SIMPLICITY SEWING PATTERNS

The history of Simplicity Sewing Patterns

Simplicity Pattern company was established in 1927 by Joseph Shapiro. Simplicity aimed to create and reproduce patterns that were easy to use and affordable to the average household, being sold for about 15 cents (US). 

The idea to create a business that introduced easy to – use, low priced patterns revolutionised the market, becoming one of the fastest growing pattern companies in the world. His approach allowed home seamstresses to create fashionable clothing during the Great Depression, when family incomes were low and times were hard. Within ten years he had teamed up with the Woolworth Company, to hit a larger mass market and by 1934 Simplicity’s first UK base was formed. Our unprinted patterns ended in 1946 and were all printed thereafter.

Simplicity has long been known as a brand committed to sewing education and support. In the early 1940s, Simplicity embarked on a major sewing education program, by which travelling representatives, fashion shows, educational books and literature were presented and disseminated across the country. Such programs cemented Simplicity as the key source for learning to sew and set the foundation for how sewing is taught today.

Fast forward to today, Simplicity patterns are sold in over 60 countries, servicing approximately 8,000 locations worldwide, with Simplicity continuing to produce around 250 sewing patterns per year, through its inhouse design team, as well as collaborating with some of the most talented independent pattern designers in the market. 

Simplicity Indie Sewing Pattern Designers

We have an exciting range of Simplicity Indie Sewing Pattern collaborations for you to try with designs from Mimi G, Patterns by Gertie, Madalynne, Dottie Angel and Sew House 7. They come with extra support so you can learn from each of our sewing celebrities.

Mimi G Style is our most popular indie sewing pattern collaboration. As a licensee Mimi creates modern stylish patterns with easy step-by-step guides. They also include YouTube video sewalongs to help you through step.

With our collection of Madalynne Intimates patterns sewing your own bra has never been easier – Discover designs for inclusive sizing, activewear and lingerie. Madalynne also has Youtube video sewalongs to help with each pattern step. Her latest pattern includes a size XS – 4X and bust cup size A – H sewing pattern.

Sew House Seven is an independent pattern from the Pacific Northwest. They create patterns for sewists of all levels with easy to sew designs that appeal to a simple aesthetic. Our special collaboration brings some of their beautiful indie pattern designs to a wider audience.

Simplicity Vintage Patterns

Discover vintage Simplicity sewing patterns for women, children, and men. We have designs from the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s with a combination of new styles inspired by retro aesthetics (Patterns By Gertie) and reissued designs pulled straight from Simplicity’s incredible back catalogue.

Whether we’re pulling a pattern directly from the archive or recreating from a former pattern illustration, we adapt the design to modern size charts for that brand. It’s helpful to remember, wearing ease for vintage style garments is different to modern styles as clothing was designed to be more close-fitting in the past, and you’ll see this when you compare the body and finished measurements of the patterns. The step-by-step techniques are unchanged so you experience sewing the pattern as it was originally designed.

What else do Simplicity produce? 

Have you tried our Simplicity Machines range? The Bias Tape Maker is an easy to use machine that folds and presses fabric strips into customised bias tape and blanket binding at the touch of a button. Simply cut strips from the fabric to match your project, feed through one of the 6 different size tips included and under the ironing plate and push the start button. Then sit back and watch perfectly folded tapes appear!

The Simplicity Sidewinder is a battery operated portable bobbin winding machine. The Sidewinder allows you to pre-wind bobbins in preparation for your sewing project, whenever or wherever you want. Why waste valuable “sewing time” winding bobbins on your machine, when you could be sitting in front of your favourite tv show winding simply and quickly on the Sidewinder. Being very compact it can be taken anywhere you want to go and is incredibly easy to use.

We also think you’ll love our Simplicity Vintage Gift range, designed specially with stitchers in mind. The collection includes limited edition items – with a 12-month sewing planner, to tote bags, haberdashery items, storage boxes and more. All featuring Simplicity’s vintage pattern illustrations.