I’m a huge fan of independent patterns and I’m always on the search for new ones. I thought that I’d include a working list of pattern designers that I’ve come across for your reference. I’ve tried to stick to designers whose focus is on adult apparel. Some of these brands have numerous patterns while others are smaller outfits with one or two items. I haven’t tried them all but each listing has a pattern that I would like to try. Please be aware that the links below will open in a new window.
- Colette – There’s little that I could say about Colette that hasn’t already been said – vintage inspired designs with excellent community support.
- Sewaholic – From Vancouver, Tasia designs for pear shaped women but these classic patterns would look good on many shapes and sizes.
- Pattern Runway – There’s no hiding how much I love Sarah Olding’s designs – these downloadable patterns are a treat. There are a few styles available in print.
- Jamie Christina – Boutique apparel patterns with bohemian flair.
- Sis Boom – PDF patterns brought to you by designer Jennifer Paganelli.
- Megan Nielsen Sewing Patterns – From the designs to the packaging, these patterns are beautiful. Currently there is an emphasis on maternity wear with plans to expand.
- Favorite Things – Taking inspiration from both past and present, Favorite Things offers sewing patterns for all members of the family.
- Grainline Studio – Jen, the designer behind Hound, offers sewing patterns for download through her blog.
- Salme – After being frustrated with available patterns, Elisa of Salme began offering these chic, stylish patterns for download.
- Victory – Kristiann introduced her new line of print-at-home patterns in November 2011. These patterns will inspire you to make your own unique garment.
- Papercut – From New Zealand, these modern patterns come with some nifty packaging that transforms into a hanger for your finished garment.
- Nette – Fellow blogger Nette introduced her first pattern in November. It’s available to download for free.
- Wiksten– Limited edition hand-drawn sewing patterns by Jenny Gordy.
- Style Arc – Pulling inspiration from celebrities, Style Arc provides patterns for the latest fashions.
- Sew Liberated – Meg McElwee designs patterns with country charm.
- Hot Patterns – High fashion inspired sewing patterns.
- Merchant & Mills – As thewallinna put it, these British patternmakers are bringing couture to the public.
- Christine Haynes – The author of Chic and Simple Sewing raised funds through Kickstarter to produce two sewing patterns. Christine also has a Craftsy class with an exclusive blouse pattern!
- DIY Couture – The un-pattern pattern company, DIY Couture produces books and e-books with instructions to make the garments from their collection.
- The Center for Pattern Design – This wonderful center produces patterns from time to time. Julian Roberts’ Pyramid Dress was featured on the December cover of Threads.
- Fashion in Harmony – Designers Julianne Bramson and Susan Lenahan have created a line of bias cut sewing patterns. Check out their bias cut sewing seminar coming in 2012!
- Onion – Jette Frokiaer designs sewing patterns with an eye on Scandanavian fashion trends. Her patterns have been translated and are sold through MariaDenmark.
- Your Style Rocks – This pattern company takes reader design submission and offers FREE downloadable patterns from the winners!
- Pattern Scissors Cloth – Patternmaker and designer, Sherry, offers her patterns through her blog. She is just finishing a sew-a-long for her Ruby Slip so there’s a lot of support available!
- Sense and Sensibility Patterns – As they’re slogan says: “winsome clothing with an old fashion appeal”.
- Wearing History – Vintage and historical inspired sewing patterns.
- Paco Peralta – Classic sewing patterns.
- Fitzpatterns – Print-at-home patterns with alternative appeal.
- The Sewing Workshop – writer and sewing instructor Linda Lee offers a variety of apparel patterns. Also available from her shop are the intriguing Shapes patterns, a collaboration between Louise Cutting and Linda Lee.
- In House Patterns – Alexandra describes her line as “runway inspired and vintage influenced creating a perfect blend of sophistication, elegance, and style for the fashion savvy home sewist.” Keep your eyes peeled for new PDF patterns from this emerging company!
- Seamingly Smitten – A mix of both women’s and children’s garments by designer Jenny Hall.
- Dixie DIY – I recently found Dixie through The Sew Weekly and have enjoyed perusing her blog recently. She’s published a few of her designs in PDF’s on her blog. Most are free and some are multi sized.
- Angela Osborn – Anna of ::Paunnet:: introduced me to Angela Obsorn’s patterns recently and I’ve been so excited to share her store with you. She sells her PDF patterns through her own website as well as Etsy. There’s an interview with her over on Anna’s blog this morning that you’ll want to check out.
- SewnSquareOne – thanks, Dixie, for pointing this company out. SewnSquareOne was recently featured in Threads Magazine. They have 7 designs that have some intriguing variations.
- Ohhh Lulu Lingerie & Apparel – Sarah has designed some beautiful lingerie patterns with more to come!
- You Sew Girl– With detailed instructions, Nicole Mallalieu’s patterns are designed to teach you the principals of construction.
- Sew Chic – Modern patterns with retro style.
- Deuxieme Arrondissement – Lovely maternity patterns with several that would work regardless if you have a bun in the oven. In French.
- By Hand London – Charlotte and Elisalex are launching their first pattern collection October 2012. Stay tuned!
- Modular Design for Couture Artwear – As her bio puts it, “Kayla’s patterns have no facings, no zippers, and no buttonholes, and lots of creative potential.”
- Ralph Pink Patterns – From basic blocks to corsets, Ralph Pink offers downloadable patterns.
- Cake Patterns – Blogger Steph of Three Hours Past is set to release her first pattern in November. Stay tuned!
- Mrs. Depew Vintage – While mostly vintage reproductions, Anne has several original designs in her Etsy pattern shop.
- Immi Made Patterns – Immi Meyer offers free patterns through her blog.
- Make It Perfect -From Tasmania, Toni Coward offers patterns for all ages – be sure to check out her women’s collection.
- The Makers’ Journal – You’ll find a range of clothing and accessories printed on beautiful recycled stock paper from this Australian designer.
- Made By Rae – While the majority of Rae’s patterns are for children, I couldn’t resist adding her to the list after the release of the Washi Dress. I hope to see more adult apparel patterns in the future!
- Deer and Doe – Pretty sewing patterns from Paris. In French.
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Do you know of an apparel pattern designer not included here? Comment with a link and I’ll include the listing here.
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