About

Started in California in the 1970s, Folkwear provides sewing patterns that are based on authentic vintage and folk garments from around the world.  Our patterns are flexible enough to be used for historical and theatrical costuming as well as for making unique every-day-wear. We hope to inspire and provoke interest and understanding of the deeper value of how clothing has helped shape the world. We believe that sewing is made richer, and therefore more enjoyable, when you understand more about the garments you have been inspired to make - including their histories and cultures.

These patterns lend themselves well to embellishments from smocking to embroidery to quilting, and many patterns include instructions for authentic details such as these.  They can help you expand your sewing skills and creativity by introducing you to historical and traditional construction techniques and garment design elements.  Patterns often come with an explanation of the historic or cultural context of the garment, and how the garment would have been traditionally worn and embellished. 

Folkwear is located in western NC, near Asheville, and is currently run by Molly Hamilton. Molly grew up in North Carolina and learned to sew at a very young age from her grandmother who was a talented seamstress.  She has a background in agriculture, and a passion for world cultures and travel.  Molly has 4 children, and took over running Folkwear when the littlest one started school.  She loves Folkwear's vision of authentic, beautiful, and functional home sewing patterns for clothing from around the world and across decades.  

Mission:  Folkwear provides high quality sewing patterns for historic and folk clothing from around the world based on authentic garments, with special focus on embellishment details, history, and honor of the garments and the cultures and times they originate from.

Vision:  Folkwear is committed to continuing to create patterns for clothing from around the world and throughout history, with full respect to the cultures and time periods from which they originate.  Folkwear values diversity, people, and cultures around the world, and through work, education, and donations will promote the uplift of people (especially women), diversity, and global cultures.  Folkwear is also committed to environmental sustainability.  

For a more detailed History of Folkwear Patterns, click here.

To contact us, click here.

For a list of patterns in print, click here.

FAQs

Shopping with Folkwear
Look for Folkwear patterns at your favorite sewing, fabric, weaving, or craft supply shop, or click on Stockists for the name of one in your area. If there is not a stockist in your area, you can order directly from us with our secure shopping cart or by phone, or fax.

Online ordering is fast and secure.  You can order online from our website.

Out of stock items. We try to keep all patterns in stock at all times, but sometimes we run out of something and must backorder. We will let you know when this happens, and will ship the out-of-stock item as soon as it arrives.

About shipping

• U.S. shipping: We ship U.S. orders by First Class Mail or Priority Mail for delivery within 4-8 days of your order.
• APO/FPO shipping: APO and FPO addresses are considered U.S. addresses for purposes of shipping. However, orders to these addresses are subject to international security regulations and may be slightly delayed in the destination countries.
• International shipping: International orders, including Canada and Mexico, are shipped by First Class International Mail or Priority Mail, for delivery within 7-14 days of your order. During very busy times, such as the end-of-year holiday season, international orders can be delayed in Customs by as much as two additional weeks. Please note that our international rates do not include duties or GST taxes, which may be the responsibility of the receiver.