THE SHORTLIST: THE SEWING WEEKENDER DESIGNERS

The news is out: the Sewing Weekender 2026 line-up has been announced! So, I thought we'd do something a little different on the blog this weekend and share pattern picks from our super speakers.

The Sewing Weekender will be taking place on the 27th and 28th June this year. For anyone new to the weekender, it's an online event that provides amazing video content for attendees to watch as they work on a sewing project at home.

And there's something new for 2026! You have the option to purchase an exclusive early release of a Sewing Therapy pattern! The Bridge Bag pattern will have a sew-along video released on the weekend, so that can be your project if you fancy it.⁠

Tickets are £22.50 (£29.50 with the pattern) with an early bird price of £20.00 (£27.00 with the pattern) if you buy your ticket before midnight BST on Friday, 5 June 2026.⁠ Find all the event and ticket info here.

Let's take a look at the designers featured in this year's Sewing Weekender and which patterns you might like to take a look at if you are new to the brand. I've included an easy and an intermediate-level pattern, so you can find a project that best suits your skills and mood!

Sewing Therapy

EASY - Rectangle Top: A playful, beginner-friendly top built from rectangles! While simple rectangles are the building blocks of this pattern, the results are anything but simple once constructed.

INTERMEDIATE - Arles Top: Arles is a relaxed and romantic blouse inspired by the warm, sun-soaked charm of Arles, the southern French town made famous by Vincent van Gogh. It features gathered details above the bust and at the back yoke. 

Kylie & the Machine

ESSENTIAL - 'Circa 2026' Labels: Kylie’s tradition of creating a yearly time stamp continues with labels for 2026. You’ll always know which year your blood (hope not!), sweat and tears went into your finished projects. 

FANCY- Mel Stringer x KATM Labels: This limited edition box set includes six labels from Mel's original 'Feeling Myself' collaboration with Kylie in 2022 plus six fresh new 'Sew in Love' designs for a total of 12 sassy labels!

Merchant & Mills

EASY - Trapeze Dress: The Trapeze is so easy to make and so easy to wear. Make it for winter in Harris tweed teamed with a chunky brogue, in a bold block print or in a washed linen for summer. Try it in denim or cord for a workwear look. It is endlessly versatile.

INTERMEDIATE - Etta Dress: Etta is a simple wrap dress with a lined bodice and in-seam pockets. Choose between short or three quarter length sleeves or make it sleeveless.

Madswick

EASY - Ginkgo Pinafore: This wrap pinafore dress has a fully lined, dartless bodice with two different neckline options (square and deep-V). The dartless design means it can be worn with either side in front, so you can pick one neckline or both!

INTERMEDIATE - Rosamund Blouse: Rosamund is the epitome of effortless chic. This oversized blouse features a square neckline with an optional sailor collar (lined or unlined), button-up front with button loops, optional modesty panel, and gathered sleeves with loose cuffs.

Cashmerette

EASY - Upton Dress and Skirt Mix and Match Expansion Pack: Mix and match your way to a wardrobe of beautiful dresses and skirts with the Upton Dress and Skirt + Mix and Match Expansion Pack! This pattern features multiple bodice, skirt, sleeve and neckline options for hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of possible dresses.

INTERMEDIATE - Vernon Shirt: Reclaim the button-up with the Vernon Shirt! This boob-friendly take on the essential button-up shirt features two views - classic and statement.

Maison Fauve

EASY - Marisa Top: Marisa is the perfect basic to make in all your favourite fabrics. It features a comfortable cut, a round neckline with a slit in the centre front, and a pleat at the back. 

INTERMEDIATE - Twist Dress: This event-ready dress features a cleverly constructed pleated drape that softly skims the tummy and defines the waist without feeling restrictive. The pattern includes four variations.

Tessuti Fabrics

EASY - Milenda Dress: 

Milenda is a simple and timeless pull-on dress featuring short sleeves and side pockets. Stitched-down pleats on both front and back release into the skirt to create extra shaping.

INTERMEDIATE - Harlow Shirt: The Harlow Shirt is a hip-length, button-through shirt with a soft, relaxed look. 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. 

Alice & Co Patterns

EASY - Helicopter Top/Trousers: The Helicopter Top and Trousers are super-quick and easy to make with no side seams. Tuck the top into the trousers to give the illusion of an all-in-one! A versatile pattern to make again and again in all types of fabrics. 

INTERMEDIATE - Intrepid Boiler Suit: The Intrepid Boiler Suit is a top-to-toe cover-up that can be made as practical or glamorous as your heart desires! The design features a shoulder yoke, classic shirt collar and slightly tapered leg. It fastens with a zip down the centre-front, whilst the waistband casing allows you to cinch in the waist with a belt or elastic. 

The New Craft House

EASY - Everyday Waistcoat: The Everyday Waistcoat is the perfect addition to all your me-made outfits. Slip it on over a shirt or use it to accessorise a dress. It looks amazing paired with a puff sleeve! Experiment with patchwork and quilting, or dress it up with a fancy fabric - the possibilities really are endless.

INTERMEDIATE - Everyday Top and Dress: This is the perfect everyday dress and top. Pick between long or short puff sleeves and either a peplum for the top or a tiered midi skirt for the dress. Fitted on the shoulders then loose through the waist, this is the ultimate comfortable everyday style.

Birgitta Helmersson

EASY - ZW Gather Dress: This is an oversized dress with a dropped shoulder, gathered skirt, side pockets and full length button placket with buttons and buttonholes that uses zero waste pattern cutting. It can be worn as a dress or an open jacket.

INTERMEDIATE - Unisex ZW Workwear Jacket: This is an oversized workwear style jacket made using zero waste pattern cutting. It has a square collar and a dropped shoulder with dart shaping. 

Fabric Godmother

EASY - Fleur Dress and Blouse: This pretty and versatile pattern has a loose fit, bias finished neckline, and optional sleeves. The playful bow ties and gathered peplum or skirt add an element of fun, while a secret placket stops you showing more than you might want to between the bows!

INTERMEDIATE - Peony Dress: The Peony Dress is the dress you have been missing from your wardrobe. 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.