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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
-
Burda is for the experienced
The 5-star reviews are very accurate, but some important issues have been left out, hence my 3-star rating. I have a problem with two things. #1. Unlike the big 4 pattern makers, Burda usually only offers a front drawn image of the piece of clothing. Details are sometimes impossible to see because you only get one side and no detailed written description of the clothing. If you go to the photos of the models, the details can also be very hard to see because the photos are like those in fashion magazines (except poorer quality, so images are not as sharp). Models are posed artistically, arms folded over the chest, lounging across a couch... Often the clothes are in dark colors, where details, again, cannot be discerned. And because the line drawings are so sparse, I simply can't figure out sometimes what, exactly, the article of clothing will look like from pictures.
#2. Instructions are basically non-existent. There are a few written instructions, but huge steps are left out completely, or they are glossed over with a few words. There are no visuals at all except for only one item monthly, which is featured in the section called "Sewing Course."
Burda is for the experienced sewer. You'd better know how to sew before attempting to use these patterns. I've been sewing for decades, and I know how to do most things, yet I don't find using these patterns to be particularly pleasant. Perhaps I'm used to the hand-holding I get from the major pattern makers. I don't always follow their directions, but it's nice to see and read how to do something first.
Here is one portion of the instructions for a jacket in the latest Burda p. 42 issue 8/2008. Patch Pockets - Stitch pocket pieces of top fabric and lining right sides together, leaving a bit of seam open at the top for turning. Turn pockets. Sew up opening. Lay pockets on fronts at placement lines. Stick pockets close to edges.
Although "leave a bit" and "sew up opening" is fairly easy to figure out, I wonder if people less experienced might wonder "Turn the pockets? Left, right, how?" Why not write "turn pockets right side out"? I question whether someone less experienced would do well with these types of instructions. If instructions for a simple pocket like this can be obscure, imagine what instructions look like for complicated items.
However, the styles are flattering to many body types and ages, stylish, beautifully detailed, refined yet hip. And everything all the high rated reviews state is true.
My feeling is if you like to do things on your own and you sew well, Burda is superb. Others, try to get a hold of one issue to evaluate before subscribing.
Rating: 
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super fun with patterns
I just received my first edition of Burda in the mail, I'm very impressed! The magazine is very high quality and the patterns are simple to figure out. I'm not the most experienced seamstress in the world, but I feel this publication allows me just enough challenge while gently guiding me through different techniques so that I can explore and develop my own creativeness. I love it's DIY aspect and scope of different projects from babies clothing to home decor to haute couture.
Rating: -
It's in there
Please understand, this isn't a catalog of patterns you can order, the patterns are IN the MAGAZINE! There's a thick paper section in the middle that has the patterns printed on it. They are printed over top of each other in different colors and you have to trace them, plus they do NOT have seam allowances, you have to add those, but they are right there, multisized, and in different size ranges.
I have subscribed for many years, and now whenever I want to make something, I snuggle up in my rocking chair with a pile of Burda magazines, find what I want, and start. I made a skirt for my daughter when she was a teenager - let her pick a picture, compared her measurements to the pattern measurements, traced one size for the waist, another for the hips, cut and sewed, and it fit. She loved it. I'm making myself a cute jacket now, and there are several skirts and vests I'm looking at.
There are basics, like a pencil skirt, and more dramatic designer fashions, like fancy draped and folded skirts, everything from formals to bathing suits to workout wear to suits. There are always some plus size outfits, often things for children or men. At one time some of the directions were in German, but everything's in English now (as long as you get the right edition!). There are crafts sometimes, and reports from high-fashion runways often.
If I never made anything from it I would enjoy it, but I do use it for sewing, and so I enjoy it even more. Highly recommended.
Rating: -
Good but bad
I just received my first BWOF magazine and I love the clothing, but there are no pictures to go with the pattern instructions like the Big 4 have. I am a very visual person and I need pictures that show how to do the steps. There is one pattern that has pictures with the instructions but the rest have cryptic instructions and no pictures. I am very unhappy about this. However, I will continue subscribing because I am just going to depend on sewing books to help me with the steps.
Rating: -
Where has this been all my sewing life???
I have sewn on & off for 15 years since I was a little girl. I have really started sewing a lot finally the last 2 years & started using patterns the last year. This is a German based magazine & the sizing actually MATCHES the measurements. That was what sold me on it, plus the fact that you get tons of patterns for CHEAP!
Its $80 for a 1 year subscription that includes 12 issues... that's $6.66 an issue which is CHEAP if you consider how many patterns you get & the variety of sizes!!! I was looking at simplicity patterns at Wal-mart & they are up to $8 & $9 for 1 or 2 pieces in 4 or 5 sizes... plus I HATE tissue patterns!
For those who haven't used European in the middle of the mag there are large pieces of newsprint with different colored pattern pieces printed all over them... this is how they get all the patterns in one book! Then you use tracing paper... or I prefer parchment paper from my favorite art website, but you trace over just the pieces you need. These means that you make all the sizes & don't have to worry about loosing pieces! From what I can tell & what I have made the one thing Burda does do differently then most euro patterns is that they include the 5/8 seam allowances for you.
This book has a wonderful variety of patterns! I have even ordered a few back issues because of some of their great patterns. This is a must have for women. The also offer a few plus size issues as well if you contact the company.
They have great customer service... I went to the Mags website & emailed them about a subscription since you don't have a sign up place on the website. Anyways they got back to me right away PLUS the send me 1 few issue to try before I committed to the $80 sub.
I have found them so far to contain about 40 DIFFERENT patterns in each issue, mostly women, but a few children's. They have formal to casual wear with everything in between. Back issues many used... sell for $10-$25 on eBay cause they are sought after mags & many people are unsure of the $80 subscription. It works out to about .17 a pattern!
I would highly recommend to all sewers out there!!!