Guides

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…

DIY fabric flowers for hair clips and brooches that go the distance

I've lost count of how many store-bought hair clips have snapped on me mid-brunch in Fitzroy, and brooches that looked adorable at the Salamanca Markets stall…

Knitting a Chunky Scarf in a Basketweave Pattern

Cooler mornings are creeping back into the calendar across the country, and knitters are starting to eye their yarn stashes with purpose. A chunky scarf worked…

Sewing a Button-Front A-Line Skirt with Pockets That Actually Fit

The button-front A-line skirt has quietly become a staple in handmade wardrobes around Australia, and for good reason. It flatters most body shapes, works…

How to draft a sleeve pattern from an existing bodice

A well-fitting bodice is an excellent starting point for drafting a sleeve pattern. Rather than relying on a commercial sleeve block that may have a different…

Crafting a Clutch Purse with a Magnetic Snap Closure

There's something genuinely satisfying about finishing a small accessory by hand, particularly here where warm arvos and weekend markets make a handmade clutch…

Knitting a Set of Coasters with a Lace Edge

A knitted coaster set is a small project with plenty of room for beautiful details. The centre can be worked in a firm, absorbent stitch, while a delicate lace…

Sewing a Half-Zip Pullover with a Mock Neck

A half-zip pullover is the sort of garment that earns its place in a handmade wardrobe. It can be worn over a tee on a cool morning, layered beneath a coat in…