What's the hardest thing to sew? Projects seasoned sewists need to try
No matter how long you've been sewing, there's always room to improve. If you want to perfect some tricky techniques and test your skills, challenge yourself with these fantastic sewing patterns, perfect for advanced sewists.
Five projects for experienced sewists
1. A wedding dress
Sewing your own wedding dress is a special way to celebrate tying the knot, and can also be more budget-friendly. Find a pattern for the dress of your dreams, then enjoy creating a beautiful gown that perfectly captures your style and fits like a glove.
You can buy the pattern for the elegant Butterick Misses' wedding dress on Amazon.
2. A swimsuit
Swimsuits are notoriously difficult to sew because they use stretchy fabrics like spandex and Lycra. However, sewing the perfect costume that makes you feel confident is well worth the effort and will make lying on the sand or splashing in the water all the more enjoyable.
Buy the Women's Swimsuit One Piece PDF Sewing Pattern from Makeityoursthelabel on Etsy.
3. A quilted jacket
Quilted jackets are seriously in style right now! Win major respect by wearing an on-trend piece you can say you made yourself with this free quilted jacket pattern by Debbie Wainhouse.
To make this jacket, you'll have to sew through multiple layers of fabric and master a range of techniques, including quilting. Learn how to sew with thick fabrics and expand your sewing repertoire by giving it a go today.
Discover more quilted jacket patterns
Head over to the Gathered Shop to find more stunning quilted jacket and coat patterns available to buy. This stunning Technicolour Dreamcoat pattern is great for adding some colour to your wardrobe!
4. A backpack
Treat little ones to a backpack they'll be proud to show off on the school playground with our free backpack tutorial. The pattern uses oilcloth, which is a trickier fabric to sew, but it'll ensure the backpack is waterproof and durable.
For this project, you'll also create straps, a pocket and insert a zip, making it the perfect challenge for confident sewists.
- Try our free tote bag pattern
- Get beach-ready with our DIY beach bag pattern
- Keep your cosmetics organised with our makeup bag pattern
5. A soft toy
Our final project is another one that children will love! Sew a youngster a soft toy they can cherish and snuggle forever, with Jo Carter's adorable free cat sewing pattern. The project can be fiddly, but watching the child's face light up when they receive their plushie is super rewarding.
What's the hardest thing to sew?
Step out of your comfort zone and expand your skills with these five challenging sewing projects. They might require a little more patience, but the sense of satisfaction you'll feel once they're complete will make it all worth it.
Try these easy dress patterns
Sew yourself a brand-new wardrobe in no time with these easy and free dress patterns here on Gathered.
