Burda Style's downloadable patterns

I opted out of home ec in high school, but now, living in Brooklyn, I feel pressure to get all crafty and stitch something. So I was happy to discover Burda Style (burdastyle.com), a site bursting at the virtual seams with downloadable patterns (most of which are free or a paltry $3) for everything from chic rompers to handbags. Not dowdy or craft-ladyish, this open-source sewing collaborative is, according to its tag line, “a place for people who sew—with style”—like Alison Kelly, former Project Runway favorite, independent designer and Burda Style art director. Kelly got hooked because, she says, “the website filled a gaping hole in the outmoded world of sterile and unimaginative sewing patterns.”

You’ll see what she means when you scroll through the hundreds of copyright-free patterns, clearly rated by difficulty level and reviewed by users (marked with blue buttons). The site is approachable and hosts tools like a sewing encyclopedia and tutorials illustrating tricks for creating everything from a draped neckline to a circle skirt (pictured at right). There is a fashion-forward blog (to which Kelly contributes) and a forum for some stitch and chat.

With all the covetable designs shared by others, the inspiration is infinite—perhaps even a bit intimidating when you see the runway-ready, ridiculously cute garments people have created. Don’t get discouraged, Kelly says. “I’ve been sewing since childhood, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I began to really pay attention to detail and finishing. The more you try something, the easier it becomes. Once you get the basics down, the opportunities are truly endless.” You do need to start somewhere, and I think this site will be just the push I need.—Laura House

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