Evelyne Pattern: Sewing as a Platform for Entrepreneurial Expression

At 28 years old, Evelyne Zimmer has transformed a passion discovered by chance into a thriving brand. Listening to her speak about her entrepreneurial journey, one quickly understands that her business is much more than a professional venture. Evelyne Pattern, a company dedicated to designing and selling sewing patterns, reflects everything that drives its founder: a love for craftsmanship, a desire to share knowledge, and a sincere search for meaning.
A Nonlinear, Yet Fully Embraced Path
Originally from Montpellier, Evelyne has not followed a conventional path. After earning a high school diploma in business administration (STMG), she began studying history before switching to a vocational degree in hairdressing. Two years later, she changed course once again, resumed business studies, joined the Bachelor’s program at MBS, and later the Grande École Program through a work-study scheme in the real estate sector.
But it was during a simple weekend at her parents’ home, watching her mother sew, that she discovered a new passion: sewing. She quickly immersed herself in the craft, self-trained in pattern-making, and started testing sewing patterns for other brands. Her precision, creativity, and the high quality of her work drew attention — and her entrepreneurial journey began.
From Passion to Business: The Launch of Evelyne Pattern
In 2024, while still enrolled in MBS’s Grande École Program, Evelyne launched Evelyne Pattern. She began sharing her own creations and selling her first patterns. Her Instagram community grew quickly, drawn to the elegance and quality of her models.
Her mantra: patterns with impeccable finishes, designed to last.
“When you sew a garment, you invest a lot of time in it. I want my customers to be proud of what they’ve made — and able to wear it for years” she explains.
Each pattern is seasonally adapted and comes with a clear, beautifully designed sewing booklet. Before release, every design is tested by a group of around twenty volunteers recruited through her social media platforms. For Evelyne, the lengthy creative process — from initial inspiration and sketches to digital modeling and prototypes — is essential and non-negotiable.
An Ethical, Collaborative Approach
Evelyne regularly collaborates with fabric stores, favoring co-designed projects.
“I’d rather a shop suggest a specific fabric for me to work with, rather than giving me free rein to choose anything I like. It’s a real partnership — more enriching and, above all, more sustainable. It prevents overconsumption, and every fabric is chosen with care.”
Her ambitions are clear: expand the pattern range, offer carefully selected fabrics and high-quality printed booklets, and organize more sewing workshops. She is also preparing for her first appearances at trade shows — a new milestone in her brand’s development.
MBS: A Key Launchpad
Initially, Evelyne thought she would wait until after graduation to launch her business. In the end, the opposite happened — her brand came to life while she was still in school.
“Having a concrete project during my studies changed everything. I had real questions in mind, and the courses became truly relevant. Every subject became a resource.”
She even adapted her academic path to focus fully on Evelyne Pattern, opting for a fully remote master’s program through MOMA.
A New Momentum with the MBS Incubator
In January 2025, Evelyne joined the MBS incubator — a pivotal moment.
“I was going through a bit of a doubtful period when I met Franck, my coach. He helped me take stock of everything I had achieved, structure my ideas, and set clear goals.”
The impact was immediate. Evelyne put his advice into practice, saw results quickly, and regained momentum. She now participates actively in the incubator’s workshops, which are helping her professionalize her operations.
A Passionate and Clear-Sighted Entrepreneur
What drives her daily? Freedom — to create, to make mistakes, to start over. To shape a business in her own image.
“Each pattern is a new project. No two days are alike. I get to decide everything — and do it at my own pace.”
Despite the inevitable challenges and uncertainties, she continues to move forward. Evelyne Pattern is more than just a sewing brand — it is the reflection of a rich, bold, and inspiring journey.