Grandma-Approved: 25 Sewing Patterns for Retirees
Celebrate your retirement by treating yourself to some fun and easy sewing patterns and tutorials!


One of the best perks of retirement is having plenty of time to make those sewing projects that you didn't have time to make before.
Even though it's tempting to make projects for everyone in the family, retirement is the perfect time to finally treat yourself to sewing projects that are just for you.
That's why AllFreeSewing has compiled a list of our favorite sewing projects that are completely grandma-approved and are fantastic for celebrating your retirement: 25 Sewing Patterns for Retirees.
Whether you love lounging with your morning cup of coffee or can't wait to start working on a complicated project, these easy sewing patterns are perfect for retirees.
If you love having extra time to snuggle up and watch your favorite shows, then you'll love our comfy patterns that are fantastic for lounging around the house.
Retirement also means having extra time for more complicated patterns, so we've also included some relaxing long-term sewing projects as well.
And we know Grandma can't resist sewing for her little ones, so be sure to check out our fun projects that your grandkids will love.
Sit back, relax, and spend some time with your favorite hobby with this list of free sewing patterns for retirees.
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Table of Contents
Cute and Comfy Sewing Patterns

It's time to relax and enjoy your retirement, and what better way to celebrate than with some cute and super comfy sewing patterns? Perfect for lounging around the house or treating yourself to a mini spa day, these easy sewing patterns are the best way to treat yourself.
Spend all day in your PJs after making patterns as comfy as theĀ Vintage Sheet Robe Refashion (shown), or shuffle through the house in utmost comfort with our range of DIY slipper patterns. Turn your home into a makeshift spa with relaxing gear that will make even your deepest neck cramps disappear. Whatever you choose to sew, you can rest assured that your life will be forever changed.
How to Make Slippers From Jeans
Youāll never have to stop at the fabric store again once you break out this clever refashioning project. Made from durable denim, these slippers can withstand years of home relaxation and still be ultra-comfortable!
There has never been a project more useful than this Portable Hanging Cup Holder! Hand it onto your walker with a handy Velcro strap, and you can stay hydrated no matter where you roam.
For days when you go to the grocery store, curl up with your favorite novel, or even sew a project, this Snuggly Warm DIY Sweatshirt is just what you need. Stay toasty and soft in this relaxing pattern.
Learn how to make a DIY ice or hot pack and youāll feel like youāre unwinding in a spa from the comfort of your own home. This simple sewing pattern is the cure-all for stiff necks, sore muscles, and even aching shoulders.
Youāll never catch a cold with this hip and snug Chilly Weather DIY Scarf! This simple pattern can be wrapped around your whole body so that youāll feel like youāre swathed in a blanket even when you look couture.
Women's PJ Shorts Free Pattern
The elastic waist and customizable size of this Womenās PJ Shorts Free Pattern will make a pair of home loungewear youāll never want to take off. Whether you spend an evening or all day in these shorts, youāre guaranteed to be comfy!
Modeled after a pair of flip flops you already own, these upcycled Bath Towel Spa Slippers are guaranteed to give you the comfiest, snuggest fit for luxuriously lounge-friendly evenings.
When youāre taking care of your grandchildren, itās always possible that one may fall under the weather. Always be prepared with a soothing touch using this Homemade Heating Pad. It takes less than an hour to sew!
Always wanted to try your hand at quilting, but don't know where to start? Ease yourself into the craft with these irresistibly fun quilting projects! You'll be a quilting expert in no time. 45+ Easy Quilt Patterns for Beginners
Patterns You Have Time to Make

AsĀ someone who's been sewing for decades, do you ever get frustrated with projects that are so simple you can finish them in 10 minutes or less? Not anymore! Take some time to appreciate your favorite hobby with these fun long-term sewing patterns.
If you've always wanted to try a more complicated project but haven't had the time, then these sewing patterns and tutorials are exactly what you need! You'll love spending time at your sewing machine, making delightfully intricate pieces like theĀ Denim Rag Quilt Tutorial (shown), while listening to your favorite old-time hits. Challenge your brain to piece together complex patterns, and you'll keep your mind as healthy as your grandchildren's!
Comfort Meets Quilting Chair Cushions
If you think quilts are comfy on couches, imagine what theyāll be like on your dining room chairs! The Comfort Meets Quilting Chair Cushions are a creative way to soften your hard wooden chairs a fresh new look.
When you have a pile of fabric scraps heaped in your sewing room, pare it down with a brilliant and colorful Fabric Scraps Quilt! This cozy project would make a perfect bedspread for your grandchildren.
'Sit Down' Cross Stitch Cushion Pattern
If you have bad knees, the last thing you want to do is be on your feet for hours on end. Remind yourself to take a breather in this quirky, funny, and decorative āSit Downā Cross Stitch Cushion Pattern.
Sweater Weather Knit Dress Tutorial
Look like a runway model even when youāre cloaked in comfort with this Sweater Weather Knit Dress Tutorial. This plush turtleneck design is perfect for nippy autumn days, and your friends are sure to ask you where you got it.
Whether youāre looking to make a pair of pants more flattering to your figure or youāre trying to show off a sexy post-weight loss body, this Tailoring Pants Tutorial is just what you need! This is a guide every woman should have.
If there's one thing we can't get enough of, it's recycling old denim into something new! Be sure to check out this list of recycled sewing projects. 40+ Ideas for What to Make with Old Jeans
For the Grandkids

If there's one thing grandmas can't resist, it's their grandchildren! These quick and easy sewing projects are the perfect way to treat your little ones to some adorable DIY clothes and fun homemade toys.
Sew patterns that any snuggle enthusiast will love, like theĀ 15 Minute Baby Blanket Pattern (shown), or even a cozy napping pad for overnight stays. With everything from frilly tutus to baby bibs, this list has everything you could ever wish to give to your grandkids. After following one or two of these sewing patterns for grandmas, your house is sure to be your grandchildren's new favorite hangout spot.
There is nothing more fun and frilly than a tutu, and now your granddaughter can have one thatās attached to a play-friendly pair of leggings! You can make a girly, twirly pair in less than 30 minutes.
When your little man comes over for Sunday brunch, dress him to the nines in these classy Big Boy Bermuda Shorts. This pattern has it all, from an elastic waistband that makes getting them on a cinch to functional pockets.
Long, wide, and oh-so-cute, this darling Mega Bib will be a lifesaver for your newest grandchild. Never worry about stained clothes again with this big-boy-sized clothes protector, even when youāre just starting on solid food.
With your grandson constantly growing, itās impossible not to want to sew him some custom-fit pajamas. Simple, cozy, and kid-friendly, these elastic-waisted pajama bottoms will be your grandsonās new favorite bedtime gear.
Little Lady Braided Dress Pattern
If you want your little lady to dress like a princess, then look no further than this positively darling Little Lady Braided Dress Pattern. Perfect for summer romps or family dinners, this braided neckline design is something your granddaughter will adore.
Plush, cuddly, and sweet, this How Joyful Bear will be your grandchildās new favorite stuffed animal, guaranteed to bring magic into any childās life. Sew it as a birthday gift or a Christmas present for something your little one is sure to love.
When your little boy wants to turn into a big man, then itās time to help him on his journey with this handy, safe, and fun Childās Tool Belt. Your grandson will love helping his grandfather out around the house.
Sleepovers at Grandmaās house? What fun! When your grandchildren come spend the night baking cookies and listening to stories, give them the comfiest roll-up bed possible. The best part? It costs less than $20 to make!
Want More?
20+ Flannel Sewing Projects >>
How do you like to spend your retirement? Let us know below in the comments!
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Polly Esther
Sep 16, 2016
My grandma will LOVE these patterns! Especially since she has more time to sew now that she's retired. Thanks for the great ideas!

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