Welcome to the Avid Seamstress

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

 

 

the avid seamstress sewing patterns

 

 

 what is a sewing pattern

Connect with The Avid Seamstress Community

  • Join Our Facebook Group: Engage with fellow makers, share your creations, and discover valuable tips in our private Facebook group, "The Avid Seamstress Makers Group."
  • Share Your Success: Inspire others by posting photos of your finished projects on our Instagram Page. Tag us @theavidseamstress and use the hashtag #theavidseamstress to connect with our community.
  • Explore Our Blog: Discover a wealth of sewing knowledge, engaging tutorials, and inspiring projects on our blog.
  • Stay Connected: Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to know about new pattern releases, helpful tips and tricks, exclusive offers, and receive the Drop Sleeve Top digital sewing pattern absolutely free.
Sewing Pattern Product Options

Printed Sewing Pattern

Encased in a beautiful re-closable envelope, you'll receive one copy of the sewing pattern sheet for your selected pattern printed on high quality 60gsm sewing pattern paper, a photographed step-by-step a5 instruction book, a guide to taking accurate measurements and a checklist card.


Printed Sewing Pattern with additional pattern sheet

The same as the printed sewing pattern option plus an additional sewing pattern sheet. The second pattern sheet copy is perfect for those that don't want to trace or if you are making it in another size.


Digital PDF Pattern

After purchase, you'll instantly receive the digital files which contains:

This is a digital product. You will need to download the files and then print them at home or at a copy shop. The digital instruction book is perfect for working through on your mobile or tablet screen.

The files will be emailed to the email used to purchase the product.


Digital PDF Pattern Plus A0 Pattern Sheet

With this option you'll receive the digitals files via email and will also receive the A0 pattern sheet in the post. 

Please note that when you select this option you will only receive the digital files via email when we fulfil the order. 



You will need Adobe Reader to open the PDF files - https://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/


View our helpful guide on digital patterns and how to put them together and FAQ's - https://theavidseamstress.com/how-to-construct-a-digital-pattern/


All of our products are in English