Independent Pattern Company Directory

Independent patterns are any patterns not created by the the Big Five of patterns companies (McCalls, Simplicity, Butterick, Vogue and Know Me). These patterns companies are often owner run or small business. The designers are either a person who have studied fashion design or home sewists who begin to draft and sell their own design.

Some new to sewing may find indie patterns an easier place to start. For one, some find indie patterns more true to size, although the pattern sizing varies widely from designer to designer. Secondly, the instructions tend to be a tad more plain language with less technical terms. Many even come with written or video sewalongs. Lastly many indie patterns have an expanded size range compared to the Big Five. Keep in mind these are generalizations.

There are some risks with indie patterns as well. Anyone can draft a pattern, create a website or etsy shop and start selling patterns and there’s often no way to know their skill level. The biggest pet peeve with PDF indie patterns for most is the printing and taping for print at home option. This isn’t necessary as some patterns companies offer printed patterns and even those in pdf for usually have a copyshop print option.

Pros:

• Sizing can be more inclusive and is often closer to RTW sizing

• Instructions may be easier for a new sewists to understand

• Often offered as pdf so they can be printed at home for instant use

• Some offer projector files which save paper if you have a projector.

• Each purchase supports a small business