5 Eco-Friendly Brands That Help You Sew Your Own Sustainable Wardrobe

Learn how to sew your own sustainable wardrobe staples with these five eco-friendly brands. Make the most of your lockdown time and create a modern, conscious closet that helps you feel good about what the clothes you wear.

Remember the days when your mum used to drag you around haberdashery shops? I certainly do. Amidst the endless rolls of pretty fabrics, buttons and Singers, mum would spend hours flicking through catalogues of sewing patterns and sifting through trays of buttons and cotton thread. Fast forward to today and the demise of such high street shops only adds to the nostalgia of a time when clothes were lovingly made by hand. Today the ease and convenience of fast fashion now replaces craft with careless consumption.

But things are changing. There’s a whole movement out there that’s embracing the art of sewing your own clothes. If you’re looking for a lockdown project that’s going to impress your friends, help the planet and make you feel good about what you wear, then look no further. Here’s 5 eco-friendly brands that’ll help you sew your own clothes with digital sewing patterns designed to create modern sustainable outfits.

Homer and Howells - Ethical Alternatives to Women's Fast Fashion

If you’re looking for well designed, beautifully tailored clothes, then Homer and Howells is the perfect fit. Designed by industry experts Nicola Homer and Susan Howells, you’ll find a range of wardrobe elevators that focus on British styling, a slightly boxy fit and flattering shapes. Keen to offer an ethical alternative to fast fashion clothing, Nicola and Susan combine their industry expertise in creative pattern cutting and garment technology to create sewing patterns that produce modern, capsule outfits.

The digital patterns can be downloaded and printed. Each contains a pattern with two formats: A0 copy shop pattern file or print at home pattern file. All come with a set of easy to follow instructions. Sizes range from UK 6 - 24 (US 2 - 20). Prices start at £14.

My sewing skills are rusty, but I’m itching to give the Cissy Dress in Blue a go.

Paper Theory Patterns - Slow Fashion Silhouettes

This brand embraces clean silhouettes and modernist design. Founder Tara Viggo, used her vast experience in the fashion industry to help makers create an ethical and sustainable wardrobe. The emphasis is on slowing fashion down and enabling people to dip out of fast fashion whilst remaining stylish. I love the message of making your own slow fashion outfits whilst building a sustainable wardrobe by buying vintage, supporting ethical fashion and upcycling.

With online tutorials and workshops available, (pandemic pending), you’ll be making your own jumpsuits and t-shirts in no time. All files are in PDF format. Sizes are in both UK and US sizing from 6-20 with step by step instructions that include measurement charts and fabric consumption information. Prices start at £11.

Check out the jumpsuit. It’s definitely on my list of lock down projects.

Megan Nielsen Patterns - Sewing Patterns that Support Humanitarian Causes

Based in Perth, Western Australia, Megan designs industry standard sewing patterns. Passionate about sewing contemporary stylish wardrobe staples. each design is tested by real people of all shapes and sizes. Quality and service takes centre stage with this brand, where free, in-depth sewing tutorials help you through your own personal sewing journey. Digital PDF patterns come with an instruction manual, print at home patterns and US or Ao copy shop patterns. Designs also include children, maternity and cute “Mommy & Me” bundles. Their paper patterns come in a pretty envelope and are printed on high quality tissue paper, with easy to follow easy to follow manuals. Sizes are available in 0-30 and prices start from £10.

I especially love their commitment to supporting humanitarian causes. A portion of all profits go into tackling sex slavery, poverty and helping asylum seekers.

Megan Nielsen Patterns - Sewing Patterns that Support Humanitarian Causes

Based in Perth, Western Australia, Megan designs industry standard sewing patterns. Passionate about sewing contemporary stylish wardrobe staples. each design is tested by real people of all shapes and sizes. Quality and service takes centre stage with this brand, where free, in-depth sewing tutorials help you through your own personal sewing journey. Digital PDF patterns come with an instruction manual, print at home patterns and US or Ao copy shop patterns. Designs also include children, maternity and cute “Mommy & Me” bundles. Their paper patterns come in a pretty envelope and are printed on high quality tissue paper, with easy to follow easy to follow manuals. Sizes are available in 0-30 and prices start from £10.

I especially love their commitment to supporting humanitarian causes. A portion of all profits go into tackling sex slavery, poverty and helping asylum seekers.

Named - Self-made Clothing for Freedom of Choice

If you love the clean lines and the simplicity of Scandi-style clothing, you’ll love Named. Founded by Finnish sisters Saara and Laura Huhta, Named brings a new perspective to self-made clothes. Whilst supporting ethical and ecological consumption, the design founders believe sewing your own clothes enables the consumer to be part of the design process. By being able to change details, choose colours and fabrics, the consumer can enjoy the freedom of choice. The patterns have five levels of difficulty, which means even a beginner can find something stylish to make.

With digitally printed PDF patterns available and video tutorials, you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing what clothes to make. Check out the Tyni Cigarette Trousers or Selja Knot Tee - my favourites amongst many. Prices start from £9.

I hope you found this article helpful and feel inspired enough to start your sustainable sewing journey. Feel free to share this blog with others by clicking on the social media icons below. Sharing is caring!