Tutorials
On Writing Sewing Patterns
Please enjoy this little vignette I created for Instagram, showing how I write a sewing pattern. The pattern shown is doll’s clothes for the zw cloth doll. At the end are some writing tips that I’ve found really helpful. Here are some things that have really helped my instruction writing… 1. Write with two people…
Read MoreTutorial: curving flat bias binding with an iron
Bias binding is a trim I’m very fond of using. Since I’ve been making zero waste patterns, I’ve found myself using it more, and in ways which I hadn’t previously. One of these is as a curved trim. I use 1.2cm/½” bias binding (not 2.5cm/1″ which is too wide) and pre-curve it with a steam…
Read MoreFlying High! – Mastering Fly Fronts
The words fly fronts and intimidating are often used in the same sentence. Yes, fly fronts look complicated. There are lots of ways to sew them, and everyone has their preferred way (or no way, if you’ve never done one). I thought I’d share My Way with you, which I learned when I was a…
Read MoreThe jeans waist expansion project
My waist measurement fluctuates wildly these days, growing by up to 10cm/4″ (ie 2 sizes). I don’t think I can conveniently blame the pandemic – I think it would have happened regardless. My tummy muscles are shot to pieces, post-partum and beyond, and I’m becoming a woman of a certain age. Those blog photos where…
Read MoreTutorial: how to add a hood inside a collar
Last week I finished sewing the zero waste Kiabi windbreaker, and this week I have a tutorial on how to add a fold-away hood concealed inside the collar. This would work for any anorak/windbreaker that has a stand collar. I’ve distilled the instructions down to one page, with notes and photos to follow: Some notes……
Read MoreTutorial: how to sew on a button FAST
Here’s the fastest way I know to sew on a button by hand. The key is to use four threads instead of two. But how do you thread a needle with four threads without getting in a terrible tangle? Here’s how: With four threads you can sew a two-hole button with three passes through the…
Read MoreHow to take good photos of yourself wearing clothes you’ve made
Sometimes I read comments on Instagram posts like I’m not good at taking pictures or Sorry about the photo, this is the best I can do. I know this feeling; it’s how I felt when I first started taking blog photos of myself wearing things I’d made. It was really hard to get a good…
Read MoreAn un-holey tutorial
Unpicking. We’ve all done it. After you’ve unpicked, sometimes you need to remove the holes and restore the fabric to its pristine state…before sighing deeply and restitching. Here’s a technique from the workrooms of Caroline Charles, which is described in The Dressmaker’s Companion, along with other handy stuff. You’ll need some water and a steam…
Read MoreMaking origami ribbon trim
While flipping through my sketch book looking for something, I found a page with notes for making a ribbon trim where the ribbon is folded origami-style. I’d folded some paper to work out how to do it. Luckily, I write the source of inspiration on all drawings, and it seems I saw a video of…
Read MoreHow to sew a zip without using pins
Or: Sewing outside of your comfort zone. Like a sewing challenge? Yes, it’s possible to sew a zip without using any pins, just using your hands, technique and some practice. It’s a massive time saver (factory machinists do it) and it will generally boost your sewing speed and confidence. Our sewing teacher at TAFE taught…
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