Folkwear Patterns

About the Swing Coat This easy, breezy coat is a snap to make, with just four main pattern pieces. The front pieces have neck extensions that stitch together at center back to form the collar. The back is stitched into...

About the Chinese Pajamas The casual comfort and simple elegance of this easy-sew Jacket and Pants combo will make it your favorite at-home wear in super-soft cotton or the perfect evening outfit in silk and brocade. This sewing pattern includes...

About the Vests from Greece and Poland These authentic designs can be lavishly decorated, embroidered, appliquéd, and otherwise embellished. This sewing pattern include a short vest for men or women from Greece, a mid-calf Greek vest, and two variations of a...

About the Turkish Coat A favorite with quilters and clothing artists, this coat originated in Central Asia, where it is made in brilliant silks and floral cottons. The boot-length reversible coat pattern is perfect for inventive fabric combinations. The coat...

About the Chinese Jacket This sewing pattern for a classic jacket in three lengths and with front or asymmetrical opening is descended from the noblewoman's attire of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).  It is still worn by people of Chinese heritage around the...

About the Afghan Dress This traditional dress worn by women in Afghanistan is ideal for mixing fabrics and embellishments. This dress pattern has an extremely full skirt and sleeves. It is traditionally worn ankle length, but can be adapted to...

About the Tibetan Panel Coat This sewing pattern for a traditional Tibetan panel coat, or sleeveless jacket or vest, is made from many panels of often-contrasting fabrics.  The coat is usually constructed of simple panels of handwoven wool - rectangular solid...

About the Hong Kong Cheongsam The Cheongsam (Cantonese for "Long Dress”) is an early 20th century variant of the Chinese Qipao, a hip-length shirt or tunic. The Cheongsam was first seen on celebrities and socialites as a way of modernizing...

About the Guatemalan Gabacha European immigration between 1900-1930 to the Quetzaltenango area added new styles and techniques to the extraordinarily rich textile tradition of Guatemala. In the late 20th century, the town of Cantel boasted the largest textile mill in...

About the Thai Fisherman Pants The Thai Fisherman’s Pants first appeared in the late 1800s in what is now Thailand (then called Siam). The design was similar to this sewing pattern, with large pants legs and an oversized waistband that...

About the Hawaiian Mu'umu'u Considered aloha attire, this loose and breezy garment has its origins in the 1800s when missionaries adapted their Mother Hubbard-style dresses to fit Hawaiian women. Originally a tool of assimilation, native Hawaiians have since adapted and...

About the Prairie Dress The stalwart women who braved the 19th century American prairie wore full yet practical housedresses of washable cotton.  This flowing dress was traditionally worn with a practical apron.  Ours falls to the ankles in voluminous gathers...