Sewing patterns have always been a big part of my sewing collection, and they’re wonderful for producing garments, purses, and even soft toys.
Even though sewing patterns may be fairly costly, I wanted to investigate why and how you might save money while purchasing them.
Whether you are new to sewing or have been sewing for a long time, you may be curious about what goes into creating a sewing pattern, why they are so expensive, and how you may save money on sewing patterns.
Table of Contents
Why Do Sewing Patterns Cost So Much?
Several Sizes in One
Sewing patterns are frequently sold in sets of different sizes. Within a design, there are generally 6 or more sizes that are part of that pattern. This might give the impression that the pattern is more costly.
If a sewing pattern costs $14.99, each size costs $2.49.
I recognize that not everyone will use every size in the pattern, but looking at each size as a separate design will help you see that the sewing pattern is still reasonably priced.
Fitting & Testing
Every single pattern will need to be tested in various materials, sizes, and sewing ability levels. Before the sewing pattern can be given to the general public, it must pass various checks and procedures.
Pattern layouts that are ideal for cutting, materials that are best to use, and do the sizes fit a variety of body types within one pattern size are all things to consider. There’s a lot more to a sewing design than meets the eye, and it takes time and money to develop.
This might be an additional cost, making the sewing designs appear more expensive.
They Are Made by High-End Software
Not all sewing patterns are developed on a big sheet of paper in a swanky studio someplace; while that is most likely how they begin, not every design will be mass-produced in this manner.
Most sewing patterns are generated using software that allows them to be layered together just how they are when you receive them.
They’ll be skillfully laid on to ensure that all parts fit together nicely and that the various sizes correspond where they should.
Licensing
The license that comes into play is one of the reasons why a sewing pattern might be costly. This is a legal phrase that will come up if you design your own sewing patterns and need to compare them to others on the market.
This is to ensure that neither the patterns you develop nor those that are already accessible be plagiarized nor copied.
Depending on the design, size, and company size, this can be time-consuming and costly.
How To Buy Sewing Patterns at an Affordable Price?
The cost of the pattern, the fabric, and other supplies such as fastenings and interfacing may quickly add up when purchasing sewing patterns. This is one of the things that might turn a newbie off because there is so much to buy to get started.
Check out my simple strategies to save money on sewing patterns below if you want to save money without sacrificing your sewing passion.
While some of these may not apply to you, there are lots of alternatives to choose from.
Buy in Bulk
Many sewing patterns have been found for sale at charity stores, auction houses, and car boot sales when someone is cleaning up an elderly relative’s collection and selling in bulk.
Whether you come across this chance, make sure to inspect the patterns’ quality, including whether or not they have been cut or if they are completely new.
Buying in bulk allows you to pick and choose whatever designs you want for yourself, while the remainder may be sold to recoup the cost of the patterns you keep. This is something I’ve done a few times and really like. It’s also a fantastic way to come across some adorable antique patterns.
Buy Second Hand
If you buy used sewing patterns, this is a fantastic method to save money. Many people nowadays buy a pattern, never use it, or trace it and make a duplicate. You can then locate these folks selling the original pattern to recoup some of their initial investment.
People selling designs for considerably less may be found in Facebook sewing groups, Facebook Marketplace, and even sewing circle groups and meetups.
Charity shops are also a fantastic place to look for secondhand sewing patterns. These are fantastic since they might be a combination of new and old designs, so you’ll never know what you’ll uncover.
Swap with Your Friends
I have a few different sewing pals, so I’ve found that I frequently send them patterns that I’ve used and suggested, as well as patterns that I no longer desire, and we swap and trade.
This is a fantastic method to save money if you belong to a sewing circle, club, or online community where you are willing to swap your sewing patterns. You may easily exchange a sewing pattern that you no longer desire for one that you do.
Use & Resell
Another wonderful method to save money on sewing patterns is to use them and then sell them. To avoid cutting the original design, trace the sewing pattern and create new pieces from paper.
This only works if you’ve tried out the sewing pattern and decided you don’t like it or want to use it any longer. You can save the traced pattern and a duplicate of the instructions, but you won’t be able to refer to the original pattern.
This is a great concept, especially for sewing patterns you don’t love and don’t want to create over and over.
If it’s a sewing design you want to save and use again, I’d recommend saving it since you could need the bigger or smaller sizes in the future.
Buy With Magazines
Another wonderful method to save money on sewing patterns is to purchase them with magazines. Sewing publications frequently publish anything from two to three sewing designs every month.
You have the option of signing up for a subscription or purchasing the magazine as needed. This is fantastic because most publications cost between $5.99 and $9.99, which isn’t even the cost of a single sewing pattern.
This is fantastic since you can obtain 2-3 sewing patterns for the price of one sewing pattern, which is a huge saving!
I only do this when at least one of the sewing designs in the bundle appeals to me. After that, you may put the rest away, sell them, or exchange them with friends.
Shop Free Resources
If you enjoy a good freebie as much as I do, check out the many websites that provide free sewing patterns or sewing lessons.
Free sewing patterns may be found at sites like Peppermint Magazine, In The Folds, and Mood Sewciety.
To enable a download, all you have to do is join up or enter your email address. Because these are PDF patterns, you may save them and have them professionally printed or have them printed at home the same day.
I enjoy utilizing these resources since they frequently have attractive patterns and styles that are simple to print, utilize, and follow directions.