35+ Free PDF Sewing Patterns Perfect for School
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Need a few new free sewing patterns for kids or just a little inspiration for your back to school sewing? I’ve rounded up over 35 Free Multi-Sized PDF Sewing Patterns that are perfectly school appropriate to share with you today! And the best part? All of these tutorials come with multiple sizes mast have downloadable sewing patterns!
It’s been so hot, I haven’t really started any back-to-school sewing yet. Living in South/Central Texas we mostly wear shorts, t-shirts, and lightweight summer clothes for at least another month. Seeing all the fall fashions and colors around the web lately is definitely getting me in the mood to get some Fall sewing done.
There are tons of free sewing patterns and tutorials all over Pinterest and the web, but it can be hard to find free printable patterns that come in multiple sizes AND are appropriate for school.
I spent some time this week rounding up a few simple free sewing patterns that will work for most school dress codes. These are some of my favorite PDF sewing patterns.
*If you notice any pattern links no longer working, drop me a comment and I will try to hunt it down or find a replacement.
35 Free Multi-sized PDF Sewing Patterns for School
Most of these free patterns are basic sewing patterns that you can sew as is or are easily embellished or can be “hacked” into your own creation.
Many of the patterns in this list are mine, but I also found several other great multi-sized free patterns to share! (If you have sewn any of these, leave a comment and let me know what you think.) *Updated 8/14/20 w/ new patterns!
For better organization, I have divided the categories into Tops, Dresses, Skirts, Pants, and Outerwear. All should come with great tutorials or PDF sewing patterns as well.
School Appropriate Tops and T-shirt Patterns:
Flutter Sleeve T-Shirt sz 3 to 10
This Flutter Sleeve T-Shirt is great for making a lightweight shirt for the younger kids to wear. The flutter sleeve look adds such a fun look to any fabric and creates a great focal point as well. This simple free pattern is a great starter project that will help you ease into other sewing projects, too. 
Long Sleeve T-Shirt Pattern Sz 3 to 10
Don’t forget your cold-weather needs as well! This t-shirt pattern is simple and easy to do and gives the kiddos some much-needed warmth for their arms. Pick out some fun fabrics or let the kids choose what they want. When it comes to free sewing patterns, this is a quick one to whip up easily. 
This free PDF sewing pattern is a variation of my simple T-Shirt Pattern above. The difference is a faced neckline, a slightly fuller fit and rounded hem. And of course, the star of the top is the simple (and small – so it is still school appropriate) cut out with ribbon ties at the back. This pattern is available in sizes 3 – 16.
Just look at the flow of this circle top pattern! In my opinion, it’s one of the most unique free sewing patterns for kids. It just adds a simple flair and has a subtle look to it without being over the top. It pairs perfectly with jeans or leggings for fall weather, too. 
This pattern is a simple pattern hack of my T-shirt pattern. The ruffle at the bottom is a simple addition, but makes the most adorable addition! It’s just the cutest downloadable sewing patterns, ever. 
Long Sleeve Raglan Tunic sz 4 to 8
This long sleeve tunic is a lot of fun to make and it should be at the top of your free sewing patterns for kids list! Pick out a fun and funky fabric (glitter and sequins welcome!) and let your little one show off her fashion sense and style. 
Look at the delicateness of these sleeves. Takes me back to bell-bottoms, except now it’s for arms. This is another one of those free sewing patterns that will bring out fun fashion and creativity. 
Aren’t downloadable sewing patterns the best? Perfect for a wide variety of uses, this simple shirt sewing project will be a hit. I love the colors and fabric that we used in this sewing tutorial! 
This easy poncho top is not actually a printable pattern, but a tutorial on how to make it with the cut dimensions for sizes 3 to 16. Even though it is not printable, I kinda thought it was just too cute to leave off the list.
This is a newer pattern designed to please our older girls. It looks super cute with skinny jeans and I love that the neckline is modest. I consider this pattern to be for an intermediate to an intermediate beginner that is comfortable working with knits because the front tie can be a bit tricky to work with. The top is Dolman style, which means no set in sleeves – definitely a time saver there.
Free Multi-Sized Dress Patterns perfect for School:
A-Line Pullover Dress sz 4 to 10
This simple pullover dress is delicate and easy to make. This sewing tutorial will give you a perfect step by step process of how to get the end result shown below. 
The Perfect T-shirt Dress Pattern
This quick and easy pattern comes is a perfect transitional dress for school. the free dress pattern comes with long and short sleeve options, can be dressed up or down, and is a very easy sew. The pattern is available in sizes 3 to 12.
Peasant Dress Pattern with long and short sleeve option (sz 12 month to 10)
Peasant dresses are so cute! I loved adding in the long sleeves to this sewing pattern because wearing a dress in the fall weather is such a cute fashion statement. 
Twirly T-shirt Dress sz 4 to 8
This t-shirt dress is one of my favorites! I love how the different patterns just come together perfectly to create this fun look! 
Don’t miss out on this fun summer sewing pattern! It’s a super simple way to create a dress for your princess, fast. Just a few steps and you’ll be done before you even realize it. It’s another great transitional pattern. Great for warm months then just throw a sweater over the top for cooler days.
Can we all just admit that this is adorable? I’m a bit obsessed with this bell sleeve t-shirt dress because it’s fun for those fall school days or winter ones if you pair it up with leggings. 
Janey Jump around Dress from Peekaboo pattern shop (sz 6 month to 10 yr)
The name of this sewing pattern is so cute! “Jump around dress” is so suitable for younger kids and from the looks of this pattern, it’s a great beginner sewing project to start on. 
Party Dress from the Cottage Mama sz 6 month to 10 yr
What an adorable party dress?! Why spend hours shopping at a store for the perfect dress for your baby girl when you can just make it yourself? This is perfect for picture day.
Color Block Dress 6 month to 6yr from Shwin and Shwin
I just love the classic look of this dress pattern. It’s great for a dress up event or just as fun to put on and prance around the house. 
Brooklyn Frock by Peekaboo pattern shop
I need this dress pattern in my size! Look at how cute it is and that fabric that they chose for this frock is beyond perfect! 
Bubble Sleeve Dress from 6mo to 9yr from Elegance and Elephants
Don’t miss out on making this flowy and comfortable dress. It’s made to allow movement for those busy days at school. 
Play All Day Dress from It’s Always Autumn sz 4 to 14
This simple dress pattern was made for comfort. Pair it up with some comfy flats or a pair of really cool Converse sneakers and it’s the perfect fashion outing outfit. 
School Appropriate Skirt PDF Sewing Patterns:
Talk about a skirt pattern that goes perfectly with anything. Sweaters, shirts, tank tops, and so much more! We have several of these skirts made up of some really cute patterns and fabric. What I love most about the design of this skirt is the flat front and elasticized back. Perfect for easy on and off!
How to Sew an Elastic Waist Skirt (free pattern 12 mo to 16)
This adorable free skirt pattern is not a printable pattern, but a set of cutting dimensions for sizes 12 months to 16. (The skirt is just made of rectangles so it just seemed like a waste of paper, when you can just use a ruler and chalk to cut your rectangle out.) What is great about this skirt is that it is so quick and easy to make!
Roller Skate Circle Skirt sz 3 to 10
Yep, you guessed it. This active skirt wear item is made for outdoor fun. Who says you can’t mix in a little “girlie” while you’re skating circles around the boys? Have a super active girl? Be sure to add a pair of shorties under the skirt!
Simple Knit Ruffle Skirt (sz 3 to 10)
This was actually a super simple skirt project that ended up being a bit hit. We love pairing it with a fun fall sweater and taller boots. (Plus it is super easy to make!) This is another skirt pattern that is not printable- it’s made with rectangles and come with cutting sizes 3 to 10.)
Free Pants and Legging Patterns:
Shortie/Capri/full length Legging pattern sz 3 to 12.
Add these to your ever-growing list of downloadable sewing patterns. Because there’s literally no such thing as having too many leggings. 
Sweat Pants Pattern sz 2 to 10 from Nap Time Creations
It’s a good idea to have a few pairs of sweat pants because there are gym days and dress-down days that are always going to pop up. Plus, they’re snuggly for the weekends, too! 
Outerwear:
Kimono Tutorial (sizes 3 to 16)
These little kimono toppers are an adorable addition to any outfit! Such simple addition to instantly change the overall look of the outfit. This is a tutorial with cutting measurements for girl’s sizes 3 to 16.
Girls Faux Shearling Vest Pattern
I love this vest pattern! It just adds a “pop” of fun print and elegance, too. Plus, it’s a great way to stay warm as well. The free sewing pattern has only 2 pattern pieces and comes in sizes 3 to 10.
Cropped Ruffle Cardi sz 4 to 8
This Cardi is one that is perfect to wear with dresses or other t-shirts that have small or sting straps. It adds fashion and warmth, all at the same time. 
Kids Vest Pattern sz 3 to 8 from On the Cutting Floor
Don’t miss out on this fun unisex vest pattern. Pick whatever color fabric you want to really create a cool accessory to their daily outfit. 
Hooded Vest sz 1 to 6 from Little Kiwis
Holy moly, have you ever seen a cuter vest? Add a hood to the vest and you’ll be setting a new trend at the school this year. 
Hooded Sweat Shirt from the Crafty Kitty sz 2 to 9
Calling all fall weather fans! Making your very own hooded sweatshirt is a fun way to snuggle in on those cold mornings. Plus, hoodies are just a lot of fun to wear! 
Circle Poncho w/ hood (not multi-sized but looks really easy to resize) from The Sewing Rabbit
Look how cute this poncho is! Check out this simple tutorial and make this cute little poncho for your little love! One of the cutest downloadable sewing patterns, ever! 
Have fun sewing! See how much fun it can be to try new projects? You won’t find any cute free sewing patterns for kids!
These are just a few simple ways to create some great new clothes for the school year! Make certain to try all these downloadable sewing patterns!
More Fun Sewing Projects
- How to Make a Tote Bag From a T-shirt (no sew tote bag)
- Five Minute No Sew Fleece Scarf
- No Sew Fabric Flowers
Don't miss any more posts!
HI Jamie, I’ve enjoyed your patterns for some years but my favourite is the vintage sundress which I made first about 2017. I’ve lost the pattern and searched for it on your website but can’t find it. Please direct me to where I can print it out again, I need the bigger sizes.
I’m not sure I ever had a vintage sundress pattern What did it look like? Was it for a child or woman?
I have just joined a charity group for Africa and your patterns are a lifesaver. Extremely generous to have free downloads. To think we can reach out Worldwide to help others. I was born in Africa and know full well the challenges facing mothers and the children.Food first and of course clothes. I am a granny and it’s payback time! From the UK.
Hi! I found your paper bag dress pattern on Pinterest and couldn’t find it on here and wanted to see if it was still available.
Thanks
Pam
Hi, I’m not sure which pattern you are looking for. I don’t have anything called paper bag dress pattern.
Hooded Vest sz 1 to 6 from Little Kiwis is not an active link. Of course this is the pattern I want.
thanks for letting me know, I have updated the link
Thank you for pulling all of these patterns into one “neat and tidy” list! I sewed two of your A-Line Pullover Dress dresses for my 8 year old granddaughter. I loved sewing with the knit fabric. It is so easy to ease all seams together. I also made the Play All Day Dress for another granddaughter. So simple, yet so adorable! Can’t wait to make several of the other patterns!
Lovely patterns. I would like to wear some of these myself! I’ll have to seek out adult sizes somewhere. Do you have any boys patterns?
Not much for boys.
Can you make a pattern for the leopard lamb fleece vest in an adult size, in the future. I’d love one. I am a plus size, but I know how to make things bigger.
Very good idea, thanks!
Hi there! I just wanted to say how generous you are for creating and sharing your beautiful patterns. I really appreciate them!
Precious!! You’re right . . . Texas is still SO stinkin’ hot. We’re in SETX but will keep these patterns in mind come cooler weather! Thank you for sharing!
thanks for sharing my sweatpants!!
Great list! Thank you!