I realized that I have been sewing primarily with PDF patterns lately and thought you all might be interested in hearing why. Lately, they have seemed like the sizes are fitting me better. I also do enjoy supporting independent designers.
Most of them are knit patterns, which has made a difference too, as knits are more forgiving. Wovens, while easier to work with, are less forgiving with fit.
Here’s some examples.
Woven dress with a regular pattern. I think a Butterick pattern.
This fits me, but the neckline sits funny. It has a zip along the side. It wrinkles easily because it’s cotton. I had to make some adjustments to the pattern, removed a few darts, but probably should have sized up and darted. It’s not lined, although it was suggested. The pattern came in an envelope printed on pattern tissue. It was a pain to cut out and very thin. I normally cut out the biggest size and just fold down the parts of it that I need.
This dress is knit from a PDF pattern company called CKC patterns. CKC is an independently run company.
This dress is named “Amy,” per the pattern. It has a lined bodice and a pleated skirt. I hadn’t figured out the gathering stitch on my machine yet. It fits very nicely and is something I go to a lot for intakes.
I printed the pattern for this on computer paper after buying and downloading it. Then I had to match the lines and taped all the pieces together. That is my least favorite part! I have a whole stash of printed patterns that still need to be taped. After taping them, I then have to trace my size and then roll up the patterns for storage.
In both cases, I can use the pattern pieces again. The traced ones are a little easier.
Shirts are working out better in knits. Even my slightly wonky ones seem to work. I have made a couple with a woven front and a knit back and they seem to work well.
I do use more regular paper patterns for the costume pieces I make though. The harem pants and my vests are some examples.
The costumes seem to fit pretty well. I think I need to make some more woven items for practice.
Knits are surprisingly easy. I was scared of them for a while and although they have brought some challenges.
Another benefit of the PDF patterns is that they typically all offer at least a couple of freebies so you can test them out. The pegs pattern from Patterns for Pirates was one of them and I have used it a ridiculous amount of times.
A bunch of the doll clothes patterns have been freebies too. These are from the sister company, Made for Mermaids, the Dolly Paige pattern.
So that’s a quick overview of my pattern exploration. Hopefully some of it makes a little more sense now. Have a lovely night!
