Autumn Winter Sewing Patterns: 5 Cosy Makes Worth Starting Now
Autumn Winter Sewing Patterns: 5 Cosy Makes Worth Starting Now
The evenings are drawing in, the wardrobe is full of summer clothes, and you've probably caught yourself thinking, "I've got nothing that's warm and nice." That's a sewing problem, and sewing problems are the best kind.
We've picked five autumn winter sewing patterns we'd happily make on repeat, with strong opinions on which fabrics to use and who each pattern suits. Between them you get a reversible gilet, a relaxed vest, a fleece half zip, barrel leg trousers and a T-shirt pattern that can make 90 different tees.
Table of Content
Quick answer: which pattern should you sew first?
| Pattern | Best for | Our fabric pick |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Vest (Syd Graham Patterns) | A reversible, customisable gilet | Pre-quilted fabric |
| Hendrix Vest (Ready To Sew) | An easy layering piece with big pockets | Corduroy or cotton canvas |
| Half Zip Sweater (Wardrobe By Me) | The cosiest weekend layer | Fleece or teddy fleece |
| Quinn Pants (Juliana Martejevs) | On-trend barrel leg trousers | Deadstock denim |
| Wardrobe Builder T-Shirt (Wardrobe By Me) | A first stretch project and everyday basics | Cotton jersey |
If you only make one: the Wardrobe Builder T-Shirt. If you want the biggest cosy factor: the Half Zip Sweater in fleece. If you want to be asked "where did you get that?": Quinn in denim.
1. Ruby Vest by Syd Graham Patterns: the reversible gilet
Ruby is a completely reversible sewing pattern for a vest or gilet, so you get two looks in one make: a bold print on one side and something calmer on the other. It works in everything from lightweight quilting cotton to cosy sherpa, and you can finish it with ties, toggles or buttons.
The pattern includes quilting instructions, but quilting is optional, and here's our opinion: unless you genuinely love quilting, skip it. Pre-quilted fabric gives you that puffy, cosy gilet look with none of the marking, pinning and stitching, and you go straight to the fun part. Toggles get our vote for the full outdoorsy look, and a busy print on one side with a plain fabric on the other is the combination that makes people stop and look.
Best for: anyone who wants a practical handmade layer that works as a fashion piece too.
Fabric match: Our Pre Quilted fabric collection
Browse our quilted fabrics
2. Hendrix Vest by Ready To Sew: the easy-to-wear layering vest
Hendrix is the easy-going one. It's a relaxed, sleeveless vest with wide armholes and two oversized front patch pockets, the kind you'll instantly fill with keys, lip balm and a stray hair bobble. It looks great over a boxy T-shirt, a chunky jumper or a hoodie, and if you size up you get an even more oversized look. It's beginner-friendly and comes in standard and plus sizes.
Fabric choice changes the whole personality. Corduroy gives you a retro, grandad-style vest, and it's our favourite by a mile. Denim is more utilitarian, and cotton gabardine is clean and understated. We think a sturdy cotton canvas is a brilliant choice too, because it holds those big pockets beautifully and looks better with every wash.
Best for: beginners who want a stylish, practical vest and a quick win.
Fabric match: our cotton canvas range
Browse our canvas fabrics
Sewing problems are the best kind of problems, especially when they lead to a cosy winter wardrobe.
3. Half Zip Sweater by Wardrobe By Me: the cosy fleece sweatshirt
This is the perfect cosy make for autumn winter, and we have so much fleece that you'll struggle to choose. The Half Zip Sweater has a modern, sporty feel with dropped shoulders, roomy sleeves and a relaxed straight body that layers brilliantly under a coat.
You get two necklines: a stand-up collar with a half-length zip, or a classic ribbed neckline if you'd rather keep it simple. There's a long or cropped length, and you can add a contrast panel along the shoulder and outer sleeve for a retro look or go monochrome for something more minimal. Our advice is to try the contrast panel. It's the detail that makes a handmade sweatshirt look properly designed.
The pattern suits French terry, teddy fleece and fleece. Teddy fleece is the one we'd choose for maximum cuddliness, and a fleece sweater is the warmest thing on this list. At skill level 2/4, it's ideal if you're an advanced beginner ready to try zips and stretch fabrics.
Best for: a warm weekend layer and a first go at sewing a zip.
Fabric match: Fleece and heavy knits
Shop our fleece fabric
4. Quinn Pants by Juliana Martejevs: barrel leg trousers
Barrel leg trousers are having a moment, and we're not complaining. Quinn is a stylish take on the classic tapered trouser: relaxed through the hips and thighs, narrowing towards the ankle, with a waist-height waistband and a retro tailoring feel. It's a shape that looks far more expensive than the effort involved.
This pattern is best in structured woven fabrics, so think corduroy trousers for the cooler months, denim pants for everyday or a smart pair in suiting fabric. Our pick is denim, and specifically deadstock denim. We have so many gorgeous deadstock denims that suit this shape down to the ground, and a pair of barrel leg jeans in a denim nobody else has is a very good feeling.
Best for: anyone who wants a distinctive, on-trend handmade wardrobe piece.
Fabric match: denim or corduroy
Barrel leg trousers are having a moment, and a pair in deadstock denim is a very good feeling.
Shop our denim fabric
5. Wardrobe Builder T-Shirt by Wardrobe By Me: the everyday basic
Every autumn winter wardrobe needs a solid base layer, and this pattern is SUCH good value for money. You mix and match five necklines, six sleeve lengths and three body lengths to make up to 90 different T-shirts from a single pattern. It's a fitted jersey T-shirt with slim sleeves and a clean, contemporary shape, and you'll use it all year round.
The long sleeve version is the star of the change in season. It's slim and simple, so it sits nicely under every vest, sweater and jacket on this list. Cotton jersey is the everyday staple, Modal or Tencel feels softer and more luxurious, and rib knit gives you a closer fit. At skill level 1/4, it's a perfect first stretch sewing project, so if jersey has ever made you nervous, start here.
Best for: beginners and anyone building a handmade capsule wardrobe.
Fabric match: lightweight cotton jersey
Shop our jersey fabric
What are the best fabrics for autumn winter sewing?
Some quick answers on what to choose for the colder months:
- Fleece and teddy fleece are the warmest and cosiest for sweatshirts and layers.
- Corduroy is our favourite for vests and trousers, with texture and a retro feel.
- French terry is softer and lighter, ideal for transitional weather.
- Pre-quilted fabric is the easiest route to a warm gilet.
- Denim is hardwearing, and deadstock denim gives you something unique.
- Cotton canvas is sturdy and structured, perfect for vests with big pockets.
- Jersey (cotton, Modal, Tencel or rib) is best for base layers and T-shirts.
Whichever pattern you choose, you'll end up with something you'll reach for all season.
So, which one are you starting with?
Whichever you choose, you'll end up with something you reach for all season. If you can't decide, make the T-shirt first. It's quick, it's useful, and it gets you warmed up for the vests and the zip. Then treat yourself to the fleece sweater, because you'll have earned it.
Tell us what you're making this autumn, and tag us in your finished projects. We love seeing them.
A curated list of five essential autumn winter sewing patterns, including the versatile Ruby and Hendrix vests.
The Half Zip Sweater and Quinn Pants offer cozy and on-trend options for the colder months.
The Wardrobe Builder T-Shirt provides a customizable base layer, perfect for beginners and capsule wardrobes.
The Author: Jade Mulholland
Jade is the Ecommerce and Marketing Manager at Truro Fabrics and holds a BA (Hons) in Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors. Having worked in fabric retail for more than 17 years, they have extensive experience helping customers choose fabrics for dressmaking, crafting and textile projects. Their particular interests include garment sewing, embroidery, fibre properties and fabric construction, with a passion for making textile knowledge accessible to sewists of all experience levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest autumn winter sewing pattern for beginners?
The Wardrobe Builder T-Shirt (skill level 1/4) and the Hendrix Vest are both beginner-friendly. If you want your first project to be cosy, the Half Zip Sweater at 2/4 is a good next step.
Do I have to quilt the Ruby Vest myself?
No. The pattern includes quilting instructions, but they're optional. Use pre-quilted fabric to skip that step completely.
What fabric is best for a vest?
Pre-quilted fabric for a puffy gilet, or corduroy, denim or cotton canvas for something more structured.
What fabric should I use for barrel leg trousers?
Choose a structured woven, such as denim, corduroy or suiting.
Where can I buy fabric for these patterns?
Right here at Truro Fabrics. Every pattern above has a matching collection linked in its section, so you can buy your fabric in one go.
