I’ll admit it—I’m guilty of not changing my sewing machine needles as often as I should, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this! However, I have gotten better over time, recognising just how much these small tools can impact the outcome of a sewing project. Picking the right needle can improve stitch quality, make…
Category Archives: SEWING ESSENTIALS
Good morning from my sewing studio here in Florida. Today we are possibly learning something new and definitely celebrating that the sun is shining through the window and onto my projects after several days affected by the tropical storm that just went through. If you’d like to add a slit to your sleeve cuff or…
When you open a sewing pattern for the first time, the different lines, symbols, and shapes can seem a little overwhelming, especially if you’re new to sewing. However, they typically follow a similar format no matter which pattern company you’re using. As you become familiar with them, understanding these markings will eventually become second nature,…
Have you ever experienced the discomfort of wearing a garment that hangs awkwardly or twists unexpectedly? Or, have you had the frustration of laundering a particular garment only to find that it has shrunk or grown unevenly? These annoying problems often come from the fabric’s grain alignment. This little detail has a big impact on…
Taking body measurements always felt daunting, so I often avoided it. Even with a fashion design degree, our curriculum only skimmed the surface on this crucial skill, focusing instead on creating patterns for a “standard” size 10. However, a recent digital pattern-making course helped me overcome this. I had to take my full body measurements…
In my ten years of sewing, the most common question I have been asked by fellow seamstresses is, “Which tools do you use every day?” So today, I’m tackling that question with some reflection on those ten years and a little peek into my workspace. As a beginner, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the amount…
We get many questions on fabric weight. If you’re trying to comprehend this, you are not alone! The weight of the fabric is measured in ounces per yard or meter: approximately 2-4oz for lightweight, 4-8oz for middleweight and 8-14oz for heavy weight. This chart would be very helpful as well and includes information on changing…
The ability to make clothes that actually fit your body is one of the most rewarding aspects of sewing. Have you ever gone shopping for new pants only to try on 20 pairs in different stores and end up not buying any because they are all too tight in the bum and too loose in…
As many of you have been asking for advice on how to adjust our patterns for bustier ladies, we thought we’d kick off this new year with a tutorial on how to do a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) and add a bust fitting dart to dartless patterns. If you’ve been following our blog, you might…
Continuing on from Five Useful Pleats and Folding Techniques, Three Useful Hem Techniques, How To Sew Your Most Essential Four Pockets and How To Sew Your Most Essential Four Collars article, here are five useful ways you can fasten your trousers, skirts and dresses with. Simply click on the links below to either go straight to the hem…
Continuing on from Three Useful Hem Techniques, How To Sew Your Most Essential Four Pockets and How To Sew Your Most Essential Four Collars article, here are five useful ways you can fold your fabric to shape it into gorgeous designs. Simply click on the links below to either go straight to the hem tutorial or try…
Continuing on from How To Sew Your Most Essential Four Pockets and How To Sew Your Most Essential Four Collars article, here are three most useful hem tutorials you might appreciate in one place. Simply click on the links below to either go straight to the hem tutorial or try out any of our free patterns…
The Riva is a beautifully drafted pattern collection that consists of a button-down shirt with either a long sleeve or sleeveless option and high-waist trousers with a shorts option. As the description for the pattern says, it really does combine classic tailoring with casual ease for the perfect balance. One of the most unique details…
Continuing on from How To Sew Your Most Essential Four Collars article, here are your four most relevant pocket tutorials you might need in your sewing practice all in one place. Simply click on the links below to either go straight to the pocket tutorial or try out any of our free patterns below to…
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one place where I could have all the links to tutorials for all the different collars I love/ am eager/ am always scared to make? It would save me from bookmarking separate pages and possibly procrastinating which, let’s face it, is long. Yes! We think so too, so…
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