Dive into the database of the cutest Indie patterns with 'The Fold Line'

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With numerous reviews, a database with indie patterns, videos, articles and an online shop, 'The Fold Line' is a unique place for seamstresses since 2015. You can discover what's going on in the sewing world and get a look at different pattern brands. We interviewed the 2 people behind The Fold Line: Kate and Rachel and asked them more about this wonderful online place for modern seamstresses.

When did the story of The Fold Line begin?

Rachel and I met working for another sewing company and the idea came out of wanting to find out what was happening in the world of sewing. There wasn’t a website you could look at all the indie sewing patterns together or somewhere you could see what everyone was sewing. We decided to create it! We’re still the only site with a database of sewing patterns. Recently we turned it into a shop so you can now buy the sewing patterns as well.

Since when did you learn to sew and draw patterns?

I went university to study fashion design and there I learnt to sew properly as well as pattern cut. Rachel came to it later taking courses about 8 years ago, she is really talented at it and has produced hundreds of sewing patterns for other companies. 

Did creativity come into it since the childhood?

I think both of us we’re pretty creative in our childhoods, I was always making outfits for my dolls!

Has it always been a dream to do this for a living?

I think we’ve always wanted to work for ourselves, not many people get to turn their passion into their job, so we feel really lucky. 

Do you remember your first sewing/pattern project?

Yes is was a hideous skirt made out of a pair of curtains with a multi coloured tulle petticoat. I found a photo of myself wearing it recently, it looked awful!

Who came up with the idea of founding The Fold Line?

Rachel came up with the idea for it and it escalated from there, it happened over a few glasses of wine. We woke up the next day with a slight headache, but excited to get going. From idea to launch day was around 6 months!

Is there a meaning behind the name The Fold Line?

When deciding on a name, a lot of our initial ideas had already been taken. We wanted to use something that was recognizable as a sewing term but didn’t want to have the word ‘sew’ in it. 

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What do you stand for? What values do you want to radiate with your brand?

Our main aim is to inspire people to get sewing, whether that’s through our blog, videos or sharing what other members of the community have made. Creating your own clothes can be a great way to learn new skills, make friends and boost self-esteem. 

Does it have advantages to work with 2 people together?

Having someone to share the business with is amazing, you get to share in the successes as well as use the other person as a soundboard. If anything goes wrong there is also someone to help you sort it out!

What are the best parts of this job?

Gosh there are so many! Seeing sewing pattern reviews on the site is up there at the top, especially if you’ve helped them find their dream pattern. Also as an online business sewing events are great as we love meeting people in real life!

Why / how would you recommend future seamstresses to sew your own wardrobe?

There is nothing like the feeling when someone asks ‘where did you get your dress?’ and you get to tell them you made it! It’s a really fulfilling hobby, and one you can see real progression with. The indie pattern market has such great instructions with their patterns that you’d be surprised how quickly you advance!

If you didn't do this job, what other sector do you see yourself working in? 

I’ve always wanted to work in a museum. I’d love to be a research assistant for exhibitions.

What tips do you give to other seamstresses who would like to work in this sector?

It’s actually a pretty small industry once you’re in, so try and get some work experience at one of the bigger brands. If it’s a company that is instantly recognizable then you’re much more likely to get an interview. 

Where do you see The Fold Line within 5 years?

In the next five years we’d like to be selling every indie designer pattern on the site. Promoting independent sewing pattern designers to the sewing community is a really important part of what we are. It’s a mammoth task so will probably take us that long to get them all on there!

Curious? Then take a look at their website here.

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