Indie Garment Pattern Tour, Week One: Wardrobe Basics

While every garment sewist is familiar with the Big Four pattern companies (Simplicity, McCall’s, Butterick, and Vogue), you may not realize that there are dozens of independent pattern designers also publishing patterns. Stay tuned, as SeamstressErin introduces you to some of these exciting designers, with posts about designers that write patterns for Women’s Wardrobe Basics, Feminine Patterns, Vintage Inspired Patterns, Fashion Forward Patterns, and Niche Patterns.

Why buy independent? Not only are you supporting small businesses, but many independent companies fill their blogs with great supporting information that range from step-by-step sewalongs to photos of others’ finished projects. Please chime in and leave comments about your experiences with buying independent and let us know about other designers you love!

Grainline Studio writes fabulously drafted patterns for simple wardrobe essentials. Her button up shirt constantly gets rave reviews by women of all shapes, ages, and styles. Fill out your summer wardrobe with her woven tee shirt and a pair of shorts. All of her patterns are currently only available digitally, but the inside scoop is that you will be able to get them printed soon!

Christine Jonson has a range of patterns all designed to fit comfortably and easily and all sewn out of knit fabrics. She even has a line designed specifically for great looking travel wear! She also has information about pairing different types of knits with her patterns.

Style Arc has an impressive selection of patterns covering every category you might need – from pants to blouses to jackets. Since they are based out of Australia, I know many U.S. sewists use shipping costs as an excuse to buy many of their patterns at once!

Waffle Patterns sells PDF patterns based out of the Netherlands. The designs are clean cut with a slightly retro slightly feminine feel. Her range of jackets are particularly worth checking out – from shawl collared to cape to duffel.

Other companies you might want to browse:

• Cake Patterns writes patterns for knits (always with pockets) that are particularly complementary on curvy women.
• Kate & Rose draws inspiration from folkwear for her sewing and embroidery patterns.
• Seamster Patterns offers wardrobe basics that you never realized you needed like tights and conductive mittens.
• Sewn Square One puts interesting design twists into her staple pieces.
• Closet Case Files has released a sexy and modest retro-inspired swimsuit and a great bodysuit.

Watch for more indie garment pattern goodness from SeamstressErin right her on WeAllSew.com. Next week’s focus is on garments with a distinctly feminine style.