Category Archive for ‘Sewing Patterns’

You might have seen that Patterntrace has partnered with In a Haystack this month. Kate provides a digital monthly sewing subscription and this month’s package included a treat from us, the Rebekah Top from Sonia Estep Designs and a fabric discount from Loubodu. 

With such lovely things on offer I thought it’d be rude not to try them out! I decided (after a lot of thought, there are so many options!) to make the shirt length top, with a scoop neck and a straight sleeve. I knew I’d get the most wear out of that, but I was tempted by the knee length to wear as a dress with tights and boots, next time perhaps! The fabric I chose was Loubodu’s  Cotton Jersey in Petrol, a really nice quality medium weight knit, perfect for cooler days.

The pattern was super easy to follow and would easily be within the reach of a beginner, the instructions are clear and I found the sizing to be accurate for a loose fit. 

The sleeves are sewn in flat before the side seams are sewn so it really is a quick make. I really love the petrol blue/green of the fabric and it’s made a lovely snug top, which could easily be dressed up or down.… Read More...

One thing you can rely on is that children are always growing! There are so many brilliant childrens patterns on the market and most of them cover a very large size range making them excellent value. We were gifted a copy of Two Stitches Charlie Hoodie so we could show you how to really make the most of sewing for the small people in your life!

First things first, this is a beautifully presented pattern, the stitching on the spine especially is just perfect!

I’m making the hoodie for my nephew who’s about to turn 1, so I’m making the 12-18m size, but the pattern covers 6m to 9 years which if you’re clever is an awful lot of hoodies for the price of a pattern!

The key here is not to cut into the pattern sheet, I know you want to, and I know it’s marginally quicker that way, but believe me, in the long run you’ll be thanking me!

The Charlie Hoodie pattern fits on to one huge sheet of paper, I had to spread it out on the kitchen floor,

We’re going to trace off the size that we’re making, in my case 12-18m, I used an ordinary biro but a pencil would work just as well (don’t use a felt pen/sharpie if you don’t want to leave marks on the original pattern sheet).… Read More...

If you’re anything like me, you’re  a big fan of independent pattern makers, there’s nothing wrong at all with the ‘big four’ (McCalls, Simplicity, Butterick, Vogue) it’s just that the new raft of independents for me at least, provide much (much) better instructional information in the form of colour photos, well laid out instruction books and sewalongs WITH VIDEO! Coupled with the modern clean designs and I can’t remember the last time I used a ‘big four’ pattern.

I definitely have my favourites but I’m always worried that I’m missing someone. This is a list of the excellent indie pattern makers I’m aware of, all of them have PDF patterns that are available online. Don’t forget our pattern storage envelopes are ideal for storing your pdf patterns, or traced patterns. 

I’d love to know if there’s anyone I’ve missed, drop me a line!

Grainline Studio

Who: Grainline Studio is run by Jen in Chicago, USA.

What: Womenswear

Closet Case Patterns

Who: Heather Lou is the face behind Closet Case Patterns, she’s based in Canada

What: Womenswear

Tilly And The Buttons

Who: Started by Tilly Walnes in 2013, in London

What: Womenswear

Papercut Patterns

Who: Papercut Patterns was founded by Katie Romagnoli in New Zealand, in 2010

What: Womenswear

Victory Patterns

Who: Kristiann started Victory Patterns in 2011, in Toronto, Canada

What: Womenswear

Colette Patterns

Who: Started by Sarai in Portland, Oregon in 2009

What: Womenswear and Menswear

Made by Rae

Who: Ex-Physics teacher Rae Hoekstra based in Michigan, USA

What: Womenswear and childrenswear

Thread Theory

Who: Launched by Morgan and Matt Meredith in 2010, in Canada

What: Menswear

Sew Over It

Who: Run by Lisa, who started Sew Over It in 2011, in London

What: Womenswear

Named

Who: Named is a Finnish clothing pattern label founded by sisters Saara and Laura Huhta. … Read More...

I’ll accept it finally now the clocks have changed, Autumn is here. This is the time for warm cosy layers and of course the opportunity to add a few more handmade items to your wardrobe!

I’m looking for an autumn skirt pattern, these are my finalists, what do you think?

Tilly and the Buttons: Arielle Skirt

You can’t beat a skirt with thick tights and boots! Arielle is a pattern for a confident beginner and comes in mini and below the knee lengths

Sew Over It: Tulip Skirt

In Tulip Lisa has designed a funky update on a simple pencil skirt, this skirt also comes in two different lengths and could easily make a versatile summer skirt with bare legs and Birkenstocks!

 … Read More...

This week a collection of not too tricky projects for your home!

1. A drawstring bag: the handiest of handy things. Make it big for a laundry bag, medium for a PE bag or small for a gift.

   
2. Pillow cases: Great for jazzing up a bedroom cheaply and easily

   
3. An apron: a kitchen win, or perhaps a a gift for someone?!

   
4. Cushions: Fancy cushions for funky sofas

   
5. Floor cushions: a quick and satisfying project to brighten up your room

   
6. Ironing board cover: When you’re old one is wearing thin, or covered in burn marks (eek!)

   
7. A faux taxidermy Rudolph: ok…….! 

   
8. Curtains: If you can find the working space, making your own curtains give you the chance to completely personalise any room!

   
9. Fabric storage bins: a great way of using up your scrap stash 

   
10. A hamock chair: Ok, most of use don’t have room for this, but one day..!