Earlier in the year, the team at Fabrics Galore asked our followers which patterns were their “most made”. The responses came in thick and fast as our sewing audience were so keen to share their favourite patterns they make on repeat. Fabrics Galore is excited to reveal the top 5 patterns which sewists can’t stop making.
Your 5 Most Made Sewing Patterns
These classic patterns are beloved in our sewing community, so much so that some people have made over 10 versions of the same pattern! Starting at No 5 here is our most-made pattern countdown.
Number 5: True Bias Ogden Cami
The Ogden Cami is a fan favourite for good reason: it’s a fast, easy sew resulting in a great summer top which can be dressed up or down. Even better as one Fabrics Galore customer noted, “It’s great for when you have a small piece of fabric”, making it the ultimate stash-buster project.
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Great for small cuts of fabric
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Highly versatile and hackable (different straps, lengths and finishes)
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A quick and satisfying sew
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A Tried and Tested Pattern (“I’ve made 20 for myself, friends and family”, said one dedicated fan!
Number 4: Tilly and the Buttons Nell Blouse + Dress
It was no surprise to us that TATB featured twice in the top 5 most made patterns. Sewists know and trust Tilly’s patterns to be reliable and beginner friendly. The Nell is that lovely combination of comfort and style with its relaxed silhouette and represents great value for money since it includes 4 blouse and dress options.
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Versatile pattern
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Easy to Sew for a Confident beginner
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Everyday wearable - comfortable and stylish
Number 3: Tilly and the Buttons Indigo Smock Top + Dress
TATB’s second entry in the top 5 most-made patterns confirms the endorsement by one of our sewing gang: “it’s so easy to adapt and I have lots of versions” , while another noted how different fabrics changed the whole effect, making the TATB Indigo a great basis for stylistic variations of the same pattern.
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Comfortable relaxed and floaty silhouette
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Generous pockets are appreciated
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Simple, no-fastening construction
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Very adaptable and hackable
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Reviewers recommend drapey fabrics like viscose or soft cottons
Number 2: Friday Pattern Company Donny Shirt
A versatile, comfortable and easily sewn staple, Friday Pattern Co’s Donny Shirt is a great choice for everyday wear with its boxy, cropped shape, simple construction and lack of buttons. Our sewing community love it for its hackability, viewing it as a real workhorse pattern. In fact, one user responded that she’s made the Donny Shirt 9+ times - now that is a wardrobe workhorse.
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Boxy pull-on shirt with a lapel collar and patch pocket
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A range of sizing from XS to 7X
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Beginner friendly: no buttons or plackets so relatively quick to sew
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Comfortable and breezy or smart and structured depending on fabric
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Works with a wide range of woven fabrics
Number 1: Paper Theory Zadie Jumpsuit
Zadie Jumpsuit by @sj_Makes in our 100% cotton gingham
Drum roll please for the No 1 most made pattern among the Fabrics Galore sewing community. The Zadie Jumpsuit is a much-loved repeat-worthy pattern. Its wrap design with a clever tie belt, wide legs and deep pockets makes it an easy-to-wear, casual, yet elegant wardrobe addition. A go-to for many sewists, loved for its wearable design and usefulness. At Fabrics Galore, we already knew it was a fan favourite, writing a feature dedicated to this hero pattern, “Why Dressmakers are Crazy for Zadie”, also one of our readers’ favourite blogs.
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Relaxed fit and forgiving design
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Simplicity (no fastenings)
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Adaptability with sleeve options, leg crop length options
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Dress versions hacked from the pattern
What Makes a Pattern Worth Sewing Over and Over?
Our data collated from over 150 pattern recommendations by our sewing community identified the following key characteristics of repeat-worthy patterns:
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Easy to fit
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Quick to Sew
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Adaptable with hacks and variations
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Everyday wearable
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Good for beginner sewists
Your Top 5 Pattern Hall of Fame
All 4 indie pattern designers featured seem to understand how we sew now: the trend for relaxed clothing which not only feels comfortable to wear but looks good and can be dressed up or down is apparent in your choice of patterns you turn to time and again.
Stay tuned for more insights and a deep dive into your favourite pattern designers coming soon on the Fabrics Galore blog. We thank all in our valued sewing community, the "Fabrics Galore Gang", for sharing their most-made patterns with us all. For more pattern recommendations, don't forget to follow us in social media @fabricsgalorelondon or sign up to our newsletter .
