DESIGNERS TO DISCOVER: ELBE TEXTILES

Meet Elbe Textiles, the independent pattern brand creating modern, thoughtful sewing patterns with elevated details that you will love to sew. Founded by Lauren, a designer with a lifelong passion for sewing and textiles, Elbe Textiles offers beautifully constructed patterns for both womenswear and menswear—from structured jackets to elevated everyday pieces.

I can't tell you how excited we are to have them join the Fold Line family. My sewing list has just become a lot longer.

What started as a creative venture during a challenging time has blossomed into a thriving community of makers and sewers around the world. Lauren's designs strike that perfect balance between interesting and wearable, drawing inspiration from her personal style—a captivating blend of grunge, boho, and goth aesthetics.

In this feature, we're diving into the story behind the brand, discovering what drives Lauren's design process, and learning more about the patterns that have captured the hearts of sewers everywhere.

How did you get into sewing, and what do you love most about it?

I've been sewing since I was a kid. My Nanna sewed, and Mum is an artist, so I was always encouraged to get stuck in. I went on to study fashion and textiles at university and have been working in the industry ever since! 

I love how tactile sewing is - taking something 2D and making it 3D feels like a special kind of witchcraft. 

We'd love to know why you started your brand, and what has been the most surprising thing about selling your own sewing patterns?

I started my brand when I moved home from a relationship break-up overseas. I had no money, no job and was living in my parents' spare bedroom. Dire times! I wanted to start my own business in fashion, but I didn't know what aspect to focus on. I have always been into sustainability, so I couldn't fathom the thought of starting my own label when there is already so much textile waste in the world. I wasn't even aware of the online sewing community at the time - I didn't even know there were indie pattern designers (I grew up using the big 4 pattern companies). So when I randomly stumbled across them online one day, I knew that this was what I wanted to do and had the skill set already in place.

The most surprising thing about selling my own patterns is the community. Everyone is so welcoming, friendly and supportive. I've developed a lot of really lovely relationships with people that I wouldn't have otherwise met. Sewing can be quite an isolating hobby, so it's been cool to connect with other creatives around the world.  

Describe your brand in three words...

Modern, thoughtful, elevated.

Could you tell us about your personal style? What are the things you enjoy wearing the most, and do you have any go-to outfits?

I wear a lot of black - so I tend to choose garments with cool textures in natural fibres. I'm usually in something oversized or structural. My personal style skirts somewhere between grunge, boho and goth.

Right now, my go-to outfit is my Carey Skirt in a black, heavyweight denim, black leather boots and some kind of loose knit on top (depending on the season). 

Which is your favourite pattern from your collection and why?

I hope I am allowed to choose 2 - one from my menswear collection and one from the womenswear collection :-)

My favourites are the Kidman Jacket and the Townsend Shirt. I worked really hard on both of these designs to find the right balance of something cool and interesting, but still wearable.

What's your favourite and least favourite part of the sewing process?

Honestly, I love the entire process of sewing. I just love using my hands. It's all so satisfying.

In saying that, if I ever hire a staff member, I will get them to do all my cutting out!

We'd love to know what you are currently sewing!

Most of my sewing these days is pattern samples, and it can get a bit tedious after the fifth iteration of the same thing, unfortunately. I do need to make my dog a new coat, though, as it's impossible to find things in his size. 

Could you share any plans you have for upcoming patterns?

I am going through my outerwear phase at the moment. I have a coat pattern on the go and another jacket planned for after this. Really excited to hopefully make these kinds of 'intimidating' garments more accessible with some really clear instructions.

Browse Elbe Textiles sewing patterns