The top five sewing pattern companies are the ones that have been around for 100 years or longer. They have already proven themselves and have stood the test of time. These top five pattern companies are staples in the sewing industry. Let’s take a look at them.
I consider myself a veteran in the sewing industry because I’ve been sewing for 30 years. I’ve sewn in factories, independently, and for small business, where I’ve gained my expertise with pattern companies.
Specifically, I noticed a trend while I worked at Fanny’s Fabrics in the 80’s as an Assistant Manager. People wanted patterns from the BIG FIVE, I call them.
More often than not, the popular patterns were usually Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity, Burda, and Vogue.
Today, they are still running strong even after 100 years. These BIG FIVE pattern companies have stood the test of time. People wanted them then, and they still want them now.
Why? Because they actually are the best of the best!
Let’s take a look at the BIG FIVE.
1. Butterick
The Butterick Pattern Company was first established by a tailor named Ebenezer Butterick in 1863 in Sterling Massachusetts. It was actually his wife Ellen who came up with the idea of graded patterns.
Until this point, the common practice was to take apart an old dress and use it as a pattern. It was the only way to ensure the new garment was going to be the correct size.
Ellen thought it would be so much easier to create a pattern for the right size. And so her husband Ebenezer created individual patterns out of hard cardboard. He quickly realized the cardboard was too cumbersome and set about making the patterns out of tissue paper instead.
Soon their whole family cut and folded tissue pattern pieces in every size to sell them.
The business grew from that day forward, morphing from just mens and boys apparel, into womens clothing as well.
Butterick had clearly changed the face of home sewing, with their graded patterns, making it a much easier user experience. Instead of having to figure out how to sew a pattern for a particular body type, Butterick made it easy by crafting patterns to suit every size.
It’s incredible really. We take it for granted that when we buy a pattern we just find our size and cut it out. No problem.
Well, that’s because of Butterick!
The next time you buy a pattern, remember where it came from. We have what we have now, because of men and women like Ebenezer and Ellen Butterick.
History is the deciding factor when I buy a pattern. I want to sew something that’s been around for ages and stood the test of time. But not only that, I want to buy a pattern from the guys who actually set a precedent.
Butterick has done all that, and then some.
2. McCalls
In 1870, the McCall Pattern Company was first established by a Scottish man named James McCall. He actually started drafting his own designs before that. In 1860 he had many sketches and drafted patterns from those sketches.
So, James McCall was slightly different from other pattern designers. He didn’t just craft a pattern, he designed his own fashion.
That set him apart as a designer, and ultimately as as a pattern company. Little by little James McCall’s company grew, and his designs were featured in multiple glossy magazines.
The McCall Pattern Company had a few things that set it apart from the others. It was the first pattern company to print in full color.
Back then, that was huge.
It was also the first pattern company to put a date on each pattern.
When you sew with a vintage McCall pattern, you can be sure of its authenticity by the date stamped on it. That brings huge value to the garment you want to sew, especially if it’s vintage.
I know if I want to sew period costume for cosplay, I will buy a McCall’s pattern for sure.
3. Simplicity
In 1927, in New York City, the Simplicity Pattern Company was born.
This company is self explanatory. It wanted to make patterns more simple to use. Not only instruction wise, but to also help home sewers easily make fashionable things.
At the time, The Great Depression was just starting and home sewers needed more economical ways to sew, and more basic patterns to follow.
The Simplicity Pattern Company made things simple at a time when simple was the norm.
Today, they are still going strong.
If you want to teach a child to sew, or someone that is a beginner sewer, Simplicity Patterns are the way to go. You will find easy, basic instructions that anyone can follow.
And they are a reliable pattern company that has stood the test of time.
4. Burda
Burda Patterns got their origin from a German magazine company in 1898. It was founded by the Franz Burda family and presently still publishes 229 magazines by his grandson’s company called Hubert Burda Media.
This company wanted to make fashion more accessible to common people. They knew there were a lot of people who couldn’t afford to buy designer fashions because of their geographical location, so they brought the fashion to them.
In 1952 a line of Burda sewing patterns were created and featured in their popular magazines.
Today, Burda is known for its simplistic yet modern more fashionable patterns. The company has merged with Simplicity for distribution of its paper patterns only, and they are available through their website.
If you want to sew something that looks more European, then Burda patterns are the way to go. If you’ve never tried one, then now’s the time to start.
The entire experience is unique, from the way the pattern looks, to the way it feels. It brings European fashion to your doorstep, with a pinch of simplicity.
Now that’s value!
5. Vogue
In 1892 a weekly newspaper was published in the United States. It was called Vogue. The newspaper published articles on lifestyle, fashion, culture, beauty, and everything in between. It quickly grew into a popular monthly magazine.
Shortly after, in 1899, they started featuring a pattern service. Then, in 1914 the Vogue Pattern Company was created, and patterns were sold in department stores a couple years later.
In 1961 the Vogue Pattern Company joined forces with Butterick under a licensing agreement. In 2001 Vogue, Butterick, and McCalls merged.
Today, Vogue is still very popular, and going strong.
If you want to sew popular fashion outfits, Vogue is the way to go.
Conclusion
No matter what pattern company merges together with the other, or who has licensing and distribution rights, history doesn’t lie. Each of the BIG FIVE pattern companies had a unique origin.
That holds value.
It’s the user experience that establishes a company, not who buys who out, or who owns what. That’s just business, and mergers happen all the time.
But a brand will always be a brand, not because of how much money it makes, but because of how it stands the test of time. It’s HISTORY!
Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity, Burda, Vogue, they all have history. They have become staples in my life; a life I look back on fondly as a seamstress using these patterns.
They will forever be etched in my mind as pattern companies with outstanding value. They will forever be used by millions of sewers throughout the world because of their longevity.
When you look for a pattern for your next project, what do you look for? Do you look for the cheapest? Do you look for the best fashion? Do you look for the easiest?
With many pattern selections at your fingertips these days, be that online printable PDF patterns, or fly-by-night unheard of pattern companies, it’s easy to get mixed up. It’s easy to choose inferior patterns that may or may not create a good garment for you.
Why take the gamble?
If history doesn’t convince you, take it from those who have gone before you. Take if from people who’ve used quality patterns that produced quality items, just like the pattern said it would.
You really do get what you pay for.
Buy patterns from Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity, Burda, and Vogue.
They’ve stood the test of time and earned their right to be called the BIG FIVE!
So… Recognize them as that!
Where To Buy Patterns
Amazon has a great selection of Patterns. Please see links below.
Disclosure: Crunchy Menopause is a review site that receives compensation from ShareASale, Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, eBay, and other affiliate networks whose products I review. The opinions are my own. That means if you purchase something through one of my affiliate links, I get a small commission.
Butterick Patterns
McCall’s Patterns
Simplicity Patterns
Burda Patterns
Vogue Patterns
Resources Used For This Article