Free Patterns from Indie Pattern Companies: Tops and Bottoms

sewing image via Shutterstock

Welcome to Free Patterns Month here at Crafting a Green World!

Free Patterns Month is a holiday that I invented to encourage myself to actually sew some of the beautiful sewing patterns that I’ve been collecting for the past eleven months.

I’m trying very hard to convince myself that my hobby is SEWING clothes, NOT hoarding sewing patterns!

I especially love finding free patterns offered by indie pattern companies. I love buying from independent pattern labels, but I love it a lot more when there’s a pattern or two that I can test-drive first. It helps me see if the company and I are on the same page about fit and look, and if I vibe with their instructions and enjoy the experience.

Here are some of my favorite free patterns from those indie companies! We’re starting big with tops and bottoms, ranging from easy basics to add to your wardrobe to fancier styles to dress you up nicely. Later this month, I’ll add in undies, accessories, kids’ clothes, and some niche patterns.

Try something new from this list, and if you like it, give that pattern company some love and support by buying something else to try!

Free Patterns for Tops

Albion Blouse by Vanessa Hansen for Peppermint Magazine
Albion Blouse by Vanessa Hansen for Peppermint Magazine

Albion Blouse by Vanessa Hansen for Peppermint MagazineMy favorite parts of this blouse are the really fun closure and the buttoned sleeves!

Plaintain T-Shirt by Deer and DoeThis simple T-shirt pattern flares a bit at the hips, something that is PERFECT for me! If you like this pattern and want to try more by the same company, also check out the Hysope Blouse or Passiflore Shirt/Dress patterns.

Polly Top by By Hand LondonThe color blocking allows for endless fun combinations! If you like it, also check out the Poppy Top and Dress combo pattern.

Uvita Top by Itch to Stitch
Uvita Top by Itch to Stitch

Uvita Top by Itch to StitchI love how comfy and unfussy this top looks, thanks to some thoughtful construction details. For a more fitted option, check out the Zakopane Top by the same company.

Stardust Tank Top by Halla PatternsThere are so many piecing options to make this otherwise simple tank top pattern super fun. I think it would look really fun layered under the Hey Babe top by the same company.

Sorbetto by Seamwork
Sorbetto by Seamwork

Sorbetto by SeamworkThis tank has a center box pleat to make things interesting! If you like it, also check out the Riley, which has similar fun detailing.

Durango Tank by Hey June HandmadeI really like the higher neckline on this sleeveless shirt. For a lower neckline, check out the Union St. Tank by the same company.

Sunday V-Neck by Friday Pattern CompanyHere’s another awesome wardrobe staple for free! If you like this pattern, also check out the Donny Shirt or the Patina Blouse.

Luna Tank by Helen’s ClosetThis flowy tank top looks like the comfiest possible summer top! If you like this pattern and want to try more by the same company, also check out the Gilbert Top or Cameron Button-Up patterns.

Krissa Top by Amy Nicole Studio
Krissa Top by Amy Nicole Studio

Krissa Crop by Amy Nicole StudioThis crop top has the fun feature of a button closure in the back. It’s super light and airy! If you like the look, also check out the Audi Playsuit pattern.

The Drop Sleeve Top by The Avid SeamstressThis top has a similar look to the Krissa Crop, but with partial sleeves and a full length. If you like it, the Everyday Shirt has a similar fit and The Blouse also has fun, partial-length sleeves.

Vera knit top by Forget-Me-Not PatternsI love wearing knits, mainly because of the comfort and drape, but it’s definitely a struggle to find an interesting pattern that’s also not too fussy. This knit top pattern bridges my two requirements nicely, with a V-neck and a gathered sleeve. If you like this pattern and want to try more, check out the Iris or the Viola top.

Hello Sailor Top by The Fold Line
Hello Sailor Top by The Fold Line

Hello Sailor Top by The Fold LineThis camisole top with a ribbon tie at the back is ADORABLE.

Hemlock Tee by Grainline StudioI especially love all the photos showing different fabric and styling options. If you like this T-shirt, also check out the Scout Tee pattern!

Sport Shorts by Friday Pattern CompanyMy teenagers live in simple shorts all summer, and this is another wardrobe staple for their closets! If you like this pattern and want to try more by the same company, check out the Heather Chandler Suit Bundle.

Greco Tee by Ensemble
Greco Tee by Ensemble

Greco Tee by EnsembleI love that this T-shirt pattern has so many options for different sleeves and hems. If you like it, also check out the Pierce Vest, Tee, and Dress pattern.

Slim Dolman by Halla PatternsThis layered-look T-shirt is one of my absolute favorites. If you like it, I also highly recommend the Mira Raglan pattern.

Stellan Tee by French Navy PatternsI especially love the longer sleeves on this T-shirt pattern! For a similar look but with more piecing options, also try the Tarifa Tee by the same company.

Rosalie Skirt by Johanna Morris for Peppermint Magazine
Rosalie Skirt by Johanna Morris for Peppermint Magazine

Rosalie skirt by Johanna Morris for Peppermint MagazineI love that this skirt has a fitted look but a secretly elasticized back. And it has pockets!

Free Patterns for Bottoms

Mountain Pose Pants by Hey June Handmade. Yoga pants can be surprisingly fussy to sew, so it’s nice to have a free, classic pattern. For a more athletic option, check out the Sloan Leggings, also by Hey June Handmade.

Elemental Skirt by Sew House Seven
Elemental Skirt by Sew House Seven

Elemental Skirt by Sew House SevenThis is the comfiest pencil skirt you’ll ever sew! If you like it, also check out their Alberta Street Pencil Skirt for a different fabric and slightly different fit.

Peg Legs by Patterns for PiratesPeg Legs is the first leggings pattern that I ever sewed, and it’s still my absolute favorite. If you like the fit, I think you’ll also like their Uptown Joggers pattern.

Petal Skirt by Itch to Stitch
Petal Skirt by Itch to Stitch

Petal Skirt by Itch to StitchA petal skirt is a super cute option to add to your pattern collection. I also really like the Vientiane Skirt by the same company.

Just Write Skirt by Patterns for PiratesNeed a quilted “pencil” skirt? Here it is! I think it would look especially cute paired with the 24/7 Tank by the same company.

If you’ve got a favorite indie pattern company, or a favorite indie pattern, please tell us about it in the Comments!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top