I like a lot of companies but it’s always down to the instructions for me - I’ve learned so much about sewing from good ones and been so frustrated by poorly written ones. For me the best are Sew Liberated, Friday Pattern Company and Papercut Patterns. Best of all is probably Fabric Godmother, they’ve only got a couple of patterns out (new shirtdress coming next week) but the instructions are great and they always have a very detailed online walkthrough of the pattern by someone who actually teaches sewing so anticipates any stumbles and tricky bits. Really top notch, and no more expensive than a regular pattern. (Sounds like an ad, doesn’t it, but I’m just a fan!)
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Love Notions, Itch to Stitch, and Sinclair are my favorites.
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I love Merchant and Mills although I’ve not tried their clothes yet as I don’t make a huge number of things to wear. Else, it has to be Spencer Ogg for bags and similar, patterns are cleverly designed and versatile with great tutorials.
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I agree about instructions. If you feel like that, I’d suggest avoiding Style Arc like the plague. Their instructions are completely inadequate. For some of their patterns, they are virtually non-existent!
I have the Fabric Godmother Fleur pattern, but I haven’t made it yet. One for the Spring 
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I’ve been tempted by that pattern myself, looks a really nice trouser for spring through to Autumn. How good is it on fitting advice?
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Do you mean the MM Recess Play Pant? Most of their pants fit a little on the large side. With these pants though, it very much depends on the fabric used and not always as expected. I have made 3 pairs now. All in different woven fabrics, with no stretch. They all fit a bit differently. My approach has become, make the size suggested on the pattern. They won’t fit small and if they fit big, the seams can always be taken-in. I hope that helps.
Ha - yeah I’ve made a few of theirs & they’re terrible!
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I sew with a lot of indie designers, and I’ve found Pattern Emporium instructions to be really excellent. The tutorials are really beginner-friendly and cover all sorts of information for sewing even before you get to the instructions for the pattern itself. Very step-by-step with clear photos.
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Thanks Annie, a little on the big side is perfect! I’m really not very good at adjustments from measurements so make and fit works for me. I usually tack together but if it’s too small, well it’s a bit late then 
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To be honest. I’m a bit random. e.g I make them, try them on and if they are big, I take a guess and sew another seam further in, then remove the excess seam with my overlocker. It’s work so far! 
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I’m trying to figure out how to post in this forum, so if I am doing this wrong, that’s the reason. LOL
I’m generally a vintage girl, I like original vintage patterns first ( I really like Advance patterns for some weird reason) but I like a good repro pattern or at least a style that fits my general vibe.
Tuppence Ha’penny is my girl. I haven’t made a lot of her dresses, but her style and fitting block are right up my alley and I like supporting her small venture. Her instructions are good and I don’t have a ton of guesswork or adjusting in her patterns so far. There are also a few individual dresses I have made a lot but sometimes I am not sure if it is that I really like the dress or if I’m just needing to make something I don’t have to fret about too much. I’m pretty impatient! These are: Deer & Doe, Emporia, Collette (not seamwork), By Hand London.
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Agree! They’re fantastic instructions!
I love Friday Pattern Company as I just find the block seems to fit me really well. Up until recently the Davenport Dress was my favourite but it’s recently been overtaken by the Willow by Cinnamon Daisy. I love the fit of it and have now made 3 with a 4th on the way!
I loved the bow boxer short pattern by Matchy Matchy sewing- they were a lovely make and fit
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I love Sew Over It.
I discovered them just a year ago and the spirit of the team was the reason why I explored their patterns. Their patterns seem to suite my style, especially their newer ones.
But the selling point was the fit of the patterns AND the very good instructions. I remember standing infront of my mirror wearing a first test of their Eve Dress. I wanted to use it for my wedding dress. I immediately started crying because it fit so well and looked so good.
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You seem to have cracked how to post here
That all sounds really interesting. Could you post a couple of photos of your retro makes?
I have made the Donny Shirt by FPC. I keep meaning to make another, but haven’t got around to it yet.
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that’s too far off my ability ATM! let me get the hang of this first! LOL
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Mine is so nut perfect 
I’m with you Shelley, on this one. I love her patterns as well!
I make a LOT of itch to stitch. Her patterns are so well drafted and the instructions are great! I also do pattern testing for them, which means I do end up with a lot in my closet. Her patterns range in size from 0-40 (US sizing) and choice of cup size. They always fit me very well.
I also have quite a number of Cashmerette I have to do a couple of adjustments on those but have made many of them. These are my top two favorites. But I have made from a LOT of indie companies. For the last 20 years I have made only from Independent pattern companies.
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