Pattern Designer Spotlight: Cashmerette

When sewists discuss pattern companies that have genuinely changed the sewing landscape, one name appears time and time again: Cashmerette.

Even though I haven't personally sewn a Cashmerette pattern, it's impossible to spend any amount of time in sewing groups, online communities, blogs, podcasts, or social media without seeing the brand recommended. Again and again, sewists praise Cashmerette for its inclusive approach to sizing, thoughtful drafting, and commitment to helping makers achieve clothes that fit well and feel good to wear.

For many sewists, discovering Cashmerette has been a turning point in their garment-making journey.

Founded by Jenny Rushmore, Cashmerette has built a strong reputation for creating modern sewing patterns designed specifically for curves. Alongside its patterns, the company has become known for educational resources, fitting advice, and a supportive approach that has helped countless sewists gain confidence in their skills.

This week, we're taking a closer look at the designer behind the brand and exploring why Cashmerette has become such a respected name in the independent sewing world.

Meet the Designer

Cashmerette was founded by Jenny Rushmore, who began sewing her own clothes after becoming frustrated by the lack of stylish sewing patterns available for curvier figures.

Like many sewists, Jenny found herself spending significant time trying to achieve a good fit. Rather than simply accepting that extensive alterations were part of the process, she recognised a gap in the sewing pattern market and set out to create patterns designed specifically with curves in mind.

What began as an attempt to solve a personal sewing challenge eventually grew into one of the sewing community's best-known independent pattern companies.

Today, Cashmerette has an international following and is widely recognised not only for its patterns but also for the educational support that accompanies them.

What Makes Cashmerette Different?

Every successful independent pattern company develops its own identity.

Some are recognised for vintage-inspired designs.

Others focus on contemporary fashion, tailoring, activewear, or beginner-friendly projects.

Cashmerette has become best known for one thing in particular:

Fit.

The company's approach centres on helping sewists achieve garments that fit well from the very beginning.

Rather than expecting customers to make extensive alterations before sewing, Cashmerette patterns are drafted with curves in mind and are often praised for the thought that goes into the fitting process.

This focus has helped the company stand out in an increasingly crowded sewing pattern marketplace.

Why Do Sewists Recommend Cashmerette So Often?

One of the reasons I wanted to include Cashmerette in this series is the sheer number of recommendations the company receives from the sewing community.

Whenever discussions arise about:

• Better fitting garments

• Inclusive sizing

• Sewing for curves

• Bust fitting

• Wardrobe staples

• Learning garment fitting

Cashmerette is often mentioned.

Many sewists speak highly of the detailed instructions, thoughtful drafting, and educational guidance that accompany the patterns.

The result is a company that has earned a great deal of trust from its customers.

More Than Just Sewing Patterns

One aspect that sets Cashmerette apart is its commitment to education.

The company doesn't simply sell sewing patterns.

It also helps sewists understand garment fitting and pattern adjustments.

Over the years, Cashmerette has become known for sharing resources covering topics such as:

• Choosing the correct size

• Understanding fit

• Bust adjustments

• Pattern alterations

• Common fitting challenges

• Building confidence in garment sewing

For many sewists, this educational side of the business is just as valuable as the patterns themselves.

Learning why garments fit the way they do can be transformative for anyone looking to improve their sewing skills.

The Cashmerette Style

Looking through the Cashmerette catalogue, one thing quickly becomes clear.

The focus is on wearable clothing. These are not garments designed simply to follow short-lived fashion trends.

Instead, many designs focus on creating practical, stylish pieces that can become long-term favourites in a handmade wardrobe.

The collection includes:

• Dresses

• Tops

• Shirts

• Jackets

• Trousers

• Everyday wardrobe staples

The overall aesthetic tends to feel modern, versatile, and easy to wear, making the patterns appealing to sewists looking to build a functional wardrobe.

Popular Cashmerette Patterns

Although I haven't sewn these patterns myself, several designs are frequently recommended by the sewing community and appear repeatedly in reviews, blogs, and social media posts.

Concord Tee

The Concord Tee is often highlighted as one of Cashmerette's most versatile patterns.

With multiple neckline and sleeve options, it has earned a reputation as a useful wardrobe staple and is regularly recommended to sewists looking for a reliable T-shirt pattern.

Upton Dress

The Upton Dress is perhaps one of the company's most recognisable patterns.

Its fitted bodice and variety of skirt options allow sewists to create multiple looks from a single pattern, making it a popular choice among Cashmerette fans.

Holyoke Dress

The Holyoke Dress is frequently praised for combining comfort with style.

Its relaxed silhouette and elegant appearance have made it a favourite among many sewists looking for versatile everyday wear.

Harrison Shirt

Shirtmaking can feel intimidating, but the Harrison Shirt is often recommended as an approachable pattern that still delivers a polished result.

It has become a popular choice for sewists interested in developing their garment construction skills.

Auburn Blazer

For those looking to explore tailoring, the Auburn Blazer is one of Cashmerette's more advanced offerings and is often admired for bringing structure and sophistication to a handmade wardrobe.

Inclusive Sewing Matters

One of the reasons Cashmerette has developed such a loyal following is its commitment to making sewing more accessible. For many years, parts of the sewing industry offered limited options for certain body shapes and sizes.

Companies like Cashmerette have helped challenge that approach by demonstrating that stylish, well-drafted sewing patterns can and should be available to a broader range of sewists.

That commitment has helped build a strong community around the brand and has contributed significantly to its reputation.

Why Cashmerette Deserves a Place in This Series

The purpose of our Pattern Designer Spotlight series is not only to introduce readers to new designers but also to celebrate the people and businesses that have made a positive contribution to the sewing world. Cashmerette has undoubtedly done that.

Through a combination of thoughtful pattern design, educational resources, and a commitment to improving fit for a wider range of sewists, the company has helped many makers feel more confident about garment sewing.

Even among people who have never sewn a Cashmerette pattern, the company is often spoken about with respect and admiration.

That level of recognition is something few independent pattern companies achieve.

Final Thoughts

Not every designer earns a reputation that extends beyond their own customer base.

Cashmerette has.

By focusing on fit, inclusivity, and education, Jenny Rushmore has created a company that is frequently recommended by sewists and widely respected throughout the sewing community.

Whether you're already a devoted Cashmerette fan or are only just hearing about the company for the first time, it's easy to see why the brand has become one of the most talked-about names in independent sewing patterns.

And that makes Cashmerette a very worthy addition to our Pattern Designer Spotlight series.

🌹 Next Week's Pattern Designer Spotlight

Next week we'll be exploring Sinclair Patterns, a designer known for practical wardrobe staples, knit garment patterns, and a strong reputation for fit and comfort.