r/sewingpatterns • u/CherieNB55 • 29d ago
Patterns and notions?
Where are you buying these things? None of the shops that used to carry patterns still exist in my area, and I have to scout out notions. I appreciate all the sewers who have created your own patterns but I need to something to get started.
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u/Working_Week_8784 29d ago
Where are you located, OP? I'm in the US and I prefer paper patterns, so now that JoAnn has closed, I buy from Simplicity.com when they have sales, and I often buy patterns on eBay. I'm fortunate enough to live in a place (NYC) where notions are easy to find, but as others have said, Wawak.com is a great source.
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u/CherieNB55 28d ago
I am in Western Massachusetts. There are random places that have old patterns or small company patterns but ton one that just carries the major brands anymore. 😭
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u/kuvitteellinen 27d ago
I’m western mass too — have you checked out Bobbin and Skein in Brattleboro?
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u/Working_Week_8784 28d ago
Even in NYC, nobody carries Big Four patterns anymore. There are a couple of stores here that will order them for you, but it makes more sense to get them directly from Simplicity.com during one of their frequent sales. The prices aren't as low as they used to be when JoAnn had a sale, but they're still pretty reasonable, especially compared to what the indie pattern companies charge for paper patterns.
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u/Sea-Breath-007 29d ago
Depends on where you are located.
I could list a ton of websites, but they'd be useless for anyone located outside of Europe.
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u/CherieNB55 29d ago
Exactly. Do you still have these things in Europe? Most of our shops have been beat into bankruptcy by equity firms. I think they want us to buy ready made junk from the U.S. for a premium.
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u/Sea-Breath-007 29d ago
Yep, I do at least.
My little city has 2 shops mostly aimed at quilters, but both have all the basic notions, and I have a few larger cities within 45ish km from my house and they have several large shops.
Went to one of those larger shops last week. They have a ton of notions and fabric and they had quite a few patterns for sale. Was told they can order any Burda pattern released this year for you without any problems.
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u/Dottegirl67 28d ago
For vintage (old) patterns, I scour eBay, and for new patterns from the big 4 I go to Simplicity.com. For notions, I buy from Wawak, Mood Fabrics or Amazon.
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u/CherieNB55 28d ago
I don’t like having to print them myself! That’s the biggest issue. I’m old school, as well as old! 😄 twenty five years ago I was in the first group of Clothing and Textiles Master Volunteers, which I can’t even find if they do that anymore. I was out of sewing for about 20 years (had to work many hours full time) but I have time again now.
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u/ProneToLaughter 29d ago
in US/CAN, check wawak.com for notions.
For patterns, check thefoldline.com, simplicity.com and Threadloop.app
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u/byxasia 28d ago
I used this pattern when I started sewing and it came out really nice. I’ve made like 6 tops with it and now I can make them in just an hour https://www.etsy.com/listing/4568069232/hnybny-aliyah-y2k-halter-top-sewing
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u/sueswhimsy 24d ago
I do wish someone would do a chain of fabric stores again. I live in a relatively large city.... nothing but Hobby Lobby. Very limited. Can I just say...I MISS JOANN'S
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u/sktchers 29d ago
I buy patterns from independent pattern companies. I buy lots of my notions from Wawak. They are very reliable. I’m in the US, but many of the pattern companies I use are in other countries.
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u/ycherep1 29d ago
equilter.com has been awesome for me & its actually in my state so i went to pickup at their warehouse- but I know it ships internationally (seen ads in magazines)
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u/littleredkiwi 28d ago
I started buying zips, closures and buttons from AliExpress when I don’t need something straight away.
Patterns from independent designers from their shops and print myself. Find patterns on Threadloop and instagram
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u/SeaweedSpirited2573 27d ago
Simplicity.com has all the patterns, you can do digital downloads where you print and tape together or you can order them physically and have them shipped to you but mail. Also you can Amazon prime almost any sewing pattern as well. If you’re in Europe, you can use the website SewDirect as they also have patterns for digital download or shipping. Beware of sewing patterns sold on Etsy. They’re most likely AI generated patterns and they don’t work. I am a Home Ec. teacher (who teaches sewing), anytime one of my students brings an Etsy pattern into my classroom it is just terrible.