Innehållsförteckning för 47 från Simply Sewing

Ah, autumn... If the lure of falling leaves and toffee apples isn’t enough to put a smile on your face, then the challenge of creating your best transitional me-mades should do it! Fickle weather, new trends and late-season weddings call for multi-tasking garments that can be layered, accessorised and customised to the max – and that’s where our cover star, Matilda, comes in! Floaty, feminine and ready for any occasion, she’ll take you from office to date-night without any drama. Her pal, Alexa (a jersey smock dress with ruffle detail skirt), is our go-to garment for weekend strolls in the park and coffee with the gals. Just layer her up with your fave long-sleeved tee and a pair of tights and you’re good to go. That’s our capsule wardrobes sorted,…

LUXE LIVING Soft blankets, chunky knits, cosy nights in and endless mugs of hot chocolate – yes, winter is on its way, and we can’t wait to get sewing for it! Stoff & Stil’s autumn/winter fabric collection is all about plush textures, jewel colours and shimmering metallics, perfect for giving your living space a luxe look for winter lounging – think velvet cushions, elegant linen drapes and modern quilts. Find the fabrics and patterns at www.stoffstil.co.uk RIGHT AS RAINE Casual, comfy and oh-so-cute, the 1940s- inspired Raine Dress pattern by Jennifer Lauren has us jitterbugging our way to our sewing machines! With an all-in-one facing, invisible side-seam zip and a waistband, it’s a fab skills-boosting frock. PDF approx £10, www.jenniferlaurenhandmade.store TAKE NOTE W Remember how exciting it was…

COLOUR CRUSH The arrival of autumn has got us in the mood for rich colour palettes and luxurious patterns. Cue colour expert and designer Kaffe Fassett! Famous for his captivating (and super-bright) quilts and fabrics, his work is always guaranteed to inspire our next show-stopping piece. Whatever you’re sewing this season (we’re thinking eye-catching clutch), don’t miss the chance to bag yourself some of his bold fabrics, and inspiring books, from Sewing Quarter. Get 20% off your first order with discount code SS20SEPT (T&Cs apply*). Available at www.sewingquarter.com LIVE everyday 8am - 12 noon · FREEVIEW CHANNEL 73 · SKY CHANNEL 687 · www.sewingquarter.com *Terms & Conditions: You will receive 20% off on your first order with Sewing Quarter when you enter code SS20SEPT at checkout. This offer…

Some garments are destined for big occasions, others for everyday wear, but we don't believe the latter has to be boring! Featuring a high collar neckline and a waist-cinching tie with two sleeve and length options, The Matilda Dress is a crush-worthy, any-occasion kind of frock that will take you effortlessly from day to night, and season to season. It's designed for drapey fabrics, so don't pack away your stash of floaty prints just yet! This swishy style's blousey sleeves, relaxed fit and gathered waist make it perfect for rayons, crepes and cottons – and for elegant layering on cooler autumn days. YOU WILL NEED Mainfabric115cm(45in) wide x 3.6m (4yds), for all sizes Iron-on interfacing: 30x115cm (12x45in) Zip: 20cm (8in) Button: 10-12mm (3/8in-½in) Narrow elastic: to fit each wrist…

YOU WILL NEED 25m2yds) of medium-weight fabric Measuring tape Erasable fabric marker Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED Printed textured cotton fabric by Seasalt Cornwall. Available to buy from www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk NOTE The seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated. CUTTING THE FRONT BAND Step one Fold the fabric in half, raw edge to raw edge and with selvedges aligned down the sides. From the folded top edge cut a strip 12cm (4¾in) wide from the entire length of the fabric. Note that the length of this strip will dictate the maximum length of your kimono as this is the piece that will wrap around your neck and extend along the opening to the hem.01 Step two If you are using a directional print, note that cutting it…

Whatever the season, whatever the weather, you're most likely to find us wearing jersey. It's safe to say that this versatile fabric fills most of our wardrobe (and our fabric stash!), and now we've got a new style to add to the collection with this issue's Alexa Dress. And we definitely won't be making just one version of this staple dress – with its irresistible ruffle skirt detail and so many options for layering with our fave tees and knits, we'll be stitching an Alexa in every hue! This is a great skills-booster for those new to sewing with stretch (and a speedy make for more confident stitchers), with instructions for stabilising the seams and adding neckline and armhole bands for a professional finish. YOU WILL NEED Mainfabric115cm(45in) wide…

Fashion is as much about looking back as it is about moving forwards – indeed, we’ve all seen familiar trends (including the ones we’d much rather forget!) return to the high street, reinvented and reimagined for a new generation. So, where better to look for sewing and style inspiration than one of the many fashion and costume museums in the UK? Their diverse displays are where fashion and history collide; where you might get the chance to admire 18th-Century ball gowns alongside 1960s mini dresses and on-trend designer pieces; where clothes from the past are given new meaning with personal stories from the people who wore them; and where ground-breaking exhibitions explore the innovations yet to come in the future. Here, we take a peek behind the scenes at three…

YOU WILL NEED For the treat bag Outer felt: 68x43cm (27x17in) Lining felt: 68x43cm (27x17in) Yellow fabric scraps, for the eyes White fabric scraps, for the teeth Black fabric scraps, for the pupils Silver glitter fabric scraps, for the nostrils Ribbon: 42cm (17in), to decorate the handle (optional) Bondaweb: 24x76cm (10x30in) Matching thread Basic sewing kit For the bunting Black felt: 40x35cm (12x18in) Orange felt: 20x25cm (12x18in) Glitter fabric: 35x15cm (12x6in) Bondaweb: 80x43cm (32x17in) Strong thread or fine ribbon: 3.5m (4yds), for hanging Yarn, for the pom poms Pom pom maker Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES The seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated. Download the templates from TREAT BAG CUTTING OUT Step one Download, print and cut out all of the templates for the bag from www.simplysewingmag.com.…

1 TIA KNIGHT FABRICS The largest online supplier of beautiful fabrics that you won’t find easily on the high street! FREE & FAST delivery and 15% off all fabrics when you enter code SIMPLYSEWING. tiaknightfabrics.co.uk 2 BECCAS FABRIC LARDER Situated in the heart of West Dorset stocks amazing selections of colourful modern fabric & children novelties. This collection ‘Monarch Grove by Sara Berrenson. Classes & Workshops also running all year round. beccasfabriclarder.com 3 JUST FABRICS Cowley Stripe is a cotton fabric in a lovely natural colour with a soft red stripe. It is double width so the stripe can run horizontally or vertically. justfabrics.co.uk 4 FABRIC HQ Firelight by Cotton & Steel. Fabric HQ stocks a wide range of fabric and haberdashery supplies as well as delivering a full programme…

As much as we love the summer, we can't help but get excited about a new season of sewing, and with its stunning colour palette and the opportunity for a wardrobe refresh that it brings, autumn has to be one of our faves. From crush-worthy dresses and bags, to quick-sew gifts and décor ideas, this issue is bursting with seasonally-inspired makes, both big and small, to stretch your stitching skills and boost your sewing mojo. All that's left for you to do is stock up on yummy fabrics and supplies – hooray!…

Everything from cats to teapots feature in Nancy Nicholson’s colourful embroidery designs, which have a magical, whimsical quality to them that reflects her folk-art influences – and has us itching to pick up a needle and thread to embroider our own. Textile art has always been a big part of Nancy’s life: her mother, Joan Nicholson, was an accomplished stitcher and embroidery book author. “My main influence is my mother, who left me her sketchbooks when she died,” says Nancy. “I learnt sewing from watching her while she was writing her embroidery books – she would toss me bits of fabric and thread to keep me quiet while she worked. We had a very similar aesthetic (she also loved folk art) and we worked well together.” Nancy has always “been…

6 & 7 OCTOBER Leather Tote Bag – Weekend Workshop. The Welsh Mill Hub, Frome. Learn traditional leatherworking and make a leather tote. www.facebook.com/loveallthingscreative 11-14 OCTOBER The Knitting and Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace, London. A four-day extravaganza of inspiring craft workshops and stalls. www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com 18-20 OCTOBER Craft4Crafters, Bath & West Showground. A weekend of crafting classes and stash shopping set over two exhibition halls and a balcony area. www.craft4crafters.co.uk UNTIL 25 NOVEMBER Rip It Up: The Story of Scottish Pop. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. The first major exhibition dedicated to Scottish pop music, with iconic costumes, memorabilia, instruments and props. www.nms.ac.uk…

Whether you’ve outgrown your beginner’s sewing machine, worked your current model to within an inch of its life, or just fancy a shiny new upgrade, we suggest you take a look at the wonderful Elna 570! This suave-looking sewing machine is a great all-rounder with lots of exciting and time-saving features, including a built-in needle threader, automatic thread cutter, extra-high presser foot, and an array of special stitch combos. This clever model also comes with a free arm for sewing tubular items, such as sleeves or trouser hems, and an extension table for stitching large-scale projects like quilts. Priced at £639 the Elna 570 is available to buy now from our pals over at Sewing Quarter (www.sewingquarter.com) but we’ve teamed up with them and the lovely people at Elna to…

LEARN THE TECHNIQUE With so many gorgeous ribbons and trimmings in delicious colours and finishes, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to stitching with ribbon! This means narrowing it down can be tricky – and, if you’re anything like us, you can end up spending a fortune on metres of ribbon, which you really didn’t need! Having a clear idea of the ribbon type, width and colour is a good starting point, as well as considering the type of fabric you’ll be stitching it onto, too. TYPES OF RIBBONS Grosgrain: This ribbon has a firm feel and is woven with a defined ridged texture, it commonly has a matt finish. Satin: a shiny and smooth ribbon. It’s available in a wide range of colours and widths Picot…

Esteemed designer and Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant is known for his impeccable style and attention to detail. He’s also a grafter. This is a man often seen putting in 70 hours or more each week into what he loves, including working as the creative director of Savile Row tailor Norton & Sons and ready-to-wear brand E. Tautz & Sons. Passionate about sustainable business practices and British textiles, Patrick has also found the time to embark on another fashion venture: an affordable clothing brand that reflects his values and aims to make positive changes to the industry. Launched in 2016, Community Clothing is a manufacturers’ co-operative that makes excellent-quality garments at affordable prices. Everything is produced by skilled workers in factories across the UK, and the prices are…

YOU WILL NEED 1 pair of socks Stranded cotton: coral, warm pink, yellow and dark green Scrap of cotton fabric: 2.5x7.5cm (1x3in) Iron-on double-sided fusible interfacing Basic sewing kit NOTES If your socks fold over like ours, be sure to stitch the design in the correct direction for when the cuff is folded. Depending on the stretch of your sock material, it may be best to stitch the flowers individually to prevent the threads breaking. WORKING A PEKING KNOT Step one Come up from the back of the fabric. This will be the bottom of the stitch. Make a loop with the working thread with the loose end under the thread that’s attached to the fabric.01 Step two Insert the needle just above the point where the thread exits the…

YOU WILL NEED Three pairs of blue jeans Lining fabric Contrasting topstitch thread Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. The denim for the straps shouldn’t be too heavy as this will be harder to work with. FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Finishedbag36x42cm(141/8X16½). Straps: 80cm (31½in). CUTTING OUT Step one From each pair of jeans cut: Outer strips: two pieces, 16x38cm (63/8x15in). Step two From the lining fabric cut two pieces, 38x38cm (15x15in). Step three From the lightest jeans cut: Lining top strip: two pieces, 8x38cm (31/8x15in). Step four From the darkest jeans cut: Straps: two pieces, 8x90cm (31/8x35½in) each. MAKING THE OUTER, LINING AND STRAPS Step one To make the outer front, pin and sew a dark and medium denim strip right sides (RS) facing along…

YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric: 30x40cm (12x16in) Lining fabric: 30x32cm (12x13in) Wadding: 30x32cm (12x13in) White fabric: 20x8cm (8x3in), for the cheeks Black fabric: 8x3cm (3x1in), for the eyes Bondaweb: 20x8cm (8x3in) Zip: 30cm (12in) Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the Bondaweb. The seam allowance is 5mm (¼in) unless otherwise stated. Download the template from CUTTING OUT Step one From the outer fabric cut: Case outer: two pieces 16x30cm (63/8x117/8). Ears: 5x8cm (2x31/8in). Step two From the lining fabric cut two pieces, 16x30cm (63/8x117/8) each. Step three From the wadding cut two pieces, 16x30cm (63/8x117/8) each. Step four Fuse the Bondaweb to the wrong side (WS) of the white and black fabric. Step five From the white fabric cut: Cheeks: two using the template. Step…

HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY 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 the pattern envelope or on the instructions inside. Measure yourself in your underwear and preferably in the bra you’ll be wearing underneath your garment as this can alter the measurements slightly. Use a fabric tape measure as it’ll curve around your body well for accuracy. You can measure on your own if you stand in front of a mirror, but, for best results, ask a friend to help so they can check the tape measure is sitting…

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…

KIRSTY HARTLEY Kirsty is the designer behind childrenswear label Wild Things and the author of two sewing books: Wild Things: Funky Little Clothes to Sew and Wild Things to Make. Get ready for Halloween with her spook-tastic treat bag and bunting on page 75. PATRICK GRANT Patrick Grant is a judge on BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee and the creative director at Savile Row tailor Norton & Sons and E. Tautz & Sons. He’s on a mission to revolutionise UK manufacturing with his new clothing label. Discover more on page 46. ZOE PATCHING Zoe is a freelance embroiderer and crafter with over 15 years’ experience on craft magazines. As well as designing and stitching her latest commisions, Zoe also teaches hand embroidery. Try her ribbon flowers tutorial on page…

THE GOLDEN THREAD Kassia St Clair (£20, John Murray) From the mummies of Ancient Egypt to the silken dragon robes of Imperial China, the woollen sails of Viking longboats to the lab-blended fibres that have allowed astronauts to moonwalk, Kassia charts a history of human civilisation and creativity through the fabrics, manmade and natural, that have changed and shaped the world we live in. www.hodder.co.uk TINY STITCHES Irem Yazici (£12.99, Search Press) Small-scale and sweet, these 20 projects from Instagram sensation Irem, aka @_.baobap._, are just the thing for jazzing up a coat lapel, jeans pocket or bag, or to give as a gift. No more than ten stitches are used to embroider the beginner-friendly designs, and there are 50 miniature motifs included for you to get creative with. www.searchpress.com…

ART ATTACK Doodle on bags, bottles, pencil cases – or just about anything – with POSCA's paint pens. From £1.85, www.cultpens.com SNACK HAPPY A cute retro print and eco-friendly fabric? Sorry, kids – we might have to have this one for our work lunches. £20, www.asliceofgreen.co.uk UNDER THE SEA Add a sprinkling of Disney magic to the school day with a stationery set starring all their fave characters. From £1.09 each, www.papier.com DINO DUDE With a set of mini lunch boxes this cool, they'll never notice that they're filled with healthy snacks... £10 for a set of three, www.nhmshop.co.uk CUTE CARRY-ALL This sweet small-size backpack is perfect for a little learner's school essentials. £35, www.sagecomme1image.…

SHEEP PLUSHIE 1, 2, 3, 4... there are so many sheep hidden in this sweet set of children's room makes, that we doubt you'll have any trouble getting your little cherubs off to the land of nod! And, while we know we shouldn't have favourites, we can't help but be drawn to our friendly sheep plushie (or Shirley as we have decided to call her), which can be easily scaled up or down to stitch a woolly pal in any size you like, from a cute pocket pal to a giant snuggle toy. QUILTED TOY BAG So many toys and not enough space to store them... or so we thought, before whipping up this generously proportioned storage bucket! It's finished with chic quilting for added stability and cute, coordinating fabric…

YOU WILL NEED To mend the holes Cottonfabricseeinstructions for details Strong card Embroidery thread To mend the hem Cottonfabricseeinstructions for details Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE Download the template at CUTTING OUT FOR THE KNEE PATCH Step one From the cotton fabric cut: A rectangle of fabric, cut on the bias to allow stretch and ease of movement. This needs to be the width of your jeans leg, from seam to seam, and at least 5cm (2in) larger than the height of the hole you are patching up. Step two From the strong card cut: Cut the card the width of the jeans leg and at least 10cm (4in) larger than the height of the hole. FOR THE HEM Step one From the cotton fabric cut: One…

YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric: 115x125cm (45x49in) Lining fabric: 115x100cm (45x40in) Iron-on woven interfacing: 100x90cm (40x35in) Iron-on fleece: 100x115cm (40x45in) Firm fusible interfacing: 50x99cm (19¾x1yd) Zip: 61cm (24in), for the bag closure Zip: 30cm (12in), for the pocket 2 D-rings: 38mm (1½in) 2 trigger hooks: 38mm (1½in) Rectangle slider: 25mm (1in) Webbing: 38mm (1½in) x 3m (3.5yds) Piping: 5mm (¼in) wide x 3.6m (4yds) Sewing clips Piping or zip machine foot Matching thread Basic sewing kit FINISHED SIZE 43cmWx 33cm (H) x 15cm (D) (17x13x6in). NOTES Theseamallowanceis1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated. All interfacing and hardware used is from CUTTING OUT Step one Print and cut out the templates. Step two From the main fabric cut: Outer pocket: cut two using the template. Front/back body: cut two using the…

YOU WILL NEED Blanket Knitting or tapestry wool (yarn) in a choice of colours NOTES When choosing your blanket, look for throws that have a distinctive weave as this will naturally suggest many more design possibilities – for example, a strong chevron weave or a tartan blanket will allow you to follow the existing lines. If the weave of your chosen blanket is particularly fine, you may want to use finer crewel wool. Step one Use tacking stitches or a heat-erasable fabric pen to draw your chosen design onto the right side (RS) of the blanket. Step two As most blankets are made up of a complex weave, there is space between the warp and weft to hide the back of your stitches as you work. However, not all stitches…

YOU WILL NEED Matching thread Basic sewing kit For the needlebook Threedifferentprintstotalling one fat eighth Cord: 50cm (20in) Felt: 13x5cm (5x2in) Medium-weight fusible interfacing Erasable fabric marker For the pincushion Sixdifferentprintstotalling one fat eighth Thick/grosgrain ribbon Stuffing FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from the Blush collection by Riley Blake. NOTE Usea1cm3/8in) seam allowance, unless otherwise stated. NEEDLEBOOK CUTTING OUT Step one From the three fabrics cut: Outer: 18x13cm (7x5in). Lining: 18x13cm (7x5in). Inner pocket: cut two 13x8cm (5x3in). Step two From the felt strip, cut 12.5x5cm (5x2in). Step three From the interfacing, cut 16.5x11.5cm (6½in4½in). PREPARING THE LINING Step one Centre and fuse the interfacing to the wrong side (WS) of the outer fabric piece, following manufacturer’s instructions. Set the piece to one side. Step two…

YOU WILL NEED Hair fabric: 28x28cm (11x11in) Skin fabric: 40x40cm (16x16in) Body fabric: 40x40cm (16x16in) Leggings fabric: 20x20cm (8x8in) Dress fabric: 22x40cm (9x16in) Shoe fabric: 20x10cm (8x4in) Snap fasteners or Velcro (optional) Polyester toy filling Stranded cotton in black Two pieces of ribbon: approx 20cm FABRICS USED Shannon Solid Cuddle 3 in Brown Kona Cotton Solids in Parchment by Robert Kaufman. Sigrid in Dove White, Cottage by Tilda. Stem Dot in Turquoise, Foxglove by Aneela Hoey for Cloud 9 Fabrics. Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in Malibu by Robert Kaufman. FINISHED SIZE Approx 40cm (16in) tall. NOTES Download the templates from The seam allowance is 6mm (¼in), unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one Download, print and cut out all the template pieces. Step two Arrows on the pattern pieces indicate…

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…

“When I first discovered sewing I fell for it hard. Sewing enables me to develop new skills, learn what I like to wear, and satisfy that DNA-deep urge to create and make. This leather jacket was a discovery moment for me. I had been obsessing for months with a jacket design in my head, and I had spent hours making muslin after muslin until I got the fit and style I was after. I used the Eddie Biker Vest pattern by Style Arc as my block pattern and then changed the design. The pattern is just a vest, so I added sleeves from Burdastyle's 108B pattern. I've always been in such a hurry to finish what I’m making and start working on my next garment. This jacket was the first…