I've been sitting on my copy of Rosie Martin's No Patterns Needed for quite a while now. I mean this metaphorically of course, but there are a couple of reasons why, including making for other people, a work trip away (to Chile - how lucky am I?!) and just general slow sewing progress. The book is by far one of the most aesthetically pleasing and well-styled collection of patterns I've ever had the pleasure of owning, and it was the stylish Deep V Tunic that I chose to pull me out of my sewing rut.

No Patterns Needed Deep V Tunic

I bought fabric from the Abakhan grab bins - a shade of pale blue and a shade of grey-blue, inspired by one of the variations Rosie offers. I'm not really sure what sort of fabric it is, I only know that they were lumped in with the satin, but they're not satin. Whatever they are, they're both soft, mid-weight and have a decent drape.

My favourite variation of the tunic and fabric choices

I always lack motivation with tracing patterns and cutting out fabric, preferring that actual 'make' by far, so the book provided a really refreshing take on that whole part of the process. Taking the measurements needed and using these as the basis to form the pattern pieces - rather than fitting in with a size chart - meant that I felt a lot more 'involved' in the make from the very start, if that makes sense.

My workings out, based on my measurements

All of the patterns in the book are based around the concept of either a triangle, rectangle or circle. If you hadn't already guessed it from the above drawing, the Deep V Tunic is in the rectangle section and is made up of just that, with the exception of the back neck facing, which is made using a guide garment. Its cool to see the top come together from the just simple rectangles to form a really interestingly shaped garment. Also, check out this one from &Other Stories which is very similar in design - but with a fairly hefty £65 price tag. I think the neck/collar detail would be pretty easy to replicate using No Patterns Needed too.

Similar styles in the shops - this one's from &Other Stories

The only bit I had difficulty with was getting the placket to sit neatly at the bottom, but other than that, it's really straightforward. The instructions are thorough and the illustrations and pictures are really helpful.


The whole challenge to make things a bit differently was what made the project so fun - you don't have to cut all your pattern pieces out at the start, or do things in the prescribed 'way'. Its not quite my usual style, but I'm really enjoying wearing it - tucked in more often than not, which is a bit of a shame as I love the front seam opening. I'm not ready to abandon patterns just yet, but I'm definitely looking forward to trying out other projects from No Patterns Needed!

Has anyone else had success with No Patterns Needed? I've been eyeing up the Four Slice Sweater, the Drip Drape Skirt and the Insert Skirt from the cover too...