and it's another versatile one size-wize, as it's a loose shape that you can cinch in or let out with the ties. Love it.

I have a white & pink version for sale here.

DIY Daisy top tutorial

I have a week off coming up, and I’m planning on doing a bunch of sewing, so I may even update this blog post with more great sewing patterns that I’ve tried and tested.

I’ve got my eye on the Everyday Tote Bag pattern by New Craft House (FREE) because you can never have too many Totes, the Teddy Dress sewing pattern by My Keeper (£14), and attempting to add a frill to the bottom of a new pair of Bob Pants, inspired by these by Frances K.

Also on my to-sew list is a frilly collar (to go with the frilly trousers – I need subtle clown vibes all year ’round, but especially right now with Halloween coming), a black obi belt, and I would love to attempt to make a gathered maxi skirt with a drawstring, a bit like these shorts made by Theresa.

Oh, also, speaking of Halloween, I want to sew a new clown costume, even though I’m not sure how I’ll be celebrating yet.

Let’s see what I can get done in a week!