Category Archives: Dressmaking
How to Sew a Bubble Hem: Measure, Gather and Finish
You've cut a skirt from the size on the envelope, gathered the hem beautifully, and [...]
Palazzo Pant Sewing Pattern: A UK Sewing Guide
You've found a wide-leg pattern, laid out a length of lovely cloth and started wondering [...]
What Is Pattern Matching in Sewing: Seams and Checks
You've laid out your fabric, opened the paper pattern and reached for the scissors. Then [...]
Sewing Kits for Teens: How to Choose the Right One
Pupils at Key Stage 3 in England received an average of just 17.7 hours of [...]
Shirt Dress Patterns for Sewing: Choose, Fit and Finish
You've got a Saturday set aside, a length of poplin you really like, and a [...]
How to Preshrink Fabric Before You Cut and Sew
Your new fabric is unrolled on the table, the pattern is weighted down, and you're [...]
How to Calculate Fabric Yardage for Any Sewing Project
You've laid out your pattern, checked the length on the envelope and started cutting, only [...]
Sewing Patterns Shirt Guide for Better-Fit Garments
You've found a shirt pattern with the collar you want and the right sort of [...]
Velvet Black Ribbon: A Practical Guide for Sewing Projects
You're halfway through a dress or hat project when you reach for black trim, then [...]
Dressmaking Patterns Online: A Practical Guide for UK Makers
You've opened a row of tabs for dressmaking patterns online, found a dress you like, [...]
Working with Ostrich Feather Trim: A Practical Guide
You've finished the shawl, pinned up the party dress or found the perfect felt hat, [...]
How to Sew a Seam by Hand Without a Machine
A trouser seam has split after a wash, your favourite jacket lining is opening at [...]
Mastering Tucks in Fabric for Dressmakers
You pull a bodice from the cutting table, hold it up to the light, and [...]
How to Remove Fabric Stains Without Ruining Your Project
The spill usually happens at the worst possible moment. You've cut a length of viscose [...]
Mastering the Dress Pattern Shift for a Perfect Fit
The most popular advice about a shift dress is also the most misleading: “Just choose [...]
How to Sew and Style Beaded Fringe Trim
You've just unwrapped a length of beaded fringe trim, admired the movement and sparkle, and [...]
Twin Needle Machine Guide: Setup, Stitches & Projects
You've sewn a careful hem, turned the garment right side out, and found two rows [...]
Sewing Fabric Markers: A Complete Guide for UK Makers
A blue line across pale viscose can look harmless when you draw it, then become [...]
Bomber Jacket Pattern Sewing: A Practical Guide
You've chosen a bomber jacket pattern, bought a handsome woven fabric and found the perfect [...]
Fabric for Shirting How to Choose the Perfect Cloth
You're standing at the cutting table with a shirt pattern in one hand and a [...]