Canada’s sewing community is woven together by a rich textile heritage and a spirit of creativity and camaraderie. This post is a love letter to Canadian sewing—celebrating its history, from early wool mills to today’s beautifully crafted sustainable textiles, the talented makers who inspire us, the Frocktails events that bring us together, and the indie designers shaping our wardrobes. Whether you’re threading your first needle or a longtime member of the community, there’s a shared passion that makes our sewing community truly one of a kind.
Canada’s textile industry has come a long way, starting with small wool mills in the 17th century. By the 19th century, it grew into a network of carding and fulling mills. The first large wool factory opened in 1826, and soon after, cotton mills appeared in places like Chambly, Sherbrooke, and along the Lachine Canal.
By the late 1800s, Montréal became known for silk manufacturing. The 1920s brought even more change with synthetic fibres like rayon, nylon, and polyester, made by companies like Courtaulds, Celanese, and DuPont, to meet the growing demand for new textiles.
Courtaulds (Canada) Ltd in Cornwall, Ontario started producing viscose rayon in 1925.
In the mid-1900s, Canada became a leader in textile technology, advancing in spinning, weaving, and synthetic fibre production. However, by the end of the century, global trade led to more competition, and large-scale textile manufacturing in Canada began to decline.
Today, Canada’s textile industry has adapted by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and specialized production. While many old mills are gone, Québec and Ontario are still key areas for technical textiles and eco-friendly materials used in industries like aerospace and healthcare.
Fabrics for designers and home sewists are still being made here, including eco-friendly knits, which we’re lucky to have at Core Fabrics. Look for our Made in Canada badge on our website to find locally made fabrics like our luxe organic cotton jersey knit. As a proudly Canadian fabric shop, we love celebrating what’s made right here at home!
Canadian Sewists We Love
The Canadian sewing community is bursting with talent! We’re constantly inspired by the creativity, craftsmanship, and unique perspectives of sewists across the country.
Here are just a few of our favourites:
✨ Sylvia (@theravelout) – A gem in the sewing world, Sylvia’s impeccable techniques and thoughtful craftsmanship make her an incontournable presence in the community.
✨ Cortney (@s.is.for.sew) – A prolific sewist with a keen eye for fashion trends, Cortney effortlessly transforms runway inspiration into her own signature style.
✨ Sophie (@ladysewing) – Known for her vibrant and colourful aesthetic, Sophie’s makes are as joyful as they are well-executed, with stunning photography that always leaves us in awe.
✨ Christine (@birdbraindesigns) – Christine’s pieces exude timeless elegance, with impeccable tailoring and a touch of cool sophistication in every stitch.
✨ Emma (@emma_queen_of_pattern) – A true lover of colour and bold prints, Emma’s creations are a celebration of playful and fearless sewing.
✨ Sara (@fabric_scraps) – With a focus on natural fibres and impeccable layering, Sara has an effortless ability to pair textures and silhouettes in a way that feels both intentional and inspiring.
✨ Rimma (@rimmazolo) – Rimma's vibrant style and love for prints are endlessly inspiring. A prolific and generous sewist, she shares detailed insights that make every project shine.
Frocktails are a great opportunity to sewcialize, showcase your handmade creations, and connect with fellow sewists over cocktails and good company. These fabulous events bring together makers from all corners of the country, with fun themes, handmade fashion showcases, exciting prizes, and plenty of laughter! At Core Fabrics, we love to sponsor that kind of event and celebrate the community that makes sewing so special.
Here’s a list of cities that have hosted Frocktails in the past or have one scheduled soon (and we’re eager to get one going in Montréal!):
📍 Calgary – @calgaryfrocktails
📍 Edmonton – @edmontonfrocktails
📍 Hamilton – @hamiltonfrocktails
📍 Toronto – @frocktails.to
📍 Victoria – @victoriafrocktails
Let’s make Montréal the next city to join in on the fun! Who’s in?
Canada is home to an incredible array of indie pattern designers, creating everything from timeless wardrobe staples to bold, fashion-forward pieces. Here are just a few of our favourite Canadian sewing pattern brands:
Versatile, easy-to-follow designs that enhance your wardrobe with stylish and functional pieces.
⭐ Elsi Skirt
⭐ Bessie Top
Our sister brand offers elevated, perennial sewing patterns to help you create the clothes of your dreams. Of course, we stock them all!
⭐ Mitchell Pants
⭐ Cielo Top and Dress
⭐ Jenna Shirt
Easy-to-follow patterns to make the bra, panties, swimsuit, or lingerie set of your dreams.
⭐ Jordy Bralette
⭐ Friday French Cut
⭐ Black Beauty Bra
Our other sister brand features chic, feminine, and timeless designs that have become staples for many sewists.
⭐ Magnolia Dress
⭐ Sirocco Jumpsuit
⭐ Myosotis Dress
Easy-to-wear, versatile patterns that tend to become instant classics.
⭐ Gilbert Top
⭐ Winslow Culottes
⭐ Blackwood Cardigan
A go-to for activewear and wardrobe essentials, loved for their extensive size range and practical designs.
⭐ Coco Sports Bra
⭐ Clara Leggings
⭐ Jeanne Knit PJs
Feminine, modern pieces with a romantic flair.
⭐ Cove Slip Dress
⭐ Evergreen Top and Dress
Dreamy frocks that strike the perfect balance between vintage charm and modern style.
⭐ Bubble Frock (an absolute summer favourite)
⭐ Anne Wrap Blouse
⭐ Strawberry Blouse
Modern, beginner friendly sewing patterns for plus-size sewists.
⭐ Glebe Pants
⭐ Torrens Box Top
⭐ Nullarbor Cami & Dress
Whimsical pieces for the romantic at heart.
⭐ Tudor Blouse
⭐ Byward Dress
⭐ Capulet Dress
Refined menswear patterns with everyday wearability.
⭐ Belvedere Waistcoat
⭐ Fairfield Button-up
⭐ Finlayson Sweater
A blend of vintage vibes and modern details for elevated handmade style.
⭐ Sofia Dress
⭐ Esther Pants
⭐ Jackie Dress (one of our all-time favourites!)
At Core Fabrics, we’re thrilled to be part of this vibrant and welcoming community, providing inspiring textiles that help you bring your sewing projects to life. Let's continue celebrating the passion, and creativity that make our sewing community so special!
