When we ran a social media survey to determine which were our sewing community’s most made patterns, it also shed light on the significance of certain pattern brands, whose patterns were mentioned repeatedly for ease of pattern instructions and wearability. Here are the top 5 pattern brands according to our sewing gang’s feedback.
Why Our Sewing Community Loves these 5 Pattern Brands
Tilly & The Buttons - beginner-friendly, fun and everyday style
It was no surprise to anyone that TATB appeared twice in the most made patterns list with Indigo and Nell, but in our survey, the sewing community mentioned a whopping 19 different patterns by TATB as their most made. There is so much love for Tilly & The Buttons, a tried and tested brand known for comfortable, every-day, wearable patterns. With many patterns offering several design options, there is strong repeat use and an appreciation of their versatility.
What the Sewing Community Says:
- Accessible patterns with clear instructions accompanied by photos or tutorials that are really helpful for beginners
- Most patterns are beginner-friendly and inclusive with a range of UK sizing from 6-34.
- A supportive and fun team in touch with the sewing community
Overall appeal:
TATB patterns are trusted entry points for new sewists and loved by more experienced makers for versatile pattern designs.
TATB Patterns frequently mentioned in our survey:
Indigo Smock Dress/Top - one of our community's Top 5 most-made patterns
- Indigo - a comfortable smock dress/top, easy to sew and good for beginners with styling options for more confident sewists.
- Nell - a relaxed, wearable blouse/dress pattern which is easy to sew.
- Stella - Joggers and Hoodie set (pattern available in Tilly's book "Stretch")
- Marnie - blouse and mini-dress pattern customisable with tucks and ruffles - also Tilly's personal favourite!
- Lyra - an easy-to-wear dress with collar and front buttons and a gathered skirt
Friday Pattern Company - versatile, hackable and community focused
The Donny Shirt was # 2 in the Fabrics Galore most-made pattern survey - we described it as a true wardrobe workhorse. Our sewing community highlighted a further 6 patterns from this indie brand which have become the favourites they make on repeat.
What the Sewing Community Says:
- Pattern designs are fun, modern and practical for everyday wear that’s easy to sew.
- The Friday Pattern Company hosts inclusive online resources such as YouTube sew-alongs, which guide beginners and encourage more experienced sewists to adapt their designs.
- Makers find their patterns fun to make and comfortable to wear with plenty of wardrobe staples that can be dressed up or down.
Overall appeal:
Friday Pattern Company patterns offer versatility, hackability and a supportive community. In fact, the patterns our sewing gang highlighted below could almost complete your capsule wardrobe!
Friday Pattern Co Patterns frequently mentioned in our survey:
The Donny Shirt - our sewing community's No 2 most-made pattern
- Donny Shirt- a boxy pull over the head shirt with a lapel collar and patch pocket
- Wilder Gown - a romantic flowing dress with a gathered neck tie and raglan sleeves.
- Hughes Dress - an everyday dress with gathered sleeves, buttoned front and A line skirt
- Sagebrush Top - a pretty blouse with puffed sleeves and gathers across the front
- Ilford Jacket - an endlessly customisable jacket or shirt with drop shoulders and sleeve and pocket variations
- Saguaro Set - an elasticated trousers and top set perfect for summer holidays
- Patina Blouse - a deep V collar and buttoned top with sleeve length options
Style Arc - professional fit and modern designs
Although Style Arc didn’t make the top 5 most made patterns, our sewing community mentioned at least 7 of their patterns with the Montana dress highlighted as a particular favourite. Style Arc is a maker’s favourite for tailored, contemporary patterns better suited to more experienced sewists.
What the Sewing Community Says:
- Excellent drafting and accurate fit, especially for woven fabrics and trousers.
- Professional looking patterns which are fashionable and look high-end.
- Instructions are minimal so best for experienced sewists rather than beginners.
Overall appeal:
Style Arc offers advanced makers patterns with clean, contemporary lines which are ideal for sewists who like an edgier designer feel to their garments.
Style Arc Patterns mentioned in our survey:
Style Arc Montana Midi Dress Pattern
- Montana Dress - a comfortable, pull-on midi dress with short sleeves and gathered skirt
- Twig Pants - tailored barrel leg, high-waisted cropped trousers
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Sydney Designer Dress - a cocoon shaped dress with extended shoulder-line and high-low hem
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Belle - a V-neck button-through dress with shirred sleeves.
- Trinnie - panelled skirt dress with a fitted bodice, high neck and hem band
- Bob Woven Pant - balloon shaped trousers with elasticated waist
- Ethel Top - boxy, pull-on, round-neck top
True Bias - wearable, modern everyday wardrobe staples
Featuring in our Top 5 most made patterns, the Ogden Cami represents everything the busy sewist loves: a quick, versatile, stash-friendly pattern.
What the Sewing Community Says:
- Clean modern designs which work in any wardrobe.
- Design details which elevate patterns from the ordinary to stylish with pocket options and versatile lengths.
- Clear and well-illustrated pattern guidance.
- Accessible for all skill levels.
Overall appeal:
True Bias seems to excel at modern basics that makers turn to time and time again. The brand is loved for its reliable and repeatable patterns
True Bias Patterns mentioned in our survey:
- Ogden Cami - a lovely cami top for wearing alone or layering
- Mave Skirt - an elasticated waist with drawstring and tiered skirt
- Southport Dress - a tank style dress with button opening and drawstring waist
- Casey Shorts - a boxer short and longer pyjama bottoms with elasticated waist and faux button fly
- Nikko Top - a top and dress pattern with a turtle neck for stretch knit fabrics
- Roscoe blouse/dress - a voluminous, loose top and dress with gathered neck and raglan sleeves
Merchant & Mills - timeless, utility-inspired classics
While not in the top 5 most-made patterns, our sewing gang had plenty to say about Merchant & Mills’ classic staples like the Trapeze dress Ellsworth Shirt, Factory Dress and Camber Set.
What the Sewing Community Says:
- Timeless, understated patterns which are both practical and stylish.
- High quality, clearly styled patterns
- Versatile and comfortable
- Instructions lack detail for beginner level sewists
Overall appeal:
Merchant & Mills’ patterns are loved for their classic wardrobe staples, utilitarian design style and wearability.
Merchant & Mills Patterns mentioned in our survey:
Merchant & Mills Trapeze Dress
- Trapeze dress - a simple, flared, below the knee length dress with 3 sleeve options
- Ellsworth Shirt - a swingy, boxy shirt with half placket and collar
- Juno Culottes - generous culottes with a fly button front and front pleats
- Camber Set - a simple, round-neck, short-sleeved dress or T shirt top
- Factory Dress - a utilitarian style dress or top with v neck collar, and turned-up sleeves
- Miller Waistcoat - a classic waistcoat with welted pockets, buttons and stitched back belt
Common Threads Across all 5 Pattern Brands
Across all these brands there were certain themes which stood out:
- Wearability and Repeat Use
Patterns which became tried and tested favourites, like the Ogden Cami, Indigo and Donny Shirt are practical versatile wardrobe staples.
- Accessible Instructions and Community Support
Makers feel supported with detailed photo or video assisted instructions (Tilly & The Buttons), sew-alongs (Friday Pattern Co), and online communities.
- Adaptability and Creativity
Hackability and the number of pattern variations keep sewists coming back to the patterns as their sewing confidence improves.
- Modern yet Comfortable Designs
All the favourite brands offered patterns for garments which feel current but are comfortable to wear, ensuring that pieces are worn repeatedly. From classic t-shirts and tops to jumpsuits and dresses, makers love a pattern which feels good to wear and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
What Makes these 5 Pattern Brands Special?
- Tilly & The Buttons offers the beginner sewist a joyful introduction to sewing with strong community support.
- Friday Pattern Company: offers hackability for makers who love to put their own stamp on their projects.
- Style Arc offers design-led modern patterns for confident sewists,
- True Bias offers reliable and repeatable modern basics which combine simplicity with style.
- Merchant & Mills provides timeless utility-inspired patterns with thoughtful design elements.
Which Pattern Should You Try?
The team at Fabrics Galore has loved learning about your most loved patterns and brands. It helps us curate our fabric collections to ensure there are plenty of great options for our sewing gang’s favourite makes. As always, if you find a pattern you love but aren't sure which fabric will work best, please don’t hesitate to contact us either at the shop, on the phone or send a DM via our Instagram @fabricsgalorelondon
Authored by: Annabelle Rigg, Online and Store Manager at Fabrics Galore London
Reviewed by: Paul Johnston, Owner and Founder of Fabrics Galore London since 1992
