Thursday, May 14, 2026

I'm kind of excited about this

Yesterday, I came across a new-to-me sewing pattern source - smartPATTERN - have you heard of it?

Mostly they offer jeans patterns. So many styles of jeans. I need new jeans. I was looking for a barrel leg shape, and theirs is intriguing. 

Notice it's "made-to-measure". Like a couple of other sites I'm aware of, you input key body measurements before clicking "buy". But that's not all. You also go through a series of menus that literally customize the pattern to your preferences, as well as sizing it for your body. 

Do you want that waistband up high or low? How much ease do you want in the crotch? How much oomph do you want in the barrel shaping? How should the barrel shaping be accomplished (side panels, darts at the knees, darts at the hem, or any combination of these)? Do you want them full length or cropped? What about the back yoke shape? The pockets? Zipper or button fly? The questions are numerous. 

So interesting!

I clicked to buy (will detail my styling choices later) and as I write, my order is still processing. 

Stay tuned.

Oh yeah, no promises I'll blog regularly, but there is so little information in English about this German pattern purveyor, that I want feedback. Who is still reading this?


19 comments:

  1. I’ll look forward to learning what you think. And no, I’m not familiar with this source at all. How did you find it?

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    1. I think I googled barrel leg jeans patterns after staring for a long time at the latest Closet Core offering and deciding it wasn't quite what I wanted. The Instagram evidence for this pattern is strong and I'm very keen on the concept. We shall see!

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  2. I like the look of this pattern.

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  3. I look forward to all your posts. I go back and read past post for the great information you have in them. Thanks

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  4. I'm still reading! I always enjoy hearing about new pattern companies, especially of this type.

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  5. Vancouver BarbaraMay 15, 2026 at 9:53 AM

    It's always good to see a post from you. The pants look intriguing. I'll take a look at the site. And look forward to reading more from you about your experiences. I'm struggling at the moment to get pants to fit the way I want. Though I don't wear jeans, this might be a way to go.

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  6. I enjoy reading your blog!

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  7. I’m still reading! Haven’t heard of this company before but they wound very interesting. I wonder how they compare to Bootstrap Patterns.

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    1. The only "Bootstrap" pattern I have sewn is their dress form, which turned out very well. Is it the same outfit as Lekala/Sewist? I just searched my blog for those names. I had an unsatisfactory experience with a Lekala jacket pattern (not as illustrated) but it was so long ago. I also just reminded myself of another Lekala pattern that I own that I've never made. I still like it (since 2014!) so maybe I should actually make it. I have so many ideas! Anyway, I will report back on the smartPATTERN jeans once I get going.

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    2. I think Lekala and Bootstrap are related but not sure exactly how. Along with a few other bloggers I made their custom Vado jeans some time ago which at the time I was happy with, but looking back the fit wasn’t as good as Burda is on me. I think I was just very taken with not having to make length adjustments.

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  8. There is so much new competition in this market, I'm always excited to see new producers. I also want to hear what you think of this style actually worn!

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    1. I will report back, with photo evidence!

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  9. Long time reader, first time writer. Please keep posting. I look forward to your perspective on this pattern system, and your experience making something of/from it.

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  10. I’ve never heard of this pattern company but I’d love to see what you think and get updates of your jeans. As you say there are a few sites around that personalise patterns for you but I’ve never bitten the bullet.

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  11. Another long time reader, first time commentor, who always enjoys your posts.

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  12. I was just thinking about your blog yesterday. Looking forward to your report on your jeans!

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  13. SmartPATTERN is also a recent discovery for me. I just made 2 pairs of their barrel leg jeans last month. I am extremely happy with the fit. No modifications. I liked them so much that I bought the wide leg jean pattern which I am about to start. Hope they work as well for you as they did for me.

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  14. I automatically do most of these adjustments myself on my tnt patterns, so no need of an individualised pattern. I’m still reading your blogs, and it’s always interesting to find a new take on sewing.

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