Innehållsförteckning för Issue 34 från Simply Sewing

With autumn on its way we’re looking to bold and beautiful prints to bring the sunshine and frivolity to our me-mades this month. We’ve got nursery accessories made from much-loved children’s book designs, Rifle Paper Co. blooms for our cover star Adele dress, and monochrome repeats for spooky Halloween toys – to name just a few. Transforming the simplest of projects into crush-worthy garments and gifts, show-stopping prints really are the sewist’s best friend. Enjoy!…

INTO BLOOM Our overflowing sewing stash may mean that our home will never be a minimalist haven, but our wardrobe can be thanks to Papercut Patterns’ new collection. Sakura, or Cherry Blossoms, is inspired by Japanese minimalist aesthetics and is designed around a theme rather than a season, with styles we can make and wear all year round. Forget about cost-per-wear – we’re all about cost-per-make! From approx £12, www.papercutpatterns.com EASY CHIC Grainline Studio’s Hadley pattern is the kind of top we reach for on those don’t-knowwhat-to-wear kind of mornings; simple for everyday, but special enough to dress up too. We’ll have one in all of our favourite prints, please. Printed pattern approx £14, PDF approx £12, www.grainlinestudio.com SAY IT IN STYLE Ensure everyone knows about your crafting…

21-24 SEPTEMBER The Great British Sewing Bee Live. Excel, London. Meet contestants from the BBC show, attend workshops and shop supplies.www.thegreatbritishsewingbeelive.com 22-24 SEPTEMBER Scottish Quilt Championships. Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. Admire quilts on display, stock up your stash and learn new skills. www.grosvenorshows.co.uk 30 SEPTEMBER Make Your Own Advent Calendar. John Lewis, London. Get ready for the festive season and with The Makery's advent calendar workshop in John Lewis. www.themakery.co.uk 1 OCTOBER-17 DECEMBER Makers Market Pop-Up. The Village Haberdashery. West Hampstead, London. Shop a curated selection handmade products by local designer makers.www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk…

YOU WILL NEED • Oversized T-shirt • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit NOTE • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. Designer Jennie says: “This is an easy-peasy transformation. You could use lace or bias binding around the arm and neck holes to add a bit more detail to your top.” CUTTING OUT Step one Put the T-shirt on and mark where it falls just under your bust. Step two Add a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance, then mark this measurement all the way around the T-shirt and cut along this line. Step three Take the lower half of the T-shirt you have just cut off and cut a 5cm (2in) wide strip off the raw edge for the bow.01 Step four The remainder of the lower half…

YOU WILL NEED • Trouser pattern • Medium-weight woven fabric: see instructions for quantity • Square ruler • Basic sewing kit NOTES • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. • Finish the raw edges by working a machine zigzag or overlocking. • Choose fabrics such as linen, denim or crepe, but go for softer versions with some drape. CHOOSING A PATTERN Step one Start with a relaxed-fit trouser pattern as a template. We used the front and back leg pieces of the Vogue V9160 jumpsuit. Step two Cut or trace a size or two bigger than you need. This is dependant on how oversized you want your trousers to be.01 Step three Measure the pattern pieces to calculate how much fabric you need to buy, plus extra…

YOU WILL NEED • Main fabric: premium white bamboo terry towelling, 80x110cm (32x44in) • Contrast fabric: cotton print, 50x112cm (20x44in) • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED Fish Tales, Nightfall. From the Underwater collection by Elizabeth Olwen for Cloud9 Fabrics. Ref: C9UW161302. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9 NOTE • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. Designer Louise Orth says: “This practical and cute baby towel makes the perfect gift for a newborn. Customise with your favourite cotton prints and snuggly fabrics.” CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric cut out the following pieces: Main piece: 80x80cm (32x32in). Hood: 30x30cm (12x12in). Step two From the contrast fabric cut out the following pieces: Hood: 30x30cm (11 7/8x11 7/8in). Binding: 6x110cm (2 ³/8x44in). MAKING THE BINDING Step one…

We like to inject a little bit of handmade loveliness into every aspect of our lives, including our travels – after all, if we have to spend time away from our sewing machine, we might as well do it in me- made style! This issue’s Overnight Bag pattern is the ultimate weekend bag with a place for everything (great if you’re an everything-in-its-place type of packer!). The pattern will take you through bag -making skills such as adding zipped pockets and sturdy straps. Share your bag with us using #simplysewingmag…

YOU WILL NEED • 1 fat quarter • Wadding: 40x70cm (16x28in), or a 30cm (12in) round cushion pad • Pom pom trim: 100cm (40in) • 2 self-cover buttons: 2.5cm (1in) diameter • Plate: 35cm (14in) diameter • Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED Tess in Light Blue from The Denim Company. Ref: 2102L. Available from www.thedenimcompany.co.uk NOTE • Use 1.5cm ( 5/8in) seam allowance. Designer Jennie says: “I LOVE this! Using wadding instead of a cushion pad means you’re not restricted to a certain size. I’d like one as a floor cushion. Shop around for the trim – I found this jumbo rainbow 2cm (¾in) one on eBay. It has a really velvety texture.“ CUTTING OUT Step one Fold the fat quarter in half. Using the plate as a template, draw…

SCOTLAND ROMY’S SEWING ROOMS Bright, friendly shop for all sewers, selling patterns, fabric and notions. Sewing classes for all ages and abilities from an experienced dressmaker. facebook/Romyssewingrooms/ SOUTH WEST INCHES FABRICS Fabrics, Wools and Haberdashery. Buttons, Ribbons and Patterns. Knitting and Sewing lessons. 39 Parsonage St, Dursley, Glos, GL11 4BP inchesfabrics.co.uk SOUTH EAST SEW BUSY Stockists of Makower, Robert Kaufman, Clothworks and Windham, among many others. Ribbons, haberdashery, sewing themed goods and classes. sew-busy.co.uk MIDLANDS CRAFTY SEW & SO Crafty Sew&So have everything you need for your next sewing project! Use code CRAFTY10 to get 10% off your first order online! craftysewandso.com MIDLANDS HAPPY HARE An independent sewing store in Chapeltown, Sheffield, stocking a range of fabrics, including Michael Miller, Riley Blake and Tula Pink. handmadehappyhare.com NORTHERN IRELAND MIBS FABRICS…

Preparing your fabric and cutting out your sewing pattern accurately is just as important as the actual sewing. Wash your fabric before you begin as fabric can shrink and run. Once dry, press it well. PREPARING THE PATTERN Patterns often come with several options of different finishes so you may have more pieces than you need. The instruction sheet will tell you which pieces to use. Roughly cut out all of the pieces outside the lines then press the pieces using a dry iron on a low heat to remove the folds and creases. CUTTING OUT THE PATTERN Choose your size using your measurements and the size chart. Cut along the corresponding lines on your pattern. When you reach any fiddly curves, take care to cut along the correct size…

UNIVERSAL A great multi-purpose needle which can be used for woven fabrics and has a slightly rounded point for stitching knit fabrics, too. BALL POINT This needle has a more rounded point than the universal needle so you won’t get snags, ladders or holes. Perfect for knit fabrics. JEANS A strong needle, ideal for stitching several layers of fabric or tightly woven fabrics like denims. SHARPS With a sharp point, these are for sewing very fine and delicate fabrics and neat buttonholes. LEATHER This needle’s wedge-shaped cutting point is used to work strong seams on non-woven fabrics like leather, suede and vinyl. STRETCH Designed for sewing two-way stretch knits such as lycra and silk jersey. It prevents skipped stitches on fine knit fabrics. QUILTING This will pierce multiple layers whilst…

I’m thrilled to be joining the Simply Sewing team on a bumper issue. Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year and we have oodles of patterns and ideas for bridging the seasonal wardrobe gap – from must-sew dresses to casual tops and trousers. New to dressmaking? Flick to our no-pattern skirt (p41) and fun tee re-style (p43). Or, hone your bag-making skills with our carry-all holdall (p69), and sew super-sweet baby gifts (p63). PS: FABRIC BUNDLE WORTH £30 when you subscribe (see p18)…

STITCH PEOPLE Jo Dixey (£12.99, Search Press) Royal Society of Needlework-trained professional embroiderer Jo Dixey presents 20 modern techniques to inspire your embroidery projects, whether you’re a beginner or experienced stitcher. Projects include embroidered cards and an embellished jacket. www.searchpress.com A YEAR IN CRAFTS Clare Youngs (£14.99, CICO Books) Fill your year (and your home) with handmade joy with this book of 52 inventive projects to keep you making through the seasons. Featuring a variety of crafts to try, from stitching and rag rugs to painting and papercraft, you’ll be bursting with new skills and ideas by the end of the year and well into the next.www.rylandpeters.com A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO MAKING CURTAINS, SHADES, PILLOWS, CUSHIONS, AND MORE Vanessa Arbuthnott and Gail Abbott (£14.99, CICO Books) No need to get…

PEP TALK This glittery slogan pouch will give us the boost we need when deadlines loom. £15, www.burblebaby.co.uk FUN FOLIAGE Add some greenery to your working day with this plant- print waxed cotton canvas case. £8.95, www.annabel  james.co.uk PEACE OUT This peace-sign case from Delhi-based Safomasi is ideal for popping in your handbag. £20, www.postcards  home.co.uk DO IT YOURSELF Raid your stash of colourful zips to make this sleeping -bag-style case. PDF pattern £3.40, www.quiltitout. etsy.com PASTEL POP Get your desk Instagram-ready with this petal print pouch. £15, www.blankinside  design.co.uk…

WIN A FESTIVE FABRIC BUNDLE! Win £255 fabrics from Inprint at Jane Makower’s new Christmas collection. Our Christmas crafting plans seem to get more ambitious every year, so it’s never too early to start. From decorations to table linens, stockings to gifts, we have big plans for this festive season – and we’ve found the perfect fabrics to make it all in! Inprint at Jane Makower’s magical new Christmas collection features classic festive motifs in a modern style, including winter berries, Santas in the snow and cute deer prints – and we’ve got 17 metres to give away, plus two Christmas sewing patterns to get you started. Enter at www.simplysewingmag.com, and see the range at www.makower.co.uk £240 PATTERNS FOR YOUR STASH Enter today to win 23 patterns from The McCall…

As the balmy days of summer drift into a cooler autumnal vibe, we’re met with the same dilemma every year – what to wear? When it’s not quite warm enough for our floaty frocks (sob!) but not quite cold enough for snuggling up in a cosy knit, we need easy-to-wear styles we can layer up. This issue’s cover star, The Adele Dress in UK sizes 6-20 (US 4-18/EUR 34-48), is the all-season, all-occasion dress our wardrobes have been waiting for, with two lengths to choose from. There’s no need to pack this versatile number away until next year – we’ll be wearing ours with everything from sunnies and sandals to boots and tights. Choose a lightweight fabric that has some drape but is still crisp enough to hold those oh-so-pretty…

PART THREE Sew with jersey Add waist ties Create an empire waistline YOU WILL NEED • Fabric: knitted or jersey, see instructions for details • Wrap dress pattern (see below) • Pattern paper • Basic sewing kit NOTE • Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. CREATING THE BASIC PATTERN Step one Look at the size chart on your chosen wrap dress pattern (we used the Sew Over It Ultimate Wrap Dress pattern) then measure your bust size. Cut out the pattern size that best corresponds to this measurement. If you are between sizes, choose the next size up. Step two You will need to work out the fabric quantity you need from your newly adjusted pattern, so don’t buy any just yet. CREATING AN EMPIRE WAISTLINE Step…

YOU WILL NEED • Fabric A: 35x35cm (13¾x13¾in), for the body • Fabric B: 35x25cm (13¾x97/8in), for front of wings • Fabric C: black, 35x25cm (13¾x97/8in), for reverse of wings • Pair of 6mm (¼in) black plastic safety eyes • Polyester toy filling • Stranded cotton: purple and white • Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Fabric A: Essex Yarn Dyed in Espresso. Ref: E064-1136. By Robert Kaufman. Fabric B: Petite Plus. Ref: 5033-01. From the Black and White 2015 Collection by Rashida Coleman-Hale for Cotton+Steel. For stockists visit www.cottonandsteelfabrics.com Twist in Charcoal. Ref: TWIS 1155. By Dashwood Studios. For stockists visit www.dashwoodstudio.com Fabric C: Kona Cotton Solids in Black by Robert Kaufman. For stockists visit www.robertkaufman.com FINISHED SIZE Approx 38cm (15in), wing to wing. NOTES • Use a 5mm (¼in)…

Not all sewn creations are made to be worn or used, and not all artists work with traditional materials such as paint, pencil or clay. We meet five creative individuals who are crossing genres and harnessing textiles and threads to create artworks that will stop you in your tracks and make you see the potential of your fabric stash with fresh eyes. STITCHING THE WORLD Harriet Riddell (www.harrietriddell.com) started using a sewing machine at the age of four or five. “My mum taught me initially, which is funny because I don’t remember ever seeing her sew, though she had the machine,” she says. “At school, sewing was the only thing other pupils could turn to me for help with. I loved sewing machines right from the start – I love…

YOU WILL NEED • Main fabric: 35x30cm (14x12in) • Lining fabric A: 35x75cm (14x30in) • Lining fabric B: 40x60cm (16x24in) • Lining fabric C: 25x25cm (10x10in) • Heavy weight iron-on interfacing: 35x30cm (14x12in) • Medium weight iron-on interfacing: 40x75cm (16x30in) • Zip: 23cm (9in) • Elastic: 5mm (¼in) x 5cm (2in) • Ribbon: 2cm (¾in) x 25cm (10in) • 2 sew-on leather snap fasteners: 8.5x2.5cm (33/8x1in) NOTE • Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric cut: Large outer shell: 33x18cm (13x71/8in). Small outer shell: two pieces 33x4.25cm (13x1¾in). Step two From lining fabric A cut: Main lining: 33x24cm (13x9½in). Credit card pocket A: 16.5x24cm (6½x9½in). Step three From lining fabric B cut: Side straps: two pieces 33x3.75cm (13x1½in). Handle: 14.5x7.5cm…

LEARN THE TECHNIQUE Ric rac is one of those retro trims we remember from childhood. Summer dresses of the 1970s were decorated with bands of this distinctive wavy trim, often in a rainbow of colours. Though we may not have known what it was called at the time, ric rac was the embellishment of choice and we still love adding it to our sewing projects today. WHAT IS RIC RAC? Ric rac is a flat braid woven into a wavy shape and can be used to trim anything from garments to cushions and bags. What we love about ric rac is its versatility. There is very little hemming or finishing involved, making it the go-to embellishment for a pop of colour and pattern. It is also perfect for tackling curved…

BACK WAIST LENGTH From the top of your spine at the base of your neck to your natural waist BUST Around the fullest part of your bust HEIGHT : Stand against a wall, barefoot, then measure from the top of your head to the floor HIGH BUST/CHEST : Across the back, under your arms and above the bust WAIST : Your natural waistline, around the slimmest part of your waist HIPS Around the fullest and widest part of your thighs and bottom ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF BEFORE you choose a pattern size to cut out. The sizes do vary greatly from pattern to pattern, so it’s always best to measure yourself accurately and then refer to the pattern’s size chart to find your size. The chart will usually be printed on…

ONCE YOU HAVE FINISHED stitching your seam, it’s best to press it open on the wrong side so it lies flat. Sometimes it’s better to press it to one side to reduce bulk but the pattern instructions will tell you this. Usually the seam allowances are left as they are as they help to strengthen the seam, but sometimes they cause too much bulk so they are trimmed to half their original width. If your fabric has a tendency to fray you should neaten the raw edges after you have worked the seam. There are several ways of doing this. To machine-finish them, set your sewing machine to the zigzag stitch then stitch close to the raw edge all the way along. The zigzag must be small enough to stop…

LADDER STITCH Used to join together and close two turned-under edges invisibly, such as on a dress lining or soft toy. Bring the needle up at 1 on one side of the seam, then in at 2 on the opposite side and out at 3, so the stitch is 3mm (1/8in) long. Push the needle back in the opposite side at 4 and out at 5. Repeat this to close the edges. SLIP STITCH This stitch is used most often for hems where you need to stitch a turned-under edge to a flat piece of fabric using small, almost invisible stitches. Bring the needle up at 1 on the turned-under hem then back in at 2 and out at 3. Make this horizontal stitch as small as possible so it…

JENNIFER HEYNEN Oh-so-talented Jennifer Heynen is the pattern and craft kit designer behind Jennifer Jangles, and the author of Stitch Kitsch. Turn to page 79 to make her easy-sew wallet clutch project from her new book Sew Small – 19 Little Bags. LOUISE ORTH Self-confessed fabric addict Louise loves making and designing projects, and has a flair for quilting and dressmaking. She’s created a super-snuggly baby blanket for you to sew, trimmed with one of her favourite fabrics. Find it on page 63. EMMA MAY STITCHING Soft furnisher Emma has a passion for contemporary textiles and styling, sharing her sewing expertise and inspiring homemakers with workshops and tailor-made tuition. She shares her most symbolic make on page 98. DEBBIE VON GRABLER-CROZIER Norfolk-based Debbie is an avid maker and blogger. You…

INSPIRATION STATION We love anything that helps take our wardrobe from one season to the next and Clothkits’ Boxy Reversible Jacket paper pattern is just the kind of design we’ve been looking for. This smart-casual cover-up is fully lined and reversible, which means you get to showcase not one, but two of your favourite fabrics. Our choice? Joel Dewberry designs. So many dreamy patterns to choose from! Buy the pattern at www.sewingquarter.com/p/SGCY80/ EDITOR’S PICK PATTERNS PLEASE! It’s a fact that you can never have too many prints in your stash, especially when they are as fun and individual as these pretty repeats... SHOP ONLINE! Browse over 340 designs in our online shop and buy custom-cut fabric ranging from tiny charm packs to half-metres - perfect for dressmaking. You’ll also find…

YOU WILL NEED • Main fabric: 1.5m (1¾yds) x 125cm (50in) wide • Invisible zip: 20cm (8in) • Medium-weight interfacing: see instructions • Matching sewing thread • Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED • Corde Fleur Night from Seasalt. Available from www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk NOTE • Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one Cut 125cm (50in) from the length of the main fabric to make a square. Step two Fold the fabric square in half and then in half again to make a smaller square. Step three Take your waist measurement and divide it by 3.14, then half this. For example: for a 66cm (26in) waist the calculation would be 10.5cm (4¼in). Mark this at the sides of the centre fold, using an erasable pen, and join…

If we were going to dream up our perfect everyday dress and top, they would look like The Lara Set – a comfortable, easy-to-wear shift silhouette, with stylish details such as patch pockets and cuffs to make it feel that bit more special than our usual weekend uniform of jeans and a tee. The Lara Set can be made as a dress or top in UK sizes 6-20 (US 4-18/EUR 34-48) and includes design features to mix and match: patch pockets, contrast cuffs, and a split hem finished with facings. Its simple construction makes it the perfect project for confident beginners looking to boost their skills. Remember to share your Lara dress or top with us using #simplysewingmag! SLEEVE CUFFS Add the sleeve cuffs in a contrast or matching fabric.…

We fell in love with Anne Kelly’s delicate stitch work after discovering her book Textile Nature . Capturing the structure and splendour of the botanical world, it has a gorgeously painterly quality, yet every work relies on Anne’s talent with a needle and thread. “I’ve always sewn from an early age,” says Anne. “I was a bored young teenager and my Mum enrolled me in a quilting course, which I loved. I was smitten and ever since have always had some stitching on the go. My grandmother was a talented needlewoman too, and made everything from lace to hooked rugs.” Having since developed her own individual stitching style, Anne particularly enjoys sourcing textile fragments and fabric offcuts from the past and blending these with foraged scraps of nature to create…

GATHER ‘N’ SEW Leanne’s sewing venture in Bourne, Lincolnshire! A place for friends, fabrics and inspiration. Fabrics, haberdashery, sewing classes. gathernsew.co.uk CALICO KATE Award-winning shop: Twelve rooms to explore! 36 High Street, Lampeter SA48 7BB, 01570 422866 calicokate.co.uk BACKSTITCH A honeypot for crafters seeking stylish quilt and dressmaking fabric and quality haberdashery. Visit us in Cambridge. backstitch.co.uk QUILTERS TRADING POST For a beautiful selection of quality quilting fabrics, plus in-store designed patterns and books visit us online or in-store. quilterstradingpost.com SEW HOT Sew Hot provides over 3,800 bolts of fabric, including Lewis & Irene and other top designers, for the discerning sewist and crafter. sewhot.co.uk THE PEACOCK AND THE TORTOISE The Peacock and the Tortoise is one of Scotland’s top quilting destinations. 29 George Street, Perth, PH1 5LA. thepeacockandthetortoise.co.uk CROSS…

YOU WILL NEED • Denim fabric: a pair of grey jeans • Felt: 4x6in (10x15cm), for ears, paws and nose • Cotton print fabric: 4x10cm (15/8x4in), for glasses • Bondaweb: 20x20cm (8x8in) • Rice: 1kg (2.2lbs) • Basic sewing kit NOTES • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance • You will find the templates needed on the pull-out pattern sheet. CALCULATING MEASUREMENTS Step one For the length, measure your keyboard and add 10cm (4in) for the head then a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance at each end. Step two The width is 14.5cm (5¾in), including a seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one From the denim cut: Body: two pieces using your calculations. Legs: eight pieces 6x12cm (23/8x4¾in). Tail: two pieces 5x15cm (23/8x6in). Head: two pieces using the template. Ears: two pieces…

YOU WILL NEED • T-shirt • Main fabric: 25x25cm (10x10in) • Lining fabric: 16x11cm (63/8x43/8in) • Stranded cotton: in a selection of colours • Tapestry needle • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit NOTES • You will find the flower template on the pull-out pattern sheet provided with this issue. • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. WORKING SATIN STITCH Step one Bring the needle up through the fabric at one side of the area you are filling. Insert the needle back through the other side of the area.01 Step two Bring the needle back up on the first side of the area, then insert the needle on the other side. Repeat this to fill the area, always coming up on the first side and going down on the opposite…

MARKING PEN Transfer markings to your fabric, then wash them out when finished TAPE MEASURE A flexible fabric tape measure will take accurate measurements. MARKING PENCIL Choose a colour that shows up on your fabric. SEAM RIPPER This sharp blade cuts through and unpicks stitches. PINS Stainless steel pins with sharp points are best. FABRIC CLIPS Use these instead of pins when sewing thicker fabrics. TAILOR’S CHALKSX Chalk temporarily marks fabric and can be easily brushed away. THIMBLE Wear to protect your fingers when handstitching. PINKING SHEARS These cut a zigzag edge on fabric to neaten. SHEARS Keep a pair of sharp shears just for cutting out your fabric. SMALL SCISSORS Use for snipping threads and cutting notches.…

IT’S IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE the correct fabric for your pattern. Most patterns give suggested fabric types that will work best with the style of garment. Use this to guide you as some patterns need more drape, body or structure than others. Fabric can be made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool and silk or synthetic fibres such as acetate, acrylic, nylon, polyester, rayon and viscose. All these fabric come in different weights, or thicknesses, which suit different garments. Lightweight fabrics are ideal for lingerie, nightwear and summer clothing, and include cheesecloth, chiffon, crepe-de-chine, georgette, lawn, muslin, organdie, organza and voile. Medium-weight fabrics, which work for dresses, shirts, trousers and childrenswear, include calico, cotton, crepe, dupion, linen, poplin and finer wool. Heavy-weight fabrics are used for garments or projects…

DRAPE A term used to describe the way a fabric hangs under its own weight. Different fabrics have different drape qualities. EASE The addition of extra fabric in a pattern to allow the finished garment to fit the body well. EDGESTITCH A row of stitching on the very edge of a garment, usually 2-3mm (1/16-1/8in) from the folded or seamed edge. Used to hold the fabric edge neatly in place. FACING This pattern piece is cut separately to stabilise and create a neat finish on the edge of a garment, such as the neckline. FAT QUARTER A term used to describe a cut piece of fabric often used for patchwork projects, usually measuring 46x55cm (18x22in). FINISHING/NEATENING RAW EDGES This is done to stop the fabric edges, particularly of a seam,…

“I’VE ALWAYS GOT SEVERAL PROJECTS on the go at any one time. Each is meaningful for different reasons, but this cushion cover has particular significance for me. It’s the sample of a project I use for my Set Sail beginners’ sewing machine workshop. It represents my whole sewing ethos: choose fabrics wisely, keep things simple, do them well, and you will be chuffed with what you create. I love watching the journey people go on during my beginner workshops, from looking at this cushion cover and thinking “I’m never going to pull that off by the time I go home" to sheer elation and wonder as they embrace their own version and leave captivated by sewing and the process of creating. In this way, I feel like this humble cushion…