Independent Sewing Pattern Companies
What do we mean by Independent Pattern Companies?
Indie patterns are sewing patterns made by an individual or smaller company as opposed to larger companies like Simplicity and Burda (part of the Big 4). The main difference between the two is that Big 4 patterns are mainly available in paper format and can be purchased from big brand stores like Spotlight (in Australia), whereas indie patterns are mainly available online. This does differ from designer to designer, but even if an indie designer has paper patterns they will more than likely have print-on-demand options as well.
Why would we recommend Indie Designers first?
Some of the very first patterns I used were Big 4 (Simplicity, Vogue, and Burda e.t.c), and although using those patterns taught me a lot as the instructions were not the best, I wouldn’t recommend other beginner sewists starting with Big 4 patterns.
This is a personal choice of course, but I think the advantages to using indie patterns are many:-
This is my favourite reason. You get to support a small sewing business. Running a small business is hard work, so why not support like-minded sewing enthusiasts whilst learning to sew.
The fit is often better. The Big 4 patterns tend to be designed around high-street fashion blocks, whereas independent patterns tend to be designed around everyday human physiques.
The instructions are amazing! All of the independent designers listed below provide amazing instructions with their patterns. Some even provide video tutorials.
The range of modern patterns is exceptional. I often find that Indie Designers are way ahead of fashion with their designs, so if following fashion is your jam then sewing an Indie Pattern often has you ahead of the fashion race.
These are just a few indie designers and there are many many more. Above are companies that either myself or other Sewcial Sewists have tried so we can testify that these cut the mustard.
If you decide to make one of these indie patterns we would love for you to tag us on the Sewcial Sewing Instagram page or use the hashtag #sewcialsewing.
We also have an ever-growing community group on Facebook where everyone would love to see what you have made.
