Spring (in the Northern Hemisphere) has sprung, and it seems so have all the patterns! Hoolie doolie, it felt like every time I opened my browser/phone, I found a new pattern! You’ll see what I mean below. My usual disclaimer is that even with the abundance below, it’s inevitable that I missed something. Please tell us in the comments below and I’ll be sure to check out your suggestions. With that said, grab a beverage (a big one!) and let’s get started. I’ve decided to group by garment type to keep the head spinning (mine) to a minimum.
Dresses
Cocowawa Crafts Maple Dress– Link / Size Chart
To be honest, the line drawings looked kind of er … mumsy … to me when I first saw them. It was the tester photos that made me take a second look. That second glance tells me the Maple is actually a cute dress with cute options, which can take it to the office or on Saturday errands depending on fabrication and accessories. Cocowawa recently increased their size range. CSC Editor Andie was a tester and loved her results. You will too, here.
Maria Denmark Maria Mix & Match Dress – Link / Size Chart
With all the options and inclusive size range, the Maria could be your go-to knit dress for just about every style and every season. I’d like to see the Maria on more diverse bodies so please hurry up and make yours!
Boho Banjo Pearl Red Moon Tyrell Dress – Link / Size Chart
Dip your toe (or jump head first) into Lagenlook designs, with Pearl Red Moom and the Tyrelle dress. Lots of cute details which elevates this minimalist frock. Not being minimalist leaning myself, I adore the screaming bright print version below, which would be perfect for beachwalking here in Florida. I’d fit right in.
Wardrobe by Me Mirri Faux Wrap Dress – Link / Size Chart (scroll and click the Sizing tab)
Love this! I adore wrap dresses and tops, plus that purple, that snow! (Humor me, I never see snow anymore and my memories of winter snow reality have faded, something like the pain of childbirth Heh.) I’m imagining a summer maxi version, and it looks like a quick sew. Which I’m all about.
Butterick/Connie Crawford 6660– Link / Size Chart
Butterick’s Connie Crawford patterns go to a 68″/170cm bust to a 76″/190cm hip, which is one of the most inclusive size ranges I’ve seen. Just sayin’. On top of the great size range, this dress also has lots of panels, which provide even more fitting opportunities. I’m definitely giving Butterick (and Connie) some side eye, though, for not including above waist and hip lengthen/shorten options. I’m assuming, because I don’t have the pattern, that it actually wouldn’t be too difficult to make those length adjustments on a muslin. A bit time-consuming, yes, because of all those pieces to cut and baste, but getting the body landmarks correct for this shapely pattern will make all the difference so don’t skip that step. Muslins don’t have to be beautiful.
Burda Style 03/2019 Belted Dress – Link / Size Chart
No surprise with fashion-forward Burda that this dress is hitting all the trends — sleeve flounces, hem flounces, buttons all the way. Besides wearing this expectedly as a dress, can you see it worn open duster style (welcome back Dorothy Zbornack) over a tee and some jeans? The 03/2019 issue actually has some non-sack styles in its Plus collection. For a change.
HotPatterns Weekender Superstar – Link / Size Chart
How fun does this dress look? Caftan comfort with a modern twist. I wish we’d get to see HotPatterns releases on real bodies. The Indie tester/promoter model overload has me spoiled. HotPatterns if you’re reading, hint! hint!
Skirts
Peppermint/In The Folds Wrap Skirt – Link / Size Chart (PDF download)
This is so on my list and already downloaded! Perfect for the office, but also for weekends, especially hemmed shorter and done up in linen. And it’s FREE! Thank you In the Folds and Peppermint Magazine!
Scroop Patterns Modern Fantail Skirt –Link / Size Chart
Scroop Patterns has been one of the Indies offering sewing pattern size and model inclusivity even before it was “cool” and they deserve a proper recognition. (ClapClapClap!!) The Fantail skirt comes in both “Modern” and “Historical” versions (or a bundle of both). I think the difference is length, but please let me know if I’m wrong on that. The top photo is a screen grab of an animation (click here) on Instagram, which shows the fullness and movement of this skirt beautifully. So much fun!
Winter Wear Designs Boulevard Skirt –Link / Size Chart
Speaking of fun … I adore @GariChild’s sexy/sassy self and her interpretation of the Boulevard Skirt (and Simplicity 8424 wrap top). I love pretty much all skirt patterns and this one looks perfect for the summer heat about to descend on me in Tampa. I feel 10 degrees cooler just looking at Martha (GariChild), don’t you?
Overalls (dungarees)/Pinafores
Decades of Style Ophelia Overalls – Link / Size Chart
I believe as soon as Nakisha hit publish on the February/Spring Pattern Roundup last month, the Ophelia Overalls pattern was released and tester photos started making the rounds. Don’t feel bad Nakisha, that’s usually how my life goes too. The CSC’s own Megan models her awesome Ophelias above and in the Same Pattern Different Bodies with Andie here. Check out the #opheliaoveralls hashtag for lots more great versions. I really like Decades’ take on these overalls, great details that elevate and make these stand apart from other patterns (and even RTW). I’ve been thinking of hacking this pattern into an overalls skirt. You know, to avoid those +50 bathroom issues we talked about last time I was here. Those big pockets would be awesome on my daily dog walks too.
Rad Patterns So-Over-It-Alls – Link / Size Chart
Here’s Martha again, this time in her So-Over-It-Alls from Rad Patterns. I hope she doesn’t think I’m stalking her (I am), but I just love her fun, bright style. The SOIAs are made for knits, and include a shortalls view and a maternity view. The SOIAs are like your favorite jogger and pinafore Frankenpatterned. And although I can GUARANTEE I personally won’t be needing the maternity view, the tester photos look like the perfect comfortable/adorable preggo combo. Still not tempting ME, but if YOU are in the maternity market, check them out.
Helen’s Closet York Pinafore – Link / Size Chart (PDF download)
The York Pinafore extended sizing might be one of the most anticipated releases this year! And, luckily, as I was putting the finishing touches on this Roundup, it went live. Also luckily, Helen is discounting the pattern 20% until 23 March 2019 (so hurry!). I didn’t think I wanted this pattern, but seeing these curvy ladies rocking the York has me re-thinking. I mean, it seems like it would be another perfect hot weather outfit, and another quick sew. Both of which are very important in my life. Helen has lots of curvy testers modeling their makes here and they all look fantastic.
Pants/Jumpsuits
In the Folds Darlow Pants – Link / Size Chart
These are awesome! We already know that In the Folds drafts are great (free “trials” via Peppermint Magazine anyone?), and I’m sure the Darlows are no exception. While I love all the curves and the seaming, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t actually highlight each and every seam on Darlows for me (but I could). I’m just not a Lagenlook-er. Still, these pants would be fun to sew and fun to wear as casual wear and even plain (untrimmed) seaming would take these up about 10 notches from most casual pants without anyone mistaking me for the art teacher. (Just teasing, no offense meant to art teachers.)
Maria Denmark Nanna Pants – Link / Size Chart
Going 180 degrees from the Darlows, we have Maria Denmark’s Nanna pants. Although I’m definitely not sold on that name since Nanna/Nana=Grandma here in the U.S. and granny panties are, well …!! … and in Danish bedstemor undertøj… hahaha, I’m so bad. But I am intrigued with the sizing and the separate drafting for different body types (curvy/pear and straight).
Rebecca Page Posy Pleated Pants – Link / Size Chart
Posy Pants … cozy pants. Hah … did you see what I did there? These are definitely secret pajamas with the deep pleats and back elasticated waistband. Secret fancy and elegant pajamas. As you can see, an elastic waist doesn’t mean frumpy. This pattern also has a 3/4 length view, for secret culotte PJs.
Paper Theory Zadie Jumpsuit – Link / Size Chart
The interwebs are in LOVE with this new jumpsuit pattern, and we curvy girls are included too with Paper Theory’s newly extended size range. While I’m still not in love with jumpsuit in the practical sense due to bathroom gymnastics, I might be pushed over the edge with Zadie if I keep seeing all the great makes. I think my middle name might sometimes be Lemming.
Tops/Bodysuits
HotPatterns Effortless (Dress and) Blouse – Link / Size Chart
Yes, this is a dress and a top, but I’m including it with tops because we get to see a HotPatterns pattern modeled (!!) and by none other than pattern designer Trudy. Love that fabric, love this tunic for spring and summer. And shoulder gathers are a busty girl’s friend for Honkin’ Big Bust Dart™ manipulation. Oh, and the dress view is cute too.
Itch to Stitch Orono Top – Link / Size Chart (scroll and click the Sizing tab)
Here’s a cool (warm?) sweatshirt for you Southern Hemisphere sewists heading into autumn/winter. I love how the photo above shows it fancied up a bit more than your average sweatshirt by using a jacquard-ish ponte. Yes, we can live in sweats and no one has to know.
Seamwork Angela Bodysuit– Link / Size Chart Imperial / Size Chart Metric
Ahh, bodysuits. I remember a love/hate relationship with them when I was a kid in the 70s. They are great for staying tucked in. Not so great due to Wedgie City. But sewing your own bodysuit will definitely eliminate the crack creep of Wedgie City once you’ve got the fit right. I like how this Angela bodysuit looks like a feminine blouse and slims down into the less bulky panty section. But as usual with me, I do not like how Seamwork patterns fit (don’t!) their models. The shoulder width/armscye is all kinds of cray. Yes, it can be fixed, but who is looking at these product shots before they go live?
Coats/Jackets
Burda Style 03/2019 Flowy Coat – Link / Size Chart
I like this Flowy Coat, although it could probably use a good “flow” under an iron. Hah. Add a belt and some carriers and this would make an excellent summer trench. It has a back vent, back shoulder yoke, and epaulets. It really should already have a belt, but let’s not quibble —at least this Burda Plus pattern isn’t a tent.
Closet Case Files Jasika Jacket – Link / Size Chart (Boo!)
Many in the sewing community seems to have lost their collective mind over this (basic) jacket pattern. Unfortunately, many of us aren’t invited to the party. However, there are plenty of other jacket patterns in the sea (or something like that) and one that comes to my mind is the very inclusive…
Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick Rickey Jacket – Link / Size Chart
No, it’s not a carbon copy, and it’s not really a new pattern anymore. But it has a very similar feel so I wanted to include it as an option. Yes, it’s drafted for a more petite height, but lengths are very easy to alter, especially when SBCC includes the landmarks to do so.
Ellie & Mac Duchess Jacket – Link / Size Chart
One more for those on their way in to winter instead of on the way out. If lived somewhere where I needed a coat more than 87 hours per winter, this Duchess jacket would be so fun to wear. Pink and orange plaid? Yes, please.
Did you make it through all of those without needing a pit stop? I probably shouldn’t have advised reading with a big drink, but thanks for sticking it out and making it to the end. Let me know what you think. I’m pretty sure I won’t have such an ambitious Roundup next time. I’m exhausted. 🙂
Debbie,
Thanks so much for ALL the WORK this feature entails. My life doesn’t really revolve around the internet (gasp! I know. ) so without the pattern round up I would never have time to see all these patterns, let alone see the latest trends. Truly one of the things that keeps me from being so last century.
I also want to encourage you to keep calling it the way you see it. I’ve been reading the CSC since inception and one of the defining characteristics is honesty. (and respectful, inclusive, positive) On the CSC I always know I’m not being sold anything.(which is priceless these days) 99% of the time everyone appreciates this as much as I do. Thank You for sharing your time and your love of sewing and the occasional snark.
If you’re crawling on the floor, the overalls have snaps in the bottom! LOL
Cute outfit but not realistic for adults who need the snaps added.
Great overview of the new patterns! The Zadie and the Tyrell have been added to my to-sew list. I don’t think you were too snarky about Closet Case. And the Nanna comment made me laugh since that’s my first name but I no longer use it with English-speaking clients for this reason.
That was fun – thank you.
And…Danish translation please. (You crack you up!)
Do you come across many new menswear patterns? I always think they’re under-represented and would love to see some fashion-forward designers.
Helen, Thanks for the suggestion!
I have thought long and hard about posting this, but feel I must. In an otherwise very helpful pattern roundup I was saddened to see you make an unwarranted and unnecessary dig at Closet Case Patterns. Heather Lou has made a very gracious response to the accusations levelled at her, and committed to expanding her size range, so it seems to me petty to be continuing the attack on her company.
Elsewhere on this website Mary says “there is no place for…..negativity in sewing……..ALL sewists are welcome”
Please think before making cheap shots.
Rachel,
I’m sorry you feel my stating the truth was a cheap shot, and I suppose I can understand how you might have come to that conclusion, but I think if you re-read, you will see that I simply said the CCP pattern is wildly popular right now (which it is) and many curvy sewists are sized out of it (which they are). And then I featured a similar pattern with a larger size range.
Thank you for sharing your opinion. All sewists ARE welcome.
It was not your stating the truth as you see it that was a cheap shot. It was attaching the “Boo” comment to the size chart, which is more inclusive than many other pattern designers out there, and describing the jacket as “basic” which it most certainly isn’t.
A more positive approach would have been to say that whilst in your view the existing size range is limited, the designer has stated her intention to expand it.
Understood. I actually forgot I added the “Boo” so, yeah, OK, a little snark. But in my defense, it’s not like this was the first time I’ve called out a pattern company for their sizing or the first time I’ve snarked. You have read my Roundups, yes? 🙂 As far as adding a statement about CCP’s intention to increase their size range, please point me to it. I’ve heard of such a statement, but have not found it myself or else I certainly would have added it.
Bottom line, I still stand by what I wrote and my belief that it was not mean or “cheap.” The Roundups are opinion pieces. I gave my opinion. You gave yours. I’m good with that.
I believe the statement was made in a subscriber newsletter, and referred to on Instagram so fair enough, you may not have seen it. If you see it as your role to “call out” pattern companies that don’t conform to your ideal, and you had heard about Heather’s statement, it wouldn’t have been difficult to confirm it with her directly.
No, I haven’t read your other roundup. You seem to believe that having been snarky (aka unpleasant) previously is a valid defence for doing so again. I can’t fathom why. I will avoid your items in future if that is your style.
I agree that the roundup is an opinion piece; I just don’t agree that it should be a platform for sniping. It is perfectly possibly to give opinion without resorting to unpleasantness.
Debbie – as someone who is generally in the upper end of conventional ranges (e.g. I fit into the Jasika’s current range), but supports the voice this community has helped bring about sizing inclusivity to indie designers, I didn’t think you were especially snarky. You posted one word by the size chart and gave approximately the same # of words that you did to other patterns. It wasn’t like you went on and on about how CCP hasn’t been inclusive.
Just posting my support and an opinion different from Rachel’s. I always appreciate these pattern round ups & I know they must take a LOT of time – esp as a volunteer.
Thanks for the comment, Ryann. I didn’t think I was especially snarky either, but I do understand everyone has different opinions and Rachel is entitled to hers. I do think about what I write and I do edit myself with an eye to being fair all around. I think that’s about all I can do.
I fit in Closet Case patterns, but I still think you weren’t snarky. I have been pissed off for years about the lack of “larger” patterns, as I love making things for my elder sisters who are both “plus” ie practically average and most of the patterns out there for them were so frumpy grrr. I have been asking some pattern designers for years to expand their sizing ranges and been fobbed off. Everyone is suddenly jumping on the inclusive bandwagon, and you know what? I’m still annoyed at the ones who are only doing it now after loads of pressure! Not all of them – some of them responded so nicely to me, saying they didn’t want to just upsize their block but wanted to do it properly, well, those are fine (because let’s face it, it’s pretty obvious that some of the ones who went larger just upsized the same flipping block!). The ones that didn’t even reply – those are over for me.
Oh – I don’t know if you know designerstitch patterns – they go up to a 52″ bust and always have done:D.
Anyway, thank you for another great round up. You have obviously struck a nerve with a closet case fan…. she who dares to annoy a staunch fan of anyone is brave these days!
Debbie – actually I was surprised that you included that pattern in the round up since the size inclusivity is so small. So kudos for that! Personally if I wanted a tailored jacket like that I would purchase your second choice. There are a lot of pieces to a tailored jacket so to alter all of them and get them to fit together would be not only time-consuming but there is the chance that after all of that, it might not work. Truth is that while Heather is working on increasing the sizing of her patterns, this one isn’t there yet.
Well Rachel. I too have thought long and hard about posting this and have read and reread the comments about CCF. Truthfully in past post this pattern may not have even been included in the post as this is a place to come and review patterns for those of us who are on the larger end of the size spectrum. CCF are great patterns and I have sewn them in the past so don’t get me wrong I am not dissing her or her patterns. But I feel Debbie was generous to include her new jacket pattern in this post and she also pointed out that her patterns are not inclusive of those on the larger sizing range. Nothing more and nothing less. Heather may well be planning to increase her sizing but she has not yet done so. You accused Debbie of dissing the pattern and the company when she did not do so.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That is not what my main concern is. It is the manner in which those opinions are expressed. Debbie herself admitted to being snarky, and indeed seems to suggest that this is her style. I believe she was dissing the company when she described the pattern as “basic”. I am not disagreeing with the facts of the sizing range, just the way it was done. As I said before, it is perfectly possible to give a fair review without resorting to sniping, even if at a low level.
There is a lot of reference on CSC to speaking about our size and body image in positive terms and respecting the feelings of others. I don’t see why that shouldn’t apply to this type of article too.
Jumping back in to say that my use of “basic” was just a descriptor. It *is* a basic jacket pattern. There was absolutely no snark with my use of that word. If putting the word “Boo” next to a size chart link that I wish fit me is “snarky” (or is it now sniping?), then like I said before … I’m OK with that. I admitted to a “little snark” so that we could hopefully compromise and move on. Apparently, we can’t. So, the last thing I’m going to say is I think you’ve dissed me a lot more and at a more personal level than anything I said about CCF. It’s OK, I’m an adult with thick skin. Just making an observation is all.
I have not dissed you. I have challenged the way that you wrote the review, just as you challenge pattern companies over their sizing. I think the issue has been clouded by others joining in and missing the point that I have tried to make. Clearly yours is a style that others enjoy and I accept that. However it is not for me, and given the responses to my trying to suggest a kinder approach I no longer feel welcome on this forum.
I disagree with Rachel that Debbie was being ‘snarky’ and I reject her outright in her attempts to police Debbie’s language around the fact that CCP doesn’t (please note the present tense of the verb) cater to larger sized humans.
I am a fat woman, and I have been made to feel unwelcome and ugly by the clothing industry my whole life. Indie pattern companies included. Because of site like CSC, and the blogs of the founders I now see myself differently, and advocate for change in those industries.
I don’t worry about my ‘tone’ when I do this, and I don’t credit people who tell me to watch my language.
We don’t need to comply in that way.
I don’t believe in being rude but in no way was Debbie being rude.
I actually really like Heather and Closet Case Patterns blog and patterns (tho I haven’t made any).
I am happy w Debbie’s manner. I support speaking out against exclusive pattern sizing. *Boo* is a fair comment just as *yay* would be. I don’t feel greatfull because a pattern company is thinking about undertaking product development which will result in selling more products….What I don’t like is the ticking off and micro policing that goes on and on. We hear you R but we don’t all agree with you and that’s ok. The company got featured and their sizing is not inclusive and that is a fact we get to state…we also get to state that their exclusive sizing sux..
I guess I missed the snark. So, after reading the comments, I went back and clicked on the size chart for Closet Case Files Jasika Jacket. It goes up to 46 inch bust. Much ado about nothing as far as I’m concerned. I read the Boo as more of disappointment rather than dissing. I, too am disappointed that CCF has so few larger sizes. I thought they would be including the larger sizes going forward, but I thought wrong. I love CCF patterns. They are original and stylish. I do wish they would include larger sizes in all their patterns. . I know that it would increase their sales as well as my pattern stash!
You didn’t think wrong; CCP are going to include larger sizes, but the work involved means that it takes time to achieve and the decision to do it was only made recently.
I am wondering who the hell you are and why you turned one word that you disagreed with into an elitist rant. One freaking word set you off like this? The pattern company can defend itself and while I respect your right to your own opinion, I do not see you respecting the others who disagree with you, which made reading these comments unnecessarily unpleasant.
Wow, what a great round-up! I’m so glad to see some more unknown pattern companies /designers included. I’m really considering sewing a pinafore for the winter (southern hemisphere) and these York pinsfores are looking so good! Thanks for the hard work and I really enjoy the comments too.
Love the roundup. Like your writing style and comments are helpful.
whoa, massive round-up Debbie! thanks heaps for putting it together – every time I think I’m across all the indie pattern companies, ones that are new to me pop up. I’ve seen a bunch of zadie jumpsuits that look amazing, so I’m going to snap that up, and I already snaffled the new expanded size range versions of the Fantail and the York pinafore.
thanks again for putting this together! it must be a huge amount of work, but I know we all appreciate it.
Those Burda ones look lovely. Not like the shapeless sacks I’ve come to associate with Burda plus patterns.
I’m not a jumpsuit person but I’m so tempted by the Zadie.
Great Roundup. I wasn’t aware of all of these.
I *think* the difference between the Scroop patterns fantail versions is more than length – from the pattern drawings it looks to me like the modern version’s pleats are sewn down to release at mid-hip in the back, while the full-length historical version’s pleats fall from the waistband.
The fastenings are also different: a zip on the Modern version, and a placket and hooks on the Historical version
Thank you Jessica and Rachel! Good information to know.
My favorite post every month. I think I spend a lot of time researching sewing patterns but somehow several of these are new to me. I am 66 years old for heavens sake and the only one I am considering for myself is the Zadie Jumpsuit. Haha. I wore them in a much younger life and have avoided all the jumpsuit hype for the last few years. Til now. Headscratch. I can’t explain it but it really appeals to me. I think I want to crop them further to a knee length. Time will tell.
Thanks for putting these together Debbie! Seems like even though it’s coming into spring for you, there’s still quite a lot of autumn appropriate items being released for us southerners!
I’m giving two thumbs up to the Zadie jumpsuit pattern! Tara (from Paper.Theory) posted a lovely dress version that she made from the pattern, which would let people skip the bathroom awkwardness (and it looks lovely)!
Plus, as far as I’m aware, it’s quite difficult to find a woven wrap anything for plus size bodies!
thanks for a great roundup Debbie. So great to have you do all the work… I wouldn’t long trying hand at a jacket. Does that sbcc pattern mean square shoulders are back in?
Brilliant roundup – great commentary and fab assessments – thank you!
I always enjoy your posts; they are so entertaining. I had a laugh at the Nanna pants 🙂
Another great round up, thanks for all your hard work.
What an epic round up!!! WHEW!
I have to say…I’m not usually bothered by the jumpsuit/bathroom issue. Last weekend I had on a bodysuit AND overalls and had to go so.so.bad!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!
I like quite a few of these and somehow, there are STILL new-to-me pattern companies!!!!
Thank you for the great roundup!
Wonderful roundup!
Heheheheheh Thank you sooooo much Debbie!!! I am sooooooo loving this month’s pattern roundup GREAT JOB!!! GariChild
Lemming must be my middle name too. Started out with a full bottle of water and did not make it to the end without a pit stop. I’m 68 yrs. old and I cannot understand overalls except for very little ones who are still in the crawling stage. I especially like the Maria of Denmark selections, the Hotpatterns Effortless Dress/Top, the Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick Rickey Jacket and the Ellie and Mack Duchess Jacket. Thank you for your selections and commentary.
If you’re crawling on the floor, the overalls have snaps in the bottom! LOL
Cute outfit but not realistic for adults who need the snaps added.
Love the Tyrell dress pattern, fabric and necklace. Can you share where the fabric and necklace are from….ty
Hi Ree, That fabric is from the designer. Maybe she’ll see this and comment.