Innehållsförteckning för Issue 113 från Simply Sewing

This change in season is our absolute favourite. Whilst we’re packing away our bright summer dresses, we’re certainly not banishing bold prints from our wardrobes! Cue: The Poppy Cocoon Dress. This simple silhouette is perfect for showing off your favourite fabric prints. Plus, it’s easy to sew and even easier to wear. And did we mention it’s got pockets? Our festive sewjo is also ramping up as start crafting for Christmas! It’s never too early, right? There are heaps of fun ideas in our Christmas Makes book (and even more inside the mag) to kick-start your handmade gift list. Better get sewing! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

THAT'S A WRAP If there's one thing we love in a pattern, it's variation. Go your own way with this Lilja wrap dress, pinafore and blouse pattern from Named Clothing. The customisation doesn't stop there: whether you're stitching a lovely Lilja ankle-length dress or a shirt that's perfect for the office, you can opt to sew it sleeveless or with ¾ length puff sleeves – whatever takes your fancy. Available as a printed or PDF pattern from £12.91, namedclothing.com. TIME FOR TEA We're clinging on to summer dress season here at Simply Sewing, despite the unpredictable British weather. This Norah wrap dress brings the sunshine though, with a comfortable wrap-style fit, gentle A-line shape and (our favourite!) optional pockets. sewoverit.com. LEARN IN A DAY Want to expand your crafty skillset,…

IMAN JUMPSUIT This stunning jumpsuit from VikiSews features a semi-fitted cut with an accentuated elastic waist. The wrap-front bodice has a low V-neckline with set-in sleeves that are gathered and finished with sleek binding. Iman can be made lined or unlined, meaning you can opt for a smooth stretch satin, a plush velvet – or go all out with sequins! vikisews.com DEEP V The elegant faux wraparound bodice creates a deep statement neckline. COMFORT AND STYLE An elasticated waist and semi-fitted cut keeps this jumpsuit comfy all day – and night – long. PICK YOUR STYLE Make this stunning design in a sleek satin, a rich velvet, or go for gold with sparkling sequins. PATTERN INSPIRATION Upgrade your next big project with our pick of the best patterns that make…

The Hannah Blouse from Atelier Jupe can be made in many ways – mix and match sleeves and neckline finishes for an everyday top you'll love. Choose a wide gathered sleeve for extra comfort, or a longer sleeve for a warmer wear. There's an optional tie for the neckline to add detail, and optional piping for a neat finish around the yoke seams on the front and back. Choose a light to medium weight fabric for a floaty finish such as viscose, cotton, Tencel, linen or double-gauze. Pair with jeans and pumps for a casual look or smart trousers and heals for a more dressed up style. This really is such a versatile garment you'll be wanting to make more than one for your wardrobe! Atelier Jupe is a Belgium…

SELF-DRAFT YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 3mx148cm■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED ■ Minerva Core Range Luxury Smooth Crepe Fabric, Minerva. com FABRICS RECOMMENDED ■ Light/Medium weight woven fabric with a good drape, such as rayon, crepe, Tencel or cotton lawn. MEASUREMENTS ■ Shoulder to hem■ Back Neck■ Length of V neck opening■ Length of armhole opening NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless stated otherwise.■ To finish seams either overlock or zigzag stitch or bind. CUTTING OUT From the main fabric:Back Panel: 148x135cm cut one Front Panels: 148x135cm cut one, then fold this Panel in half, selvedge to selvedge and cut along folded edge, giving you two Panels 74x135cm.Shoulder Panels: 12x90cm cut two Belt: 5x148cm cut one Neck Binding: 4x135cm FRONT PANELS Step one Overlock/zigzag stitch…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 1m fleece fabric■ 1m cotton Fabric, African print■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit PREPARING THE FABRIC Step one Wash and dry both the fleece and fabric to pre-shrink them and remove any sizing or dirt. Iron the fabrics to ensure they are smooth and wrinkle-free. CUTTING OUT Step one Lay the fleece and fabric on a flat surface. Using a measuring tape, mark and cut one strip from each fabric, each measuring 28cm wide and the full width of the fabric (usually about 150cm). If your fabric is narrower or you would prefer a longer scarf, you could cut two pieces from each fabric and join them together at the short ends and continue with the instructions below. SEWING THE SCARF Step one Take the fleece…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Collared shirt■ Stranded cotton (see notes)■ Iron-transfer pen■ Tracing paper■ Embroidery hoop: 8cm■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates■ We used DMC stranded cotton in shades Blanc, 310, 415, 721, 722, 3811 PREPARING THE STITCHING Prewash your shirt to prevent any pigment transferring from the fabric to the thread in future washes. Allow to dry fully before embroidering. TRANSFERRING THE DESIGN Step one Trace both of the templates onto tracing paper using an iron-transfer pen. Position the pattern pieces on the two collar points, ink side down, and press with a hot iron to mark the patterns. 01 Step two Place the first collar point in a small embroidery hoop. The hoop will not be full, but as long as the point…

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…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Wool felt in white, red, mint, plum, peach and navy■ Stranded cotton in white, red, mint, plum, navy and black■ Yarn or cotton cord■ Super glue or fabric glue■ Polyester stuffing■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Templates downloaded from gathered.how/ss-templates. ASSEMBLING YOUR PIECES Step one Trace and cut the templates, starting with your white pieces. These will serve as the base for both the unicorn and the goose. Layer them as shown in the photo, starting with the body, then the smaller parts over the top. Trace the pattern onto the fabric facing in the opposite direction to how you’d like your character to face. This way, your pencil won’t be visible. 01 Step two Now add your secondary, coloured shapes – the mint mane and…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Drawstring bag: 10x13cm, blue■ Stranded cotton: blue, pink, red, turquoise and white■ Adhesive water-soluble stabiliser■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Find details of all the stitches used at gathered.how.■ Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates. EMBROIDERING THE DESIGN Step one Transfer the design from the template onto the front of your bag using your preferred method. We used adhesive water-soluble stabiliser and a fine marker pen. If doing the same, cut around the design so that it fits onto the bag before peeling off the backing paper and sticking it in position on the bag. Ensure the design is straight and placed towards the bottom of the bag, so the stitching will be fully visible when the bag is shut. 01 Step two Stitch the snowflake using…

It's an odd thing to get so excited about (I know), but for me, nothing quite beats wearing a dress with pockets. A place to store my train ticket as I commute to work or somewhere for the kids to quietly hide stones when I'm not looking. I find myself fumbling around in the skirts of my garments that don't have pockets, all the time. Luckily, this month's cover star cocoon dress does have pockets, and a dreamy silhouette to boot. I'll be seeking the boldest print for this one – a real showstopper to take me through to autumn. What are your seasonal sewing plans? Do share your makes with us, we love seeing what you've been sewing...…

For a limited time, we're offering readers an exclusive discount code to use on all digital dressmaking patterns in our online shop! The code is valid 28 Sep - 27 Oct 2023. HOW TO GET 50% OFF 1 Scan the QR code or head to SimplySewingPatterns. etsy.com to browse our collection of digital patterns 2 Add your favourite patterns to your shopping basket then head to the checkout to apply the discount code 3 Enter discount code FLASH50 to get 50% off all the Simply Sewing patterns in your basket. Find the collection online now at SimplySewingPatterns.etsy.com or scan the QR code…

PSST: Turn the page for fabric and styling inspiration. Share your Poppy Dress with us using #SimplySewingMag. This time of year is all about comfort. If we do have to drag ourselves away from Strictly, we'd quite like to venture out in our leisurewear, thank you please. Well, this issue's cover star – the Poppy Dress – comes a close next best thing. This pattern by Fiona Hesford of Sewgirl (sewgirlblog.com) features a simple silhouette, sleek hidden in-seam pockets and midi sleeves – perfect for the UK's changeable autumn weather. Sewn in soft and easy-to-wear jersey material, the versatile shape means you can layer it over leggings with a pair of your favourite kicks when heading off on a country walk, or team it with killer heels and some statement…

When it comes to the cooler months, knit fabrics really come into their own and there’s nothing quite like a jumper, sweatshirt, track suit or cosy knit dress for autumnal comfort. Jersey is one of the most common knit fabrics and a super summer staple for T-shirts and body-skimming dresses. For warmer makes to see you through the autumn and winter, you might want something a little thicker than jersey, and this is where loop back French terry comes into its own. Thicker than jersey but not quite so thick as a fleece-back sweatshirt fabric, French terry is a versatile middle ground fabric you’ll want to sew with all year round. ALL ABOUT FRENCH TERRY Like jersey, French terry is a knit fabric but what makes it different are the…

SELF-DRAFT YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 100x140cm■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm unless otherwise stated.■ You may need to shorten the apron if the fabric width is less than 139cm. RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Light- to medium-weight woven fabric, such as cotton, canvas or denim. CUTTING OUT Step one Lay your fabric out on the fold and cut:Apron: 1 rectangle 89x36cmWaist ties: 2 strips 8x91cmNeck strap: 1 strip 8x61cmPocket: 1 rectangle 23x30cm 01 CREATING THE APRON SHAPE Step one Fold apron piece in half. Step two Along the top of the apron, mark a line 15cm from the centre fold and 4cm down. Step three Along the raw edge, mark a point 33cm down from the top of apron. Step four Draw a line…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 1m patterned medium weight fabric (we used Cotton and Steel Les Fleurs by Rifle Paper Co. in Rosa Floral Natural)■ 1m plain light weight woven fabric■ 1m cotton wadding■ 1m bias binding■ Matching sewing thread■ Basic sewing kit For the tag ■ 100% wool felt, 3mm thick■ Clear vinyl, 5x7.5cm■ 40cm bias binding■ Thin card■ Matching sewing thread NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm unless stated otherwise.■ Download Tag template from gathered.how/ss-templates TAKING YOUR MACHINE’S MEASUREMENTS Step one Measure your sewing machine, writing down the height (not including the handle), width and depth, making sure to include any parts that stick out. Add 1cm to each of the measurements to make sure the cover isn’t too snug. Step two Using the measurements, mark out the following…

TOY YOU WILL NEED ■ Black plush fabric: 60x48cm■ Patterned cotton fabric: 27x15cm■ Plain lining fabric: 27x15cm■ Wool felt sheet: 16x31cm, black; 7x7cm, green■ 1cm yellow ribbon: 70cm long■ Stranded cotton: 1 skein each of cream, green and pink■ Polyester toy filling 150g■ Long doll making needle■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FINISHED SIZE ■ Approximately 35cm tall, including hat FABRICS USED ■ Cuddle Plush in Black from shannonfabrics.com.■ Sun Moon Stars in Black from the Spooky Darlings Collection by Ruby Star Society■ Robert Kaufman Kona cotton in Citrus NOTES ■ Find the templates on page 83 or at gathered.how/ss-templates.■ Fabric measurements are given width first, then height.■ Arrows on templates indicate direction of plush pile.■ Use 6mm seam allowances. Seam allowance is included in the templates.■ Remove tacking after…

MY FAVOURITE THING "No matter what I make, I always find myself reaching for simple, versatile style. My Wilder Gown (by Friday Pattern Company) made in soft, crinkly cotton dobby was the last item of clothing I made before I packed my life up in boxes and left the city for greener pastures. Each stitch was laced with excitement, anticipation and high hopes and, although unassuming, the dress still brings me back to those days of new chapters and the tingle of change. "Living in the countryside and working in the city, I’m a huge fan of pieces that can be dressed up for meetings or brunches, and dressed down for cornfield wanders with my dog. Better yet if the pieces transition through the seasons. In the winter, the Wilder…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 50cm white calico fabric■ 50cm patterned fabric■ 15cm pink cotton fabric■ 85cm fusible web■ 65cm white felt■ 20cm pink jersey fabric■ 20x20cm silver glitter fabric■ Piece of yellow cotton fabric■ 400g soft toy stuffing■ Multi-coloured pom pom trim, 120cm■ 1.2m pom pom trim■ 1.2m pink ric rac■ 1.5mx2cm pink ribbon■ Yarn in pink, red and yellow■ Pom pom maker■ Matching sewing thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download star templates from gathered.how/ss-templates. CUTTING OUT Step one From calico cut: Main cushion panel: 42x62cm Cushion ends: two 19cm diameter circles Step two From the patterned fabric cut: Cover: 42x62cm Step three From the pink cotton fabric cut: Cover: two 16x62cm Step four From the pink jersey fabric cut: Cover: two 19x62cm BOLSTER CUSHION Step one Take your…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Natural cotton fabric for body: 40x40cm■ White fabric for dress: 36x46cm■ Gold fabric for wings and petticoat: 36x46cm\■ Lace and ric rac trim: assortment, 1.5m total■ Pink mohair wool for hair: 25g ball■ Piece of paper: 13x20cm■ Stranded cotton: black and dark pink■ Toy filling■ Thin elastic: 50cm■ Iron-on interfacing: 30x30cm■ Wadding: 15x20cm■ Small piece of beading wire■ Small mother of pearl buttons for halo■ Red crayon/pastel/lipstick for cheek blush■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates■ Use 5mm seam allowances unless otherwise indicated.■ Use a smaller stitch length throughout this project – 2mm is a good starting point. FINISHED SIZE ■ Approx. 28x30cm CUTTING OUT After cutting out, mark any openings on the wrong side (WS) of the fabric using…

TENDAI MURAIRWA Tendai loves to sew and create using vintage and African print fabrics. She makes sustainable accessories and self-draft clothing for her brand TeeStyleTribe. See more atteestyletribe.co.uk and try her quick-sew infinity scarf on page 65. AMMARA ZAMAN Based in New York City, Ammara is a sewing blogger who shares her tutorials and makes along with fashion styling while chasing three kids! See more for yourself at ammaraza.com and try her luxe self-draft tulip skirt tutorial on page 63. SCORPIO UZUH Self-taught designer Scorpio began sewing in 2019 through Sew It Academy. He has a pattern collaboration with Mimi G’s Know Me Pattern brand and specialises in modern, tailored streetwear aesthetic. Find his DIY apron on page 61. LINDA MAFUBA Linda is the talented designer behind bespoke tailored brand…

What better way to mark the seasonal change than with a brand new me-made sweater! We’ve teamed up with Minvera to offer five lucky winners a Wardrobe By Me Boxy Raglan Sweater kit, in a fabric of their choice! This sweatshirt is a classic pattern with raglan sleeves, rib cuffs, crew neckline, and hem band. The fit of the Boxy Raglan sewing pattern is roomy and boxy, with options for two lengths, three necklines, and a long or short sleeves. Minerva sewing kits are perfect as gifts or a treat for yourself! Minerva sewing kits come with everything you need to make a complete garment, in any size or view of the pattern. They’re perfect for beginners who aren’t sure where to start, or more experienced sewists who just want…

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and we couldn't be more excited. Is there a nicer feeling than watching someone you love open something special that you've made? Inside this issue's Christmas Makes booklet you'll find 12 easy-sew guides for gorgeous seasonal gifts to suit everyone on your list, plus homeware and decorations to make sure your house is fabulously festive from corner to corner. We can't wait to see which project tempts you first. Share all your triumphs with us using the hashtag #SimplySewingMag…

For Carla Diogo, everything started with a design technology lesson. The Bristol-based pattern cutter has created templates for several brands for over a decade. As well as providing sewing and tailoring classes for budding and experienced needleworkers, Diogo has also launched her own self-titled made-to-order clothes brand, putting her fashion construction expertise to direct use. Now in her mid-30s, she is fulfilled in her work combining creativity and technical construction, as well as being a mother of two. But before all this, a sewing class while at secondary school in London was the first step. “I was so intrigued by the mechanics of how things came together,” she explains. “I was fascinated, and just wanted to do it more and more.” As we talk over the phone, the sound of…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric length corresponding to your waist measurement times 2.5■ Iron on interfacing■ Loop turner■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES: ■ Seam allowance is 1.5 cm unless otherwise stated■ The width of the skirt layers will be cut on the selvedge edge■ If your inner skirt measurement is wider than your width of fabric, the orientation of your skirt will be on the cross grain, so you will need to pick a fabric without an obvious print on the straight grain for this design to work MATERIALS USED ■ Polyester satin RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Any fabric with a soft drape: silks, satins, crepes, chiffons & viscose TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS Step one Length of Skirt: Measure the length you would like for the skirt, from waist to…

It wasn’t long ago that sewing skills were rarely regarded as anything other than a skill to prove your marriageability as a woman. It was seen as quiet, gentle and the work of women for the benefit of men. But in the early 20th century women took these skills in needlecraft and used them to change the world. Embroidered banners, posters and postcards were created to publicise the suffragette movement and wave high during protest marches. The first wave of craftivism was born. Talking to Sarah Corbett (@SarahPCorbett), founder of the Craftivist Collective (@Craftivists) and author of How to be a Craftivist, she tells me more about what Craftivism is and how it looks today. “Craftivism is activism through craft. The word ‘craftivism’ was coined in 2003 by Betsy Greer…

CAT TOY PAGE 79 ACTUAL SIZE All templates are available to download from gathered.how. Scan the code to go straight to thwe templates page! Thank you for making these projects from Simply Sewing. The copyright for these templates belongs to the designer of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to enjoy, so please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission. Please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Copyright law protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric A (red print): 50x55cm■ Fabric B (green print): 60x112cm■ Fabric C (pink print – includes backing): 70x112cm■ Fabric D (light pink solid): 70x112cm■ Fabric E (white solid): 23x28cm■ Fabric F (silver solid): 5x12cm scrap■ Fabric G (pink plaid print – includes binding): 25x112cm■ Fabric H (red plaid print): 23x60cm■ Fabric I (white print): 23x60cm■ Fabric J (green solid): 23x60cm■ Fabric K (dark pink solid): 23x60cm■ Fabric L (red solid): 9x12cm scrap■ Batting: 64x82cm■ Stranded cotton (optional)■ Number tags (optional) FINISHED SIZE ■ 53x71cm NOTES ■ Seam allowances are 0.5cm unless otherwise noted.■ Press seams open throughout, unless otherwise instructed.■ When cutting directional print fabric, take care to cut pieces in the correct orientation (refer to the photography).■ Press all fabrics well before cutting.■ WOF =…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Wool felt: A4, pink x2; A4, blue x2■ Stranded cotton: 1 skein of white; 3 skeins each of bright pink, bright blue and blue; 8 skeins of pink■ Mini pom poms: 8mm, pink■ Matching sewing thread■ Silver sequins■ Pinking shears■ Erasable fabric marker■ Pom pom maker; 3.5cm■ Card: 15x10cm■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the templates gathered.how/ss-templates. CUTTING OUT Step one Download, print and cut out the templates. Cut the main stocking shapes and loop from your pink felt, and the top band, heel and toe shapes from your blue felt. Trim the edges marked with dotted lines using a pair of pinking shears. 01 ADDING DECORATION Step one With your fabric marker, mark a line approx 0.5cm away from the pinked edges, then sew…

YOU WILL NEED Makes one reindeer head ■ Fabric A (head): 38cm square■ Fabric B (antlers): 20x38cm■ Fabric C (mount): 28cm square■ Black fabric: 5cm square■ Lining fabric: 30cm square■ Batting scraps■ 10mm black plastic eyes■ 15cm embroidery hoop■ Stranded cotton■ Scraps of iron-on woven interfacing FINISHED SIZE ■ Approx. 25cm high NOTES ■ Seam allowances are 0.5cm, unless otherwise noted.■ Download templates from gathered.how/ss-templates.■ Templates include seam allowances.■ Wash and press all fabrics.■ Arrows on the pattern pieces indicate print direction for marking and cutting out.■ Ensure multiple pattern pieces are cut as mirror images.■ Apply a square of interfacing on the back of eye area on Side Faces. FABRICS USED ■ Winterberry Signature Linen Texture Solid in Mint by Moda.■ Ladder Lines in Sage from Doe by Carolyn…

SIZES 8-28 (US 4–24/EUR 32–52) THE POPPY DRESS Sew this versatile cocoon dress with roomy pockets as a wardrobe staple to see you through the seasons. PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheets x 2■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ 2.5m x 150cm wide fabric■ Masking tape■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Stretch fabrics such as French terry or fleece back sweatshirting Fiona Hesford is the founder of indie pattern brand Sewgirl. See her full range of patterns at sewgirlblog.com. BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING WWW.SEWGIRLBLOG.COM © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Pattern by Fiona Hesford (Sewgirl). Supplied by Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company), Bristol BS1 4ST. For individual, private use only and not for commercial or manufacturing purposes. Not for resale. CUTTING LAYOUTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING…

SIZES 6–24 (US 4–22/EUR 34–52) THE HANNAH BLOUSE Make this pattern in many ways – mix and match sleeves and neckline finishes for an everyday blouse you’ll love. PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x 1■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Sizes 6 to 16 2m x 115cm wide or 1.5m x 140cm wide■ Sizes 18 to 24 2.35m x 115cm wide or 1.8m x 140cm wide■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC SUGGESTIONS Choose a light to medium weight (80-140 gsm) fabric like viscose, cotton, Tencel, linen or double-gauze. Sisters Eva and Petra design modern and accessible pieces for their pattern brand Atelier Jupe. Shop at atelierjupe.com BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING WWW.ATELIERJUPE.COM © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Design by Eva and Petra Spruyt, Atelier Jupe. Supplied by…