Ottobre Design – Magazine Review

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If you spend much time reading sewing blogs or in sewing Facebook groups, you will quickly run across recommendations for Ottobre. When I first started sewing clothes, I had their patterns suggested to me several times, leading me to buy an issue. Once I opened it and realized the maze I’d have to trace from, I put it on the shelf and took another year or two to actually try it (my annual project, Try Something New Every Month motivated me!).

I finally did try it, and if I’m being honest, I didn’t love it. I absolutely adore the style and lines of their patterns, but I just don’t think it is worth it to do all that extra tracing, seam allowance adding, etc. for kids clothes when my kids grow out of sizes before a season is out! I know I am in the minority though, and many bloggers swear by them, but I wanted to at least share a sneak peek inside the magazine so you knew what you were getting, if you decide to try!

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Each issue has over 40 patterns- this is the kid’s edition but they also have a women’s line. They put out 4 kid issues each year, and 2 women’s issues. Sizing goes from 56cm-170cm, roughly 6m-14y.

There is a page describing each pattern, with cute and simple styling.

There are several fold-out pattern pages – I put the board book to give you a sense of scale!

I tried a kimono bodysuit, but as you can see, stopped halfway through.

My daughter is very tall and stout, it didn’t go around her thigh! So I gave up. She didn’t actually need it, so it got tossed in the scrap pile.

You can see each issue’s patterns on their website, on the bottom scrolling through the seasons. Deanna at Sew McCool ran a sew along for Ottobre style patterns, so it is a great resource if you’re new to them!

Highlights:

• Patterns for a wide range of sizes, for both boys & girls.
• Fresh, modern styles. They have a nice range of “basics” to unique shapes and styles.

Negatives:

• Pricey! The cost per pattern is very low, but the initial spend is high. A year subscription is about $59 US dollars. You can buy individual issues on Amazon*, Ebay, & Etsy (don’t forget to use ebates when shopping Etsy and Ebay!). Individual issues seem to run in the range of $15-$20. I’ve also heard some Barnes & Nobles stock them, but mine doesn’t.
• Seam allowances isn’t added (some people prefer this! I don’t mind it that much, I think this little ruler* makes it easy)
• You have to trace out the patterns, from a very dense page.

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Here is a shot of the technical illustration & pattern page to give you an idea of what those look like!

See all my other book reviews listed here.

Have you sewn from Ottobre? What do you think of them?

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