We are thrilled to introduce you to FOLKLORE. Our brand new collection of 8 sewing patterns, inspired by fairytales, traditional dress and handmade textiles. They look to the past for inspiration but are designed for modern makers who want clothing that feels personal, practical and expressive.
The garments are named after the creatures that are found in such fairytales – cats, owls, rooks. Patterns are available on paper or in PDF format. Sizes range from 8-28 (UK sizes) and come with fully illustrated instructions to guarantee your own sewing version of “happily ever after.”
The Folklore look draws on rural craft traditions – embroidered linens, floaty dresses and work wear silhouettes, reimagined in a contemporary wardrobe.
Loose silhouettes, gathered shapes, practical pockets and sturdy fabrics form the base of the look, allowing decorative elements like embroidery and patchwork to shine.
The Otus Frock (shown right) is a romantic, midi length dress that pulls on over the head. Its batwing sleeves gather onto a traditional bib at the front and back. There are two sleeve options – a full length sleeve with a gathered cuff or a shorter, looser sleeve for skipping through the forest. Even the prettiest of shapes can be worn with practical boots for a Folkore aesthetic.
Choose natural, tactile fabrics
Folklore style works beautifully with fabrics that have texture and character. Linen, cotton, chambray, corduroy, denim, tweed and lightweight wool all lend themselves well to the look. Washed fabrics with a slightly lived-in feel are perfect – they suggest garments that are meant to be worn, mended and loved.
The Corvus Stole (shown left) throws on over the shoulders for an extra layer of stylish warmth. The darts around the neck means that it stays put on your shoulders rather than slipping off. It is fully lined and has a detachable collar. It comes in two lengths – shrug and cape. This version here is the shrug made in tweed, and Nancy is wearing it with the mini version of the Nox Skirt
Rustic doesn’t mean dull. This glamorous version of the Otus Frock is made in velvet. Embellishment is central to folklore-inspired clothing. You might add small motifs to collars, cuffs or pockets, or create a decorative panel across a yoke or hem. Simple stitches such as running stitch, chain stitch and satin stitch can create striking designs without being overly complicated. Look to traditional motifs such as flowers, birds, vines. Reinterpret geometric borders in a contemporary way, perhaps with a limited colour palette or bold placement.
The Tie Bolero is a warm little over-layer has a side-tying front and a dipped hem at the back. Its quilted construction has three layers – an outer fabric, bump interlining and a lining fabric. The raw edges are finished with a decorative bias binding and it has bound inner seams. You have the option of a fully lined, removable hood that attaches with poppers.
It is shown here made in a Sew Different viscose – a fine fabric that is bulked out with bump and lining. Quilt with a classic geometric design, or use free-motion embroidery to follow the pattern of the fabric as we have done here. (Details of which materials to use for a quilted finish can be found in the pattern instructions.)
The Tyto Pants are calling to be made up in hardwearing fabrics – think tweeds, denims and corduroys, or cottons and linens for a Summertime feel. These are the ultimate everyday trousers designed with comfort and style in equal measures. They are softly barrel-shaped with an elasticated paper-bag waist. You have the option of large cargo pockets that cross the side seams, discreet in-seam pockets or both.
They can also be cut to shorts length with the addition of a cute turn-up (perfect for a contrasting fabric.)
The cargo pocket version of the Nox Skirt is also asking to be made up in practical fabrics. For an everyday look, a classic denim or soft needlecord will look fabulous. A heavier weight linen, such as Sew Different’s own range would work really well – try a plain pocket on a busy fabric to make this feature stand out and to add vertical lines to your finished piece.
There are several completely different looks for the Nox Skirt – this one shown here is barrel-shaped with cargo pockets made in denim. You can choose to add a lower panel for either a barrel shape or a gathered tier. Alternatively the straight/mini shape can easily be lengthened for a longer, classic silhouette. With each skirt shape you have the option of large cargo pockets or hidden in-seam pockets. Nancy is wearing it here with the round neck version of the Frill Sleeve Top
One of the most beautiful ways to create the Folklore look is through upcycling. Vintage embroidered tablecloths, napkins, tray cloths and pillowcases often contain extraordinary handwork that can be given new life in clothing.
Look at recycling traditional embroidered fabrics into the panels of the Felis Blouse. Taking the time position those beautiful pieces of embroidery is all part of the fun.
You can find tutorials on YouTube by Spilt Milk to help with your upcycling table linen. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton lawn, viscose and seersucker are perfect for the body of the blouse
Ideas to try:
• Turning an embroidered tablecloth into a loose summer blouse, placing the central motif across the chest.
• Using embroidered napkins as pockets on dungarees or work wear jackets.
• Cutting borders from vintage linens to create decorative panels on sleeves or hems.
• Incorporating fragments of embroidery as patchwork elements in skirts or pinafores.
Not only does this approach celebrate the craftsmanship of the original maker, it also ensures every garment becomes completely unique.
