sewing patterns

[funkybuddha]

Hi all, I'm pretty new to sewing but fancied having a go at making some tops and dresses. Can anyone advise the best place to get a pattern from, all the ones I have seen are from the 80's!
Thank you!

[KatharineClifton]

Ha! They do look a bit like that. Have you not got a local sewing shop?

Main pattern companies are New Look / Butterick / Macalls / Vogue. They all have websites. Burda also do patterns, but they aren't for beginners as don't include seam allowances.

[KatharineClifton]

McCall that should of been, and also Simplicity. Some are in reality the same companies, but they are the main brands.

[Nocomet]

Simplicity usually work first uk supplier on google

[KatharineClifton]

www.sewessential.co.uk/CategoryTree.asp?CategoryID=1235&gclid=CPbi95KMhb0CFQEXwwodBxkA1w

[Chocolateteabag]

Try Simplicity "Lisette" range - you can look on Pinterest to see real examples of how they have turned out too.

Tilly and the buttons blog has a nice pattern for a top ( she was on the first sewing bee programme ) again lots of example of people's attempts

Then look at the sewing blogs for more "real" projects which can help you with the not so modern pattern pictures.

Anything you have in mind to make? Link it here and maybe we can help you find a pattern?

[IsItSafeToDance]

I love By Hand London byhandlondon.com

They are relatively new, and don't have a huge number if patterns, but the patterns they do have are for fantastic, easy to make dresses as well as a skirt and jacket.

They also have done lots of online walk throughs of each pattern which I found helpful if I got a bit stuck!

I've made a couple of their dresses, which were very simple to do, and am itching to make more!

[574ejones]

I have used Jaycotts for the main brand sewing patterns, but if you are after some Indie patterns, have a look at the selection on The Village Haberdashery.