The Pattern-free Wardrobe
Sew your own clothes without using sewing patterns
The Pattern-Free Wardrobe is my book all about making simple, wearable clothes using your own body measurements.
Instead of using printed sewing patterns, each project is drafted from simple shapes and easy calculations, so you can create relaxed, comfortable garments that feel like you.
This page is a little hub for the book. Here you’ll find more about what’s inside, a helpful fabric cutting guide, useful blog posts and links to buy your copy.
Download the fabric cutting guide
One of the most common questions with pattern-free sewing is:
How much fabric do I need?
Because the projects are drafted from your own measurements, fabric amounts will vary from person to person.
The amount you need depends on your size, the length you choose, the width of your fabric and any changes you make to the project.
To help with this, I’ve created a simple downloadable guide to working out fabric requirements for pattern-free projects.
The guide explains how to:
Understand fabric width and fabric length
Plan a simple cutting layout
Check what fits side by side across the fabric
Add up the fabric lengths you need
Allow extra for small pieces, hems and safety
Plan fabric for more than one garment
About the book
The Pattern-Free Wardrobe includes 10 self-drafted dressmaking projects that you can make without printed sewing patterns.
Each project is designed to be simple to cut, easy to wear and adaptable to your own style. You’ll use your body measurements to work out what to cut, then follow the step-by-step instructions to sew each garment together.
Inside the book, you’ll find relaxed everyday pieces including tops, skirts, dresses, trousers and a jacket.
It’s a book for anyone who wants to enjoy dressmaking in a slightly freer, less fussy way.
No pattern printing.
No trying to squeeze yourself into a fixed size.
Just measuring, cutting, sewing and making clothes you’ll love to wear.
What does pattern-free mean?
Pattern-free sewing means making a garment without using a traditional printed sewing pattern.
Instead of cutting around pattern pieces, you use your own measurements to draft simple shapes directly onto fabric or paper.
The projects in the book are based on rectangles, simple curves and easy measurements, with instructions to guide you through each stage.
Make it your own
The projects in The Pattern-Free Wardrobe are designed to be a starting point.
You can change the length, try different fabrics, add pockets, use contrast binding, make matching accessories or use up leftover fabric from one project in another.
The aim is not to make everything perfectly the first time.
It’s to enjoy the process, build confidence and start seeing fabric as something you can shape into clothes that suit you.
Share your makes
I would absolutely love to see what you make from the book.
Share your makes on Instagram and tag:
@whatkimberleymakes
You can also use the hashtag:
#PatternFreeWardrobe
I can’t wait to see your handmade wardrobe come to life!
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