Innehållsförteckning för Spring 2024 från Sew News

Welcome to the ultimate sewing pattern treasure trove! Here at Sew Daily, we've delved into the archives and handpicked our all-time favorite patterns that deserve a prime spot in every sewist's collection. As we take a nostalgic journey through past treasures, get ready to discover the gems that have stood the test of time, earning our team's stamp of approval. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your sewing adventure, these patterns are a must-have for unleashing your creativity and crafting timeless pieces. So without further ado, let's dive into our top Sew Daily pattern picks—your ticket to sewing success! AGAVE TOP & DRESS Calling all trendsetters! Feast your eyes on the Agave Top—formerly known as the Up in Arms pattern. This is our ultimate ace for showcasing fabulous…

SUPPLIES • Pleated culottes pattern (such as the Winslow Culottes by Helen's Closet Patterns) • Light-to mediumweight woven fabric (such as linen, twill, crepe de chine, viscose poplin; amount according to pattern instructions) • Notions (according to pattern instructions) PREPARE Download pattern. Print and cut out front and back pieces. From the fabric cut two front and back pieces mirror image. For the waist ties, measure the upper edge of the front pant piece and multiply by 2. To that number add 20”. The sample has a measurement of 9½” along the upper edge, giving you the following equation: 9.5 x 2 = 19 + 20 = 39” From the fabric and interfacing cut two ties that are 3” wide by the number above. For the sample that is 3”…

SUPPLIES • 1 yard canvas (see “Sources”) • 1/4 yard quilting cotton • 2¼ yards woven fusible interfacing (see “Sources”) • 1 yard flex foam • 1/4 yard batting • 3 yards 5/8” wide fold-over elastic • 3 yards 1” wide webbing • 1/3 yard 2” wide webbing • 1½ yard elastic cord • 1 9¼” all-purpose zipper • 1 12½” handbag zipper • 1 1” parachute buckle • 2 1” slider adjusters • 2 1” D rings • Denim sewing machine needle • Zipper sewing foot • Fabric clips Most of the pattern pieces are rectangles, so to save paper consider using the cut chart for the following pieces. PREPARE Download the Huckleberry Backpack pattern. Print and cut out. From the canvas cut two main body pieces, four side…

FRAYED ANGLED HEM PREPARE Cut off the existing hem. Along the side seam, measure and mark up from the bottom of the jeans 2”. Using a ruler and chalk, mark an angled line from the bottom edge of the inseam to the marked line along the side seam (1). CONSTRUCT Stitch two rows of straight stitches on both sides of the chalk line to prevent the jeans from continuing to fray. With scissors, cut ¼” wide strips from the bottom up to but not through the first stitch line. Repeat with second leg (2). Wash and dry the jeans to start fraying. Using a hairbrush or comb, brush out the bottom of the jeans to create the fringe. CROPPED FLARES PREPARE Try on jeans and mark a line parallel to…

DEAR READERS AND SEWING ENTHUSIASTS, The ice is finally melting, the sun's peeking out longer, and it's time to sprout some fresh ideas! Yep, you guessed it—time to swap out that winter coat for something lighter, jazz up your living space, and dive into some crafty adventures. Now, for those of you looking to revamp your style without breaking the piggy bank, you've gotta check out Sewstainable (page 56). Want a quick fix for those jeans you can't bear to part with? Creative hemming is the answer! Hey, all you sewing enthusiasts out there! Don't sweat over sheer fabrics anymore. We've got your back with some awesome tips. Picture this: you, a sewing machine, and a fabulous springtime frock! Oh, and be sure to scope out the Sporty Sheer Duster…

Pleats are pressed or topstitched folds in fabric that control fullness. They're very versatile; you'll find them in garments, such as skirts and pants, as well as in home décor projects, such as drapes, tablecloths, pillows, bed skirts, and more. STITCHING A PLEAT To form a pleat, fold the fabric on the fold line and bring the fold to the placement line, following the arrow on the pattern. Hand-baste or pin each pleat along the folded edge to temporarily secure in place. Baste across the pleat upper edges. Press the pleat before attaching the piece to the rest of the garment. Follow the pattern instructions if edgestitching or topstitching is required for the desired look. PLEAT TYPES There are two basic types of pleats: fabric folds created by doubling the…

SN: Who first introduced you to sewing? T: My first interaction with sewing occurred during an internship with a small atelier in my last year of high school. The owner of the atelier, a family friend, graciously asked me to come to her studio space and work as her assistant for a couple of weeks so that I could have a better look into a fashion design path. I didn't know how to sew at all at that time, so she showed me how to use a sewing machine and introduced me to some basic sewing techniques. Back then, I wasn't allowed to sew much of what she was working on, but I was observing and learning how to sew step by step. SN: Tell us about your first experience…

Sheer fabrics are becoming more widely available to the home sewist, but extra care should be taken when you sew with them. With the right planning, you can create a beautiful dress like this silk chiffon Wilder Gown (pattern from Friday Pattern Company). Before you start on your next sheer garment, follow these tips for success. KNOW YOUR FIBER AND PATTERN The outcome of any sewing project is inextricably tied to good pressing. If you are considering a sheer fabric that is polyester, remember that it will not press as well as silk or another natural fiber. If the project you have in mind is complicated and requires pressing to mold it into shape, a heat-resistant polyester may not be the best choice. The simple lines of the Wilder Gown…

Topstitching is a rather straightforward technique that requires simply stitching a straight or curved line. Topstitching is either achieved with a straight stitch, zigzag stitch, double-row stitch using a twin needle, or any number of decorative stitches. Since it's always visible from the right side, it's important that topstitching is sewn with precision to present a professional-looking finish. It takes a steady hand, a good eye, and the right tools and techniques, not to mention practice. While most commonly stitched on a sewing machine, topstitching can also be achieved by hand, which lends a more refined couture finish. Whether done on the machine or by hand, give careful consideration to the choice of stitch, thread, presser foot, needle, stitch length, and distance from the edge or seam line. THREAD The…

Mending clothing instead of discarding it not only reduces waste and conserves resources but also preserves cherished memories and personal style, contributing to a more sustainable and meaningful wardrobe. Embracing the art of repair empowers individuals to make mindful choices, fostering a deeper connection to their belongings and the environment. Helen is taking your mending questions and showing you how you can extend a garment for years of wear. Q A button has come off my favorite sweater, and part of what I loved about the sweater was the distinctive buttons. I won't be able to find similar buttons anywhere. How can I fix my sweater so that I don't feel disappointed with it? A Instead of trying to replace what was there, why not take the chance to add…

Love it or not, bellbottoms are back, baby! They've been rebranded as “flares,” but the vibe is still groovy. The look typically features an undoubtedly high waist, trim fit through the hips and thighs, and flare starting below the knee—and the pants often include patch pockets. Our beloved indie sewing designers didn't skip a beat, bringing us several new flare patterns last year. Here we present three popular designs, as well as an option for folks who prefer Big 4 patterns. ISLE JEANS Chalk and Notch $18 PDF 0–30 (up to 59” hip) The Isle Jeans are my personal favorite. They feature six darts for shaping at the waist; two on each side in the back and another pair up front. Having no back yoke, this design begs to be…

SUPPLIES • 1 ½ yards chiffon • 1 ¼ yards lightweight accent fabric • Scrap lightweight interfacing • Two grommet sets • 1 yard drawstring cord PREPARE Download the Iris Duster pattern. Print and cut out. From the chiffon cut one front and back panel. From the accent fabric cut two sleeves, one accent strip, two pockets, and two hoods. Working with the accent strip, fold both long edges toward the wrong side ¼” and press well. Working with the hood pieces, press interfacing to the wrong side of hood at grommet marking. Install grommet according to manufacturer's instructions. Repeat with second hood piece. CONSTRUCT Use ¼” seam allowance unless otherwise noted. inish all raw edges of front and back pieces and hood with either a zigzag stitch or serger.…

Square Neck with Long Sleeves SUPPLIES • Black Forest Bodysuit pattern (see “Design”) • Knit fabric & notions (according to pattern instructions) • Tracing paper • Ruler • Pencil PREPARE Trace all pieces except sleeve and turtleneck, and mark seam allowance along joining seams such as shoulders and curved edges of accent and main (1). Starting with the front main and accent, overlap pieces along seam line by lining up the marked seam allowance. Tape pieces together. Repeat with back main and accent piece. tip Consider using painter's tape for this step; it is much easier to remove from paper later in the steps without ripping the paper. Measure and mark a point Along the center front 4” from neckline. This number can be adjusted based on personal preference. Mark…

Find out about the talented experts featured in this issue and visit their websites to learn even more. BIANCA SPRINGER (“Rainbow Quilted Pillow” — page 50) is a native of The Bahamas who learned to sew at her mother's side. She now resides in Pearland, Texas with her husband, daughter, and son. They all serve as endless inspiration for fabric experimentation and handembroidery designs. She teaches group and private sewing to anyone willing to learn. thanksimadethem.blogspot.com DENISE ALONSO (“Hit the Trails Backpack” ߛ page 44, “Weave Two Into One” – page 63, and “Sporty Sheer Duster” ߛ page 68) is a pattern designer, sewist, maker, and serial creative. She loves living in the PNW, sewing patterns with size inclusivity, the '80s, and her dog Marshmallow. She believes you can always…

SHARPEN THE POINT Fill a salt or pepper shaker with steel mesh for hand sewing needle sharpening. —Amy F., email DARK MARK Use a dark-colored permanent marker when changing your sewing machine needle type and mark it. After three marks, it's time to dispose of the needle. —Dede B., Facebook SPIRAL STORAGE Use plastic spiral binders to store multiple bobbins. —Sam S., Facebook NOT JUST FOR KIDS Use kid-friendly washable markers or crayons as removable fabric marking tools. —Cara C., Facebook POP IT WITH A SOCKET Pop the backs into covered buttons using a socket wrench. —Susie, Facebook…

Proper pressing is the key to creating successful pleats. Lightly press or steam pleats to create soft folds, or press hard and sharp for more distinct folds. Because it's necessary to press through several fabric layers, use a steam iron for best results, and always use a press cloth. To eliminate ridges on the garment right side, place strips of paper between the pleat folds and the outer garment when pressing. To create soft pleats, lay a dry press cloth over the pleat fold on the garment right side. Press lightly, or steam the pleats from about 2” above the fabric. Let cool and dry completely before moving the fabric. To create crisp pleats, lay a damp press cloth over the pleat folds and apply the full pressure of the…

OVER A REMARKABLE SPAN OF FORTY-THREE YEARS, Sew News magazine graced newsstands and nestled into countless mailboxes, serving as a bastion of sewing insights, invaluable tips, interviews featuring prominent figures within the sewing sphere, and a treasure trove of breathtaking patterns. As we bid adieu to the tangible print edition, let's pause to indulge in a reflective moment, revisiting a selection of our most cherished covers that have adorned the magazine through the years! February/March 2015 Our 35th anniversary brought with it an emphasis on fitting skills and the innovative tools hitting the market. November/December 1980 Issue #1: The FIRST EVER issue of Sew News magazine September 1987: Cindy Crawford High-end fashion for the home sewist. August 1997 Embracing the trends of the era: sheer fabrics, discussions on shapewear, and…

SUPPLIES • 1 yard of wool felt fabric (44” wide) • Leather scraps • 1” 3-ring binder • Leather sewing needle PREPARE Remove the ring hardware from the binder using pliers and some elbow grease. Lay the binder flat and measure both the length and width. Add ½” seam allowance to both numbers. The sample measurements ended up being 21½” × 12½”. From the felt cut two rectangles in the measurement above, three rectangles 10” × 3”, and one pocket rectangle 8” by the width determined above. From the leather cut two rectangles 7” × 3”. tip Regardless of the size of binder you are working with, make sure you have plenty of excess felt in your seam allowance to easily sew around the binder material without accidentally stitching the…

SUPPLIES • 1 yard cotton (front base) • 1 yard cotton (back) • 1/2 yard cotton (binding & hanging pockets) • Cotton fat quarters or scraps (accent colors) • Permanent iron-on fusible (see “Sources”) • Fusible cotton batting (see “Sources”) • Spray baste (see “Sources”) • Erasable fabric marker • Dowel or wood stick to hang PREPARE Cut front base fabric to 34” × 42” rectangle. Cut 4 binding fabric strips 3½” × 44”. Fold and iron strips lengthwise, wrong sides together. With the remaining binding fabric, cut two 4” squares and one strip 4” × 24”. Fold and iron squares on the diagonal, wrong side together to form triangles. Fold strip first lengthwise, right sides together, and sew 1/2” seams on short sides, then turn out wrong sides together…

MY MACHINES I have a confession: I have a few more machines than the ones shown on my sewing table. I love to purchase, repair, and collect vintage sewing machines. I even have my grandmother's and my mother's sewing machines stored away in our utility room. However, these are my everyday machines. I have an old Janome/Juno serger that I purchased new in 2015, my trusty Bernina sewing machine, and a Husqvarna Viking Designer SE embroidery/sewing machine that I scored at an estate sale last year. I love and use them all on the daily! ENTERTAINMENT I share my sewing studio with our family TV room, which comes in handy when I want to binge-watch a program while I am crafting. Our three little dogs like to hang out here,…

SUPPLIES • 2 oversized men's long-sleeve button-up shirts (one based on size you will wear) • 1 yard 1” knit elastic • Seam ripper PREPARE Place the shirt to be used as the base on a flat surface and measure from the side seam to the button placket for the length of the horizontal strips. Using a seam ripper, carefully remove the front pocket from base shirt. Cut apart the second shirt along seams to be used for woven accents. CONSTRUCT Use ¼” seam allowance unless otherwise noted. Button the base shirt along the center front. Seam-rip along both side seams from the hem up to the underarm point. Separate the front and back of the shirt and place the front on a flat surface. Measure and mark a line…

SUPPLIES • Elastic waist pant pattern • Bottomweight fabric (according to pattern) • 2 yards elastic cord • Two cord locks PREPARE Place the waistband piece on paper and extend the top edge by 3” (1). Repeat with back waistband. Wrap cord around waist and add 6” to measurement. Cut two pieces of cord according to this measurement. Measure and mark a line along both waistbands 2” up and parallel from the lower edge. Mark a second line W up from the first (2). CONSTRUCT On the front waistband between the two parallel lines, mark a buttonhole 2” in from the side seam on both sides (3). Stitch buttonhole and open carefully. With right sides together, stitch the front and back waistband together along side seams. Fold waistband over on…

TANK CHOICES Crop the length and add some faux center front buttons, and voilà! Oso Tank by Sew News SKIRT CHOICES Freshly Squeezed Swing Skirt by Sew News PATTERNS Look for cropped tops and tank patterns with wide straps. Get the look by embellishing with buttons. For the skirt, look for a bit of fit and flare: a mermaid type silhouette and midi length. For the mini version you could opt for a skort pattern or have a button front on a classic skirt. Then mix and match the elements to create new looks! FABRIC AND COLOR PALETTE To achieve this fresh look, be on the hunt for fabrics in pale shades of pink, yellow, and green. Woven eyelet lace fabrics with some structure would work well for the cropped tank…