10 Designers with Adaptive Sewing Patterns (and Free Resources)
Adaptive sewing is all about making clothes work for different bodies and abilities. Small changes — like adding snap plackets, magnetic closures, zipper openings for port access, or elasticated cuffs — can transform how easy a garment is to wear. These adaptations can be added to new projects or worked into existing garments, proving that there are no hard rules when it comes to sewing. At its core, adaptive sewing is about creating clothes that fit better, support individual needs, and make dressing easier.
In The Great British Sewing Bee (Season 11, Episode 6), the sewers took on the challenge of making adaptive dungarees for children. The pattern featured details like elasticated shoulder straps and snap plackets at the ankle — practical adjustments that improve the ease of dressing. Guest judge Victoria Jenkins, CEO and Founder of adaptive fashion brand Unhidden, reminded viewers just how much thought and design skill goes into adaptive clothing patterns.
While the Sewing Bee focused on kidswear for this challenge, adaptive sewing is for all ages and genders. Whether it’s designing garments that are easier to get on and off, making clothes more sensory-friendly, or adapting fit for wheelchair users or people managing medical devices, the principles remain the same: clothes should support the people who wear them.
1) Apostrophe Patterns
Canadian sewing pattern micro-indie Apostrophe Patterns is run by ex-engineer Jill Bond, and is truly unique in the world of sewing patterns. Her MyFit patterns are actually pattern generators, and by following a series of prompts you can generate patterns for any size human, and with a wide array of customisations.
These work brilliantly for adaptive sewing because they are so widely customisable, and because they have very few limits. There is no limit on any body parameter, making it easy to adjust for unique body proportions. You choose the stretch of the fabric for the main fabric and any other fabric like waistbands and cuffs. You choose the seam allowance making adjusting for sensory-friendly seams simple.
The patterns seem basic - leggings, sleep suits, T-shirts, joggers, swimsuits, underwear - but the level of customisation available makes them incredibly versatile. You can easily switch up openings, fastenings, hem lengths, high-low hems, and move seams away from areas they might rub or cause pressure sores.
Best of all, you only buy the patterns once, and can use them as many times as you like, for as many people as you like. Ideal for a family with changing needs.
The MyFit Joggers options page shows the many customisations that are possible using a single pattern generator. It’s just one of the many generators available from Apostrophe Patterns.
Patterns to highlight
The MyFit range includes most of the basic clothing items you might need, and the generator concept means they are almost infinitely adaptable.
There are several calculators to assist with generating add-ons to garments from the Add-A-Circle-Skirt-To-Anything calculator to the Yoga Band calculator.
Resources
The Apostrophe Patterns Facebook group is very friendly and up for a challenge.
2) RAD Patterns – Accessible Collection
RAD Patterns, by designer Stephanie Thiel, includes a dedicated accessible sewing pattern range with six patterns. Each one is built with adaptive features such as seated-fit rises, port openings, and thoughtfully placed seams and pockets. I’ve made the Riley Bra and found the peer support available for adapting it valuable.
Patterns to highlight
Mokena Shirt (adults and kids) — torso zip openings for stoma/port/insulin pump access, sleeve zip openings for blood draw access, high-low hem variation for seated wear
Clara Skirt — full front opening, adapted pockets, seated-fit rise
Back to Business Raglan — back opening, optional invisible zips in raglan seams (raglan sleeves give extra room for movement and access)
Riley Bra — crossover with front closure option for easier dressing
Resources
RAD Patterns has an official support group on Facebook where you can find help.
3) Simplicity – Adaptive Collection
Simplicity is the only Big 4 pattern brand with a dedicated range of adaptive sewing patterns. Being a mainstream designer, these patterns are easy to find wherever Big 4 patterns are sold. Some are available as PDFs, but most are in printed format.
The collection spans a wide range of needs, from adaptive clothing to accessories for wheelchair users and seniors.
Size inclusivity remains limited compared to many indie designers, and the style of the garments is mostly utilitarian. While labelled unisex, their non-gendered patterns seem to have men’s sizing, and are modelled by men on the envelope. There are some Misses patterns, which will be sized for a smaller body and a B-sewing cup.
Furthermore, with ongoing uncertainty about the future of the Big 4 in 2025, it’s not clear how long this collection will remain available.
Patterns to highlight
S3020 – Adaptive Jeans by Sewn Adaptive — seated-fit adjustments, easier closures
S3019 – Adaptive Shacket by Sewn Adaptive — variety of fastenings based on dexterity, optional cut-away hem eliminates extra fabric for wheelchair users
S9723 – Dual Port Access Chemo Top and Hoodie — long-sleeved raglan with zip openings in the shoulder seams and down the arm for easy port access
S9487 – Adaptive Shirt — back-opening, simplified fastenings
S9488 – Adaptive Cardigan — back-opening, easy closures
Resources
No specific resources available, but Simplicity patterns are well-known and general sewing groups are likely to be able to provide peer support.
4) Twig + Tale
Twig + Tale’s Skirt Hikes pattern can be used to keep long skirts clear of the wheels of a wheelchair. Kitti Kaboodle is pictured here wearing two sets of hikes - one at the front and one at the back.
Twig + Tale specialise in whimsical, nature-inspired patterns with a strong emphasis on community and creative adaptation. While not an “adaptive-only” company, they’ve published one of the most comprehensive resources available for sewists interested in accessible making: a detailed blog post outlining which of their patterns can be adapted and how.
Their designs lend themselves well to modification, offering inclusive options for sewists who want to customise fit for specific needs.
I’ve taken part in one of their Sew + Show events, using the sleeve expansion pack for the Plains Dress, and found both the instructions and the community support excellent.
Patterns to highlight
See Twig + Tale’s blog for their full adaptive pattern guide
Resources
5) Jalie Patterns
Adaptive Underwear
These adaptive women’s briefs include an ostomy option with a scooped lining to support the bag off the skin and reduce pressure that might contribute to sores.
Jalie are best known for their extensive catalogue of sportswear and everyday basics, with clear drafting and a wide size range. Within that collection, the MARIE-JOSÉE Women’s Briefs stand out as a dedicated adaptive design. This pattern includes an ostomy option with a scooped lining to support the bag off the skin and reduce pressure that might contribute to sores.
Jalie also donate 100% of sales from this pattern to Centre Philou, a non-profit that provides specialised services to children with multiple disabilities and their families.
Patterns to highlight
MARIE-JOSÉE Women’s Briefs — ostomy-friendly design with bilingual instructions in English and in French
Resources
The official Facebook group Sewing With Jalie with both English and French groups
6) Ann Tilley Handmade
Ann Tilley Handmade is a micro-indie designer who focuses on garments that balance a tailored appearance with comfort and adaptability. Her standout design is the Magic Pants, woven trousers that incorporate hidden stretch and thoughtful fastening options to make them easier to put on and more comfortable for long wear.
The design combines a clean, structured look with adjustability that works well for a variety of needs. Kits are also available, making it simple to get started without sourcing separate materials.
Patterns to highlight
Magic Pants — concealed rib-knit panel with adjustable elastic/strap system, wide pockets behind sailor-style flap, goes to a 66” hip
Resources
Notions kits available for purchase with the pattern
Optional class for construction walk-throughs, if you are local to North Carolina, USA
7) Wildflower Design Patterns
Wildflower Design Patterns creates vintage-inspired garments with adjustable features that make them particularly adaptable to fluctuating size and comfort needs. Their designs combine historical silhouettes with practical details like adjustable waistbands and versatile closures.
Patterns to highlight
Coquelicot Skirt — adjustable waistband (D-ring or wide laced band), ties that can fasten at the back or wrap to the front, large 18th-century inspired pockets
Roemeria Pants & Shorts — high-waisted with D-ring or elastic-button inner closures, adjustable outer tabs, extensive fitting guidance included
Liseron Dress & Blouse — a loose blouse with gathered and puffed sleeves, cinched with wrap-around lacing ties that make it flux-friendly
Resources
Instagram: @wildflowerdesignpatterns — regular hacks, styling ideas, and community makes
8) Mood Sewciety
The Mood Sewciety blog offers all of its adaptive sewing patterns as free downloads, organised in typical blog format. Their ‘adaptive’ tag comes with a caveat: the main criterion seems to be that patterns are loose and easy to get on or off the body. For this list, I’ve selected four designs that go further — each includes specific adaptive features that cater to different needs.
Patterns to highlight
Linda Pants — designed for endometriosis needs with added front ease and elastic waist, go to a 69.25” hip
Garnet Cardigan — soft design without ribbing or bulky seams, making it more sensory-friendly
Woodsia Shorts — non-gendered, loose fit with half-elastic waistband
Cress Skirt — wrap style adaptable to flux in body size or comfort
Resources
9) By Hand London
Marie Lawlor
Marie goes into depth about the sewing adaptations she makes to patterns from lots of designers, on the BHL blog. Link below.
By Hand London is not an adaptive-focused company, but they’ve made space in their community for disabled sewists to share their experiences and collaborate with them. In particular, they’ve worked with Marie Lawlor, who has written in-depth on their blog about the adaptations she makes to sewing patterns, and which patterns have worked best for her from many designers, including BHL. Her detailed, first-hand account is not to be missed.
Patterns to highlight
Marie altered the sleeves on the Hannah Dress to be 3/4 length, and omitted the ties as they would get tangled in the wheels of her wheelchair
Another favourite of hers is the Anna Dress, with the addition of a 22” zip
Resources
10) Crossover Techniques: Maternity and Nursing
Maternity and nursing patterns aren’t adaptive in themselves, but they often use design elements that can inspire adaptive sewing. Adjustable closures, flexible shaping, and discreet openings are techniques that can serve many different needs. Looking at these features through an adaptive lens highlights the creativity and problem-solving that sewing makes possible.
Design elements for inspiration
Empire waistlines — high waist placement lets fabric fall away from the body
A-line silhouettes — gradual flare creates ease without tightness
Wrap garments — adjustable coverage that can be loosened or secured as needed
Side-seam or shoulder-seam zips — originally for nursing, but can also function as access points for medical devices
Resources
If you have one, raid your own maternity/nursing pattern stash for inspiration for adaptive sewing ideas. Look at how features like adjustable closures and flexible shaping support changing bodies, and consider how those same ideas might translate into adaptive sewing solutions. Adaptive sewing thrives on innovation and open-mindedness, with each sewist finding the approaches that work best for them.
Sewists to Follow for Adaptive Sewing Inspiration
Victoria Jenkins (@victoriaannofficial) — Adaptive fashion designer, CEO of Unhidden, and guest judge on The Great British Sewing Bee (Episode 6, Season 11).
The Wheelie Stitcher (@thewheeliestitcher) — Yvonne is a sewing blogger living with MS who shares her makes on Instagram, Facebook, and her personal blog. She’s a Minerva Brand Ambassador and Mimiquins Brand Ambassador, using her platforms to show that disability doesn’t stop creativity. thewheeliestitcher.co.uk
Nicole Kaczorek (@sewhardofhearing) — Nicole documents life with profound hearing loss and shares her sewing through Instagram. She also curates sewing resources via her Linktree. You can support her work by shopping through her affiliate links for Greenstyle Patterns, Sinclair Patterns, and Sew a Little Seam.
Nina Tame (@nina_tame) — Disability activist and writer, widely followed in the UK disability and sewing communities. Her posts often intersect with fashion and representation, sparking conversation and visibility.
Marie Lawlor (@marie_stitchedup) — A sewist and Juki Ambassador sewing since 2017. Marie lives with osteogenesis imperfecta and Type 1 diabetes and models for By Hand London. She shares her makes and perspective on Instagram.
For Those Looking to Purchase Handmade Adaptive Clothing
Kat Paylor-Bent (@seatedsewing) — Kat is a multi-award-winning adaptive fashion designer, known as the UK’s first wheelchair-using designer to debut braille on the catwalk. She runs a bespoke studio specialising in clothing for wheelchair users and the wider disabled community, with expertise in creating garments that accommodate feeding tubes, catheters, and more. She is also an ambassador for Purple Tuesday. Connect with her on Instagram, and find out more about her bespoke clothing service on the Seated Sewing website.
Who Else Should We Know About?
This list is by no means exhaustive — adaptive sewing is a space shaped by creativity, innovation, and lived experience. If you know of other designers, patterns, or sewists who should be included here, I’d love to hear from you. Please send me a DM on Instagram so we can keep building this resource together.