Building a me-made wardrobe is all about sewing practical, wearable pieces that you’ll reach for time and time again. These essential garments – also called wardrobe foundation pieces – form the building blocks of everyday style. At Fabrics Galore London we believe that these staples offer the best return on your time and sewing budget: they will be worn on repeat and as your sewing skills improve you can try out the numerous pattern variations with different fabrics.
Here’s our guide to the must-have sewing patterns for essential wardrobe basics, complete with links to beginner-friendly and indie options popular among dressmakers. They are all either tested by our expert team at Fabrics Galore or reviewed by verified purchasers.
1. A Classic White T-shirt
A well-fitting white T shirt is arguably the most versatile item in your wardrobe. Pair it with jeans for casual wear or with trousers and a blazer for the office. Here are a few of our favourite classic T shirt patterns.
Top T-shirt Sewing Patterns:
- Paper Theory Patterns – Block Tee
- True Bias – Rio Ringer T-shirt & Dress
- Closet Core Patterns – Free Core T-Shirt
Try sewing them with:
Bamboo Elastane Jersey – Bright White from Fabrics Galore UK
2. A Crisp White Shirt
A close second to the classic white T shirt is a crisp white shirt which is unbeatable for timeless style. Unlike shop-bought shirts which fade to grey after repeat washes, your handmade version can be refreshed every couple of years to retain that fresh white look.
Top classic shirt patterns on our radar at Fabrics Galore:
Make them with our Pure White Plain Cotton Poplin at Fabrics Galore
Care Tip: Wash white fabrics separately and use a brightening agent to keep that crisp white finish!
3. An Everyday Sweatshirt
In the ever-unpredictable UK climate, a sweatshirt is your year-round layering essential. In recent years, fashionistas have elevated the humble sweatshirt to smart office wear – we agree that this comfy classic can be surprisingly chic.
Beginner-Friendly Sweatshirt Patterns:
- Tilly and the Buttons – Billie Sweatshirt
(A Team FG favourite with balloon or straight sleeve options) - Grainline Studio – Linden Sweatshirt
(a beginner friendly pattern with a choice of sleeve and body lengths.)
You can’t buy a harder wearing sweatshirt fabric than a classic Breton stripe
4. The Perfect Pair of Jeans
Jeans are a labour of love, but the reward? A pair that fits like a glove. Once you nail the fit, you’ll be sewing them on repeat.
Top Pick by The Foldline in their review of the Top 10 Indie Jeans Patterns:
- Anna Allen – Helene Selvedge Jeans
(Available with slim, straight or wide legs and zip or button fly.)
Try it in our Washed 11.7 oz Cotton Denim in Indigo
5. Smart Black Trousers
Every handmade wardrobe needs smart black trousers.They are the ultimate wardrobe item to transition from work to evening – simply pair with a jazzy top and jewellery to dress them up.
While our customers will not be surprised to see the Tilly and The Buttons Thea trouser pattern in this list, two others deserve a mention here:
Recommended Trouser Patterns:
- Tilly and the Buttons – Thea Trousers
- Helen’s Closet – Falconer Pants
- Paradise Patterns – Protea Pants
Sew them in:
Brushed Panama Black Fabric – Fabrics Galore UK
6. A Little Black Dress
The LBD is iconic for a reason. It works for parties, formal dinners, or cocktails with friends. Bonus points if you’ve sewn it yourself!
Little Black Dress Patterns We Love:
- Closet Core – Cielo Dress & Top
(Described as a wardrobe-building favourite it’s great for dramatic sleeve fans) - Sew House Seven Wildwood Wrap Dress
(An elegant and comfortable option in a longer length.)
- Pair with this black linen for timeless elegance.
A dress doesn’t have to be just for evening wear and we thought the excellent Nina Lee Camden pinafore dress pattern deserved to be included for everyday wear and winter layering. As a bonus, the skirt can be made separately which we have used for our Frida Skirt sample.
Nina Lee – Camden Pinafore and Skirt
(Perfect for layering, and a versatile skirt too)
7. An Essential Skirt
From floaty midi skirts to comfy everyday styles, a good skirt pattern is a must in any me-made wardrobe.
Skirt Patterns to Sew Again and Again:
Choose any of our fabulous viscose fabrics to make the Evie Bias Skirt or one of our linen fabrics for the Estuary Skirt
Sew your Wardrobe Staples with Fabrics Galore London
We hope this guide to wardrobe foundation sewing patterns inspires your next dressmaking project. Whether you're a beginner sewist or a seasoned stitcher, these pieces are the perfect blend of practicality and style.
For even more inspiration, check out our blog on sustainable summer capsule wardrobe patterns and browse our wide range of quality UK fabrics.
Happy sewing! Love, the Fabrics Galore Team
Authored by: Annabelle Rigg, Online and Store Manager at Fabrics Galore London
Reviewed by: Paul Johnston, Owner and Founder of Fabrics Galore London since 1992
Feature Image by Billy Jo Catbagan on Unsplash
