Michaels carries sewing patterns in-store and online, mostly from major brands like Simplicity, McCall's, and Butterick

Yes, Michaels stocks sewing patterns. You'll find them in the fabric and sewing section of most physical stores, and the full selection is available on their website. The patterns come from the three largest American pattern manufacturers — Simplicity, McCall's, and Butterick — which together produce the majority of home-sewing patterns sold in retail stores.

The in-store selection varies by location and season. Busy Michaels locations typically carry 50 to 150 different patterns at any given time, with more stock during fall and winter when sewing activity peaks. If your local store doesn't have the specific pattern you want, you can order it online for home delivery or in-store pickup, usually within a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • Michaels stocks patterns from Simplicity, McCall's, and Butterick both in physical stores and on their website.
  • In-store selection depends on your location and season, with fall and winter offering the widest range.
  • Patterns cost between $2 and $8 per envelope, and Michaels frequently runs sales or coupons that reduce the price further.
  • If your store doesn't have a pattern in stock, you can order it online for pickup or delivery without waiting.
  • Vintage or out-of-print patterns are not sold at Michaels; for those you'll need specialty sites or secondhand sources.

What pattern brands Michaels carries

The three pattern companies stocked at Michaels are Simplicity, McCall's, and Butterick. All three are owned by the same parent company and produce patterns for clothing, home décor, crafts, and costumes. Each brand publishes new collections roughly four times a year, aligned with seasons.

Simplicity patterns tend toward casual and everyday clothing. McCall's offers a wider range of difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced. Butterick focuses on more tailored, structured garments. Within each brand, patterns are organized by garment type — dresses, pants, tops, children's clothing, home décor — and by difficulty level, usually marked as straightforward, Average, or Challenging.

How to find patterns in-store

Walk to the fabric and sewing section of your Michaels. Pattern envelopes are typically displayed on wall-mounted racks or in bins, organized by garment type or brand. The envelopes show a photo of the finished garment on the front, the pattern number, size range, and fabric requirements on the back.

If you know the pattern number, you can search the racks directly. If you're browsing, start with the garment type you want — dresses, pants, jackets — and flip through envelopes until you find a style that appeals to you. Check the back of the envelope to confirm the size range includes your measurements and that the yardage and notions are realistic for your skill level.

Staff at Michaels can point you to the pattern section if you can't locate it, but they typically cannot special-order patterns that aren't in the system or check stock at other locations. For that, the website is faster.

Ordering patterns online

On the Michaels website, go to the Patterns section under Sewing & Needlework. You can filter by brand, garment type, size range, and difficulty level. Each pattern listing shows the envelope photo, pattern number, price, and whether it's in stock at your local store or available for delivery.

If a pattern is in stock nearby, you can choose in-store pickup, usually ready within one to three business days. If it's not in stock locally, you can order it for home delivery. Michaels ships patterns via standard mail, which typically takes five to ten business days. You can also order online and pay in-store if you prefer not to use a credit card.

Pattern pricing and sales

Individual pattern envelopes at Michaels typically cost $3 to $8, depending on the brand and complexity. Simplicity patterns are usually the least expensive; Butterick and McCall's are slightly higher. Michaels runs frequent sales — often 40 to 50 percent off patterns — and these discounts appear both in-store and online.

Check the Michaels app or website for current promotions before you buy. Coupons for sewing supplies sometimes include patterns, and the store's loyalty program occasionally offers pattern discounts. Buying during a sale can cut your cost in half, so it's worth waiting if you're not in a rush.

What Michaels doesn't carry

Michaels does not stock vintage or out-of-print patterns, patterns from independent designers, or patterns from smaller publishers. If you're looking for a specific pattern that's no longer in production, you'll need to search secondhand sites like eBay, Etsy, or specialty vintage-pattern retailers.

Michaels also does not carry digital or PDF patterns — only printed envelopes. If you want a digital pattern, you'll need to purchase directly from independent pattern designers or from sites that specialize in downloadable sewing patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a sewing pattern if I change my mind?

Yes. Michaels accepts returns of unopened pattern envelopes within 60 days with a receipt. If the envelope has been opened, the return policy depends on whether the pattern pieces are still intact and uncut. Check your receipt or ask a cashier about the specific condition requirements.

Do I need to know my size before buying a pattern?

Yes. Sewing patterns are graded in sizes, and each envelope covers a range — typically sizes 6 to 18 or 8 to 20. Check the back of the envelope to confirm your size is included. If you're between sizes, most sewers cut the pattern for the larger size and fit it down, rather than the reverse.

Are Michaels patterns the same as the ones sold at other fabric stores?

Yes. Simplicity, McCall's, and Butterick patterns are sold at most fabric and craft stores, including Joann and independent fabric shops. Prices and sales vary by retailer, so it's worth comparing if you're buying multiple patterns.

What if the pattern I want is out of stock everywhere?

Pattern companies reprint popular designs regularly, but some patterns do go out of print. If a pattern is unavailable at Michaels and other retailers, check secondhand sources like Etsy or eBay, or look for a similar design from a current collection.