MOST POPULAR NEW PATTERN RELEASES OF 2023
As 2023 is about to come to a close, we have been nosing at which new indie pattern releases have been the most popular with you all this year. We were so intrigued to see what made it into the top ten and to remind ourselves of how many fab indie patterns launched that we intended to makee
How many have you checked off and what might you add to your 2024 makes list? It’s like sewing bingo!
There’s no denying the Friday Pattern Company Donny Shirt has been a big player this year. With a little nod to 70s style, this easy-to-wear top captured your heart. Donny is a relaxed, dartless top that has a lapel collar and patch pocket. The Donny is a great everyday top that can be worn with practically anything. We’ve seen some pretty lovely versions out there, but have to say the plain white Donny’s seem to steal the show for their versatility!
Sizing: XS – 7X (approx. UK 6 – 34)
The Fabric Godmother Peony Dress stole the show. It’s the dress we have all been waiting for and FG nailed it! Made in a silk or pretty viscose crepe, it’s the perfect special occasion dress, or made in a linen or babycord you can dress it down for daytime. The pattern also includes a fantastic couture technique to add shoulder puffs to your dress.
Sizing: UK 6 – 30 (approx. UK 6 – 28)
Matchy Matchy patterns was one of your favourite new designers in 2023 and this top was snapped up by many makers. The Collage Gather Top is designed to be sewn as a patchwork or with a single fabric, it is easily customisable and comes together quickly. It’s a great scrap buster which seems to be your favourite feature!
Sizing: XXS – 6XL (approx. UK 6 – 38)
We are all pretty partial to a good t-shirt and the clever construction of the French Navy Tarifa Tee makes it far from basic. It has a unique panelled design that makes for a very fun sew. Make it all in one fabric for a classic, casual look or express your creativity with endless colour-blocking and scrap-busting potential.
Sizing: A – N (approx. UK 6/8 – 34)
The Tessuti Fabrics Harlow Shirt was an immediate sell-out pattern that we couldn’t keep in stock when it launched. Another far-from-simple design that is effortless to wear, you loved this one. It features a swing back with a centre back seam, side seams that angle to the front, and a split at the hem that creates a slightly flared silhouette.
Sizing: AUS 6 – 16 or AUS 16 – 22 (approx. UK 8/10 – 18 or UK 18 – 24)
Oh boy, Merchant & Mills nailed it again with the Sanda Coat and Jacket. I can’t decide whether I love the jacket with its patch pockets or the coat with its generous in-seam pockets more! The oversized shape provides plenty of space for a jumper and that rolled collar is a chic detail. It is most definitely a keeper.
Sizing: UK 6 – 18 or UK 18 – 28 (approx. UK 6 – 16 or UK 18 – 30)
Kate featured this pattern in her Toast Edit as it was a great match for a dress they release season after season. The Matchy Matchy Horizon Day Dress features relaxed drop shoulders with 3/4 length sleeves, which can be worn down or cuffed. This pattern is intentionally designed with simple shapes, making it a fast and fun project to sew. It’s another great pattern for remnants too.
Sizing: XXS – 6XL (approx. UK 6 – 38)
The Maker’s Atelier was another designer who joined the Fold Line family in 2023 and you loved the timeless designs. The V-Neck Shift Dress was the most popular and it’s not hard to see why. It can so easily be dressed up or down and is smart enough for work. It features an inverted pleat at the centre front and back, and elbow-length sleeves with wide cuffs.
Sizing: XS – XL (approx. UK 4 – 20)
This clever jacket unsuitably took a spot in the top releases – it is just so versatile. The Sewing Patterns by Masin Jameela Jacket works nicely in a variety of mid- to heavy-weight woven fabrics, such as canvas, thick denim, corduroy, twill, wool, and jacquard. You have two sleeve options to work with and the style lines make it a great option for colour-blocking.
Sizing: A – J (approx. UK 8 – 28)
You might think you’ve seen all the elastic-waist trousers there are to see until you cast your eyes over the Sew Liberated Chanterelle Pants. Featuring a comfortable and easy-to-fit elastic waist and three-leg options, Chanterelle will fill any gap in your wardrobe and be an all-season piece for years to come. My favourite detail is the playful cropped leg silhouette shaped with a pleat and cuff at the ankle.
Sizing: US 0 – 34 (approx. UK 6/8 – 32/34)
