Modern Styles of Modest Sewing Patterns

Simplicity Pattern Company has been manufacturing home sewing patterns since 1927, and the staff today which is headquartered in New York City retains a workforce of seasoned employees, many of whom have been part of the production team for decades. The founder of the Fashion Belle website was privileged to tour Simplicity's New York offices in 2008, and the scene was much like that at any other clothing company, with designers and merchandisers collaborating around trend inspiration boards and clothing samples. The provided link leads to views of Simplicity's various pattern collections, including New Look, which are not particularly known for modesty but which offer a broad and frequently updated style selection that dressmakers can alter for more coverage as needed.

Canadian-based designer and patternmaker Leslie Gladman founded the company Favorite Things with a tagline of "patterns that fit." Children's and women's "wearables" make up the majority of patterns offered. A selection of accessory and home decor patterns complete the collection.

Using 65 video lessons, a textbook and printable patterns on DVD and CD or by download, the You Can Sew! kit leads beginning sewers from a basic to intermediate sewing level. Some tutorials are available for individual purchase and include modern and vintage dresses, skirts, a split skirt, accessories and swim dresses.

This family-owned company releases new patterns regularly. Hot Patterns are high on style, and a few may be used as they are, while others require alteration for modesty.

This company's clothing patterns are designed to work well with the hand-dyed rayon and cotton batiks from Bali, Indonesia, that are sold on the fabric section of this site.

A friend made stoles from this pattern and offered the following advice. "Obviously, they used much heavier satin than what I have, because mine are floppy! They said '2 yards' then 'cut 80 inches,' but only 72 inches is possible in 2 yards. Hannah's (narrow shoulders) goes to her knees. Veronica's won't be as long, so I must figure out length to make them end about the same place on two very differently sized girls. At least it didn't take too long, 60 minutes each."

Scroll down the page to find The Art of Sewing DVD, a video tutorial providing basic instruction for cutting out and assembling a garment to advanced sewing tips and ideas.