FreeSewing and Sewly both draft sewing patterns to your measurements in the browser. FreeSewing is free and open source, with a library of more than 100 designs you pick from and adjust; Sewly starts from a photo or a description, picks the closest garment and adds a 3D preview and a guide you can question. If you want free patterns and a wide range of garments, FreeSewing is excellent; if you want to turn a picture into a pattern with more guidance, Sewly fits better.

What is FreeSewing?

FreeSewing is an open source platform for made-to-measure sewing patterns, created by Joost De Cock. It does not grade patterns into sizes: each design is written as code that drafts the pattern from your measurements, in real time, in your browser. At the time of writing (October 2026), its library lists more than 100 designs, from T-shirts, hoodies and button-down shirts to coats, a bomber jacket, chinos, swimwear, underwear, historical garments and costumes.

FreeSewing is free to use, carries no advertising and is supported by donations from patrons; it states that it does not sell anything. You can create an account to save measurement sets and patterns. Each design has documentation (what you need, fabric options, cutting), and many include sewing instructions. Patterns export as PDF for home printers and large paper sizes. Seam allowance is an option you turn on; it is off by default.

How does Sewly work?

Sewly begins with the garment you want. Upload a photo or a screenshot, paste a link to a public Pinterest pin, Instagram post or shop page, or describe it. The AI recognizes the garment, its silhouette and details, and picks the closest garment type in Sewly's library with matching options. A drafting engine then draws every piece from flat-pattern blocks with your measurements and the right ease.

Seam allowances are included by default: 1.5 cm (5/8 in) on wovens and 1 cm (3/8 in) on knits. You see the garment in 3D on a mannequin built from your measurements, in a plain color or with the print from your picture. The sewing guide covers the steps for your version, the pieces and cut counts, notions, fabric quantities for 110, 140 and 150 cm (45, 55 and 60 in) wide fabric and cutting layouts, and you can ask it questions. On paid plans you print on A4, US Letter, A3, Tabloid, A0, 36 × 48 in or as a projector file.

When is FreeSewing the better choice?

  • You want it free. Every FreeSewing pattern is free; Sewly's free plan lets you make and preview patterns, but printing needs a paid plan.
  • You need a garment Sewly does not draft. FreeSewing's button-down shirts, coats, jackets, swimwear and underwear cover several categories Sewly does not draft yet.
  • You value open source. The code is public, you can study how each design is drafted, and developers can contribute designs.
  • You sew menswear. Its library includes detailed menswear such as a button-down shirt, a sport coat, chinos and boxer briefs.

When is Sewly the better choice?

  • You start from a picture. Sewly drafts from a photo, a screenshot or a link; with FreeSewing you choose a design and set its options yourself.
  • You want to see it on you. The 3D preview on your measurements helps you choose lengths and proportions before printing.
  • You want fewer measurements to start. Height, bust, waist and hip are enough; the rest are filled in from the nearest size, and the measuring assistant helps you refine them. Some FreeSewing designs ask for a dozen or more measurements.
  • You want a standard size. Sewly also drafts in women's EU 32–54 (US 0–22, UK 4–26), men's XS–3XL and children's 2–14 years.
  • You want guidance. The guide is built for your version, and an AI answers questions about a step, a fabric or a term.
  • You print in many ways. Six paper sizes and a projector file, lettered pages, a page map, a test square, and large rectangles given as cutting dimensions to save paper.

What are the limits of both?

Both tools are only as accurate as the measurements you give them, and neither replaces a toile for a fitted garment; our guide on making a toile shows how. FreeSewing expects you to understand its options and measurements, and the depth of its instructions varies between designs. Sewly's library is smaller (20 garment types at launch) and does not yet include tailored jackets, coats, fly-front jeans, shirts with collar stands, lingerie or swimwear.

Can you use both?

Yes, and they complement each other well. Your tape measurements work in both, so keep one careful set (see how to take body measurements). FreeSewing is a natural home for the shirts, outerwear and swimwear Sewly does not draft yet, and Sewly for the dresses, skirts, tops and trousers you want to recreate from photos.