Why I'm Quitting Burda Style

I'm quitting Burda Style. It's a break up a long time in the making.

Intro: 0:00
First reason: 0:45
Second reason: 1:48
Third reason: 4:54
Outro: 7:08

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[susanstewart]

Glad to see that I am not the only one having a breakup! I have a Plus size issue (size 42 to 52) from 2015 that is really good. There were a few good issues in spring/summer 2021 and 2022 but, by and large, Burda hasn't been worth it. Being a 44-46, I am completely disappointed by the decision to drop the Plus size section. Indie patterns are much more successful in terms of fit. The cup sizing is a game changer. Sewing is a pleasure again with cup sizes.

[lorieburtt]

It’s interesting that as indie designers, as well as the McCall’s and Simplicity groups are expanding their size ranges to become more size-inclusive, Burda is becoming less so. I’m also a little upset to hear that their “plus size” designs have been oriented toward hiding “flaws.” Again, that thinking is counter to the direction that other designers are taking. As a person who has been different sizes at different times in my life, I think it’s time to start calling all sizes “human.” We are all different, and everyone should have the choice to wear whatever the heck they want to wear without someone deciding that at a certain size it becomes “plus” or “size inclusive.” Human. We are all in the human size range.

[Hide_and_silk]

I stopped because the patterns became repetitive. I have to do a lot of adjustments to get the fit right...which I don't mind if the design is individual enough to warrant the effort. That's not to say I won't ever buy another Burdastyle magazine...if I see an issue that stands out I'll buy it. I just won't buy all the issues.

[lyndaschuch]

I feel exactly the same way! I to fit into the plus size patterns.
I learned to sew with the Burda magazines in 1980. Sadly the Plus or Curvy magazines are not readily available in Australia. I have magazines dating back to the 70’s. The repeated patterns in the new magazines are very disappointing at minimum!

[edinacole]

I stopped Burda Magazine about 3 years ago because of repetition. I am about to purchase one magazine that I noticed will have multiple patterns I am interested in. I really miss the style of patterns from the '90s This is another reason why I stopped subscribing.

[superstarcat]

I will also be dropping Burda Style when my subscription runs out. I was buying it only for the plus sizes. I also buy the Burda Plus magazine, but it only comes in German or Russian, no longer in English.
I have found over the years a lot of repeated patterns, and that they count as a new pattern, a collar change, or sleeve length change. Something that is not normally counted as a complete new pattern.
I am totally disappointed with the newest March issue, a lot of reissued patterns from 2012. At least they should change up the photos from the last time they issued the pattern. And the English issue does not talk about what happened to the plus patterns and that you have to find them in another language and in another magazine.

[leeaaron]

I feel exactly the same way. The only reason I kept subscribing through the price increases was the plus size selection. OTTOBRE Designs still go to 52; but the designs are more “mature” shall we say. I will take a look at the Burda Curvy issues if they are ever available in English.

[evanick]

Just buy the copy that has the plus size patterns. I only buy one or maybe two copies of Burda per year. Check it first in the shop to see if you like the patterns first before purchasing.

[superstarcat]

I have been buying Burda magazine for thirty years and sick of the repeats. I also see that all these very simple cut patterns that they are showing are not fitting. I usually can just cut and sew without alterations and still can with the old issues. But if I do find a new pattern I want to sew, the fit is terrible. The v-necks are too deep, your bra shows. The darts are too short. The sleeves are too short.
Are they not using the plus size standard anymore? Taller, c cup(instead of b cup), bigger framed woman?

[reinhildedenk]

You are 100 percent right. I' ve quit last year after being passionatly a reader for 50 years. It's just not worth it anymore. Greetings from Germany

[Ikiada]

I agree. The repetition of patterns is really unfortunate.

[patriciasewfrenchcouture]

Hello. Thank you for the review. I was subscribed to Burda for 6 years. I m leaving in Canada. I was asking for the french version of the Burda. The shipping was expensive but interesting when I started to sew. And I stop because of repetition too, or because I never sew for months patterns because there is nothing I like. Now I just buy pattern I really like.

[dobrawarutkowska]

Absolutely, they repeat the same patterns all the time and the paterns look so outdated

[AlexiaArdelean]

I totally agree with all the issues you've been mentioning, especially the costing. I ended my subscription around 4-5 years ago after moving from Hungary to UK. Honestly, the subscription costs twice here and I don't think it's worth it for 2-3 patterns\month I like or sometimes I don't like any. If I'd buy any pdf from the UK, US or German website it would cost the same like buying a magazine, which I think it's robbing for our money. In the last couple of years I used to buy the pdf versions from the Russian website, but since the war started all the British bank deny any payment to the website. I also discovered their Turkish website lately where you can buy pdfs for pennies, but unfortunately, it's not frequently updated, but I can live with that.

[danceillusions]

Here in Germany it's dirt cheap, for a yearly subscription I pay like 40 euro.

[mariellerose]

Bonjour je suis française et je suis comme vous burda 😡 moi je voudrais tout les modèles jusqu'au 50 dans le burda style . Après dans d'autres magazines des grandes tailles. Merci a bientôt

[cherriesnhoney]

same $$$ issue here (close to 200$) and sizing is a pain...plus i really despise their layered sheets. i tried but there is so much more out there that makes the process more pleasant. good to hear your thoughts on it

[chriswatson]

I haven't used the Burda magazine, but have bought their paper patterns in envelopes. I am disappointed that they no longer have the "Petites" which were for short women.

[ctaylorluce]

I agree the plus size patterns are mostly not flattering.

[superstarcat]

With the new second issue of Plus/Curvy— very few patterns. It is for summer clothes. No summer office suit or dress, only beach and BBQ clothes. The swimsuit is nice but the instructions are bad. No lining. No instruction on how to apply elastic. The bra section twists but no instruction to chose a solid and no instructions on what to do with a print.
I gave sewn many leotards as my daughters grew up, so I know how to sew it and what needs to be added, but what about the newbies? This is not an item you sew regularly and Burda should try to keep sewers happy and help them out.