THE ONE WITH ALL THE SEWING PATTERNS

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television

Have you heard the news? The iconic sitcom Friends pilot aired 30 years ago on the 22nd of September 1994. Wow.

As somebody who grew up watching Friends, it's been a constant in my life. From watching each episode on Friday nights with pizza as a family to rewatching episodes almost annually. It's a bit of a comfort blanket for me, wrapping me up in fuzzy nostalgic feelings. Watching the same thing at different stages of my life presents new things to love, and doing the job that I do, I watch things through a sewing pattern lens now... I can't help it! 

I've been wanting to do a 'Find My Pattern' for Friends for ages, so this 30 year celebration is the perfect excuse. As there are soooo many episodes, I've highlighted 10 key looks from the early seasons and have selected pattern matches for them all. Love Friends? "I'll be there for you" with sewing patterns so you can have your own "Could I be wearing any more clothes" moment.

Luckily for me, 90s fashion is having a moment so I had plenty of patterns in my head. My pattern picks are all modern interpretations of these 90s icons so should easily slot into your daily wear.

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television

1. Overalls

When I think of those early episodes I think denim. A lot of denim - the true blue kind. Levi's 501's had their place in most wardrobes and overalls were everywhere. Overalls (or dungarees to us Brits) were seen on Monica, Phoebe and Rachel - both with long and short legs. 90s gals knew how to layer, so try popping a long sleeved top and blazer over the top for that Rachel Green look.

Pattern pick: True Bias Riley Overalls 

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television 

2. Strappy Dress

A strappy dress with a white tee layered underneath was pretty much a universal 90s uniform and one that still very much has its place in our closets today. This transeasonal piece is perfect for sewing right now. Don't forget to tie a jumper around your waist a'la Monica Gellar for the full 90s look.

Pattern Pick: Friday Pattern Company Saltwater Slip Dress

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television  

3. Tied Shirt

Shirts are an absolute staple whatever era you are dressing for, but have you tried styling yours with a 90s spin? Monica, Phoebe and Rachel can be seen adopting the same simple trick knotting a boxy shirt to give a little definition. A loose and boxy shirt is a versatile piece. Wear it tucked into high waist jeans, style it open for a breezy feel or tie it for a feminine spin.

Pattern Pick: Bella Loves Patterns Leo Shirt 

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television  

4. Waistcoats

Waistcoats (or vests to our American friends) are oh-so 90s and have comeback in a big way. Whether you go for a classic black like Phoebe and Monica or on trend leopard print number like Rachel, it will become your wear-with-everything piece. 

Pattern Pick: Puff and Pencil Waistcoat 

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television  

5. Cropped Top

You might be a little unsure about crop tops making a comeback, but bear with me. Crop tops or 'baby tees' as they were sometimes called, are best pals with high waist garments. Rachel and Monica are seen wearing them with loose drawstring trousers to balance out the proportions in an off-duty 90s fashion. As someone who left their 90s crop top in that era, I could see this pattern pick being a really wearable staple in my wardrobe.

Pattern Pick: Paradise Patterns Honeygirl Tee

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television 

6. Button Down Dress

Grunge was big in the 90s and the button down dress was one of the mainstream staples to have come out it. Go for a moody floral or black like Phoebe and team your grunge frock with chunky boots. Or, adopt Monica's daytime look with a 90s beige floral paired with trainers. Go long or make it a mini with tights. It's an autumn-approved item.

Pattern Pick: Friday Pattern Company Hughes Dress 

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television  

7. Mini Skirt

Rachel Green can mostly be seen wearing mini skirts in the early series. The tartan skirt is iconic. If Rachel was your style crush, the Clueless mini skirt is the one for you. Monica also rocked a mini and I love this floaty version that has a slight flare to it. Tone it down with tights and style it with a turtleneck or cropped jumper.

Pattern Picks: Puff and Pencil Clueless Skirt or Papercut Patterns Lulee Dress and Skirt 

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television  

8. Turtleneck

As I said, they really knew how to layer in the 90s and a turtleneck was a cold weather go-to. Layered under a sleeveless dress as perfectly illustrated by Phoebe, you can extend the wear out of a style you might have otherwise had to pack away from the season. Or take your inspiration from Rachel who makes this sleeveless option look like a very good idea.

Pattern Pick: True Bias Nikko Top and Dress 

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television  

9. Shift Dress

The 90s saw a minimalist movement and in fashion this meant clean lines and well cut clothes. The shift dress is a simple statement, but statement all the same. Go for a long, column-style shift like Phoebe in a fun print, keep it classic in a grey piece like Monica or pick a playful gingham like Rachel. This simple piece will be useful for many years to come.

Pattern Picks: Pattern Scout Ella Dress and Puff and Pencil Boat Neck Dress 

Image credit: Warner Bros. Television  

10. 90s Jeans

The 90s called... they want their jeans back! There is no greater icon in 90s fashion than Levis 501 jeans. The straight leg is loose, but not too loose, the rise is mid-rise so not too high and the wash is a perfect mid-blue that looks better with age. If you want to invest your time in sewing jeans, this is a great cut to choose. Monica wore jeans a lot in the early episodes, so if she is your style crush they are a must!

Pattern Pick: Helen's Closet Brooks Jeans

I could go on forever Foldliner's but I have to leave it there. I hear the calls for an encore of patterns matches, but in the words of Phoebe Buffay, "I wish I could but I don't want to". Thanks for reading Friends!