Free Patterns Round Up

I have to admit - I've given up on commercial patterns. The fragile tissue paper, the sometimes bizarre instructions, and the lack of diagrams. It is just an exercise in frustration for me. These days when I need a pattern, I go directly to my favourite sewing blogs or Etsy. Most of the online / PDF patterns come with a detailed photographic tutorial, and being a visual learner, that style of pattern is a winner for me.

Today I thought I'd share some fantastic FREE patterns I've used. You will remember these projects from older posts, but some of you who are new followers may not have seen them.

Remember these cuties? They are the super popular Crossover Pinafore by Maggie from Smashed Peas and Carrots. You can get the full tutorial and free pattern HERE. It is a really great beginners project and versatile too - it can be a dress, then as your little one gets older it makes a lovely top. Maggie recently posted here about her daughter who was the original cute model for the dress now wearing it as a top. Got to love an item of kid's clothing that lasts more than one season!

 Next, the Buttercup Bag by Rae from Made by Rae. You can get the pattern HERE. A lovely project that can be made from just a fat quarter of fabric. This picture is the first time I attempted it, and the results were great! Rae has a lot of fantastic patterns. Some are free, and others are not, but I think it is extremely generous to offer any of the patterns for free given the work that goes into creating them.

Finally for today's little round up, is the Snappy Toddler Top from Prudent Baby.

I made this as a Christmas outfit for Lucy and I was thrilled with it. You can get the pattern and tutorial HERE. Prudent Baby has lots of other great stuff on their website.

Hope you've got some inspiration for a new project here today! Have you got a favourite free pattern or tutorial? Comment and tell me about it and give us the link!