At my April Smocking Arts Guild of America meeting, our program was a discussion of our favorite children's tried and true sewing patterns. The ladies that were at the meeting started sewing for their children when they were little and have been sewing ever since. There was quite a bit of collective sewing wisdom sitting in that room and I am going to share that wisdom with you! I should also explain that the world of children's sewing patterns has been one of indie designers from the late 1970s. Some of the patterns I am going to recommend are no longer in print, but they are classic styles and you may want to keep your eye out for them on ebay or a facebook destash sight. Some of the companies haven't updated their covers in years and so initially can look quite dated (a reason I don't have them in my shop because they don't sell well because of the dated covers) but again, the patterns are classic styles that fit well and have good instructions, so use your imagination!
So first up are the patterns that have great instructions! My friends noted that patterns can differ dramatically on this front although there has been quite a bit of improvement over the years. Companies that consistently have good instructions are Primrose Lane, Ginger Snaps Designs, Oliver + S, and anything by Michi Moony or Chery Williams.
For help in altering a pattern and understanding the sewing process, the