Guides

How to sew a gathered waist pencil skirt

A gathered waist pencil skirt combines the close-fitting shape of a classic straight skirt with the softness and comfort of a lightly gathered waistband. It is…

Make Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap With a Drawstring

A fabric gift bag is a simple sewing project with a useful life well beyond a single birthday or Christmas morning. Instead of tearing paper and sending it to…

Sewing a Bomber Jacket with Ribbed Cuffs and Hem

A bomber jacket is an enjoyable project because it combines practical garment construction with plenty of room for personal style. The shape is familiar, yet…

Knitting A Leaf Lace Shawl From First Stitch To Final Block

A lace shawl is one of those knitting projects that looks intricate while remaining wonderfully portable. A repeating leaf motif creates the impression of a…

Add Side Seam Pockets to Any Dress or Skirt

A dress or skirt can look beautifully finished and still feel inconvenient when there is nowhere to put a phone, set of keys or lip balm. Side seam pockets…

Creating a Sturdy Fabric Storage Bin With Interfacing

A fabric storage bin is a practical way to tame a growing collection of fabric scraps, knitting supplies, sewing tools and half-finished projects. Unlike a…

A Maxi Dress With an Elasticated Back Panel

A long, easy-fitting dress is one of the most useful garments to sew for an Australian wardrobe. It can handle a hot afternoon in Brisbane, a breezy evening by…

Knitting ankle socks with a short row heel: a maker's handbook

Short row heels have a way of turning a simple pair of hand-knit socks into something that feels properly engineered. The technique creates a shaped cup that…

Turning fabric scraps into a patchwork quilted vest

Patchwork has always lived in that lovely space between thrift and creativity, and a quilted vest sits right at the crossroads of practical warmth and personal…

How to sew a shirt with a convertible collar

The convertible collar is one of those quietly clever pattern features that flatters almost every face shape and works for both casual Friday meetings and…