Innehållsförteckning för Issue 129 från Simply Sewing

Give a fun twist to a classic with our cover star, the Robyn Shirt. Choose different cottons for a unique pastel look, or give it a smarter finish with a rich neutral tone – turn to page 22 for more inspo! Make a dress that will become one of your party staples with the Lindsay Dress (page 48) and create a bag that will never leave your side with the oh-so handy Iris bag on page 69. Looking for something warm, fluffy and cute? You’re in luck! Turn to page 71 to sew the most adorable hot chocolate plushie toy. Head over to page 56 where Clive Bruder of Boys Sew Too gives us insights on how to repurpose fabrics for your future projects. On the subject of sustainability, turn…

DREAMY TWILIGHT Say hello to ILLUSION, the new fabric collection from Atelier Brunette. The viscose fabric is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, woven from EcoVero™️ certified fibers, and free of harmful substances. The manufacturing cycle has been optimized to drastically reduce the environmental impact compared to traditional viscose. We're sold! The fabrics come in Dreamy Twilight (shown above), Deep Charcoal, Off-White and Sandy Sand prints in a perfect-for-dressmaking 140cm width. atelierbrunette.com LORNA PINAFORE Sew the ultimate layering piece with the Lorna Pinafore pattern! Lorna is the stylish pinafore you've been waiting for, perfect to wear over tops, blouses and shirts you already have in your wardrobe. She's fully lined too, hurrah! Shop the pattern at sewoverit.co.uk LEARN & SEW Looking to expand your sewing skills? What about getting into upholstery? Get…

PSST: Turn the page for fabric and styling inspiration. Share your Robyn Shirt with us Trust us when we say that the Robyn Shirt is going to become a staple in your wardrobe. You can easily wear it casually every day or style it for special, smarter events. It'll be the perfect addition to a stylish winter outfit, as well as being a nice and breezy top for the summer days. It all depends on what fabric you choose to make it with! We have listed a few fabrics made of Chambray cotton which is ideal for making shirts. While this fabric might look like denim, Chambray is actually much lighter and woven differently. Now, it's your turn to choose if you want your Robyn Shirt to be pastel with…

EMBROIDERED HOOP YOU WILL NEED ■ Floral cotton fabric■ Wooden embroidery hoop■ Stranded cotton■ Embroidery needle STITCH THE DESIGN Secure the fabric in the hoop, backstitch the petals and flower centres, then use chain stitch for the leaves. To finish, gather the fabric at the back of the hoop using running stitch. Becki is a creative designer in the New Forest. Inspired by nature's flora and fauna, when she's not in her studio you'll find her out with Reggie the sausage dog.…

PROJECT BAG YOU WILL NEED ■ One roll of washable paper in Rose Gold (Fabric 1)■ 50cm duck canvas in natural, approx. 8oz weight (Fabric 2)■ 50cm unbleached cotton lining fabric (Fabric 3)■ 2m cotton cord, 0.5cm thick■ Sew-all thread in cream■ Metallic thread■ Jump ring, 1cm diameter■ Pressing cloth■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Pins will leave holes on the washable paper, so use fabric clips instead. Use a pressing cloth when pressing any seams, and when using metallic thread make sure you switch to a metallic thread needle and don’t use it in your sewing machine’s bobbin.■ Pre-wash Fabric 1 according to the manufacturer’s instructions. CUTTING OUT Step one From Fabric 1, cut: Two 23x40cm pieces. One 0.8x5cm strip. 01 Step two From Fabric 2, cut: One 17x40cm…

New year, new fun! Create a high-neck tunic dress in popping colours and prints to add even more sparkles to your wardrobe. Not only is this dress absolutely gorgeous in vibrant prints fabrics, it's incredibly comfortable and will fit you so well that you'll even be tempted to just lounge in it! Its' elasticated waistband shapes the dress as well as making it perfectly fit your body. This dress is also perfect to wear in the winter months as it has a full coverage with longer sleeves and a high neck. Pair it with your favourite heels and earrings to create a simple but timeless look. Don't forget to share your makes with us online with #simplysewingmag. YOU WILL NEED 150cm wide x 3m for all sizes ■ Iron-on interfacing:…

Sustainability has taken centre stage in the ever-evolving world of fashion. As we become more conscious of our environmental footprint, the idea of repurposing fabric has gained significant traction, especially in home sewing. This article will delve into the art of transforming old garments into stylish, unique pieces, with a focus on altering your favourite pair of jeans and customising existing clothes to reflect your personality. THE BENEFITS OF REPURPOSING FABRIC Repurposing fabric not only helps reduce waste but also allows you to create pieces that are one-of-a-kind and that no one else will have. By altering or customising existing clothing, you can breathe new life into items that may otherwise be discarded. Additionally, it can save money while giving you the opportunity to express your creativity and personal style.…

Hop on the trend and sew an Iris Bag that will never leave your side! Our sample is sewn from Orla Kiely PVC fabric (from terrysfabrics.co.uk) making it splash-proof too! Made with a crossbody strap and solid handles, it's perfect for everyday use − whatever your location. What's more, it's even big enough to pack with all the essentials you might need for a weekend away. With its extra zip pocket to keep your valuables safe, this might just be the most versatile bag you'll ever sew! See more of Lauren's patterns at laurenholloway.uk…

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…

DRESS PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x2 (Tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 115cm wide x 4m, or 150cm wide x 3m for all sizes■ Iron-on interfacing: 30x115cm■ Zip: 20cm■ Button: 10-12mm■ Ribbon or elastic: 3mm wide x 5cm■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTE The seam allowance is 1.5cm unless otherwise stated. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS Lightweight woven fabrics such as lightweight cotton, cotton lawn, rayon, crepe or linen. Shop more of our dressmaking patterns online at gathered.how/sewing-shop BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Designed and printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Supplied by Our Media Ltd, Bristol BS1 4ST. For individual, private home use only. Not for commercial/manufacturing purposes or resale. CUTTING LAYOUTS PATTERN MARKINGS DIAGRAMS STITCHING TERMS Finish the raw edges: Use a zigzag stitch or…

How is it almost the end of 2024? It doesn't feel like long ago I was writing this note at the end of 2023. Time really flies when you're having fun! It was a joy to put together this issue - our last of the year. I particularly love the pastel sample of our Robyn Shirt (p22) - it's such a playful take on the classic wardrobe staple. Winter Solstice is just around the corner, which means our days will start to get brighter for longer, so you'll be energised to get sewing as the new year commences! (Though, I can't guarantee the British weather won't let things down, so don't forget to add the Iris Bag (p69) to your sewing list...) Happy New Year!…

Synonomous with high-end style, the iconic Vogue Patterns brand has been inspiring sewers to craft their own clothes for over 118 years! The eclectic collection includes garments inspired by both the catwalk and bygone eras, and patterns are tailored to suit beginners and those looking to boost their skills with a challenge. This month, we’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win a voucher for 12 Vogue Patterns from sewdirect.com. The winner will be able take their pick from dresses, coats, occasionwear, jumpsuits, menswear, bags, coordinates, accessories and much more to keep them busy at the sewing machine all year round! Enter online for your chance to win these 12 patterns at gathered.how/sew_comps. See gathered.how/sew_comps to enter today! Promoter: Our Media Limited, a company registered in England and Wales…

Growing up I was surrounded by creativity, my mum studied weaving at university and could turn her hand to absolutely anything. This attitude towards giving anything and everything a go really stuck with me and I’ve always found so much joy in learning new crafts. I have definitely struggled with my confidence though and when I didn’t get into a fashion design course at university I took this initial set back as a sign that maybe a creative path wasn't for me. Instead I studied Fashion Marketing and although I did well, I definitely always felt like something was missing. Tackling challenges Although I was shown the basics from my mum as a teenager, I didn’t properly learn to sew until 2021. I spent some time with my mum’s friend…

COASTERS YOU WILL NEED For one coaster ■ Fabric scraps: to fit the template■ Felt: 12x24cm■ Bondaweb: 12x36cm■ Matching sewing thread■ Erasable fabric pen■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates.■ Use a 5mm seam allowance.■ We used two layers of felt to make our coasters, but you could use one piece of thicker 3mm felt if that's what you have on hand. CUTTING OUT Step one Download and print out two copies of the template. Keep one whole and set aside for later and then cut along the lines separating the three patchwork pieces on the second copy. Step two Draw around each of the pieces onto the wrong side (WS) of your chosen fabric, remembering to add a 5mm seam allowance along the diagonal edges…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 2m Medium to heavy knit fabric (preferably with at least 35-50% stretch)■ Pattern (or garment) that fits you (choose a relaxed fit like a t-shirt)■ Rulers■ Chalk■ Pencil■ Pattern paper/card■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ About the template: To cut your garment pieces you can either trace around an existing garment like a t shirt OR create a little template from a pattern you already own. Here I’ve selected a pattern for a simple relaxed fit woven top with set in sleeves. Ensure you have at least a 1cm seam allowance included in your template and use the same seam allowance consistently throughout.■ Before you start: Measure from your underarm to the point at which you would like the hem of your dress to…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 1m Main fabric■ 0.5m Contrast fabric■ 0.5m Medium weight iron-on interfacing■ Pattern paper■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ All seam and hem allowances will be added in the drafting process.■ Seam allowance is 1cm.■ More fabric may be required for larger sizes. MATERIALS USED ■ We used linen viscose mix for the main and cotton lawn for the contrast panels. SUGGESTED FABRICS ■ Mix and match woven fabrics for this make, including linen, twill, plain weave/craft cotton, lightweight denim. DRAFT THE PATTERN: You will need paper measuring approximately 1.5m long x 1m wide – start all drafting 10cm down from the top edge of the paper. FRONT AND BACK: Draw two base rectangles: Width = ½ x Back Shoulder + 15cm. Length = High…

PETER PAN COLLAR YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric (cotton or any other lightweight material)■ Pattern■ Iron-on interfacing■ Bias binding in complementary colour■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTE ■ Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated.■ Download the template at gathered.how/ss-templates PREPARE THE COLLAR PIECES Step one Fold your two pieces of fabric in half. Trace your template with chalk. You can always shape the collar differently by redrawing the bottom curve as desired. Cut along the marked curve through both layers of fabric. For a crisp finish, iron interfacing onto one collar piece. 01 Step two If you want to add a ruffle to the outer edge of the collar, cut these four pieces as well. Cut the ties from the fabric if you don’t want to use the…

YOU WILL NEED Cup of cocoa: ■ Blue faux fur fabric: 52x45cm■ Brown plush fabric: 15x15cm■ Cream plush fabric: 35x22cm■ Pale pink wool felt: 6x3cm■ Black wool felt: 4x2cm■ Plain calico fabric: 22x22cm■ Black stranded cotton■ White stranded cotton■ Polyester toy filling: 150g■ Toy filling beads: 120g■ Basic sewing kit Biscuit: FABRICS USED ■ Cuddle Plush Smooth fabric in Cappuccino, Ivory and Latte, all by Shannon Fabrics.■ Blue faux fur and wool felt fabrics from Etsy. NOTES ■ Find the templates on page 75 and gathered.how/ss-templates.■ Cut fabric on fold of fabric where noted on the templates.■ Fabric measurements are W x H.■ Finished size: Approximately 26cm tall.■ Cut pair = cut mirror image.■ 6mm seam allowance is included in the templates.■ Arrows on templates indicate direction of plush pile.■…

Every garment I create becomes my new favourite − there, I said it! While my previous makes might feel a twinge of jealousy, each project teaches me something new, hones my skills, and results in something exceptionally gorgeous. I'm thrilled to present my new favourite, a flowy black shirt that's anything but ordinary. The magic began with digital pattern drafting, a game-changer that lets me skip the tedious print-cut-tape show by using a projector to cut on fabric directly. A dramatic yoke extending from wrist to wrist was exactly the unexpected twist I was going for. I stumbled upon vintage gold jewel-toned buttons while thrifting in Tulsa. These little treasures set the tone for the entire piece, inspiring me to create a bejewelled collar that elevates this shirt from…

PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x1■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 1m x 112cm■ Lining fabric: 1m x 112cm■ Bonded Fleece lining (duoline): 0.5m■ 2 x 25mm D rings■ 50mm mid weight cotton webbing: 1m■ 1 x 23cm zip■ 1 x 38mm buckle slider■ 2 x 38mm lobster clasps■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ If you use PVC fabric you might like to carry out a test with the iron on a scrap piece of fabric to make sure it doesn’t melt. Use a pressing cloth to protect it.■ Seam allowance is 10mm, unless otherwise stated. SUGGESTED FABRIC ■ Medium or heavy weight woven fabrics such as cotton canvas, oil cloth, denim or faux leather. FABRICS USED: ■ Main body: Orla Kiely ‘Multi-Stem’ PVC fabric…

CLIVE BRUDER Clive is an independent pattern designer and business owner. He founded the Boys Sew Too and the We Sew Too movements and champions diversity and inclusivity in the home sewing community. Read his fabric feature on page 56. NICOLE VASSELL Nicole is a London-based freelance writer who has been contributing to Simply Sewing since 2021. As well as sewing, Nicole frequently writes about culture and lifestyle. Read her profile of Alex, a young and talented sewist, on page 44. CLAY KEITH Clay Keith is Oklahoma’s vibrant queer pattern drafter and self-taught sewist. This creative dynamo taught himself to sew over a decade ago, sparking a passion for drafting and stitching his wildest dreams. Read about his sewing journey on page 82. AILSA LYALL Ailsa Lyall is a queer…

LITTLE OR LARGE This kid-friendly pattern comes in sizes 12 months to 14 years. STAY DRY David is designed to be made with waterproofs, but also works in denim or drill. GO BESPOKE Customise your make with a choice of pockets and an optional lining. DAVID RAINCOAT This pattern from Bobbins & Buttons creates a fun unisex zip-front raincoat for kids that features bound edges, raglan sleeves, and a handy panelled hood for maximum coverage. You can customise the look with your choice of curved or boxy flap-close pockets; plus, a separate lining add-on is also available for purchase. bobbinsnbuttons.co.uk PATTERN INSPIRATION Make a splash with our pick of the best patterns for water-resistant fabrics. 1 S3019 ADAPTIVE SHACKET This stylish pattern from Simplicity creates a casual shacket that’s been…

PATCHWORK QUILT YOU WILL NEED ■ 3m Kona Cotton Solids in Snow (Fabric 1)■ 4m Kona Cotton Solids in Ice Peach (Fabric 2)■ 68.5cm Kona Cotton Solids in Saffron (Fabric 3), Aqua (Fabric 4) and Emerald (Fabric 5)■ 1.5 x 1m wadding■ Rotary cutter■ Cutting mat■ Square quilting ruler■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ If your fabric has a directional print, cut the squares diagonally in opposite directions so the print is the right way up on both sides.■ Download the layout guide from gathered.how/ss-templates. CUTTING OUT Step one From Fabric 1, cut: 12 14x14cm squares. 01 44 15x15cm squares. Then cut the 15x15cm squares in half to make half square triangles. 02 Step two From Fabric 2, cut: 1.5x1m backing piece. 10 15x15cm squares. Then cut the…

DOORSTOP YOU WILL NEED ■ Multi print fabric: 14x90cm■ Blue fabric: 20x10cm■ Interfacing: 14x90xm■ Uncooked rice, beans or an alternative heavy filling■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTE Use a 6mm seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one From the multi print fabric, cut: Doorstop Sides: four 14x15cm. Doorstop Top/Base: two 14x14cm. Step two From the interfacing, cut: Sides interfacing: four 14x15cm. Top/Base interfacing: two 14cm squares. PREPARING THE HANDLE Step one Fold the blue fabric strip in half right sides (RS) together, so the long edges align. Pin, then sew along the edge to make a tube. Step two Press the seam open, then turn the tube RS out. Press flat, so the seam is in the centre. Step three Topstitch 6mm from either edge. Fold one raw end over…

Sign up to our newsletter now to download your bonus digital copy of Upcycling with Thread – for free! Inside this bumper embroidery special you'll find step-by-step guides to beautiful projects to put your sewing skills to good use whilst adding some personal touches and upcycling your old clothes! Find the easy-to-follow instructions to an appliqué sweatshirt, a knitted jumper, a floral high-tops, a tote bag, and learn everything about making wearable art. Sign up for yours today at try.simplysewingmag.com/bonus-gift. upcycling WITH THREAD Relax and unwind with some slow stitching embroidery it in id…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Velveteen fabric (15x25cm)■ Cotton fabric (15x25cm)■ Braided metallic embroidery thread (fine weight)■ Air-erasable marking pen■ 4-inch embroidery hoop■ Embroidery needle■ Small scraps of felt■ 10mm magnetic buttons■ Stranded cotton to match the fabrics■ Sewing machine■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates TRANSFER THE DESIGN Step one Trace the pouch template onto the velveteen fabric. Step two Trace your chosen monogram letter on the rounded end, using the dot on the template to center the letter pattern. 01 STITCH THE DESIGN Step one Place the fabric in your embroidery hoop. Embroider the letter using chain stitch in the metallic embroidery thread. Avoid leaving the fabric in the hoop for an extended time. 02 CUTTING OUT Step one Cut out the velveteen on the…

All templates are available to download from gathered.how. Scan the code to go straight to the templates page! COCOA CUP PAGE 71 ACTUAL SIZE STITCH POUCH PAGE 67 ACTUAL SIZE 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.…

SHIRT PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x 1 (Tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric:Sizes 6-16 1.5m of 145cm wide fabric Sizes 18-30 2.3m of 145cm wide fabric■ 8 buttons (1cm diameter)■ 0.5cm lightweight iron-on interfacing■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm. unless otherwise stated. SUGGESTED FABRICS ■ Light to medium weight woven fabrics. For a crisp feel, try cotton poplin, chambray, cotton lawn or linen. For a drapier feel, try viscose or Tencel. Shop more of our dressmaking patterns online at gathered.how/sewing-shop BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Designed and printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Designed by Becky Perry for Prima UK, February 2023.Supplied by Our Media Ltd, Bristol BS1 4ST. For individual, private home use only. Not for commercial/manufacturing purposes…