I often hear people say they don’t like to spend money on sewing patterns. They’d rather spend time drafting their own pattern. I can absolutely understand that feeling, especially in regards to digital sewing patterns as it’s hard to see the value when you don’t have a physical product to hold. And if you want a very specific design, something that you can’t find the perfect pattern for, then drafting your own pattern can be a great option. But are there benefits to using a sewing pattern? If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you’ll know that I still purchase and make patterns from other designers from time to time, so I’d love to explain why I choose to do that rather than always drafting my own pattern*. Here are six reasons I love using sewing patterns:
1. Time
Time is one of our most valuable resources. As they say, “once it’s gone, it’s gone”. Drafting your own pattern definitely takes time. Here in the UK, the national minimum wage is £8.21 per hour (2022). A standard sewing pattern costs approximately £7.50. How long does it take to draft your own pattern, working out the maths and getting the details finalised? Certainly more than an hour. So if like me, you’re short on time, then buying a sewing pattern is great value for less than 1 hours work.
2. The Maths & Kinks Are All Worked Out
When you purchase a sewing pattern, the designer has inevitably spent weeks working out kinks in the design, striving to make the bag and the pattern as practical as possible. When you draft a pattern, it’s rare, even for well established designers, that you’ll get a perfect bag from the first prototype. I generally make six or seven prototypes for each pattern, improving small details on each until I’m absolutely happy with the design.
When you purchase a pattern, all the changes have already been made, which means you get it right first time and can spend your time just enjoying the sewing. That saves not only time, but also resources. Of course, this isn’t the case for all sewing patterns….most of us have at some point purchased a pattern that we don’t like the end result of. That’s why we offer our discounted Teloujay patterns, to allow new customers to try our patterns with very little investment and see how they like them.
3. Learn New Skills
This is the reason I like to try patterns from an array of different designers. Every designer has a unique take on how they make bags, and each will have special skills to share with you. When you try sewing patterns from different designers, your bag making skills will seriously level up. Every pattern should teach you a new technique or skill which you can adapt or use again in the future. You’re not just paying for the pattern pieces, you’re paying for the knowledge that designer holds.
4. Unique Ideas
Everyone has their own unique perspective. Take for example the difference between the pattern designers below (this is just a small sample, there’s many more amazing bag designers out there). They all make stunning bags, but their designs are very different. By purchasing sewing patterns from a variety of designers, you’ll get inspired to try things you never would have tried or imagined on your own. We all have ideas and creativity to share.
Here are some examples of bags we’ve made using other designers patterns:
5. Inspirational
Part of creating a pattern is getting it tested. Our patterns get tested by 10+ individuals who all give their feedback on things they do and don’t love about the bag and the pattern. We then get to share their ideas and inspiration within the pattern. They also make a variety of beautiful bags from different fabrics and colours. Seeing the tester bags can help you figure out which fabrics and colours look great on that particular bag design. All this input will inspire you!
6. Community
I love to feel included, and it’s so much fun to get involved in a project that I know others are taking part in too. When I create a bag using someone’s pattern, I feel part of something. Before I start, I look at the hashtags on Instagram or Facebook for that particular pattern and see all the bags made by others. Then I get to add my personal touch and add my bag to the mix, my personal take on the pattern. It’s a great feeling!
We’re all different and for many, the challenge of drafting your own pattern is the best part. But don’t dismiss sewing patterns. You never know, you might learn something new and inspiring! If you’ve been put off by a difficult sewing pattern in the past, don’t let it stop you from trying again. If you’re new to my sewing patterns, try out one of our free patterns such as the Nasyow Pouch. This will give you an idea of how the patterns are written and if they’re right for you.
Scroll to the bottom and let me know in the comments why you love using sewing patterns!
*For the purpose of this post I’m just referring to bag patterns.
The cover photo is our Lowarn sewing pattern, available here.
I think you’ve nailed the reasons. I love to learn new techniques and dfferent “looks” each designer. After awhile you then incorporate all these new learned tricks into each bag that you make and get better results each time. I buy patterns that “call” and appeal to me.
This pretty much covers it all. I see patterns and think – “that would be so much prettier if . . . .” Also, using patterns pushes me to use techniques I would not have tried on my own. The creativity in the pattern world is astounding. By using a pattern but your own fabric and hardware, you keep a sense of individuality.
I would never be able to design my own pattern. I don’t have that kind of vision I love using a pattern that has been tested and I know works. It takes long enough to chose the materials. I just want to get to the fun part. SEWING
I use patterns because I don’t have confidence to design my own. I also adapt patterns to suit my likes and dislike, e.g. loose linings are a pet loathe so always bind seams. I recently applied to join a pattern making course and it was nearly £400 even with the discount. Hardly worth my time and money when there are so many patterns I’ve bought and yet to make. Thanks you so much fir your inspiration.
I love the challenge of a new pattern and the satisfaction when completed.I rarely use the bags I make and mostly give them away.
If your not a bag maker this must seem a strange hobby.
The Cumulus Backpack is awesome! Great job Adam. I love the styles you pick out. Simple and classic. But Unusual! ☺
(I am commenting on this post because I just watched your you tube update. )
I recently made 3 glasses/pencil cases from an unusual pattern that I ended up really liking a lot. (Zig-Zags Pouches ) by MOMENTSby Liz
you guys are fab
(fan from CA, USA)
I love supporting other makers who have patters I agree with all your points! I like to mash patterns or take my favourite techniques from one and apply them to another Love your patterns too!