Distinctive Sewing Supplies

Welcome to Folkwear!

If you're interested in expressing your creative style in the clothes you make and wear, you'll love Folkwear.  These unique and enduring patterns will help you:

• make your own fashion statement by combining classic, historic, and ethnic styles with wonderful modern or vintage fabrics

• design your own signature wearable art by adding your favourite embellishments and handcrafted techniques

• create authentic reproductions of antique fashions and ethnic costumes for theater performance, history reenactment or everyday fun.

A Fresh Look at an Old Favourite

Folkwear patterns are based on vintage fashions and traditional ethnic garments for an authentic look. But with a fresh eye and creative touch, these timeless styles can become exciting and trend-setting wearable art today. For example, here is beautiful combination of four different Folkwear patterns that creates a very contemporary fashion look, in this season's very popular color: pink.

The blouse is #202 Victorian Shirt in handkerchief linen with pretty lace insertions at the front, and around the cuffs and neckline. The vest is View B from #222 Vintage Vests in a smooth-finish cotton. The pants are the African pants from #119 Sarouelles in silk brocade. And the hat, in the same silk brocade, is the Gandhi hat from #135 Jewels of India. Mixing and matching components from different Folkwear patterns can create a very diverse wardrobe!

 

This elegant ensemble features #129 Haori for the jacket and #219 Intimacies for the spaghetti strap slip.

Fresh Look at an Old Favourite

Since 1976, Folkwear has offered these unique features:

• full-size pattern pieces ready to trace or cut out

• all sizes included in each multi-size pattern

• easy-sew and special techniques clearly explained and illustrated

• fascinating historical lore that sets the garment in its own time and place

• instructions and suggestions for traditional embellishment details.

• instructions for knitted and crocheted accessories in some patterns.

If you are interested in purchasing a Folkwear pattern that you do not see featured on this site, please e-mail us at info@distinctivesewing.com; if the pattern is available we can order it from the manufacturer for you.

Questions and Answers about Folkwear

Are Folkwear patterns easy to sew?

Yes!  The patterns range from very easy to advanced, with most falling into the easy-to-intermediate category.  Nearly every pattern includes an easy-sew version.  The authentic detailing and handwork is always optional, so you don't have to spend extra time to complete it unless you want to.

How are Folkwear patterns sized?

Use the sizing chart on the pattern envelope to match your measurements to the correct size for that garment.  All sizes are included in one envelope, so you can easily combine them for a custom fit.  For example, on the pattern pieces with multiple cutting lines, you might use the cutting line for size 14 in the bust and waist area, but gradually move over to the size 16 cutting line for the hip area.

Many of the older Folkwear patterns are sized to a Misses 16, which is quite small these days.  Gradually, Folkwear will go back and re-size the most popular old Folkwear patterns up to size 3XL (54" bust).  All patterns released since 1998 are sized according to the chart below.

How does Folkwear differ from other patterns?

Folkwear styles are truly timeless and represent the fashions of other times and places.  Each pattern embodies a tradition and tells a story.  In many patterns, you will find fascinating lore and instructions for original handwork and detailing that you can add to your garment or just read about.

How do you come up with the new patterns?

Folkwear is always adding new ideas to their "New Pattern List" as Folkwear users like you make suggestions.  They try to choose styles that will be interesting to sew, easy to adapt for many uses, a good "fit" with the rest of the Folkwear line, and just plain fun.

What about the knitting and crochet instructions in some Folkwear patterns?

In several patterns, you will find instructions for a coordinating garment or accessory designed especially for  Folkwear.  Specific yarns are recommended, but may not be available in your area.  Therefore, weight, yardage, and gauge information is included so you can choose other appropriate yarns.