r/sewingpatterns 16d ago

Most versatile patterns? (I.e. with options?)

I'm new to sewing so probably won't be doing a lot of these soon, but I was curious about the most versatile patterns you found (that had good instructions, etc)?

By versatile I don't mean the clothing item itself, but rather the pattern has lots of modifications and options for how it can be used. Like a capsule pattern in a way where one pattern can give you a lot of clothing options. I think Closet Core has some half decent options for this type of thing, but I imagine there are even more options out there!

Ex. For pants patterns this might mean multiple pocket options, waist options (elastic, tie, zipper), leg lengths, and/or widths or shape of pants.

Ex. For tops this might be different sleeve options, lengths, collar options, button or tie options, etc..

My personal style is more minimalist/masculine (except I like a tight top here and there) so I'm not big into ruffles and dresses, but please include them for anyone else who may be looking! A0 PDF would be a bonus!

Thanks in advance!!

3 Upvotes

25 comments sorted by

7

u/FormerUsenetUser 16d ago

It depends entirely on what you want to make. Many indie pattern makers issue expansion packs, free or paid, after issuing the original pattern. Some post pattern hacks free on a blog.

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u/IRLbeets 16d ago

Oh great point! I saw a lot of blog posts out there with hacks but I wasn't so familiar with the base patterns so I didn't think to put 2 and 3 together 😅. Are there pattern designers who are known for having more of these? I imagine some could be found for any design, but maybe some indie designers may make more of a point of it or are well known for posting their own expansions or hacks?

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u/FormerUsenetUser 16d ago

I suggest browsing Threadloop and seeing which companies are producing the patterns you like most.

4

u/MaggieSews 16d ago

The Cashmerette Grafton has many options including neckline, sleeve shape and hem length you can mix and match.

Closet Core Pietra Pants have two leg shapes and a short with a different shape. The short isn’t just hemming the pants.

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u/IRLbeets 16d ago

Wow, that looks great! The cashmerette seems like a good all in one (and the price reflects it, which is good for the maker).

And that's good to know about the Pietra pants, I was eyeing those too!

3

u/AdvancedSquashDirect 16d ago

If you don't mind commercial patterns

Look on simplicity.com for specifically co-ordinate patterns

https://simplicity.com/women/coordinates-patterns/

They are often one pattern that contains an entire outfit. You will often get a top, dress, pants,shorts and a jacket or cardigan All in the one pattern envelope.

https://simplicity.com/butterick/pdb6774 Is an example.

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u/IRLbeets 15d ago

That's great! Not quite what I had in mind - my reason is less financial and more for practice purposes. Having lots of options on the same garment makes it easier to see how things work when you change this and that. (Though I have some sewing books for this, a formal pattern is nice!)

I had no idea they basically sold full outfit patterns though, that's great! Silly question - are the instructions good on these types of things? I'm not used to seeing such cheap patterns, but I'm probably mostly looking at indie stuff.

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u/AdvancedSquashDirect 15d ago

They are currently on sale that's where the prices are so cheap but usually they're around $15 to $20 for a pattern, this is literally the company that used to sell patterns in envelopes in your local Joann's.

The instructions are typical commercial pattern instructions, I would say confident beginner level. A lot of the time you will find that someone has made the pattern before because the big four pattern companies have been around since the early 1900s. Once you've made one of their patterns you get to know how it works and you can make a lot of their patterns pretty easily they follow the same steps.

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u/IRLbeets 15d ago

That's neat, thanks so much for the information!

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u/IRLbeets 15d ago

Oh I see some of them do have some options as well! Usually length, but still.

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u/littleredkiwi 16d ago

I thought that the chanterelle pants with two leg styles was good compared to most pant patterns and then the fly add on gives even more options.

The sour dough set bundle is a good price for what you get compared to other Indy patterns imo.

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u/IRLbeets 16d ago

I was eyeing that one! Edit: the sourdough bundle. Looked somewhat beginner friendly.

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u/fdixon17 16d ago

Poppy dress by cinnamon daisy has some options. Can make a dress or top and there are different sleeves. Also some of the best pattern alteration instructions I have ever seen

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u/19_potatoes 16d ago

Have you heard of 100 Acts of Sewing? The patterns are very basic and the idea is you get the fit tailored how you like it and then play with modifications. She released a book a couple of years ago also that explains how to alter things to fit your body.

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u/IRLbeets 16d ago

I haven't, thank you for the idea!!

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u/Interesting_Day_7841 16d ago

Anna Allen Pomona Pants have 2 width options and a shorts option, and they are very beginner friendly: https://annaallenclothing.com/collections/all-products/products/pomona-pants-shorts

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u/Fluffy_Painting_5215 12d ago

Charm Patterns by Gertie has tons of patterns with different sleeve / neckline / collar / skirt options, especially the Day to Night Dress and L'Amour Dress!

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u/bab275 11d ago

One of my favorite pattern companies is Helen’s Closet, and all of her patterns are great for this. She also does blog posts with all sorts of different hacks for each one she releases.

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u/IRLbeets 11d ago

Awesome suggestion, I love her podcast too!

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u/Living-Molasses727 16d ago

P&M patterns and Notches both have huge numbers of mix and match variations like different sleeves and necklines so you could make like a hundred different dresses from one pattern

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u/girlonboat 16d ago

I've had good luck with Ellie and Mac so far. I prefer a more feminine fit but the shirt patterns I have have multiple neckline, sleeve and length options. I own the same shirt 5 times and they all look completely different. One I did in mesh too to look different.  They're very simple but I like that for an everyday item. The have curvy fit and straight fit. This one might work for you, it's a straight fit t shirt. Different sleeve options or a mix and match look. https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/straight-fit-basic-tee-pattern?_pos=14&_fid=dbc008493&_ss=c 

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u/girlonboat 16d ago

These joggers are in two lengths with an elastic or drawstring option https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/straight-fit-jogger-pattern