For all of my sewing life, I’ve drafted my own patterns. It was part of what I learnt in fashion college and today I can draft nearly any design I dream of, it's great skill to have but it can take time to create the perfect pattern. Over the past few years, I’ve found myself reaching for commercial patterns more often — partly due to time constraints.
And let me tell you — there’s a huge world of patterns out there! From dresses to dungarees, bags to caps, quilts to coats — it’s endless. But with all this choice, what I’ve learned is this: newer isn’t always better.
Why I Recommend the Classic Pattern Brands
If you're new to sewing or even just getting back into it, it can be tempting to go for the trendy indie pattern companies with their minimalist packaging and Instagram-friendly vibes. But for reliability, detail, and usability, I swear by the classic brands like:
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Vogue
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Burda
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Simplicity
Here’s why:
1. Generous Seam Allowances
These patterns typically include a 1.5 cm seam allowance, which is perfect. It gives you enough room to make adjustments — whether that’s letting out a seam for comfort or tweaking the fit. After all, if you're going to the effort of making a garment, it should be able to grow with you a little!
2. Lots of Notches
If you’ve ever attended one of my classes, you’ll know how much I love lots of notches! More notches = fewer mistakes. A well-notched pattern makes construction so much easier, and helps avoid sewing in a sleeve upside down or mismatching curved seams.
3. Tailor Tacks and Markings
These patterns include essential construction markings like dart points, button placements, and collar notches. They're vital if you want to achieve clean lines, sharp necklines, or symmetrical collars.
Things to Watch Out For
Even the best patterns have quirks — here are a few things to be aware of:
Sizing Differences
Some of these brands are American, which means the sizing is different. For example, a US size 8 often corresponds to a UK size 12. Always go by your actual body measurements, not your high-street dress size. Trust me — trying to grade up or down after cutting the wrong size is not a beginner-friendly task.
Flimsy Tissue Paper
These patterns are still printed on tissue paper — which, while nostalgic, is delicate and easily torn. Make sure to flatten it carefully, pin securely, and yes — you can iron it on a low heat if it’s too crinkled to work with.
Where to Buy Dressmaking Patterns in Ireland
You can find a good selection of these classic pattern brands from some great independent Irish shops:
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Sew Irish – A fantastic range of patterns and fabric.
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Vibes & Scribes – Based in Cork, with a strong online store.
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Cloth – A beautiful selection of dressmaking supplies (check for pattern availability in-store or online).
Final Thoughts
Commercial patterns are a brilliant tool — especially if you’re short on time or just getting started with dressmaking. But not all patterns are created equal. In my experience, the classic brands have stood the test of time for good reason: they’re detailed, reliable, and make your sewing experience smoother.
So if you're diving into a new sewing project, don’t overlook the old reliables — they might just save you time, fabric, and a whole lot of frustration.