The invisible ladder stitch is an essential hand sewing stitch to learn for bag makers. This is a simple stitch to learn and master once you’ve practised it a few times, and you can get into an easy rhythm with it. This hand sewing stitch is perfect for closing the gap left in the bottom of your lining or pocket without it even being visible when you’ve finished – hence it being called ‘invisible’. Why…
At last I’m delighted to bring you the first new sewing pattern on my site. Introducing the Bampton Drawstring Bag pattern. This cute drawstring bag is perfect for beginners and those new to sewing, kids or returning to sewing after a long break. These bags are perfect for so many uses. Since I just finished mine, already they are in use and I could do with more! I think I’ll get to work on some…
I can barely contain my excitement. After waiting almost 3 months from ordering, at last my new sewing machine, fabric and supplies have arrived on the island. Living on a small island in the middle of nowhere certainly forces a person to be patient! But even so, 3 months is ‘island time’ at it’s best! So here she is, the Brother CS6000i sewing machine. I thought long and hard about which machine to buy. I…
Sewing thread, no matter what material it may be made from, comes in different ‘weights’. But what is thread weight, how is it measured, what does it mean, and why might we want to understand thread weight? This article will cover everything you need to know about thread weight and why it is important. Why do we need to understand thread weight? Using the correct thread for your project is critical to the final outcome….
Your sewing needle might not be something you’ve given much thought to, but it’s a critical part of your sewing machine and if the needle is blunt, damaged, installed wrongly, threaded wrongly, or the wrong size for your project then you simply won’t get good results when you sew. Many new sewers will just continue on sewing until their needle breaks and it’s only then that a new one is installed. But that’s usually far…
I am so pleased to bring you this complete sewing dictionary. All of the commonly used sewing terms and abbreviations are described and defined here in this list so you’ll always know where to turn if you come across a word or phrase you’ve not heard in your sewing journey before. There is nothing more frustrating than coming across an instruction in a sewing pattern or project and having no idea what it means. That…
Have you ever seen a sewing pattern you love and then check out the sizing and realise it’s just not quite right for you? Seen a tote bag that’s not big enough or a clutch bag that’s larger than you would like? But resizing the pattern is just too difficult, too much hard work or you just don’t know where to start? Well, you might be surprised to know that actually, it’s really easy to…
Once you have downloaded your pattern files (see this article if you need help with downloading – How to Download A Digital PDF Sewing Pattern), then it’s time to open the file, review the instructions and pages and print out just the parts of the PDF document that you need. I’ll give you some tips on how to successfully print your PDF sewing patterns at home. These tips apply to all PDF sewing patterns, not…
Firstly, a massive thank you if you have bought one of my sewing patterns or the other digital downloads available from the store. It truly does mean a lot to me. I’ll soon have you on your way with your file so you can start sewing right away. Here’s a quick set of step by step instructions on how you can download a digital PDF sewing pattern or other digital files from the store or…
Sewing practice sheets, printable sewing sheets for beginners to practice stitching and sewing. No thread required, sew on your machine to punch holes in the paper! These printable sewing practice sheets have been designed with the total beginner in mind. I don’t know about you, but I remember when I first started out sewing, I found it difficult to even sew a straight line. I thought I was doing just fine, but then I’d take…