There are some talented makers out there sharing sewing patterns with those of us who sew. Evidence of their understanding as sewists + as women (these designers just all happen to be women) who wear clothes is all over their work. It is nice to find patterns designed for women with real life bodies. If I find a designer who happens to be shaped similarly to me, I know I've found a real treasure. Independent pattern makers' efforts are greatly appreciated + I'm proud to support them.
Long ago, I was asked who my favorite independent sewing pattern designers (for clothing) were and I took the long route to answer that question. I focused on one designer at a time + went a little more in depth with each one. With the challenge I've set for myself to sew my clothing this year...I thought it might be nice to have all of these amazing designers in one place. In case they might be helpful to anyone else, here we are (in alphabetical order):
Alabama Chanin :: unique techniques for hand sewing knits :: patterns in books + online *
Amie Comme Marie :: women's, men's, + children's :: french :: france
Amy Butler :: clothing + bags :: in books + online *
Anna Allen :: clothing
Anna Maria Horner :: clothing + bags :: in books + online *
April Rhodes :: versatile, simple dresses *
Assembly Line :: patterns for women :: designed in sweden
Blue Prints :: creative shapes for women
Cali Faye :: women + girls
Christine Haynes :: dresses + a coat *
Citronille :: sweet shapes for women, girls, + teens :: some patterns in french :: france*
Closet Case :: women's, including jeans, swimwear, + outerwear *
Colette :: vintage inspired shapes for women + a few for men :: patterns in book + online *
Common Stitch :: women's :: austrailia
Deer & Doe :: pretty shapes for women :: france
DP Studio :: interesting shapes
Elbe Textiles :: pattern often without gender :: designed in new zealand*
Ensemble :: patterns for women
Fancy Tiger :: versatile basics *
French Navy :: patterns for women :: designed in south africa
Grainline :: versatile basics :: clothing + bags *
Half Moon Atelier :: women's
Helen's Closet :: clothing for women :: broad size range :: designed in canada
I am patterns :: simple french shapes (patterns in French + English)
Japanese pattern books :: shop on etsy :: many translated to English :: Japan *
Made by Rae :: women's + children's *
Maker's Atelier :: women's :: patterns in book + online :: UK *
Marilla Walker :: women's :: UK *
Megan Nielson :: women's, including maternity + girls' :: Australia
Making magazine :: beautiful magazine full of inspiring craft patterns
Merchant & Mills :: women's, men's, + girls :: patterns in books + online :: UK *
Named :: women's :: Finland
Noodlehead :: bags :: patterns in book + online *
Oliver + S / Liesl + Co :: children's + women's :: patterns in books + online *
Papercut :: women's :: New Zealand
Paper Theory :: patterns for women :: designed in england
Pattern Fantastique :: women's :: australia
Pauline Alice :: women's :: Europe
Peppermint :: beautiful magazine offering some free sewing patterns
Purl Bee :: women's + children :: most patterns free *
République du Chiffon :: women's + children's :: French :: France
Salme :: women's
Schnittchen :: pattern for women + children :: plus sizes too :: designed in germany :: offered in german, english + french
Seamwork :: by Colette :: patterns to sew in 3 hours or less :: women + a few for men
Sew House Seven :: women's *
Sew Liberated :: women's + children's including nursing friendly :: in books + online *
Sew Over It :: women's paper + PDF :: UK
Sew DIY :: women's *
Sonya Phillip :: women's basics :: plus sizing too *
Tessuti :: women's :: Australia
Thread Theory :: mostly men's patterns + a couple women's :: Canada
Tilly and the Buttons :: women's :: patterns in book + online :: UK
True Bias :: women's + kids + one for men *
Verb for Keeping Warm :: women's (+ book on natural dying)
Victory Patterns :: women's :: patterns in book + online :: Canada
Vintage patterns :: try Etsy or Ebay :: great for patterns through the decades *
Wear Lemonade :: women's :: patterns in French :: France
Wiksten :: women's + children's :: patterns in book + online *
* = patterns I've personally made
There are many more talented designers, but these are my personal favorites. I've listed the countries where these patterns are designed (as I've noticed them not being designed in the USA) as a way to know that they may be more (or less) local to where one lives. Most of the patterns are available as PDF patterns (printable at home) as well, so location need not be a deterrent.
I'll put the link to this post along with the link to the fair fabrics post (which I'll add to over time) on the ethical brands page for easy access. :) This page will be updated periodically. Also...find an updated list of plus-sized patterns here.
Love,
Jane
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