Get them off to a great start with this handy bundle, featuring three of our most-essential items for beginner sewists! You'll get our best-selling fabric guide, a Prym starter set containing essential tools in a handy case, and a pack of coloured threads to sort you out with the basics for a bunch of projects.
The perfect guide for those just starting to learn about fabrics, this handy booklet contains 40 samples of the most common fabrics to help newbies identify what different fabrics look and feel like. It also comes with an explanation of key terms, fabric shopping tips and recommended needle types for each fabric!
Gutermann Vintage Tin Sew-All Thread Set
The one thing any sewist cannot be without, is a good range of thread colours. It means you don't have to keep heading to the fabric shop every time you start a project to get a thread, and this one gets bonus gifting points because it comes in a cute little tin you can re-use!
Stitch in Time Large Gift Bundle
If there's one thing all sewists can agree on, it's that they can't resist anything that is sewing themed - so this bundle is not going to disappoint! For a beginner, it's got everything they need to set up their sewing space - a medium sewing box, a cute little extra storage basket, a fun iron shaped pin cushion, a handy tape measure, and a super useful multi-mat that can be used for cutting, pressing, applique and more.
Prym Love Magnetic Pin Cushion
They'll love you forever if you buy them this beautiful little pin dish - not only does it hold all their pins as they sew, it's magnetic so they can't roll away and if it gets knocked on the floor, they don't have to spend ages picking them all up!
Hemline Floral Embroidery Scissors
A fine pair of scissors with a sharp point is essential for any sewing box; they're great for snipping threads and cutting notches on seams. We adore this beautiful pair which have an ornate floral design on the handle!
Honestly, what sewist does NOT love a tin to keep things in? Not only does this come in a cute sewing themed tin, it's filled with handy haberdashery too!
You can't wrong with a cute pin cushion! This bee hive version is cute and fun, with plenty of space to house a whole pack of pins...
Pyrm Love Ergonomic Seam Ripper
Unfortunately, a seam ripper is a staple tool that all sewists end up needing at some point - we love this Prym one because not only is it super pretty, but it's got an ergonomic design which makes it so comfortable to use.
Get them a selection of good quality basics, with this gift bundle of premium haberdashery from Hemline Gold.
]]>Re-usable Face Wipes and Pouch
Save the environment AND give a thoughtful gift to someone with this cute face wipes project, which also includes a pouch to store and wash them in.
The best on-the-go solution for busy make-up wearers! Simply shove all your most-used cosmetics inside, draw together the cord and go; then when you want to use something later, slacken off the cord and everything will lie flat and easy to find again.
For a 'wow' gift, make this stunning scenic tote bag - it's surprisingly simple but really has that impressive look!
Not sure what to get someone in the slightest? This storage case is a great all-rounder for any recipient, and is great for travelling round. You can put makeup, hair accessories, toiletries or other small items inside and carry with the easy grab handle.
For those who love a day trip, this crossbody bag is a great accessory! With a longer strap and zip pocket on the front, it's got plenty of storage for the essentials and is easy to wear.
Got a friend that loves cooking or baking? I guarantee they could do with a refresh of oven accessories, so make them something cute like this fun oven mitt!
A backpack or rucksack is the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life! This one has expandable sides for extra room.
Sometimes you just can't beat a classic - this zipped make up bag features a fun contrast bottom for a little twist on a basic cosmetics bag.
Show your love in the cutest way with this hearts runner that they can use all year and remember you fondly when they look at it!
]]>Why not try making your own stocking this year? They're not as complicated as you might think, and the addition of pompom trim adds a fun but simple twist to this project!
This little project is great for storing bits and bobs at Christmas, or use it to gift items like a spa bundle or plant.
Want to jazz up your dining table for the festive period? Try this simple blocked table runner and pair with a few of your favourite Christmas prints.
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How fun are these?! They're not as difficult as you might think, and the fact they're fabric means they are refillable - so extra points for being eco-friendly, AND you can choose good treats to put inside. Let's face it, nobody wants the tape measure!
This one is perfect for the seemingly 'boring' Christmas gifts, like socks or gift cards - wrap them up in a cute bag like this to give them a 'wow' factor for your recipient!
Christmas Present Table Runner
Bring some fun to your Christmas table, with a runner that looks like presents! Perfect for when you have twenty different dishes on the table on Christmas Day...
If you prefer a more grown-up Christmas table, don't miss this beautiful wintry table runner, that's a little less obviously festive, but offers a more subtle Christmas look.
Bring the festivities into your kitchen too, with a kitsch pair of classic oven gloves! I highly suggest a novelty print for this project, which also teaches you the basics of quilting and how to apply bias binding neatly around a curve.
Upgrade your Christmas stockings this year, and try out this simple version yourself - the lining, turnover cuff and pompom trim really add a fun yet luxury finish!
If you really want to go all out on a festive sewing project this year, then this festive quilt is for you! It's the perfect size for snuggling up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and a Christmas movie...
Now this one really is fun! Make your own little gnomie to pop up around your house wherever you want to add a little festive charm.
]]>The first challenge was an amazing twist top - whilst we don't have the exact pattern used, you can try this twist concept on the Joni Dress that's in the 'Stretch' book by Tilly Walnes (a previous contestant of the show).
You could also try this twist long-line jumper - if you want to make it more appropriate for spring/autumn, use a jersey or french terry.
If the twist seems a bit too complicated for you, but you'd like to try something with a little detail or feature that's similar, why not try a tie-front or crossover top like below?
Most of the contestants chose a lightweight, drapey fabric. Viscose/rayon and cotton lawn are perfect for this kind of top, as they will show off the twist without being too rigid. Here's a few picks that aren't too dissimilar to some prints chosen in the episode...
This was such a fun and interesting challenge! There are some really great patterns you can try, some of which are very similar to those featured in the episode...
As in the show, you have options for your dress - always make sure to check the back of your pattern first, to see what they recommend. Be aware if you can only make it in a knit fabric or not! You could use any of the fabric suggestions for the twist top, if you like that swooshy effect on your dress.
For beginners that want a stable cut-out and/or easier sewing, a light to medium weight cotton-based fabric will work well too, like these:
If you liked Charlotte's silky satin version, you could also use these:
And if you loved Tony W's winning jersey dress, try one of these gorgeous viscose jerseys for your own:
]]>Wondering where to start when it comes to buying your first (or second, third, fourth...) sewing machine? It can be a minefield with so many features and gizmos available, so here's some handy hints to help you decide what you need from machine pro's, Janome...
Don't miss their Spring Sewing with Style Special Offers, to grab a bargain on your next machine!
Follow them on social media for extra tips and guidance too:
https://www.instagram.com/janomeuk/
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/janomeukltd
Choosing a sewing machine can seem a daunting task, especially if you’re buying it for someone else. By asking a few simple questions you’ll be able to make the right choice.
Is the sewing machine for a beginner or for someone more experienced? Generally beginners will probably need an inexpensive machine with a range of basic stitches, while an experienced sewer may require many more features. Consider if the aim is to progress as it may be best to buy a machine you won’t grow out of within a short time. Janome has an extensive range of models from standard mechanical models to very sophisticated and powerful computerised models packed with lots of easy to use features.
What type of sewing will the machine be used for? Dressmaking, home furnishings, repairs and alterations, upholstery, crafts, quilting or all of these? Look for the term “free arm” which will make sewing around sleeves and trouser legs easier. Larger arm space/longer arm models will help with those bigger projects such as quilts, bridal wear and free motion artwork projects. For crafts and quilting you’ll need a machine with a wider range of stitches. For upholstery look for a machine capable of heavy duty use. To complement your sewing machine and achieve a high level professional finish you’ll find an overlocker and coverstitch machine invaluable.
How often will the machine be used? If a machine is only for occasional use such as mending or light sewing, a more basic model may be suitable. For regular sewing and where stitch variety is needed choose a model with a larger range of stitches, features, feet and accessories.
Will the machine need to be packed away after each use or transported to a class? A hard cover may be preferable for storage. Machines vary from around 5kg to over 15kg. Choose a machine for your needs e.g. if its too light for sewing at high speeds, it will jump around the table.
It is important that you choose a machine that will give you many years of good service. All Janome machines are built with either a metal body or a metal internal frame. Without either of these, stitch quality is likely to suffer after a period of use.
Generally Janome sewing machines come with a 2 years parts and labour warranty. This can be extended up to 5 years on payment of a small additional fee.
Answering the above questions will help you narrow down what sort of machine you should be looking at, and what features you might want it to have. Head to the Janome website for more expert advice and help to pick the right sewing machine for you!
Make sure you enter our Birthday Giveaway this May to be in with the chance of winning the beginner-friendly Janome 219S sewing machine, kindly donated by our friends at Janome! There's over £800 worth of prizes up for grabs as well as the machine too... click here to find out more info on how to enter!
]]>A knit fabric is basically any stretch fabric. The term 'knit' comes from the way it's made - the fibres are knitted on a warp and weft in a specific way to create the stretch. Many also have added stretch fibres like elastane or lycra, but they can also be made from 100% cotton or other fibres too.
Specific types of stretch fabric have their own names, such as jersey or french terry, which have their own individual qualities too.
Jersey is probably the most popular stretch fabric, as it's so versatile! It can come as single or double jersey, but generally it's the stuff your t-shirts are made of; a medium-weight fabric with a good amount of stretch. It is usually either cotton-based or viscose-based (or a sustainable alternative to each such as tencel/modal) - cotton-based jerseys tend to be more structured and hold their shape, while viscose-based jerseys have more drape and swish to them.
Most jersey is 4 way stretch, which means it stretches both sideways and up and down - making it very versatile for a whole host of projects from tops to dresses to leggings!
French terry sounds very confusing, but it's actually very easy to recognise - it's often a similar weight to jersey, but with a distinctive backing made of lots of tiny little loops, a bit like the surface of a towel.
The loops make it lovely and breathable, and also a bit more warm than regular jersey, so it's great for warmer tops and cover-ups like dresses, cardigans, jumpers and hoodies.
Possibly the snuggliest of all stretch fabrics, sweatshirting is a thicker stretch fabric, known for it's soft fleece backing. It's usually got less stretch than jersey or french terry, and it's thicker weight makes it ideal for warm clothes like hoodies, jumpers and winter dresses.
We know the name doesn't give much away, but ponte roma is another favourite fabric for making; it's like an extra thick jersey, with a lovely smooth finish. It tends not to be quite as drapey as jersey, so it's good for newbies and also for transitional or winter items.
The best thing is it doesn't crease very easily! Use it for dresses, skirts, trousers and tops.
Want to know more about ALL types of fabrics? Get your hands on one of our specially-made fabric sample guides, with 52 samples of common fabrics, plus info on how to use them, needle type, weight and composition. |
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If you think your plait won't hold it's shape when hung up, you can add some wire to the inside of your tubes to help with structure - just make sure to do this before you stitch up the open end!
]]>The final was, as always, full of tricky techniques and difficult fabrics that put the bees to the test this week! With lots of gorgeous occasion wear, we're ready for when events can open up again now...
Is there anything cuter than a little bridesmaids dress? The bees took them on in stunning style this week, working with slippery silks and satins, as well as attempting their first bound buttonholes. Quite the challenge!
Don't let that put you off though... there's some really cute styles out there worth the time and effort!
The bees couldn't have come up with more different dresses to each other on this one, but each was as amazing as the last! From stretchy scuba to glitzy metallic fabric, to dramatic tulle ruffles, each fabric really enhanced the shape of the dress in its own way!
Gold Metallic Silky Satin Fabric
Rose Gold Metallic Silky Satin Fabric
Navy Plain Scuba Crepe Fabric
Art Gallery Earthen by Katarina Roccella - Serein Branchlet - Jersey Knit Fabric
It was another blast from the past this week, as the bee's went back to the 1940's! With a range of silhouettes for both men and women to tackle, the contestants did so well, tackling some really tricky techniques...
Makower Spraytime - Conker Brown V62 - 100% Cotton Fabric
Makower Spectrum - Christmas Red R64 - 100% Cotton Fabric
Serena got so precise so as to measure her hems this week! If you want to get that perfect hem, you can use this handy tool to help you turn up super accurately - great for dresses with long hems to do!
Hemline Sewing Gauge and Point Turner
They may be small but they're pretty essential... don't forget your hook and bar if you're finishing off your trousers, for a secure closure and no embarassing moments!
Hemline Small Hook and Bar Pack - Silver
This challenge took on a true icon - Dior style. Briefed on the iconic 'New Look' post-war collection, it focused on cinched waists and hourglass silhouettes - something all the bees did really well, across various types of garments from dresses to skirts, jackets to trousers!
Powder Blue Plain Scuba Crepe Fabric
Rose Pink Plain Scuba Crepe Fabric
Riley Blake Fleur - Meadow Dark Blue - 100% Cotton Fabric
Makower Essentials - Doodle Ditzy White on White - 100% Cotton Fabric
Things take an iconic turn with movie and music week! Recreating some absolute classics from the past, this week we had some real characterful makes which fit the bill if style and flair are your kind of thing. Who says the clothes of the past have to stay in the past? There were some totally wearable makes this week...
If there's anything more iconic than THAT dancing scene in Dirty Dancing, it had to be THAT dress... what a great choice to recreate! With a pretty twirling skirt and sleeveless bodice, it's a simple yet elegant classic you could even wear now... Here's some look-alike patterns similar in style if you fancy recreating it yourself!
Rose Gold Metallic Silky Satin Fabric
Duck Egg Feather Jacquard Chiffon Fabric
Black Feather Jacquard Chiffon Fabric
Embellished Embroidered Chiffon Fabric
The made to measures were nothing short of spectacular this week, with sequins and shimmering metallic everywhere! Recreate some of the gorgeous shapes and wow-worthy fabrics yourself for a special occasion...
Champagne Metallic Linen Viscose Fabric
Champagne Metallic Moire Textured Jersey Fabric
Gold Metallic Silky Satin Fabric
Rose Gold Metallic Silky Satin Fabric
Things got a little colder in the studio (much like the weather here in Britain this week) as the bee's took on winter week! All jokes aside, they actually made some really cosy garments that almost have us ready to tackle the cold all over again...
The bees took on a classic in the pattern challenge this week... a flannel shirt. There were a lot of issues trying to pattern match plaid, but don't let that put you off - just go for something easier to pattern match if you want to!
I'll be honest - we have zero plaid flannels in our collection right now. But we do have these cute flannel designs!
Riley Blake Designer Flannels Baby Bears - Bears Grey - Flannel Fabric
Riley Blake Designer Flannels Baby Bears - Clouds Grey - Flannel Fabric
Riley Blake Designer Flannels Fossil Rim 2 - Dinosaurs Cream - Flannel Fabric
Cloud 9 Northerly Polar Bears Dark Gray Organic Flannel Fabric
They went all out in the made to measure this week, making some knock-out dresses worthy of any Christmas party! There were an array of gorgeous dress shapes and styles, all made in luxe fabrics like velvet, satin and lace.
Leopard Print Flocked Stretch Velvet Fabric
Navy Blue Stretch Velvet Fabric
Purple Leopard Print Jacquard Stretch Velvet Fabric
Petrol Leopard Print Jacquard Stretch Velvet Fabric
Embellished Embroidered Chiffon Fabric
Black Feather Jacquard Chiffon Fabric
Bold Floral Silky Satin Fabric
Rose Gold Metallic Silky Satin Fabric
This week the Bee goes green, with a focus on recycling and sustainable sewing - a REAL challenge for many of us! All the garments were made from donated clothing this week so we thought we'd use this space to talk to you about more sustainable fabric choices as well as pattern inspiration from the show...
The first challenge was to make a gentleman's waistcoat using some donated garments. This was a gentle introduction as the waistcoat didn't have TOO many large pieces to account for in construction when trying to find a bit of clothing that could fit the whole pattern piece on! It was a lovely classic style, and the bees made some really chic waistcoats in the end.
This may have been the hardest challenge yet - to use old jeans to make a denim dress! There were some really inventive takes on this, some of which you'd never have even guessed were made from old jeans... Here's some styles similar to those made in this episode:
If you're looking to make your sewing a little more planet-friendly, there are lots of small ways you can make your choices a bit more environmentally friendly.
Re-using fabric is the most green choice, but if that's not possible for your project, you can also opt for fabrics made from sustainable fibres. These fabrics typically take less strain on the ecosystem by not using harsh chemical processes and/or using less water to grow the plants they are made from.
Bamboo and Modal are some of the most popular sustainable fibres becoming available now in fabric now, and also have a gloriously soft feel that is a dream to wear!
Raspberry Plain Modal Jersey Fabric
Dark Mint Plain Modal Jersey Fabric
Navy Plain Modal Jersey Fabric
Ochre Plain Modal Jersey Fabric
Orange Plain Modal Jersey Fabric
Khaki Modal Bamboo Twill Fabric
Navy Ditsy Floral Printed Modal Jersey Fabric
Sew Simple Super-Soft 100% Bamboo Wadding
Another green choice is to use materials made from recycled fibres themselves - there are several options available that use recycled polyester from things like single use water bottles, and some recycled cottons are also on the market.
Sew Simple Super-Soft EcoBlend Recycled 70/30 Wadding
Gutermann Recycled rPET Sew-All Thread 100m - Col 800
Gutermann Recycled rPET Sew-All Thread 100m - Col 000
Gutermann Recycled Sew-All Thread Set 10pk - Basics
Gutermann Recycled Sew-All Thread Set 20pk - Basics
10mm NewLife Recycled Double Faced Satin Ribbon - White
Things got tiny this episode, as this week the bees tackled childrens wear! You'd think smaller was easier, but in reality it turned out it just meant extra fiddly...
The first challenge called for a cute little garment... a romper suit! Great for young children who are ready to toddle around, this pattern featured fiddly elasticated cuffs and casing, crossover straps and snap fasteners on the legs.
We've rounded up some super cute romper patterns similar to the one in the episode, plus some fabrics like the prints they chose too, and don't miss our top tips for applying snaps!
3 Wishes Little Dino - Cool Dino - 100% Cotton Fabric
The Craft Cotton Co Dino World - Cream - 100% Cotton Fabric
3 Wishes Little Dino - Dinosaur Roar - 100% Cotton Fabric
The Craft Cotton Co Makoti by Stuart Hillard - Purple Flower - 100% Cotton Fabric
The Craft Cotton Co Makoti by Stuart Hillard - Purple Flower Border - 100% Cotton Fabric
Tilda Chambray - Petrol - 100% Cotton Fabric
Baby Animals Blue Cotton Jersey Fabric
3 Wishes Wild About You - Animals Assorted - 100% Cotton Fabric
Studio E Flamingo Beach - Lemons - 100% Cotton Fabric
Studio E Coastal Dreams - Fish Allover Blue - 100% Cotton Fabric
Dashwood Night Jungle - Jungle - 100% Cotton Fabric
Top Tips: Applying Snap Fasteners
This challenge called for 3 snap fasteners on the crotch, which scared a couple of the contestants! If you're feeling the fear, we're here to help with top tips for success:
Prym Plastic Colour Snaps Press Fasteners - Round Blue Mix
Prym Plastic Colour Snaps Press Fasteners - Pink Hearts
Prym Plastic Colour Snaps Press Fasteners - Round Green Mix
Prym Plastic Colour Snaps Press Fasteners - Round Yellow/Orange Mix
And remember, if you ever go wrong applying them... there's always the snap removing tool to make it right! (My life was changed when I discovered this existed)
This week the bees were challenged to make rainproof overcoats... aka raincoats! Of course this required waterproof fabrics, a fun array of plasticy delights that couldn't be pinned or pressed easily. We couldn't find any children's patterns close to what they used but we've got a couple of cute alternatives you can make in waterproof fabric; and some adult raincoats if you fancy one for yourself!
We're also sharing the secret to making ANY fabric waterproof...
Tilly and the Buttons Eden Jacket
Shine Bright Like The Rainbow Printed Soft Shell Fabric
The Dino's Are Back Printed Soft Shell Fabric
Abstract Blue Printed Soft Shell Fabric
Navy/Blue Plain Soft Shell Fabric
Birds Navy Water Repellent Raincoating Fabric
Dusky Pink Plain PUL Raincoating Fabric
Don't forget your Mini Fabric Clips 10pk
Can't find a waterproof fabric you love?
This was a dilemma faced by some of the bees this week, and if you've had this problem too, we've got the solution for you! This amazing product called Odicoat is a waterproofing gel that you can use on any fabric to make it waterproof. Simply brush on and let dry - the more layers you add, the more waterproof it is... magic!
Has the latest season of the Great British Sewing Bee inspired you to sew your own clothes (at a relaxed speed, of course!)? The first step to take is getting to grips with your sewing machine and how everything works. If you want some help with this step, you could take my Make Friends with a Sewing Machine online workshop and you’ll feel confident in no time!
Don’t tell me, you're itching to make something now? So what garment project should you choose to get started? There are so many sewing patterns out there, it can be a little overwhelming when you just want to start you off on your sewing journey!
Here are my tips for choosing a sewing project that's nice and easy for beginners…
1) Start with simple construction
Ease yourself in gently with a project that doesn’t require tricky techniques or precision sewing. Look for straight lines and not too many pieces, and avoid details such as darts, gathering and pleating until you’ve got a few makes under your (homemade) belt. Start simple, and you can progress to the more complex projects later on.
Try these cute and easy-peasy projects to show you the basics of construction - the Dominique skirt, which is basically sewing straight lines, and the Jaimie pyjamas, which come together quickly and easily (plus there's a free video tutorial for sewing them from start to finish!).
2) Check the fabric suggestions
Just as important as simple construction, check that the project is compatible with fabric that's easy to sew. While you’re still getting used to your sewing machine, the last thing you want to do is sew material such as silk which will slip and slide all over your machine, a stretchy jersey that can result in popped seams or stretched hems if you don't know what you're doing, or a delicate material that can pucker and snag.
Fabrics that are great to start with include woven cottons, linen, chambray or lighter weight denim. These materials all lie flat, press well and don’t slip around as you're working with them. They come in lots of tempting prints (patterned prints hide dodgy stitching!) and are easy to find in fabric shops and department stores.
Give a cotton print a whirl with the Jaimie pyjamas, or try a chambray or linen to make an easy breezy Stevie tunic.
3) Avoid fiddly fastenings
Inserting zips or getting to grips with the buttonhole function on your sewing machine can be a little daunting to new stitchers. If you don’t feel ready to sew zips and buttonholes just yet, don’t! Choose a project without fastenings for now, such as the Safiya trousers from my book Make It Simple, which are elasticated at the waist, the Lotta dress or Bettine dress which you can just throw over your head, or the Stevie tunic which fastens at the back neck with a tie or hairband (yes, really!).
You might want to avoid set-in sleeves too - the kind that you insert into the armhole as a tube - until you're more confident with your sewing. Bettine and Stevie are both great beginner projects as they have "grown-on" sleeves which are cut and sewn in one with the bodice. Hooray!
4) Pick something that’s easy to fit
One of the best things about making your own clothes is that you can tailor them to fit you. If you've ever struggled in a shop changing room, this will be a welcome relief!
However, since we’re all different shapes, getting a fitted bodice or trousers to mould perfectly around your lady curves can sometimes take a bit of work - so save the fun of a very fitted garment for later. Choose a simpler shape, such as the A-line Miette skirt which you can adjust the fit of with the waist ties. The Cleo dungaree dress is easy to fit too, as the style only really needs to fit your hips - hooray!
5) Make it again and again
My final tip for beginner sewing projects is to choose something you can see yourself making more than once. Practising the techniques and steps in a pattern a second (or third) time is great for cementing what you’ve learnt, and it will make you feel good about your progress.
Wishing you lots of fun with your sewing projects!
Shop Tilly and the Buttons’ beginner sewing patterns!
Photos by Jane Looker, Fanni Williams and Make It Simple photos by Ellie Smith
This episode went round the world, with some iconic styles to tackle - from Breton tops to sarongs and more! This time the made-to-measure wasn't themed by the type of make but by a particular style. Read on for fabric and pattern ideas, and some top tips for things the bees struggled with...
A nautical icon, this week it was all about the breton top. A seemingly simple striped top, there was a lot of pattern matching and some tricky button plackets to conquer too!
Find some variations on this long-sleeved top below depending on your preference, and a ton of stripey knits - including the rainbow stripes used on the show...
Tilly and the Buttons Coco Top
Tilly and the Buttons Romy Top
Grainline Studio Linden Sweatshirt
Tilly and the Buttons Agnes Top
Tilly and the Buttons - Rainbow Breton White - Organic Cotton Jersey Fabric
Tilly and the Buttons - Rainbow Breton Black - Organic Cotton Jersey Fabric
Tilly and the Buttons - Wide Stripe Lilac - Organic Cotton Jersey Fabric
Tilly and the Buttons - Wide Stripe Multi - Organic Cotton Jersey Fabric
Classic Stripes Black/Off-White Double Knit Fabric
Stof of Denmark Navy/Turquoise Mini Stripe Avalana Jersey Fabric
Stof of Denmark Pink/Red Mini Stripe Avalana Jersey Fabric
Stof of Denmark Cream/Orange Mini Stripe Avalana Jersey Fabric
Natural/Ivory Striped Tubular Rib Jersey Cuffing Fabric
Black/White Striped Tubular Rib Jersey Cuffing Fabric
Top Tip for Knit Tops: Seam Tape
If you haven't heard or seen seam tape before, it's about to be your new best friend! Iron-on flexible seam tape is ideal for stabilising shoulders and necklines, and designed to work specifically with knit fabrics to help stop them stretching out of shape. Simply apply to the seam allowance, slightly overlapping your seam line so when you stitch you are stitching through the seam tape.
Vilene Flexible Seam Tape 15mm - White
The made to measure was an interesting one this week, with complete freedom on the type of garment the bees could make, but all inspired by the life and work of the colourful artist, Frida Kahlo. Popping vibrant prints, florals and statement styles were the name of the game here...
Art Gallery Sun Kissed By Maureen Cracknell - Summerdress Dreams Flare - Rayon Fabric
Art Gallery Bloomsbury By Bari J - West End Gathers - Jersey Knit Fabric
Art Gallery Esoterra by Katarina Roccella - Plantae Sunrise - Jersey Knit Fabric
Art Gallery Bloomsbury By Bari J - Writers Garden Stem - Jersey Knit Fabric
Butterfly Garden Pink Printed French Terry Fabric
Watercolour Floral Printed Cotton Jersey Fabric
Painted Flower Black Printed French Terry Fabric
Stof of Denmark Peach Floral Avalana Jersey Fabric
Embroidery Flowers Digital Cotton Jersey Fabric
Girly Girl Printed Cotton Jersey Fabric
rt Gallery Tallinn By Jessica Swift - Tigris Lollipop - Jersey Knit Fabric
Dashwood Our Planet - Tiger Floral White - 100% Cotton Fabric
Dashwood Our Planet - Tiger Floral Navy - 100% Cotton Fabric
Dashwood Our Planet - Animals Blue - 100% Cotton Fabric
Dashwood Gardenia Foliage Green Rayon Fabric
Dashwood Circle Line Paint Blue Rayon Fabric
Dashwood Circle Line Paper Jungle Rayon Fabric
Painter's Palette Textured Viscose Crepe Fabric
This week the bees tackled classic gent's week... a nice change from the usual dresses and skirts we see lots of on the show, and interesting to fit to a different shape! They tackled some tailoring in this episode, and in a Sewing Bee first, headwear too. Read on for fabric and pattern ideas, and some top tips for things the bees struggled with...
What a challenge! In a Sewing Bee first, they took on the baker boy cap. This 8 piece hat was a real challenge for all contestants, and also introduced them to silky linings AND self cover buttons...
Glitter Houndstooth Tweed Fabric
Grey Herringbone Linen Mix Fabric
Midnight Blue Wool Boucle Fabric
Camel Wool Look Coating Fabric
Grey Herringbone Wool Look Coating Fabric
Hemline 19mm Metal Self Cover Buttons
Hemline Self-Cover Button Maker Tool
This challenge required the bees to sew with really precise seam allowances - if this is something your next project requires or you want to improve your accuracy in this area, try a magnetic seam guide to help! They simply attach to the metal plate on your machine at your required seam allowance, and make it much easier to follow than the tiny grove; simply make sure the edge of your fabric runs up against the edge of the guide as you sew.
We loved the jacket challenge at the end of the show, where the bees had to create a utility jacket with at least three pockets. There were some amazing designs but one thing they did struggle with was applying the snaps on their jackets... read on for help!
Friday Pattern Company Ilford Jacket
Tilly and the Buttons Eden Jacket
Indigo 7.5oz Cotton Denim Fabric
Washed Medium Weight Mid Blue Denim Fabric
Washed Medium Weight Black Denim Fabric
Washed Medium Weight Light Blue Denim Fabric
Art Gallery Sketchbook Ink - Outburst - Cotton Canvas Fabric
Hamburger Liebe Cosy Cabin Wild Wonder Navy Cotton Canvas Fabric
Dashwood Marine Plain Corduroy Fabric
Prym 12mm Silver 'Anorak' Metal Press Fasteners with Tool
Some of the bees struggled with snaps this week, but don't let that put you off trying them - all you need is a few top tips for success! Make sure you use even pressure when applying, as this is the most common cause of wrongly applied snaps. Get a pair of Prym pliers to help apply more easily - simply squeeze the handles for easy application. And don't forget you can also remove snaps with the Prym snap removal tool that attaches to the pliers if it does go wrong!
Prym Love Teal Vario Pliers for Press Fasteners Tool Set
Another week, another very inspiring episode of our favourite show! This week saw the bees tackle summer-worthy garments; from chic shorts to swishy sundresses.
Bring on the sunshine!
Taking on a summer classic, the paperbag shorts, was not as easy as it seemed! These gorgeous garments feature a signature gathered ruffle effect at the top of the waist, a tie front belt and the bees also had to tackle turn-up hems too!
We've included a mix of true paperbag style shorts, and a few similar but easier styles that those of you still building your confidence can try.
Fabric matching: to achieve the crisp ruffle along the top, you need a fabric that can hold the shape a little without being too bulky. Medium weight cottons, linens and chambrays are great!
Buttons were the name of the game with this challenge, as the bees had to pick a style of sundress to make with buttons down the front. Some played it safe with just a few, while the more ambitious went for a whopping 17 buttons and buttonholes!
Fabric matching: the perfect fabric choice will depend on your pattern style, so follow the suggestions on the back. For warm weather, finer fabrics in natural fibres are best for keeping you cool - think cotton poplin, bamboo, linen/viscose mixes and rayon/viscose.
The bees went back to basics this week with a simple yet stylish shell top. Classic shell tops feature sleeveless arms, and an uncollared neckline for a clean and smart finish. Most are made from woven fabrics and fitted around the bust area with darts, some have extra fun flourishes for a bit more personality!
Dashwood Circle Line Paint Blue Rayon Fabric
Dashwood Circle Line Temple Rayon Fabric
Riley Blake Grl Pwr - Main Multi - 100% Cotton Fabric
Multi Stripe Printed Stretch Crepe Fabric
3 Wishes Good Kitty - Painters Palette - Digital 100% Cotton Fabric
Makower Michiko - Foliage Pink (metallic) - 100% Cotton Fabric
Sew Simple Stamped Batiks - 351-11-21B Red - 100% Cotton Fabric
Michael Miller Playdate with Friends - Favourite Flower Red - 100% Cotton Fabric
The first made to measure challenge was an eventful one! This week they were asked to make a buffet dress - (no, we didn't know what this meant either) a long, flowing dress that often features multiple tiers and/or ruffling. Designed for eating plenty of food and still being comfortable!
Here's a few of our favourite patterns - in different lengths, with both tiered and non-tiered, if that's not really your thing!
Friday Pattern Co Westcliff Dress
Dashwood Silk Roads - Paisley - 100% Cotton Fabric
Ditsy Floral Pink Cotton Poplin Fabric
Blossoms Grey Cotton Poplin Fabric
Multi Streaks Printed Viscose Fabric
Ditsy Floral Red/Pink Cotton Poplin Fabric
Makower Pamper - Handbags White (metallic) - 100% Cotton Fabric
Riley Blake Glam Girls - Dresses White (metallic) - 100% Cotton Fabric
Mustard Linen-Look Ramie Fabric
Tilly and the Buttons Stevie Dress
Tilly and the Buttons Bettine Dress
If you're new here, you may not have seen that we have made our very own fabric sample guides. They're a way to help you learn to identify different fabrics and how they feel and behave. The books include 52 samples of common fabrics, alongside useful info like composition, what to use them on and needle type required.
]]>In this blog post, we give you a brief idea of what most of the common fabric types are like...
One of the biggest learning curves when sewing is learning what different types and weights of fabric are!
Fabric comes in different weights or thicknesses, which are referred to as light, medium, heavy etc, and can also be referred to more accurately by their "gsm" (grams per square metre). The thicker the fabric, the heavier the weight and the higher the gsm number. Fabrics like cotton poplin and lawn are considered light weight and usually have a gsm of around 100; heavy fabrics like denim are more likely to have a gsm over 250. The gsm can also be an indicator of quality if you are buying online.
Here are some of the most common types of fabric:
Cotton Poplin - a light weight cotton that feels smooth to the touch and has a very small amount of drape. Good for lots of projects including summer dresses and skirts, lightweight trousers, tops, quilts and accessories like make up bags. It also makes a great breathable lining for clothing and bags.
Cotton Lawn - a light weight cotton, but with a slightly rougher feel to the surface and a more open weave. They tend to be even lighter than poplins, but are very breathable and comfortable and can be used as above.
Quilting Cotton - this is a medium weight cotton with a reasonable amount of structure so it's great for patchwork, quilting, bags and accessories, as well as semi-structured clothes that don't need drape. They're extremely easy to sew with due to their weight and lack of movement!
Viscose/Rayon - a light weight drapey fabric that's ideal for garments that want a lovely drape and hang to them like skirts, dresses, trousers and tops. It has a smooth, slightly silky texture and is made from a natural cellulose fibre. It can be a bit more slippery to work with for a beginner, and also tends to fray a bit more on the cut edges. Due to it's natural fibres, it's a popular choice for summer clothes as it's very breathable and cool.
Satin - a silky fabric with a classic sheen/shine to the surface, it can come in different weights from stiffer and heavier duchess satin, to lighter weight and more drapey silky or micro satin. Great for occasion and evening wear.
Sateen - usually a cotton type fabric with a matte sheen on the surface, that's often got a touch of stretch and is best used on smart fitted garments like structured dresses, work wear, trousers and skirts. It doesn't usually have much give so it's great for creating structured, tailored shapes.
Silk - a high quality, breathable fibre that can be any weight. Usually it's made into other types of fabric like silk chiffon, silk georgette etc. It can be harder to work with usually because it makes your fabric finer and more slippery. It's quite expensive so it's usually only used on occasionwear.
Coating - a thicker, woolly type fabric with a soft touch - like you'd normally see your shop-bought coats made from. It's ideal for... coats! It doesn't usually have any stretch and is very heavy weight.
Wool - often in thicker weights though you can get lighter wool fabrics for making skirts etc. Most wools are ideal for fitted garments like jackets as when pressed they hold structure well and are warm and dry.
Lace - a highly decorative woven fabrics with a wide open weave. It comes in different weights and can be stretch or non-stretch. You will normally need to use a lining underneath it for most garments.
Flannel/Brushed Cotton - this is cotton with a soft texture to the surface. It's often used for pyjamas and lounge wear as it's so comfy and cosy, though you can also use it on quilts, especially for baby and children's ones.
Polycotton - a cotton and polyester mix, it's often the cheapest type of fabric you can buy and is great for low cost fabric and practicing. It's not recommended so much for clothing as it can be a bit sweaty due to the polyester, especially for those prone to sweating or with sensitive skin!
Chiffon - a very light weight, see through fabric that's often used for the outer layer of skirts. It has a lovely flow to it and can add volume. It's also notoriously a pain in the bum to sew with as it's so light and can move a lot, so it needs plenty of pinning!
Georgette - a light to medium weight, translucent fabric; think of a heavier version of chiffon that's less see-through. Again, it's often used on occasion dresses as an overskirt with lining underneath. It's got a lovely drape to it too.
Crepe - crepe is georgette's heavier cousin. It still has the lovely drape but tends not to need lining if it's good quality and comes in many lovely printed designs.
Peachskin - this is a woven polyester fabric that has a slightly fuzzy soft texture to its surface, like a peach! It has a bit of drape so it's a great alternative to viscose for a beginner looking for a fabric with drape that's easier to work with.
Corduroy - a medium to heavier weight fabric with a velvety texture and lined surface. It can have a small amount of stretch for comfort, or no stretch. Commonly used for hardwearing garments like trousers, skirts, dungarees.
Denim - a dense woven fabric that's hardwearing for items like jeans, skirts and dresses as well as bags and accessories. It can be stretch or non-stretch and come in different weights depending on how heavy you want it - heavier types tend to be used for jackets and bags.
Chambray - this is a light weight denim type made from cotton or a mix of cotton and other fibres like viscose or polyester, and has a very small amount of drape. It's great for lighter and airier items like shirts, shirt dresses, tops and skirts.
Linen - a medium to heavy weight woven fabric, pure linen has a lovely weight and hang to it for structured dresses and trousers. Linen mixed with fibres like viscose or cotton make it lighter; viscose linens have more of a drape and a slightly lighter weight which makes them fantastic for summer garments like dresses, trousers, skirts and shorts. Linen is a natural breathable fibre, so great for those with sensitive skin and for hot weather, but it does tend to crease easily - go for a linen blend if you want to minimise creasing.
Velvet - a soft, short pile fuzzy-textured fabric that's usually used for evening wear like dresses and skirts. It can be stretch or non-stretch, and either have a matte, glass-like or "crushed" finish. If you brush it one way, it will look different to when you brush it the other way so be mindful of this when cutting out!
Jersey - a stretch fabric in light to medium weights that's a great all-rounder for things like tops, t-shirts, leggings and dresses. Cotton jerseys are easier to work with and a bit thicker; viscose jerseys have more drape and are thinner but can be more slippery to work with.
Ponte Roma - a thicker stretch fabric, with a slightly satinised texture. It's low-stretch so easier to work with and makes great skirts, dresses and stretch garments that want a bit more structure and bit of a smarter look.
Interlock/double knit - this is usually a thicker, medium weight fabric that's got a matte texture and is a bit thicker than jersey. Great for dresses, hoodies, tops etc.
Sweatshirting - a thick, low-stretch fabric that's warm and cosy, ideal for sweaters, hoodies and jogging bottoms. It normally has a smoother side with a plain or printed design, and the back is fluffier and cosier with a brushed finish.
Ribbed/sweater knit - this is a stretch fabric that has a lined, knitted texture to it and is often warm and thick. It's ideal for winter wear like jumpers and dresses.
Ribbing/cuffing - this is usually used in conjunction with jersey or sweatshirting, and is a thicker, heavier ribbed fabric designed to withstand the extra wear and tear your garments may get on the cuffs and waistband. It's usually sold on a much smaller width roll but half a metre will go a long way - you usually only use it on cuffs, waistbands and sometimes neckbands.
Suiting - this can come in stretch or non-stretch varieties and is usually made from fibres like cotton, polyester, nylon etc. It's good for smart items like structured skirts, trousers and jackets.
Plush/fur - a low-pile fur-type fabric that is super soft to the touch, like animal fur. It's a popular choice for children's blankets, teddies, toys and dressing gowns.
Leather - either genuine made from animal hide, or more common faux leather made from man-made fibres, it has a heavy weight while often still being quite supple and soft to the touch. A good quality faux leather can be used for bags and accessories, as well as structured garments like skirts or dresses.
Suede - real or faux, it has a peached sort of texture to it and is often semi-structured. Use for bags, accessories and upholstery as well as garments like skirts or dresses.
Canvas - a heavy weight, densely woven cotton or polyester type fabric. It's hardwearing and most commonly used for bag making, home accessories and upholstery, although you can use it for more durable garments like skirts.
PVC/Oilcloth - a laminated fabric that usually has a cotton base that has been laquered over with a waterproof polyethene type finish. They are wipe clean and waterproof usually, but can stick to your machine as you sew - use a teflon foot or tissue paper to help prevent this. Great for tablecloths, bags and cosmetic bags - anything you want to wipe clean!
Tweed - a heavy woven fabric with a traditional woven pattern, that's great for skirts, jackets and also bags. It can fray quite a lot so you'll want to overlock or bind your seams, and you will need a lining if you are making a garment.
Jacquard - a fabric with the design woven into the fabric as opposed to printed on the surface. Can come in stretch or non-stretch varieties and is usually medium to heavy weight.
Interfacing - this is not a fabric as such, but does also come in different weights, and is used alongside your main fabric to stabilise and reinforce areas of your sewing. You can get iron-on or sew-in varieties, though most modern patterns will suggest using fusible or iron-on versions. Choose a weight that is similar to your fabric, eg lightweight interfacing for a lightweight fabric like cotton poplin or viscose.
]]>In this blog post, we'll cover how to choose the right fabric for your project...
Before you start looking at fabrics, it's a good idea to take a look at your pattern as a starting point. They'll always recommend some fabrics to make each different style on the pattern, and if you've never made the garment before and/or don't have a lot of experience of different fabrics, then I'd really recommend picking one of their suggestions. Usually, they're tried and tested so you can be reassured that you'll get the results and the look that you want from the finished garment if you use one of their suggestions.
When you start sewing, we'd recommend opting for more stable woven fabrics like cottons or linens that won't move around or stretch too much as you work with them. Look for the fibre content of the fabric you are buying and check it is mostly cotton or linen (it can be a blend).
For lighter garments you can use cotton poplin, cotton lawn, chambray, polyester peachskin or polyester crepe; for medium to heavy weight items use quilting weight cotton, cotton canvas, corduroy, linen and linen blends.
You need to think about the purpose of the final garment and how the fabric choice might effect the overall finish. Thicker fabrics will be less transparent so won't need lining, while drapier fabrics will have that lovely hang to them. Depending on the style of your pattern, this is something to consider when deciding what type of fabric to pick - and is mostly down to personal preference. I love my clothes to have a lovely drape to them most of the time so quite often I'll opt for a viscose or viscose blend where I can for my garments, as they add that lovely soft flow to the finished garment.
If you're not sure about the fit of your garment, you can make what we call a toile - a practice garment - in a cheaper fabric first before you splash out on something more expensive. This is great for working out the fit of the garment properly, but make sure you use something similar in weight and movement as the fabric you will eventually use - eg, if you're going to make it in a cotton lawn eventually, choose a cheaper lawn or a cotton poplin which is also light and has a similar amount of drape to it. That way you can anticipate how it will hang and move.
Finally, cheaper is not always better when it comes to fabric, as you may find that poorer quality fabrics are harder to sew with; they also tend to wash and wear less well, so weigh up how much you want to spend versus how long you want it to last and how easy you want your sewing time. Personally, if I'm going to spend hours and hours making and perfecting my item of clothing, I don't want to feel it's all gone to waste on something that falls apart in five minutes after a few washes. Sewing is rarely cheaper than buying ready-made, however if you take your time to sew neatly and accurately, and use good-quality fabrics, you'll find you have a wardrobe full of designer-quality items at a fraction of the price!
]]>In this post we cover how to pick your first pattern, to achieve success in your first project...
When choosing your first project, don't be over ambitious - this is where lots of people fall at the first hurdle, trying to do something really complicated, find they get stuck/can't do it/don't understand it and give up. Work your way up to the harder stuff!
Look for a pattern with simple construction, think simple shapes and smooth lines - the less fitted it is the easier, though we'd recommend steering clear of stretch fabric at first.
Bear in mind that independent patterns often have more easy-to-understand instructions than your big pattern brands like Simplicity - Tilly and the Buttons in particular is great for beginners with jargon-free instructions and breakdowns of key techniques.
Here's a few of our most-loved beginner-friendly patterns:
]]>In this blog post, we cover what basic equipment you really need to get started in sewing...
Other than a sewing machine, there are a few other essential pieces of equipment we'd recommend investing in as you will need to use them for most projects.
If you want all your basics in one easy-to-purchase place, you can get yourself a beginner's box, which contains all the essential basics you'll need. If you'd rather pick your own, read on to see what we'd recommend...
Firstly, a good set of pins! It's really personal preference as to what type of pins you pick - there's everything from novelty button head ones to simple dressmaking pins. Personally, we prefer to use heatproof glass head pins as we don't have to worry about the pin heads melting if they get ironed over, and the heads make them easier to grip and get in and out of your fabric.
You'll obviously need some needles too, most likely both hand sewing and sewing machine needles, although your machine may come with a set of universal needles when you buy it. Hand sewing needles are usually needed to finish off delicate things like buttons, finely stitched hems and tacking stitches. A basic pack of household needles will do you for most things.
Types of machine needles
There are lots of different types of machine (and hand sewing) needles, and each are designed for sewing different types of fabrics. Make sure you're using the correct type of needle for the fabric you're sewing.
Universal - a great all round needles for most light to medium weight fabrics like cottons, linens, polyester types. Most have a slight ball point so can also be used for low stretch fabrics like stretch cord, stretch sateen, stretch denim.
Ball point/Stretch - for stretch and knit fabrics like jersey, ponte roma, sweatshirting, interlock, double knit etc, lycra types. For very stretchy fabrics, use a stretch needle.
Metalfil - for using with machine embroidery threads and metallic threads, they help stop the fibres shedding and reduce breakages.
Embroidery - for using with machine embroidery threads and embroidery machines, they help stop the threads from splitting or breaking by ensuring a smooth feed
Sharps - ideal for fabrics like silk, microfibre etc; their sharp point is ideal for tightly woven fibres.
Top Stitch - these have an extra large eye to accommodate thicker top stitching threads, and are ideal for stitching medium to heavy weight fabrics like denim and canvas
Quilting - these have a longer, sharper point that's great for piercing multiple layers of cotton and batting/wadding.
Leather - for leather and faux leather; they have a triangular shaped point to help penetrate the surface of tougher fabrics
Jeans - for heavy, tightly woven fabrics like denim, canvas; they have an extra sharp point for penetrating dense weaves.
Overlock - these are used for overlocker machines, but you can also use stretch needles if you can't get your hands on these.
Twin needles - these come in different fabric types again like universal or stretch, but they all contain two needles attached to one shaft; they create two lines of stitching and a zigzagging bobbin thread on the wrong side.
All needles come in different sizes/weights, starting from lower numbers like 70 right up to 100. The lower the number, the finer the fabric; the higher the number, the heavier the fabric. We'd always recommend using an 80 on something like quilting weight cotton and linens, 70 on lighter fabrics like poplin or crepe, and 90 or above on heavier fabrics like canvas and denim.
A seam ripper is another sewing box essential, because let's face it - you're going to make mistakes along the way (we do now, even after years of stitching!) and will need to unpick your stitches quickly and easily. These have a fine, sharp blade on them to quickly slide under your stitching and rip it. This basic soft grip version is a great long-lasting option, though if you want to invest in a super duper one that also removes threads, go for a Seam Fix!
A tape measure is also an essential, so you can measure yourself and your pattern pieces if you need to! Make sure you get a flexible one.
You'll need a marker of some description to help you mark out any pattern markings like notes and tailor tacks. Chalk is the classic marker of choice as it washes out or wipes away on most fabrics, and also comes in pencil versions for easier use. however you can also get more modern versions such as vanishing markers. Bear in mind how long you may want your marks to last - the vanishing ones can fade within hours!
One of the other essentials is a couple of good pairs of scissors. You'll want a larger pair with longer blades for cutting out your fabric, and a pair of smaller, finer scissors with a sharper point like embroidery scissors. These are great for finer work and snipping threads.
When buying scissors, you will have to weigh up quality vs cost - there are more expensive brands like Fiskars which can be up to twice the price of cheaper ones, however they stay sharp for years as long as you look after them. Cheaper pairs often blunt more easily and may need replacing in 6 months to a year. Only use your scissors on fabric to help give them the longest life! Have a separate pair designated to cutting paper/patterns.
We'd recommend this pair of Fiskars for a great all-round fabric cutting pair that will stay sharp for years:
For a good pair of embroidery scissors, look for something with a fine, sharp point for accurate cutting, like these:
A couple of other useful - but not essential - items to have that we'd recommend would be a magnetic seam guide and a sewing gauge. These will both help you achieve straighter, neater hems and seams, something a lot of beginners struggle with at first! The seam guide will attach to the plate on your machine and will help you guide the fabric to the right seam allowance easier while sewing; the gauge will help you measure your hems more accurately when you turn them up, and is especially useful for long hems like skirts and dresses. It also has a handy point turning for creating crisp corners!
]]>In this post we cover how to choose your first sewing machine....
You don't need a sewing machine to sew, but most people prefer to use a machine because it's a lot quicker and tends to be more even - especially when it comes to things like dressmaking with lots and lots of seams! Remember, for hundreds of years before the sewing machine was invented, everything was stitched by hand.
Choosing a sewing machine is a bit like choosing a car - they all essentially work the same, but the features and the way it 'drives' will vary a bit by manufacturer. Generally, any of the big brands offer good quality machines - Janome is our favourite but many people also like Brother, Singer, Husqvarna and Juki too.
Consider what features you may want to use and the budget you've got to spend, as well as how long you want the machine to last you in your sewing journey. If you're on a tight budget and just want to get started quicky, you can often pick up a basic Brother or Janome machine for under £100. These are great for starting out and have all the main stitches and features you'd use over time, but they aren't as swish and tend to omit those handy little extras that you may find help prevent a lot of frustration.
If you think you'll use your machine a lot and can afford to, we'd recommend getting the best machine you can afford that has all the features you want - this doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive! Usually the more expensive they are, the more extras they have, such as more decorative stitches, features like automatic bobbin winder, start/stop button, needle threader etc. They also include digital features as you progress up the price band, which may or may not be a good thing. They tend to be more slick and easier to use but the computer element is more likely the break than the more mechanical basic models without a digital element.
Think about what you'd find most useful - eg, a needle threader if your vision is less clear or you sew in the evenings as you may get frustrated trying to see to thread the needle constantly! Generally, I'd recommend getting something with a speed control, needle threader and automatic bobbin winder if you can as these tend to be really helpful features that I always regretted not having on hand with my first machine, and often the next machine up has these for not much more money.
Don't forget to check out people's reviews online, and if you can, go to a machine shop and see if you can try one out! Lots of them will let you have a go before you commit to buying.
Once you've got your machine, you'll need to learn what the different parts are and how to set it up. You can find a basic anatomy of a machine (sometimes where things are may vary slightly by brand/model) in your manual that comes with the machine. I'd recommend taking the time to read your manual as often they do actually have a lot of info on how to use all features of your machine to the fullest, including the different feet!
(Anatamony of sewing machine by Sew Magazine)
Ultimately, you'll need to learn how to wind a bobbin, thread your machine, adjust the tension and start/stop stitching as a basic requirement. Your manual will show you how to thread your specific machine, and often you'll find numbers and/or arrows printed on the machine too to show you where to place the thread. Make sure you put the spool cap on over the end of your thread, otherwise it will pop off as you sew, and follow the numbers. When you thread the thread through the metal 'eye', ensure the needle is in the highest position by using the turn wheel on the side of the machine.
You'll also need to wind some thread onto your bobbin, Make sure you've got bobbins suitable for your machine (normally they come with a few when you get it). There's a small metal spoke on the top of your machine that holds the bobbin for winding. You'll need to thread the machine differently to wind your bobbin - normally this goes round something on the top of the machine like a metal screw to help give tension, and then thread the end of the thread through from the middle of the bobbin to the outside, through the hole. Pull a couple of inches of thread through so you've got enough to hold on to, then pop the bobbin onto the metal spoke until you hear it click into place. You may need to set your machine to bobbin winding mode if it's digital, or slide the metal spoke to the side to engage this feature. Next, disengage the needle by pulling the turn wheel out away from the machine - don't worry, it's designed to do this! - which will stop the needle going up and down when you wind the bobbin. Hold the end of the thread firmly and then push the foot pedal or start/stop button to start your bobbin winding. Don't let go until it's wound a few rounds of thread onto the bobbin or it will unthread itself! Keep going until it looks full or stops on it's own (if you have this feature).
Once you've filled your bobbin, you need to thread this up into your machine too. There are two types of bobbins on a machine - front loading or drop-in style. The drop in is a little less fiddly, but both essentially work the same!
Here's how to thread a drop-in bobbin:
And here's how to thread a front loading bobbin:
Make sure you've drawn the bobbin thread up through the machine before you start stitching. To do this, hold the top thread taught and then raise and lower the needle. This should pull a loop of bobbin thread through from the bottom of the machine, you just need to pull it out and ensure you've got a good tail of thread (about 8cm is good) that's sitting out towards the back of the machine.
Now you're ready to start stitching!
Raise the presser foot - there should be a lever somewhere behind and to the right of the needle - then place your fabric underneath, lining up the edge of the fabric with the seam allowance you need on the metal plate underneath. When you've got it in the right place, lower the lever to lower the presser foot.
Put your foot down, and you're away!
]]>Fabric suggestions
Art Gallery Fields of Silene Jersey Knit Fabric
Fabric Suggestions:
Khaki Modal Bamboo Twill Fabric
Green Stripe Printed Linen Viscose Fabric
Fabric Suggestions:
Mustard Tulips Printed Polyester Peachskin Fabric
Abstract Floral Blue Printed Viscose Fabric
Fabric Suggestions:
Fabric Suggestions
Micro Dot Light Chambray Fabric
Palms Navy Printed Linen Viscose Fabric
Fabric Suggestions
Hamburger Liebe High Five Printed Viscose Fabric
White/Black Dalmation Spot Peachskin Fabric
Fabric Suggestions
Liberty Flower Show Spring Emily Silhouette Pink 100% Cotton Fabric
Busy Blossoms Lilac Cotton Lawn Fabric
Fabric Suggestions
Multi Micro Dot Printed Viscose Fabric
Fabric Suggestions
Ditsy Leaf Red Printed Viscose Fabric
Lecien Memoire a Paris Floral White 100% Cotton Fabric
Fabric Suggestions
Embroidered Cotton Stripe Fabric
Mint Lightweight Linen Viscose Fabric
Fabric Suggestions
Denim Blue Stonewashed 100% Linen Fabric
Natural Beige Linen Viscose Fabric
Fabric Suggestions
Plain White Cotton Poplin Fabric
Pink Daisy Light Chambray Denim Fabric
Fabric Suggestions
]]>The final, already! My how time flies when you're having fun watching other people sew... and what a challenge they picked for the final three. This was certainly one I'd never want to be doing under pressure, as they tackled Celebration week!
They kicked things off with a pattern matching challenge beyond all others: a traditional pleated kilt! Boy was it a tough one, to match not only the pleats but also the waistband... not one I'd fancy tackling, but this easier take on it might not be so bad!
Fabric Suggestions: a traditional kilt is obviously always made in a woven tartan. One of the most important things that came out of this episode was that choosing your tartan print was essential to how easy it was to tackle the pleats; generally a smaller repeat/print was easier to match.
If you are going to go for a traditional style kilt, don't forget your kilt pin!
This week, the bee's were tasked to turn a swimsuit and a prom dress into a carnival-worthy outift - such fun! Big, bold and bright was the name of the game... just like this pattern (for a more at-home friendly version)!
Fabric Suggestions: anything bright, bold or heavily embellished to catch everyone's eye!
The final challenge - a red carpet-worthy gown, no pressure! What a challenge to end on, and there was some extremely impressive sewing going on. If you've always wanted to try making one, why not give it a go? Take your time and enjoy the process! (Pssst the top one is the actual pattern Nicole used on the show!)
Fabric Suggestions: As with the previous challenge, it was all about luxury - lots of lovely texture, whether that was from faux leather or sequins and feathers.
]]>It was semi-final week this week (how quickly has that gone!) and so it seemed only right that they go for a big theme - and movie week really hit the spot!
First up was a Marilyn Monroe-inspired dress - you know which one we're talking about! As Esme said, this dress may look easy but the easy ones are the hardest - there was a LOT of perfect finishing and tricky techniques required for this pleated beauty! Rotary cutters were a must-have for accurate cutting on these tricky fabrics, especially the pleated stuff.
We've found a couple of Monroe-inspired styles that are a little easier to sew below, if you'd like to have a go at your own version:
Fabric Suggestions: The bees all had to use polyester type fabrics in different colours, but if you want to stay true to the original, white or ivory are best! You can go for pre-pleated but this is quite tricky to work with; for an easier sew, stick to a non-pleated fabric. Those with a silky touch and/or drape are good for a nicely hanging skirt.
Invisible zips are hard to get perfect, but you can achieve that professional finish better with a dedicated zipper foot. This Hemline version is a great low cost version, but if you'll use it lots you may want to invest in a more expensive branded one for your machine.
It's oh-so-easy to forget those finishing essentials, so don't forget to stock up on handy habby like hook and bars! These were essential for holding up the halternecks in this challenge, but they're also very handy to have in your sewing box for skirt, trouser and dress projects!
Scrapyard met charity shop for this transformation challenge, that took glitzy and metallic to 1000% (plus some space junk for good measure too) to make sci-fi inspired outfits. The shapes of the garments they created were dramatic and made a statement, with bold collars and sleeves... here's a few patterns that build on those bold elements and shapes:
Fabrics: anything went in this challenge - sparkly, studded, metallic, leather! Texture and shine were the main features of all the fabrics used.
Silver Metallic Moire Jersey Fabric
Windham Solids - Silver (metallic) 100% Cotton Fabric
Windham Solids - Gold (metallic) 100% Cotton Fabric
Chic slip style dresses and sparkly sequins, beads and feathering were essential for the flapper inspired dresses of the made to measure. Don't forget the top tip for using beaded fabric - to remove the beads before sewing your seam (hammer or no hammer!)
Fabric suggestions: again, it was all about glitz and glamour, so fabrics with high detail and texture were big hits. Think feathers, embellishments, embroidery, paired with floaty fabrics like silky satin and chiffon.
Embellished Embroidered Chiffon Fabric
Black Feather Jacquard Chiffon Fabric
Duck Egg Feather Jacquard Fabric
Duck Egg Stretch Suiting Fabric
Champagne Moire Metallic Textured Jersey Fabric
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Things went round the world this week with international week! Garments inspired by traditional shapes and styles from countries like the Philippines, France and Spain... oh it was a good one!
This was an interesting challenge, where the bee's had to tackle making a button-back Terno blouse with structured "puff" style sleeves. The shapes they created were stunning and actually quite on-trend too - we've pulled together a few similar (but not quite so dramatic) versions you might add to your every day wardrobe...
Fabric suggestions: structured fabrics that hold their shape were what was needed for this top, to hold the shape of the sleeves. Some used tulle in the sleeves to help give extra body.
Navy Floral Cotton Poplin Fabric
Ditsy Floral Blue Cotton Poplin Fabric
Ditsy Floral Red Cotton Poplin Fabric
Summer Floral Cotton Poplin Fabric
Dashwood Ace Cotton Lawn Fabric
Lisa Comfort Busy Blossom Cotton Lawn Fabric
Habby Essentials
Most of the contestants chose to make their own bias binding for the necklines of their top. If you want to have a go at it, it's really simple - especially with these handy gadgets!
One of the other key components of this top were the beautiful self-covered matching buttons down the back. If you've never tried making them, give it a go - they really add that professional touch and are not difficult to do (when you're not rushing to do it in 10 mins for a challenge!) with the buttons and tool.
This week's transformation was much more free with the bee's able to choose any garment of their choice, AND having a much larger amount of fabric to work with being given a choice of gorgeous French style tablecloths. There were some great little outfits created, including gorgeous dramatic sleeves and the sweetest little dress and apron... make something similar with the patterns below!
Things got fun and flouncy with a flamenco inspired made to measure challenge this week! It was all about ruffles and flounces, with fitted shapes around the hips and gorgeous flaring down to the ankles.
Get that spanish feel with these wearable patterns...
Fabric Suggestions: skirts were made from all different fabrics from scuba types to drapey viscose and tousley taffeta! You'll want something that can either hold the ruffled shape of a flounce or has enough drape to create it's own flounce.
Powder Blue Scuba Crepe Fabric
Fans Navy Printed Scuba Crepe Fabric
Tribal Diamonds Printed Viscose Fabric
]]>It was bold, bright and beautiful as we took things back to the 80's this episode! Think big bows, bold statement shoulders, and lots of luxe shiny fabrics...
The first challenge offered up a test in tailoring, with the contestants facing a power jacket full of fitted darts, big shoulder pads and bold lapels. A jacket to make a statement! Whether you prefer a bold look or something a bit more subtle, find your next (or first) jacket pattern inspired by this make...
Fabric Suggestions: You want something with a bit of structure to hold the shape of the jacket and that can be pressed. Wool mixes are great for this and proved to be a good choice for most of the contestants who made a successfully structured jacket.
Glitter Houndstooth Tweed Fabric
Midnight Blue Wool Boucle Fabric
Camel Wool Look Coating Fabric
Christmas Red Washable Wool Fabric
And you can't be without your trusty shoulder pads for a true power jacket...
This one is always a bit whacky this series, and it was no different this time - turning high vis garments into party wear! There were fun crop tops and poofy skirts, strapless mini dresses, and retro shapes!
Things got smart in the last challenge with fun cocktail dresses on the menu! It was all about shiny crazy fabrics like velvet, satin, taffeta and more... because more is more!
Fabric Suggestions: For that 80's look, it's all about luxe shiny fabrics! Think lace, sequins, velvet, lame, metallic shades and silky finishes. Check your individual pattern for what sort of fabric will work best in terms of weight, structure, and stretch.
Silver Metallic Textured Moire Jersey Fabric
Champagne Metallic Textured Moire Jersey Fabric
Champagne Metallic Linen Viscose Fabric
Light Pink Crushed Velvet Fabric
]]>Things got intimate with lingerie and loungewear week... the Bee's got to make some interesting and more challenging garments, including a bones basque - now that's a challenge!
Cor blimey, what a challenge this week! The contestants had to tackle making basques (like corsets but with hook and eye fastenings not lacing) with boning, and boy did they look tricky! Considering everything, we think they did a good job - except for the missing panel! If seeing their finished makes had you wanting to try one, we've found some patterns you can try out yourself...
Fabric Suggestions
The fabrics that work best for these sorts of garments need to have structure, so things like satin and brocade are great choices. You can also add lace for pretty detailing!
That hook and eye tape seemed to cause the most problems of all! Personally, I'd much prefer to just sew them on by hand... at least I'd know it's secure! One thing I do know is that they're always handy to have around...
Bias binding worked miracles for giving a nice neat finish in this challenge too - and is a technique you can apply to any project with raw edges you can't conceal. It hides a multitude of sins!
An interesting challenge this week, turning old pyjamas into summer garments! There were some interesting interpretations, but we really loved the shirt with billowing sleeves, the dungarees and the simple button down skirt. All things we'd be wearing!
Grab a piece of those styles with these patterns:
As always, this was our favourite challenge! There were some gorgeous 2 piece sleep sets, and all the flowy fabric was utterly delightful - we were ready to hop into bed after!
Here's some of our fave sleepwear patterns if you want to make your evenings cosier:
Fabric Suggestions
Most of the bee's chose to use soft and flowing fabrics for their sets, especially the camisole and shorts style garments. You want to look out for silky lightweight satins, drapey viscose and viscose jersey if you want a bit of stretch for added comfort.
Some of the contestants chose to use more comfy and stable fabrics like winciette (similar to flannel), and floatier cotton lawn which is great for warm nights!
Leopard Print Silky Satin Viscose Fabric
Navy Floral Micro Satin Fabric
Multi Micro Dot Printed Viscose Fabric
Animal Print Stone Viscose Fabric
Coral Ditsy Floral Viscose Fabric
Duck Egg Floral Printed Viscose Fabric
Mint Lightweight Linen Viscose Fabric
Peach Dot and Dash Textured Viscose Crepe Fabric
Sausage Dogs Printed Viscose Fabric
Sketch Floral Printed Viscose Fabric
Dashwood Ace Lawn Bahar Navy Fabric
All The Roses Cotton Lawn Fabric
Busy Blossom Mint Cotton Lawn Fabric
Busy Blossom Lilac Cotton Lawn Fabric
Fifi Camisole and Shorts Project Box
The one requirement the judges did stipulate on this challenge was that it had to include lace, and it did add a nice finishing touch!
Many of the Bee's did some fine cutting and trimming on their sleepwear sets, precisely cutting their lace edges - you'll definitely need a super fine pair of scissors for this, and these Milward ones are great as they have such a fine point tip for such close work.
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