About Us
Welcome to The Avid Seamstress - a calm corner of the sewing world.
We're a Dorset-based sewing brand created for people who want sewing to feel calm, considered, and deeply satisfying. This is a place for timeless garments, clear guidance, and taking your time - from choosing fabric right through to the final stitch.
Sewing doesn't need to be rushed to be rewarding. In fact, slowing down often changes everything.
What We Believe
At The Avid Seamstress, we believe that how you sew matters just as much as what you sew.
We believe in:
- timeless design over trends
- preparation over rushing
- learning properly and with patience
- enjoying the whole process of making
Our sewing patterns are designed to fit, last, and become part of your wardrobe for years to come. They are supported by detailed, step-by-step instructions that guide you through every stage of making so that you can feel confident, capable, and supported.
Many of our customers tell us the instructions are their favourite part.
Our Sewing Philosophy
One of our guiding principles behind everything we do is simple:
What you take to the sewing machine will be your experience at the sewing machine.
When preparation is rushed - from fit to fabric choice and cutting - sewing can feel frustrating and disappointing. When preparation is done with care, sewing becomes logical, enjoyable, and deeply rewarding.
We encourage sewists to slow down, check the fit, understand their fabric, and take time with the early stages of making. This approach not only improves the finished garment, it also transforms the entire sewing experience.
Designed with care, made to teach
Every Avid Seamstress pattern is created through a thoughtful, collaborative process.
Garments are carefully designed, drafted, sampled, fitted, tested, graded and annotated before detailed sewing instructions are developed. Each step is considered, not rushed.
Our patterns are printed on 60gsm paper and include a beautifully presented A5 instruction booklet with clear written instructions and supporting photographs or drawings. Patterns are available in both printed and digital formats, so you can choose what suits you best. Don't fancy tracing? You can choose a printed sewing pattern with an additional pattern sheet.
More than patterns
The Avid Seamstress is about more than sewing patterns alone.
We also offer:
- in-person workshops
- residential sewing retreats
- carefully curated sewing kits
- ongoing learning through tutorials, guides and pattern hacks
Our workshops and retreats are known for their calm atmosphere, clear teaching and a warm community. Many people return again and again - not just for what they make, but for how they feel while making.
A brand you can trust
The Avid Seamstress has been part of the sewing community for over 10 years.
That longevity matters to us. It represents consistency, care, and a commitment to doing things well. We don't release products quickly or follow trends for the sake of it.
Whether you're returning to sewing, finding your confidence again, or simply looking for a calmer way to make clothes you love, you're very welcome here.
Lisa & The Avid Seamstress Team
Connect with The Avid Seamstress Community
Sewing is better when it's shared. If you'd like to stay connected, there are a few gentle ways to spend time with us and our wider sewing community.
- Join Our Facebook Group: A welcoming space to share makes, ask questions, and connect with fellow sewists in our private group. "The Avid Seamstress Makers Group."
- See customer makes on Instagram: We love seeing garments made and worn. You can find workshop moments and customer makes on our Instagram Page. Tag us @theavidseamstress and use the hashtag #theavidseamstress to connect with our community.
- Read the blog: Thoughtful writing on sewing, fit, and making clothes at a slower page - blog.
- Join our mailing list: Occasional emails with new pattern releases, sewing kits, workshops and a free copy of our Drop Sleeve Top digital sewing pattern as a welcome.