Patterns!
New patterns from The Assembly Line
A batch of new patterns from the Swedish company The Assembly Line. has just arrived. Although I design my own patterns, TAL is the only pattern company I turn to when I want to save time and don’t have a basic pattern to work from. Their patterns are exceptionally well designed, clearly laid out, and beautifully shaped. They’re the only patterns I buy for myself.
The world of sewing patterns has changed a lot in recent years. Independent designer labels have flourished, developing their own voices and communities, and the selection has never been better. There is more emphasis on shape, quality, and wearability than before.
I thought long and hard before deciding to stock patterns at Sæi. PDF patterns are a great solution for many people and make designs more accessible. But paper patterns have their advantages too. They’re ready to use, full size, and require no assembly. For some, that saves time and simplifies the process.
Paper patterns are certainly a more expensive product—not only because of shipping costs, but also because of the production itself: full-size printing, packaging, and presentation. But they offer a particular sewing experience that many people prefer, and they’re easier to store and reuse.
One tip from experience: many TAL patterns call for interfacing. Personally, I often skip it, especially for lighter, softer garments. For more experienced sewists, this may be a simple decision, but for those just starting out, interfacing can certainly make the process more stable and predictable.
The reason I sometimes skip it is that interfacing tends to react to washing—it can shrink if the temperature is too high or come loose over time, which can cause puckering or unevenness in the fabric. I also often find it simply more comfortable and softer to work without it.
In conventional garment production, interfacing is not always used unless structure and a more defined shape are needed. In such cases—for example, in garments that are dry-cleaned rather than washed at home—it can be a very good solution.