Fabric & Creative Sewing Product Distributors

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Folkwear Patterns

Started in California in the 1970s, Folkwear provides sewing patterns that are based on authentic vintage and folk garments from around the world. Our patterns are flexible enough to be used for historical and theatrical costuming as well as for making unique every-day-wear.

We hope to inspire and provoke interest and understanding of the deeper value of how clothing has helped shape the world. We believe that sewing is made richer, and therefore more enjoyable, when you understand more about the garments you have been inspired to make - including their histories and cultures.

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Calico Day Dress By Folkwear Patterns

Turn-of-the-century women lingered over breakfast in this soft pleated closely fitted house dress...

A Lady's Chemise by Folkwear Patterns

This flattering chemise was worn during the mid to late 1800's and they offer two appealing...

Armistice Blouse by Folkwear Patterns

Fashion evolved rapidly from 1915 to 1920, as World War I, known as the Great War, changed forever...

Austrian Dirndl by Folkwear Patterns

The Dirndl dates back to the Renaissance and is one of few regional costumes still worn extensively...

Beautiful Dreamer Dress by Folkwear Patterns

The prototype for the sewing pattern of this delightfully feminine gown bespeaks the humblest of...

Big Sky Riding Skirt by Folkwear

Bring out the cowgirl in you! Equestrian women of the early 20th century, who were determined to...

Chinese Jacket by Folkwear Patterns

This sewing pattern for a classic jacket in three lengths and with front or asymmetrical opening is...

Edwardian Bridal Gown by Folkwear

This is Edwardian charm at its best. A perfect vintage wedding dress with high neck, leg o'mutton...

Edwardian Underthings by Folkwear Patterns

Three charming "unmentionables" from the Edwardian bride's trousseau. The camisole, petticoat, and...

Egyptian Shirt By Folkwear

This is a shortened version of the traditional Egyptian galabia or robe. This versatile shirt...

Empire Dress by Folkwear Patterns

This high-waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French...

Ghanaian Smock Top & Dress by Folkwear

This loose-fitting top originated in northern Ghana, but is now worn in many areas of West Africa,...

Gibson Girl Blouse by Folkwear

The Gibson Girl was the ideal of feminine beauty at the turn of the 20th century, and by 1905, the...

Glamour Girl Dress by Folkwear Patterns

Glamour oozed in Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s, and this is the daytime dress the starlets wore....

Hawaiian Mu'umu'u by Folkwear

Considered aloha attire, this loose and breezy garment has its origins in the 1800s when...

Hollywood Trousers By Folkwear Patterns

The emergence of pants as acceptable public attire for women began in the early 1930 largely due to...

Hong Kong Cheongsam by Folkwear Patterns

This classic exotic dress in two lengths is synonymous with Oriental elegance. Simple to sew, it...

Jacket From Basics Range by Folkwear Patterns

This simple, fully-lined jacket is the perfect piece - no matter the season. The roomy fit, simple...

Japanese Field Clothing by Folkwear Patterns

Versatile and comfortable garments include the hippari (jacket) for men and women, monpei (pants)...

Japanese Hakama & Kataginu by Folkwear Patterns

During the Edo period in Japan (1615-1868), members of the samurai or warrior class wore the...

Japanese Hapi & Haori by Folkwear Patterns

For formal occasions or everyday layered dressing, either jacket offers a special touch to any...

Japanese Kimono by Folkwear Patterns

The timeless simplicity of this elegant garment is still enchanting. Our unlined informal kimono...

Jewels of India by Folkwear Patterns

A grouping of truly versatile garments with a tailored kurta overshirt for men and women, kamiz...

Le Smoking Jacket by Folkwear Patterns

Smoking jackets symbolized sophistication during the 1920s and 1930s, both on the silver screen and...

Lindy Shirtdress by Folkwear Patterns

This dress comes from the 1940's when square shoulders, narrow hips, and skirts that ended just...

Metro Middy Blouse By Folkwear

This Blouse reflects the military styling of World War I uniforms as well as the new interest in...

Metropolitan Hat by Folkwear Patterns

This hat dates from the early 20th century and represents a transitional period in millinery...

Moroccan Djellaba Hooded Caftan by Folkwear Patterns

This loose-fitted, hooded caftan is worn everyday in the Maghreb region of North Africa....

Old Mexico Dress by Folkwear Patterns

This 16th-century Spanish colonial style is quick and easy to make, with just four pattern pieces....

Overcoat From Basics Range by Folkwear Patterns

Everyone should have a warm coat in their wardrobe, and this roomy, low-calf length Overcoat fits...

Pants From Basics Range by Folkwear Patterns

These simple, elastic-waist pants are incredibly comfortable. Easy to sew and easy to wear, they...

Pinafore Dress From Basics Range by Folkwear Patterns

The apron, or pinafore, is one of humanity's oldest garment forms. Whether worn to cover and...

Poiret Cocoon Coat by Folkwear Patterns

This fully-lined Cocoon Coat was designed around 1913-1919 by Paul Poiret, a renowned early 20th...

Rosie the Riveter by Folkwear Patterns

The heroic working women of World War II inspired this factory wardrobe of camp shirt, pleated...

Sailor Pants by Folkwear Patterns

Folkwear Sailor Pants originate from those worn by WWII Navy seamen (they actually drafted them...

Sarouelles by Folkwear Patterns

Three comfortable and timeless pants designs from Turkey, Africa, and India, with elastic or...

Schoolmistress Shirtwaist & Skirt by Folkwear

Based on the vintage uniform of the 19th century schoolmarm, this two-piece outfit features a...

Scottish Kilt by Folkwear Patterns

The romance of the Scottish Highlands is alive and well in this authentic kilt, kilt skirt, and...

Sporty Forties Dress by Folkwear Patterns

Folkwear's Sporty Forties' Dress and Sweater patterns are classic examples of the ingenuity of the...

Swing Coat by Folkwear Patterns

This easy, breezy coat is a snap to make, with just four main pattern pieces. The front pieces have...

The Tibetan Chupa Skirt and Dress by Folkwear

Please note this is a higher price pattern due to the larger format printing required.

This wrapped jumper has a centuries-long history in Tibet. The Chupa features an asymmetrical wrap front, wide neckband, and simple faced armholes. Both the Chupa and Chupa-inspired skirt have unique side extensions that wrap around the back to tie in front. The resulting silhouette is slim, yet the extensions enable enough leg room to make walking easier than most wrap skirts.