WORKWEAR

The Workwear Book by Merchant & Mills

The Workwear Book has five full-size patterns for clean, simple, practical clothing, inspired by traditional workwear shapes and details. These are everyday garments made to be worn and loved for years, not to follow trends.

All patterns come in genderless sizing from XS to XXXL. Each chapter covers the cloth used, with tips on handling and finishing as you sew. The book is aimed at sewers with some experience: it isn’t a beginner’s book, but it isn’t advanced either. It’s a handbook of staple makes and satisfying techniques you’ll come back to again and again.

Throughout the book, makers from different crafts, from weaving to wood turning, model the garments and share their stories. Their fabric choices and interpretations of the patterns offer plenty of ideas for your own.

Five patterns, with variations

• Blazer
• Chore Jacket
• Drawstring Trousers / Shorts
• Shirt / Shirt Dress
• Mail Bag

Good to know

• Full-size paper patterns are included.
• A QR code on page 70 lets you download the patterns as PDFs, so you don’t have to cut into the paper patterns.

Merchant & Mills is a British sewing company based in Rye, East Sussex, founded by Carolyn Denham and Roderick Field. Their patterns, cloth and sewing tools are known for being simple, practical and beautifully made, with a focus on natural fibres and pieces that last. Each pattern is designed to be clear and approachable, so you can build skills and confidence with every make. We carry Merchant & Mills at Main Fabric because their thoughtful designs and quality materials make them a great choice for sewers at every level.

We ship within Canada through various shipping carriers. 

Shipping Domestically: Shipping costs are flat rate based on your total purchase price before tax. Shipping is free on orders over $150 CAD. Shipping is a flat rate of $12 CAD on purchases of $149.99 CAD or less. Express shipping rates are available on some packages. 

Shipping to USA: We are pausing all shipping to the USA due to the US de minimus exemption lifted (As of August 29, 2025, shipments from Canada to the U.S. valued under $800 USD will no longer be duty- and tariff-free under the U.S. de minimis exemption, unless the goods meet CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) requirements).

For local sewers - Curb-side pick-up is free and is an available option at checkout. Customers will receive an email within 48 hours notifying them that their package is ready for pick-up. Customers must pick-up their package during normal store hours, bring order confirmation for proof of purchase. 

For returns please see our return policy. 

At this point in time we are not shipping to international addresses, but we hope to offer that in the near future.