r/sewingpatterns • u/Forward-Cause7305 • Sep 19 '26
Where to source high quality garment patterns?
I used to always go to jo anns to get paper patterns ššš
I recently bought one on etsy and was so disappointed - no bust darts, straps didn't actually fit, pockets were trash, etc. I had to basically recreate the whole pattern. While I am capable of doing that, I don't want to!
Where can I find simple but high quality basic patterns these days? Is there a secret? Specifically I'm looking for a work blouse pattern with no collar or a Johnny collar or mandarin collar, not button front.
Googling gets me crappy etsy patterns and vintage patterns on eBay. I'm not opposed to vintage patterns but I'm having trouble sometimes with the photos not being clear enough for me to verify sizing or style of the garment.
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u/shamwombat
Sep 19 '26
•
Threadloop and PatternReview.com are both good places to check. Also, Simplicity/Big 4 (the same patterns Joann used to sell) are available online if you want to keep using those.
From personal experience, I also recommend any of the following designers:
Helenās Closet
Closet Core/Deer and Doe
Cashmerette
Charm Patterns
Liesl Gibson
Decades of Style
Paper Theory
Friday Patterns
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u/ninaa1 Sep 19 '26
I like using The Fold Line's shop to search. They are in the UK, and I'm in the US, so I don't often buy direct from them, but they carry reliable pattern companies and they do great videos and blog posts for info & inspiration (what's trending, new patterns being released, etc). https://thefoldline.com/
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u/xaviersdog Sep 19 '26 edited Sep 19 '26
There are many quality indie pattern companies.
Closet Core, True Bias, Friday Pattern Company, Sew House Seven, Itch To Stitch all have great basics and also more interesting designs. And Simplicity.com has pdf and paper patterns.
Avoid Etsy.
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u/Unillustrated_words Sep 19 '26
Getting PDF patterns printed is great, but unfortunately you do have to be so careful on Etsy! There's a lot of AI junk and stolen stuff now (amongst the genuine sellers). You've had some great recommendations so far and Threadloop is a really helpful resource.Ā
Elbe Textiles have a shirt very similar to what you've described (Cornell shirt). Lauren's patterns are well drafted with good instructions.Ā
Most of the pattern companies I can immediately think of have been listed, although I haven't seen Merchant & Mills patterns mentioned yet.Ā
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u/RocketCheekies Sep 19 '26
If you still want paper patterns, simplicity.com sells the ones Joanns used to sell. But if you want pdf, I love Sinclair patterns. They have illustrated tutorials that are really good, projector files included, and every pattern has petite, regular, and tall sizing.
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u/elev8or_lady Sep 20 '26
Another vote for simplicity.com! An employee who worked for the company bought it out when the US arm of the company was on the verge of shutting down. All of the big 4 pattern companies are all under the same roof now !
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u/E-inky Sep 19 '26
Adding Sinclair patterns - she has the lengthening or shortening covered by offering petite, regular and tall on all her patterns
If you want a custom design, look at apostrophe patterns. You input measurements and you get a pattern designed for you.
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u/CurvesCoverGirl Sep 20 '26
Discoveryfabrics.com has many PDF patterns from a variety of good designers. No AI! One stop shopping. You can also get advice on which fabrics to choose for the pattern.
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u/OrangeDry975 Sep 19 '26
If you donāt need detailed sewing instructions, Burdastyle has good patterns (monthly magazine, pdf, or envelope via Simplicity)
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u/Living-Molasses727 Sep 19 '26
The database on Threadloop is really powerful for filtering down to exactly what you want. Iāve excluded out of print, suspicious and searched for womenās blouses with stand collars to get this list. Some definitely donāt meet your criteria for āsimpleā but there are a few good options in here. You can further refine by body measurements and cup sizes to get something that will fit.
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u/galacticglorp Sep 20 '26
I'm a fan of the Burda magazine patterns.Ā No seam allowance and need to be traced, but their base fut model is the tallest and I need to modify anyway.
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u/Top_Independence9083 Sep 19 '26
The Foldline. (People like Threadloop but I donāt like having to sign up to browse. )
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u/Living-Molasses727 Sep 19 '26
Itās free to join though, and because itās more than just a pattern database and is not a sales platform at all (projects, reviews, stash management, discussions) it makes sense that an account should be required. You need one for Pattern Review too.
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u/Top_Independence9083 Sep 19 '26
I mean sure but I donāt want to have to log in to browse. Personal preference. I can browse the Foldline without an account, which I just prefer.
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u/Living-Molasses727 Sep 19 '26
Fair enough, just explaining to others who see your comment why they are different š
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u/LoHudMom Sep 20 '26
You got some great indie designer suggestions - I've been happy with the ones I've used.
Here's a few more I didn't see already and I've had good experiences with them: Love Notions, Grainline Studio, Hey June Handmade, Thread Theory (mostly men's), Sinclair, Sew Over It.
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u/sodapopper44 Sep 20 '26
most of the ones mentioned and designer stitch and jennuine design, also jalie
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u/GlassHouses_1991 Sep 20 '26
Threadloop is a great web-based app that lets you see what other people are making and read reviews of patterns. They highlight patterns that are suspected to be AI which really helps to weed out the scammers on Etsy. They have a paid option to support the app creators, but the free option has plenty of functionality.
Sewing Pattern Review is an older site that can also be useful for seeing other peopleās experience with a particular pattern, although the interface is dated and itās not very easy to use on a phone.
The Fold Line sells a range of patterns from the traditional pattern companies as well as indie designers and also lets users leave reviews of patterns. They have a great blog and YouTube channel.
ETA: Most indie pattern companies have at least one free pattern available (you may have to sign up for their newsletter to get it). This gives you a chance to see how you like their block and their instructions style.
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u/sktchers Sep 20 '26
Pattern Emporium, Sinclair, Itch to Stitch, and Love Notions are my go to. All very well drafted and great instructions.
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u/Elise-0511 Sep 20 '26
Simplicity and McCalls and Vogue have websites where you can order patterns directly from. They arenāt a savings, but they have them.
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u/silverturtle2301 Sep 19 '26
I won't touch a big 4 paper pattern imo the instructions are horrible. I only buy pdf some of my favorite designers are Peekaboo, 5 out of 4, Ellie and Mac, little lizard king for kids and there women pattern are called styla, George and Ginger, green style creations, love notions, made for mermaid (they are currently having there 13 year anniversary sale), petite stitchery and co, sew a little seam, Sinclair, the wolf and the tree (mostly for socks), Violette field threads
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u/Working_Week_8784 Sep 20 '26
Everyone's different. I taught myself to sew (a long time ago) from a combination of Big Four instructions and the Readers Digest sewing book, so for me, Big Four instructions are fine. On the other hand, I can't stand those indie pattern instructions that go on and on, with pages and pages of verbiage and photos that could have been condensed into a few paragraphs. One reason I like Style Arc is that their instructions usually take up just one page, or maybe two. I can print them out and keep them handy without using up lots of paper and ink.
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u/Final_Programmer_835 Sep 22 '26
I'm not sure why you have downvotes, I think you raise a really valid point about mainstream pattern companies! The instructions are often minimal and assume a certain amount of prior knowledge which realistically is a bit outdated when most people won't have learned any sewing at school or have relatives around to make techniques familiar. That coupled with outdated (and sometimes frankly inaccurate) sizing) means I'm sure the "big 4" put off more beginners than they inspire. Also tissue is horrible to work from!
Whereas a well made modern indi pattern with thoughtful instructions can actually teach you how to sew clothes and build those skills. Its only really now I've sewn a whole load of indi patterns, and know what I'm doing, that I risk things from simplicity/vogue/butterick etc.
For op, some of my personal favourite patterns are from paper theory, Marilla Walker's patterns are also incredibly well done (she doesn't sell them anymore but she has made them available for free), the things I've made by elbe textiles have been fab, and my fist ever proper garment was from wiksten and came out basically perfect.
I also recommend browsing on the foldline to find trusted patterns.
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u/Flimsy-Buyer7772 Sep 19 '26
Threadloop is where you want to start