Category Archives: Blog

Sewing Knit Fabric How to Get Stretch Seams Right

You've cut a lovely piece of jersey, matched the notches, and started sewing what should [...]

Sewing Knit Fabric How to Get Stretch Seams Right

You've cut a lovely piece of jersey, matched the notches, and started sewing what should [...]

Denim Fabric Specification Guide for UK Makers

You're standing in a Bristol workroom with two denim bolts on the cutting table. One [...]

How to Sew a Collar That Sits Flat and Looks Sharp

You've finished sewing the shirt, slipped it over your head, and reached for the mirror. [...]

Sewing Measuring Tape Guide for Accurate Dressmaking

You're standing in a fitting room with a pinned toile, trying to understand why the [...]

Jersey Material UK: A Practical Buyer’s Guide for 2026

You're standing at a UK fabric shelf with a pattern in one hand and several [...]

How to Sew Pockets Patch in Seam and Welt Made Easy

You've sewn a lovely skirt, dress or pair of trousers, tried it on, and then [...]

What Is a Dart in Sewing and How Does It Shape Fabric

You're holding a bodice pattern and wondering what the triangular wedge near the waist is [...]

Best Fabric for Coats: Your 2026 Selection Guide

You've found the pattern, chosen the buttons, and started imagining the finished coat on a [...]

What Is a Raglan Sleeve and Why Sewists Love It

A raglan sleeve is cut in one piece with the bodice, so its seam runs [...]

Patterns of Jackets: A Maker’s Guide to Styles and Fit

You're standing at the fabric shelf with a swatch of heavyweight wool in one hand [...]

Best Fabric for Dressmaking: A Complete UK Guide

You're standing in front of a row of fabric bolts with a simple shift pattern [...]

How to Source Deadstock Fabric: A Practical UK Buyer’s Guide

Deadstock fabric is often sold as an easy sustainability win. Find a leftover roll, pay [...]

How to Sew Cuffs: A Complete Guide for Every Fabric

You've sewn the bodice, eased the sleeve head, and pressed the seams beautifully. Then the [...]

Thread Types for Sewing: A Practical UK Maker’s Guide

You're standing in front of a haberdashery shelf, holding two nearly identical white spools and [...]

What Is Piping in Sewing? Types, Uses and How to Sew It

You're running your finger along the raised edge of a favourite cushion, a school blazer, [...]

How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine Needle for Fabric Type

You're at the haberdashery counter with a beautiful length of fabric over one arm and [...]

How to Use Bias Tape for Clean, Curved Edges

You've just taken a blouse off the machine and the neckline looks more like a [...]

Best Fabric for Sewing Machine Beginners to Practice On

You've threaded the machine, lowered the presser foot and chosen a straight stitch. Then you [...]

Sewing Machine Needle Keeps Breaking: How to Fix It

You're halfway through a dress, quilt or trouser hem when the needle gives a sharp [...]

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