YESICAN, kwik sews are simple patterns, that do not have all the detail some patterns do, they are very easy to sew, and yes they look like the picture, as far as how they fit, that is an individual matter, the general info on the back of the envelope gives measurments for the size, if your measurments are different then you will need to adjust the pattern, if you are just trying to sew why not get a cheap fabric, and make a practice garment, you don't have to wear it, you need to practice, we test paint, why not this?
and you don't need a serger to sew, you can zigzag your seams with a regular machine, the serger stops fraying of the edges, hope you enjoy the kwik sew rene

I have not sewn any adult patterns, but have sewn quite a number of children's things. I like the patterns. As far as looking like the picture on the pattern envelope, a lot depends on the fabric you choose and as with any pattern you may have to do some adjusting (for length etc.) on the pattern before you cut. A serger is very nice to have , but isn't necessary. On the pattern sheet instructions are given for using both a serger and a conventional machine .

Grandma didn't have a serger. They're nice but you can start without one.

yesican, are you a new sewer or thinking about starting the hobby?

I started sewing in highschool and I'm now retired. I never have liked many things that I made. I'm no expert sewer for sure but I know the basics. Things look so cute on the envelopes but not when I put them on. Maybe it's my figure. lol. I do need some dresses but the simplicity and mccall patterns don't appeal to me. I like a few of the kwik sew patterns. I have a plain straight sewing machine and no zig zag. Thanks for all suggestions!

You have to look at the pattern line drawings to see the style...sometimes the illustrations on pattern envelopes aren't that good. Once you see where you are going with that, you use your imagination and all the fabrics available to do your clothing....and measure your body first to get the right size so you don't have fitting fits.

Even though you have a straight machine, you shouldn't have problems sewing knits. The trick is the ball point needle you use (size 11 or 14), a bit longer straight stitch, and lighten up the presser foot pressure a bit. I never had a problem with knits when I used my aunt's portable and grandma's machine with no reverse on it...just changed the needle type.

I would also get a few sewing books from the library to study. Technology has changed sewing quite a bit with the types of stabilizers and new techniques used.