If you are passionate about sewing, you may have already experienced the excitement of creating unique garments that match your personal style. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced seamstress, choosing between commercial sewing patterns and PDF sewing patterns can be a tough decision. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two popular options, helping you make an informed choice that suits your needs.
Commercial Sewing Patterns: Classic and Convenient
Commercial sewing patterns have been around for decades and are widely available in fabric stores and online. These patterns are typically printed on tissue paper, featuring multiple garment options and a range of sizes. Here are a few advantages of using commercial sewing patterns:
Ease of Use: Commercial patterns come with detailed instructions, clear illustrations, and size charts, making them user-friendly for beginners. The step-by-step guidance helps streamline the sewing process, from cutting the fabric to the final stitch.
Range of Options: Commercial patterns offer a wide selection of designs, from formal dresses to casual tops, and everything in between. They also include various size options, allowing you to create garments for different body types.
Consistency: Sewing patterns from established brands have been thoroughly tested and perfected, ensuring consistent and reliable results. This reliability is especially important when creating complex garments, like jackets or tailored trousers.
Fitting Adjustments: Commercial patterns often include multiple size lines and detailed instructions for making fitting adjustments. This gives you the opportunity to create a custom fit tailored to your body shape. However, sizing is not like sizing in the clothing store. If you wear a size 4 at the clothing store, chances are a commercial pattern size 4 is not going to fit. You have to measure your body carefully and be willing to ignore the size numbers. (This is harder said than done because no one wants to sew a bigger size than they are used to wearing but it isn’t really bigger. Clothing in the store uses vanity sizing so that size 4 you are wearing is not really a standardized 4. It is just that company’s version of a size 4. They make the sizes seem smaller so you will buy them. Pattern sizes are going to be larger. They are not vanity sized in commercial patterns.
However, commercial sewing patterns do come with a few drawbacks:
Cost: High-quality commercial patterns can be quite expensive, especially for premium brands or complex designs. If you plan to sew frequently or experiment with different styles, the cost can quickly add up. However, if you live near a Joann’s Fabric store, you are in luck as they run pattern sales fairly regularly. Stock up on your favorite styles when they go on sale for 1.99 a piece (Many of the brands will be offered at this low price though some will only be half price. Check website and sign up for their newsletter flyer for sales information.)
Storage: Commercial patterns, being printed on tissue paper, can take up a significant amount of storage space. This can be a challenge if you have a small sewing area or limited storage options. (I actually iron mine to get them back in the package…. I really do!)
Availability: While commercial patterns are widely accessible, you may encounter difficulties finding a specific design or size at your local fabric store. Limited availability can sometimes limit your creativity and force you to compromise on your desired project.
Difficult to Understand: Commercial patterns take some practice. They use a lot of industry standardized instructions and diagrams, so you have to learn how to read them. There are videos and instruction on how to do this but it takes some patience and practice. Once you learn though, these patterns are generally reliable and well tested.
PDF Sewing Patterns: Modern and Versatile
PDF sewing patterns have gained popularity in recent years due to their convenience and affordability. These patterns are available for download from various websites and are printed on regular printer paper. Here are some advantages of using PDF sewing patterns:
Instant Access: PDF patterns can be purchased and downloaded immediately after payment, avoiding the wait time associated with physical patterns. This digital accessibility makes them an excellent option for last-minute sewing projects or when you need a pattern quickly.
Affordability: PDF patterns tend to be cheaper than their commercial counterparts, and many sites offer discounts or sales on specific designs or bundles. This affordability allows you to explore different styles and patterns without breaking the bank. But this is only if you are not getting your patterns on sale at Joann’s. Most PDF patterns are not 1.99 so do not be fooled into thinking you are going to get a deal on PDF patterns all the time. It depends on how you buy your patterns and what brand you are purchasing.
You are Supporting an Independent Designer: Many PDF patterns are made by independent designers and sewists, so by purchasing one of their patterns you are supporting a local artisan and getting something that is a little unique and bespoke. Just remember these are not usually standardized or rigorously tested like commercial patterns are (though they are often tested by a team of sewists).
Customization: PDF patterns often come with additional features that allow you to customize the design to suit your preferences. These features can include different garment lengths, neckline options, or optional extras, making it easier to create a unique piece. Commercial patterns also offer customization in different view types and hacking options. It just depends on what patten you choose. Many have options for you to further add your own style to a garment.
While PDF sewing patterns offer several advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Printing and Assembling: PDF patterns must be printed and assembled at home before use. This process requires access to a printer and the patience to align and tape together several pages. It's important to ensure that your printer settings are correct to maintain accurate sizing. Also some patterns can print one size at a time which is a great time saver but not all PDFs are created equal so check to see if it is formatted so that you can print just the size you need or if you have to print them all and then cut out the size you need. This adds to the work and is something to consider.
Storage Issues: PDF patterns are stored digitally on your computer or device which means you always have access to them. However, this doesn’t account for the fact that you have to print them out and tape them together each time you need them. I prefer to save the one I have cut and taped to use the next time but these patterns are huge and bulky. So, saving them in this form is much more difficult than a tissue paper pattern. And do not get me started on the instructions. Instructions for commercial patterns come on neatly folded papers-usually no more than 3 front and back. The instructions for PDF patterns can be 10-20 pages long printed out. So, you have to find a way to store those. This can take up a lot of space. I either use manila envelopes or file folders depending on what style they are. Small projects have less pieces so I put them in file folders. Garments usually fit better in manila envelopes which are much bulkier than commercial pattern envelopes.
Instructions and Support: Although most PDF patterns come with instructions, they may not be as detailed as those found in commercial patterns. However, many pattern designers offer online tutorials or sewing communities where you can seek support if you encounter any difficulties. Another plus for these patterns is that they often have photographs instead of the tricky little diagrams making them much easier to follow.
Sizing Consistency: As the sizing and fit of PDF patterns can vary between designers, it is important to carefully read size charts and take accurate measurements before selecting a size. It may be necessary to make fitting adjustments to achieve the desired fit.
Ultimately, the decision between commercial sewing patterns and PDF sewing patterns depends on your personal preferences, budget, and sewing goals. Consider the advantages, drawbacks, and your own sewing experience when making a choice. You can even blend the two options - using commercial patterns for intricate or tailored projects, while relying on PDF patterns for quick, trendy designs. Personally, I like to use both now. I grew up sewing in the age of commercial patterns so trying PDF patterns seemed a little scary, but I do like that I can get them quickly, learn new techniques and support new designers and sew up something trendy with these types of patterns. I toggle between the two types to suit my needs. The key is to enjoy the process and let your creativity shine through your unique sewing creations.
Happy Sewing,
Andi