Ellie and Mac - Indie Sewing Pattern Designer
The lowdown
Welcome to this deep-dive into the independent size-inclusive sewing pattern designer, Ellie and Mac. I share my impression of the company from the point of view of a plus-size sewist, as well as talk about my experience sewing some of their bestselling patterns.
Beginner-friendly
Ellie and Mac is one of the best designers for beginner sewists and sewists looking to build up a stash of patterns and unique basics. They were one of the first size-inclusive indie designers I discovered when I started sewing clothes for myself, and most of my everyday clothing is Ellie & Mac. I've made swimsuits, underwear, tops, dresses, skirts and more using their patterns.
One of the features I like most about their patterns is how open they are about their construction. Most of their pattern listings have a tutorial video that's available before purchase, so you can watch it and see how the garment is made before you commit. Their PDF tutorials are very clear too as every step is illustrated with a real-life garment so you can follow it all the way from cutting to completion (and often see the actual garment made being modelled too.)
Their designs are simple and fashionable, and because Ellie and Mac have multiple designers, they have a wide variety of patterns in their extensive catalog.
Ellie and Mac make it simple and affordable to build up your pattern stash, with regular weekly sales and frequent special offers. Each week they choose several patterns to feature in what was previously known as Wacky Wednesday, and is now a rolling weekly sale that refreshes on Wednesday every week.
Size-inclusive
Ellie and Mac patterns are size-inclusive, with most curvy patterns going to a 67" hip, or a 6XL. They're gender-inclusive as well selling straight fit patterns, many of which go to a 60" chest (also a 6XL). Their kids' patterns go from newborn up to a 'Big Kid' 18, which has a 38" hip.
Pattern listings show real-life testers modelling the clothes they have made from the pattern. They showcase a wide variety of body types, tastes and skill levels.
Community-centred
Fans are encouraged to spread the word and to talk freely about their experience with the brand, and this has resulted in a very open and supportive online community. With a Facebook community and an active social media presence on Instagram and YouTube, it's very easy to get support and answers to your questions when you're working on a project.
Reward scheme
Ellie and Mac is one of the few designers to have a reward scheme available for all customers. You can earn 1 point for every dollar you spend to claim money off your next purchase.
You can also use my referral code to get US$5 of your next purchase over US$10.
Ellie & Mac bestsellers
Ellie and Mac has a large catalog with new patterns being released all the time, but there are a few classics that have become firm favorites among their fans. I'm going to talk in a bit more detail about three of them, and explain why they should be on your project list.
Adult Cuddle Tunic and Dress
The Adult Cuddle Tunic was one of the first garments I made for myself when I began my sewing journey in earnest back in 2020. I joined a sew-a-long run by a fabric merchant and bought a fabric kit with everything I needed, with the idea that I could follow along at home and make myself a cosy sweater dress in an afternoon. How wrong I was! I was supposed to have cut everything out beforehand but I was working with a tiny A2 cutting mat and a dull rotary cutter on the floor under my dining table. I was having to slide the mat all over the place under my fabric just to cut out the adult-sized pieces. Then later watching the sew-a-long, the tutor was so relaxed and so fast, flitting between their sewing machine, an overlocker, whizzing through the steps so quickly and even sipping wine while they did so! I didn’t have a chance of keeping up so I put down my fabric and watched instead.
That first sweater dress took me three muslins and about a month to make. I'm still extremely proud of my accomplishment because it's one of the first garments I made for myself. The fabric in the kit was luxurious, and it was the first and last time I will spend £60 on alpine fleece for loungewear! But - and it's a big but - I felt part of something. I never did do another sew-a-long with that fabric merchant but I did discover the wider online Facebook sewing community, and with their help I made my Cuddle Tunic the best it could be.
It took me 3 muslins and the help of the Facebook sewing community to perfect the fit of my Cuddle Tunic. I learned so much from them, including when to stop and call it done!
My Cuddle Tunic is a bright and gaudy colour-blocking legend, and I always intended it to be for wearing while cuddled up in my van on cooler evenings watching films with my partner. It's absolutely perfect for that and it even matches the decor. The cowl neck, long sleeves and (very) oversized pocket mean I can snuggle down into it and stay warm even when the rain is drumming on the roof of the van.
My Cuddle Tunic is made from alpine fleece with French Terry pocket and accents.
Tres Belle Wrap Tunic and Dress
The Tres Belle Dress is another all-time bestseller among E&M designs. It's a knit dress pattern with a crossover front bodice and a choice of skirt styles and sleeve lengths. It has an optional sash belt too. It's one of those classic styles that looks good on all bodies, and it can be worn as anything from a casual top with jeans to a wedding guest outfit, entirely based on your choice of fabric and design elements from the variety of different options on offer.
I've made four so far. My wearable muslin was the tunic length view with short sleeves. I took the time to add pockets and I'm glad I did, since I wear this top about once a week. It looks great with jeans, or layered over a skirt. The top view is great to use up stash fabric, and by changing up the sleeves you have a wide variety of options for tops that will see you through the year.
My Tres Belle wearable muslin has become a favourite casual top when camping.
Once I settled on my preferred style, which is the gathered dress because of its easy construction and lesser fabric requirements, I made three dresses. I chose three different rayon knit fabrics from my stash and matched them to my intended use for the final dresses. One was an everyday work dress with short sleeves. The next was a wearable muslin for a wedding guest outfit with self-drafted flutter sleeves, and the third was the dress I wore to the wedding.
South Shore Romper
The South Shore Romper is on my project list for cosy Fall sewing ready for cooler weather. It's a knit jumpsuit with a crossover front bodice and straight leg in three lengths. It's another classic design that looks good on all bodies. If for some reason you think you "can't" wear jumpsuits, this is the pattern that will prove you wrong.
It's another highly versatile pattern too, since it can be made from a soft French terry for loungewear or with the right fabric choice it's suitable for party wear. I especially like this pattern made up in boho fabrics with a single colour base and large floral designs. A black and white floral jumpsuit with a wide wedge-shaped sash belt looks stunning.
REMEMBER: use my referral code to get US$5 off your next purchase over US$10 from Ellie and Mac.