Emma Cartmel

Pockets are such a simple and accessible way to customise and personalise your sewing patterns and garments. There are so many variations to play with (something I hope to explore …

The shoulder might seem like a small part of a garment, but it can have a big impact. It affects everything from the fit and balance to the proportions and …

I recently wrote about buttons, covering the different types, materials, sizes, and how to sew them on by hand. So here is the other half of the story: buttonholes. Now …

Understanding how to alter the neckline on a pattern is one of those super useful skills to have. Whether you’re altering or hacking an existing pattern, or working with a …

How many garments have gone unworn, or even been thrown away, simply because they were missing a button? I’m guessing a lot. In my opinion, sewing a button on by …

Buttons (and buttonholes) are one of those closures that many sewists may fear and avoid. I’ll admit that I still get a bit nervous when working on projects with lots …

What is a Waistband? As the name implies, a waistband is a band or strip of fabric that sits at or around the waist. Waistbands serve both functional and aesthetic …

A little while ago, I received a comment on one of my articles for The Thread asking if I could put together a guide on stitch settings for the Fabrics-store.com …

Twin needling is one of those techniques that can really elevate your sewing project, making it look just that bit more professional. Maybe you haven’t come across twin needles before, …

I love the comfort of an elasticised pant. But there is nothing more annoying than when the elastic twists and rolls around inside the waistband casing. It happened to me …

If you know me at all, or follow my makes, you’ll know I don’t like anything fitted. The more ease and fullness, the better. Most pieces I make have some …

I was lucky enough to be gifted this Bernina 800DL from my mum many years ago when I was living in London and didn’t have access to an overlocker. I …

When you are sewing with a regular sewing machine, finishing and securing your stitching is pretty simple: you just backstitch for a few stitches at the start and end, then …

Hopefully, after reading my Part 1 on starting to use an overlocker you have a better idea of what they are and what they can actually do. However, once you …

If you are new to sewing, overlockers can be a bit intimidating. And understandably so, with their multiple threads, needles, and dials, not to mention a cutting blade. It’s easy …

I first learned how to sew on my mum’s trusty Bernina Matic, figuring out the basics of a sewing machine and sewing in general. In high school, I continued on …