Have something specific in mind you are looking to make? Wide legged summer pants? The perfect oversized shirt? A streamlined trench jacket?
There are so many alternatives for patterns beyond the traditional “big four” companies. Once the only game in town, the big four – Vogue, Simplicity, McCalls and Butterick – are now dwarfed by a horde of very creative and talented independent sewing pattern designers offering us Makelings access to a vast myriad of style and size options. Unique sewing patterns from around the globe can be downloaded in an instant, printed and assembled at home, or delivered to your mailbox.
I look for originality or an interesting take on a classic or standard design. I expect well drafted patterns with clear detailed instructions. Though I prefer the immediacy of a PDF download, many indie sewing pattern companies also provide a paper pattern option. Some also include helpful tutorials and videos on their websites to illustrate complex sewing techniques.
I’ve experienced success using patterns purchased from these sources – here you go – in alphabetical order:
The Assembly Line
Modern and minimalist designs from Sweden. Well drafted, clear instructions.
Brindille & Twig
Great comfy styles for baby/toddler/kid sizes, with some basics for women as well.
Cashmarette
A groundbreaker in clothing patterns designed to fit women with big boobs, in sizes 0–32 and cup sizes C–H.
Chalk & Notch
Stylish, professionally drafted patterns for women with detailed instructions.
Closet Core
Womenswear pattern maker from Montreal, Canada with a wide range of sizes.
The Cutting Line Designs
These original designs come with meticulously detailed instructions, including great sewing tips for getting a truly professional result.
Decades of Style
High quality vintage sewing pattern reproductions from the 20’s to the 50’s in a wide size range.
Folkwear
Need a pattern for Ukrainian blouse typical of North Central Ukraine? A Vietnamese Ao Dai tunic? Rosie the Riveter coveralls? This is the place. Paper patterns only of authentic vintage and folk styles for women, men and children. Good resource for costuming.
Helen’s Closet
Very appealing styles with a wide range of sizes + cup sizes.
Itch to Stitch
Inclusive sizing on stylish womenswear from a pattern maker in Costa Rica.
Named
Sisters from Finland producing minimalist designs for a timeless basic wardrobe.
Oliver + S
Great patterns for kids and the whole family.
Seamwork
A sewing community with helpful information for the novice sewist looking to build her “me made” wardrobe.
Sew House Seven
Lovely designs in standard and curvy sizing from this Pacific Northwest indie.
Sewist
This is an online sewing pattern designer that makes made-to-measure clothing patterns, Choose your style parameters and add in your measurements to create a PDF pattern drafted to your personal size.
Style Arc
Though the pattern instructions often assume a level of sewing ability, and they can be kind of hard to understand at times, this company from Australia offers great fit and a huge selection of designs for knit and woven fabrics.
Tilly and the Buttons
Geared toward novice sewists, simple designs from the UK.
Tiny Design Pattern store on Etsy
Super cute simple styles for babies, toddlers and kids.
Tissutti
From Sydney, Australia. Interesting takes of classic women’s wear.
Thread Theory
Menswear, workwear and androgynous designs from Vancouver, BC.
True Bias
Basic modern wearable designs for women.
Victory Patterns
From Toronto, modern styles for women with a vintage vibe.
Violette Fields Threads
Very detailed instruction on thoughtful clothing patterns for women and girls – including sizes for babies, toddlers, tweens and dolls 🙂
Have any favorite indies not mentioned above? Let me know and I can add them to the list. <3
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