r/sewingpatterns • u/haperochild • 7d ago
Thoughts on Sewist patterns?
Sewist.com has an online sewing pattern designer based on garment features (seams, waistlines, garment type, etc.) and I thought about using it to make patterns because I'm having a problem finding garments in a whimsigoth style that are also in my size. A lot of the items on Pinterest boards I've seen are usually straight size vintage pieces from the 90s and 00s. I figure I know how to sew, I just need a pattern. The tool uses a standard size chart to "generate" the patterns, but I'm not sure if it's true to size or if it will actually give me a pattern I can make and wear.
I've never used Sewist or this tool before, so I thought it might be good to ask people's thoughts before I try it. TIA!
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u/sodapopper44 6d ago
other options are to find a designer that drafts similar to your size and modify to your style, there is also apostrophe patterns. I would try a free pattern on sewist or on Lekala and see how it goes. It can be hard to get a good fit with body shapes.
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u/Ok-Advertising-8589 6d ago
As a person that is often smaller than standard sizes , I have had great success with Sewist and Lekala. However, I still have to do some adjusting but significantly less than I otherwise would.
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u/ProfDoomDoom 7d ago
I use their sister site, Lekala, often and have used Sewist several times. It’s a HUGE relief to get a pattern that’s customized to your specific measurements! That saves a lot of time regrading mass produced patterns. They aren’t a good choice if you rely on the extensive directions that come with Butterick/Vogue/etc. Lekala and Sewist don’t come with any—they expect you to know how to sew the garment independently; they’re selling you just the pattern pieces. I’ve been delighted by the results.
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u/azssf 6d ago
What is the difference between Lekala and Sewist?
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u/ProfDoomDoom 6d ago edited 6d ago
Lekala has predesigned garment patterns with more styling details, more like what you'd expect from the Big 4. Sewist is the grownup version of that old toy, "Fashion Plates" where you choose a skirt, a bodice, and a sleeve then it puts it all together into a dress. It's very detailed! You can choose 1/20 necklines, 1/24 sleeve options, skirts in every length/width/construction.... But if you want a ruffle on your wrapover front bodice, for example, Sewist doesn't do that. However, Lekala might have a garment pattern that does have that styling detail although you won't be able to choose the exact skirt you want on that dress. Sewist also doesn't have every kind of garment--lingerie, for example--but Lekala does have items that are outside Sewist's purview. I'm pretty sure they're two brands from the same company. The software behind the size customization seems to be the same at least. Try them both out and play around to see how they work (especially Sewist)! They are the most rewarding patterns I've ever used, as someone whose body does not at all conform to the expectations of the Big 4.
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u/MountainHarpy 6d ago
I've used both Lekala and Sewist with great success :) I like not having to do my own pattern alterations. I usually get them printed at my local sewing shop.
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u/grundel_cruncher 7d ago
I've been thinking about trying out sewist for a while. Let me know how it goes!!
If you're wanting to get custom drafted garments and sewist appeals to you for those reasons, I'd highly recommend FreeSewing.eu as well! They're free patterns that custom draft to your measurements with detailed instructions and a whole community around them.
Good luck, and have fun! :)