Pattern Companies

Folkwear Patterns - Accurate, detailed pattens for ethnic and historical clothing. The prices run a bit high, but all sizes come in one envelope, the patterns are printed on heavy-duty paper, and often include embroidery and embellishment directions.
Green Pepper Pattern Company - The best patterns available for outdoors clothing and gear. They have lots of patterns for unexpected but helpful things, such as gaiters.
Burda Patterns - Burda doesn't have an English-language website (that I know of) but they do make nice patterns. The patterns have that Euro-style je ne sais quois that is a refreshing constrast to the McCall's/Simplicity homogeneity. Burda company also publishes a highly praised pattern magazine; I've included a link in the books section above.
Kwik Sew Patterns - KwikSew stands out for the wide selection of patterns for lycra-blend fabrics, such as dancewear and swimwear. Sometimes the sizes - especially for "stretch" patterns - seem to run big, but all sizes are included in the envelope.
Vogue Patterns - The Vogue pattern book has a lot of interesting and innovative patterns. They have a nice website with adequate information and sell patterns online at 50% off like they do in the stores.
New Look Patterns - New Look has a variety of "young" designs, basic and easy to sew, and cheap prices. All sizes are included in the envelope.
McCall's Patterns - Vogue, Butterick, and McCall's are all part of the same parent company. McCall's is a "bread and butter" basic pattern book.
Simplicity Patterns - These patterns also tend towards the basic and bland, however the costume section is quite interesting. These are routinely on sale for $0.99.
Butterick Patterns - I really liked Butterick's "Retro" line, which, sadly, doesn't seem to be around anymore. As with McCall's patterns, often the designs are often bread-and-butter.

There are a number of independant pattern companies out there, such as, but not limited to: Textile Studio, The Sewing Workshop, Pattern Studio, Park Bench Patterns, The Cutting Line Designs, La Fred, Saf-T-Pockets, Loes Hinse Designs, Lois Ericson, The Classics, Islander Sewing System, Christine Jonson, Birch Street Clothing, Laughing Moon Mercantile, Purrfection, Amy Butler Patterns, and Smoke and Fire Company. The AlterYears catalogue is a great listing of historical costume patterns.

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