The past few years has seen a rise in smaller sewing companies and now there seems to be patterns to suit everyone, whatever their style. From French style to vintage inspired, here are a few of the best independent sewing pattern companies out there and the pick of my favourite makes. If you know of any others that should be added to the list, please let us know in the comments below!
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By Hand London
Independent sewing pattern label By Hand London has only been around for a few years but is creating quite a stir in sewing circles. The company was set up by Londoners Charlotte, Elisalex and Victoria, who create up-to-date takes on classic clothing styles and even show you how to make completely new versions of their designs. With roots firmly in London, the girls’ blog also features lots of tutorials and tips for overcoming sewing problems.
Favourite pattern: The Elisalex dress
byhandlondon.com
Tilly and the Buttons
Previous Great British Sewing Bee contestant Tilly Walnes only started sewing six years ago but has seen her brand grow significantly in that time. She has launched her own range of patterns and a book to demystify the sewing jargon that puts many people off learning to sew and her vintage-inspired patterns appeal to many. Her newest pattern, the Fifi camisole, is perfect if you want to try your hand at something new and the rest of her patterns are great for beginners too.
Favourite pattern: The Francoise dress
tillyandthebuttons.com
Sew Over It
Lisa Comfort set up Sew Over It, her sewing shop and cafe, in 2011, with the intention of teaching as many people to sew as possible. Her dressmaking patterns are inspired by the past and range from the easier silk cami top and men’s tie to the more challenging vintage shirt dress. There are now two Sew Over It locations in London which provide the perfect atmosphere to learn in as well as the sewing cafe, where you can take your projects along to complete.
Favourite pattern: The Betty dress
sewoverit.co.uk
Republique du Chiffon
French brand Republique du Chiffon has a great range of sewing patterns with a modern, international, influence. Although the brand isn’t all that well known in the UK, it has attracted a cult following for its loose-fitting garments and there seems to be quite a few examples on Pinterest too. I first learnt of the brand when making the Marthe top but there are plenty of other great options to try out, such as the Lucie dress or the newly released Nadine top.
Favourite pattern: The Marthe top (although you’ll need to know a little French to be able to make it)
republiqueduchiffon.com
Simple Sew patterns
Simple Sew patterns aren’t all that well known in the sewing world but their patterns are underrated. I’ve tried my hand at a few of the sewing patterns from the brand, including the classic trouser and Ruby dress and the instructions are easy to follow and hassle free. Plus the brand has partnered up with Love Sewing magazine in recent times to produce more great makes.
Favourite pattern: The classic trouser
simplesewpatterns.com
Gather Kits
Gather Kits is another sewing pattern company based in London with a small range of patterns to get you started. Taking inspiration from literary figures to name their designs, Gather’s makes are easy enough to have a go at and you can even buy the kits for some of their patterns, which includes everything you need to get sewing. If you want something to start you off, try the Tallis collar, which comes in both rounded and square versions.
Favourite pattern: The Mortmain dress
gatherkits.com
Check out William Gee’s range of dressmaking pattern here
What sewing pattern companies would you recommend? Are there any sewing pattern companies you think we should add to this list? Let us know below!
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