Free Pattern Resources
Those of us who sew know that it’s frequently an expensive endeavor. Between the cost of fabric, patterns, notions, a sewing machine, and the amount of time we spend on any given project, every sewn garment is an up-front investment. There are some ways to get around heavy costs. You can thrift fabric and notions - even a sewing machine can be bought second-hand. Places like Goodwill, Etsy, and local estate sales and antique shops are all good places to start. Fabric can also be found in large quantities with things like sheets, curtains, and table cloths.
The most difficult thing to find for cheap, in my experience, is patterns. Modern sewing patterns from the “Big Four” companies can cost anywhere from $16 to $35. For what is basically a paper envelope filled with tissue paper, that’s way too much money. You can draft your own patterns of course, but that also takes some investment to get rulers and big pieces of paper. It also takes a lot more time and some additional skills. I’ve got a tutorial on how to draft your own bodice blocks up on the blog. Craft stores will put patterns on sale, but those can be hard to watch out for.
I’m here to tell you there are resources available for the thrifty sewist! Below is a list I’ve compiled of free or low-cost resources for modern and historical sewing. Enjoy!
Los Angeles County Museum Of Art’s Pattern Project
I just recently discovered this resource in doing research for this blog post, and I’m almost mad I didn’t know about it before. I’ve been to LACMA in the past. They have an extensive collection of garments from all over the world and from all periods of history. They’ve made a handful of patterns available for free based off garments in the museum’s collection. The currently available patterns are mostly mens patterns from a mens 1700s court suit to a 1940s zoot suit. There are some women’s garments available as well. I’m particularly intrigued by a 1885 coat… I can’t tell if they’re going to be expanding upon the resources already available, but I sincerely hope they do.
Keystone Jacket and Dress Cutter, 1891 and 1895 (Internet Archive)
These two books are a wealth of information on period-accurate drafting techniques for women’s jackets, coats, and skirts. You do have to draft these patterns yourself, but it’s well worth it. I plan on using the instructions for a double-breasted riding jacket for a project I’m saving for the new year. Unofficial queen of historical costuming content Bernadette Banner has several videos on using the Keystone method for skirts and coats. I’ve linked the books themselves below. I’m using the Internet Archive for these links. The Internet Archive is also a great resource for other books on sewing or any book/media you could think of. Treat this resource like it’s your best friend. To my students out there, you can also find some textbooks here!
Household Sewing with Home Dressmaking, by Bertha Banner, 1898
If you ever wanted to know about the sewing practices and preferences of the Victorians, look no further than this manual. This book details basic and complex sewing techniques, instructions on how to construct garments, mending methods, and pattern drafting. For the beginner historical sewist or anyone wanting to brush up on the basics, this is an amazing resource.
Mood Sewciety
For a variety of modern patterns, look no further. You may know Mood as a fabric store, maybe one of the more famous fabric stores around. They also offer a fully open-access blog with trend-spotting articles, a circle-skirt calculator, and more free patterns than you could make in a lifetime. I’ve downloaded several of their patterns - everything from suits to gowns to athleisure.
Fabrics Store Blog
This is a great resource for some budget-friendly fabrics, but they have a wealth of downloadable patterns as well! If you’re looking for comfy basics and wardrobe staple patterns look no further. There are a couple dupes for some well-known indie patterns to be found. I’ve made the Paola Jacket from them, and found it to be an easy to follow pattern.
Another option is Pinterest. I’ve found full diagrams and drafting instructions before. They may not always be in English, but that’s what Google Translate is for!
You can also stay on the lookout for local estate sales, material swaps, flea markets, Facebook marketplace listings, Etsy listings, and library resources. All of those places could have patterns and fabric for lower prices than you’ll find anywhere else. Sometimes it is just luck! No matter what you’re making, there are options for you.
Happy sewing to you, dear readers, and stay thrifty.
Yours sincerely,
Madeline
