The Cressida Skirt
Sew Jennifer Lauren Handmade’s 1950s-inspired Cressida Skirt in UK sizes 6-20, with two button styles, belt loops, a fit-and-flare silhouette – and pockets!
Dressmaking
9 of the best Plus Size sewing patterns
We come in all shapes and sizes, so why shouldn’t our sewing patterns too? Get started on your me-made wardrobe today with our pick of the best patterns for curvier body shapes…
9 secret sewing shops in London you need to visit
Leigh Metcalf, author of London Stitch & Knit (Black Dog Publishing), let us in on her top five hidden-away fabric-shopping haunts in the UK capital and you loved her suggestions! So we’re updated this post with more insider tips for where to visit if you’re heading London-way.
How to use a sewing pattern: beginners’ guide
So you’re new to dressmaking and you’ve treated yourself to your first ever sewing pattern! Now what do you do with it? From cutting and joining the pieces, to understanding the markings and knowing how much fabric to buy, our essential guide is here to help.
Dressmaking basics: How to adjust a sewing pattern to fit
Welcome to week 2 in our Sewing School series of essential dressmaking guides for beginners. This week, find out how to adjust a pattern to fit your measurements perfectly.
How to measure yourself
Are you new to dressmaking or wondering where to start? We’re here to help! Our new Sewing School series is a set of free virtual workshops to answer all your questions about how to get begin making your own clothes.
How to sew a no-pattern-cardi
Ouch! This week’s semi final of The Great British Sewing Bee had us squirming as we watched the contestants grapple with their trickiest pattern-cutting challenges yet. If you’re not quite ready to take on high-end pattern play, but you’re still itching to have a go at making your own made-to-measure garment, then we’ve got the… Continue reading
How to sew a circle cape: inspired by GBSB
Episode two of The Great British Sewing Bee saw the sewists tackle tricky childrenswear (and get in a right mess over gussets in the process!). The highlight of the episode was the final wool cape challenge, which inspired us to get stitching up our own swishy circle cape. There’s no pattern needed for this project,… Continue reading
The Refashioners 2016: How to make a denim skirt
Transform old jeans into a new wardrobe staple with our step-by-step tutorial for how to make a denim skirt by Jessica Entwistle. Each week for a month, we’re sharing a bonus denim upcycling project here on the blog as part of The Refashioners 2016. Whip up this panelled skirt for summer from a pair of unloved jeans – we’ll show you… Continue reading
How to alter sewing patterns for fuller busts
We all come in different shapes and sizes, so there will naturally be times when we set out on a new dressmaking project, and spread out the paper pattern lovingly in front of us, only to wonder how to alter sewing patterns for the perfect fit. We’re so happy to welcome Claire Tyler to the Simply Sewing blog today, as she’s… Continue reading
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