We create easy to use sewing patterns that elevate your wardrobe while expanding your skill set.

How We Do It

Our Key Brand Values

  • Contemporary Fit

  • Industry Expertise

  • Clear Instructions

OUR STORY

We believe in creating quality patterns because sewing isn't hard when you have good guidance and take things one step at a time.

I started the Grainline Studio blog as a creative outlet in 2009 while working as a pattern maker in Chicago. During this time I kept noticing gaps in the home sewing market.

When I launched our first pattern in 2011 I knew I wanted something different – a contemporary fit with clear instructions that actually made sense.

Now our small team of industry professionals develops each pattern through multiple fittings, extensive testing, and careful editing. That philosophy guides everything we do; creating patterns that build your confidence as you sew.

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MEET THE FOUNDER

My approach to sewing has always been about finding what works for you.

After years in the sewing industry, I've learned there are countless ways to achieve the same beautiful result. The key is having clear guidance and taking things at your own pace.

There's nothing quite like the confidence and pride that comes from mastering a new technique or finishing a challenging project! That feeling is what makes all the careful pattern development worth it.

Jen

Pattern maker, passionate teacher, beagle enthusiast.

Connect with me @jen_beeman

My approach to sewing has always been about finding what works for you.

After years in the sewing industry, I've learned there are countless ways to achieve the same beautiful result. The key is having clear guidance and taking things at your own pace.

There's nothing quite like the confidence and pride that comes from mastering a new technique or finishing a challenging project! That feeling is what makes all the careful pattern development worth it.

THE GRAINLINE PROCESS

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  • 1. Concept & Design

    It all starts with an idea. I sketch and refine until our vision is complete, exploring different views and variations for each new pattern.

  • 2. Drafting & Fitting

    Our pattern maker brings the sketches to life, drafting each size range independently with separate blocks and fit models to optimize fit and proportions for each.

  • 3. Pattern Grading

    We then grade our patterns using custom rules developed from fittings with real women in every size, tweaking each pattern's grade for optimal results.

  • 4. Instruction Development

    We develop an instruction set for each size range as they often require different dart placements and shapes. Your instructions should match your sewing!

  • 5. Internal Testing

    We walk pattern pieces, sew samples, test each size, then review instructions again - checking for inconsistencies and ways to improve clarity.

  • 6. Tech Editing

    Our professional tech editor reviews everything with fresh eyes, test-sewing the pattern to find any errors we missed. We then make needed corrections.

  • 7. Community Testing

    Real sewers test every pattern for a minimum of three weeks, evaluating ease of sewing, instruction clarity, and fit across our size range.

  • 8. Final Review

    We apply community feedback, then our copyeditor checks grammar and compares the pattern against our catalog for consistency. One final edit, then it's print time!

  • 9. Print Production

    We send files to our printers and receive proofs to measure and check for accuracy. Any final tweaks are made, then we're good to print! Patterns arrive about 9 weeks later.
Browse All Sewing Patterns