Innehållsförteckning för Issue 133 från Simply Sewing

Get excited for longer, sunnier days with nature coming back to life with our beautiful Springthemed projects in this month’s issue! From our cover star, The Elena Dress, that you’ll love to wear in the sunshine, to our sweet and floral Josie Blouse that’ll elevate your look for your first picnic of the year, and use the Millie Bag to carry all of your essentials for a sunny weekend away. Celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd with nature’s best friend by sewing an adorable bumble bee plush toy on page 56. Learn how to embroider cute little blossoms and strawberries to upgrade an old cardigan on page 53. This issue, get to know amazingly talented sewists such as professional embroiderer and textile artist Scott Hazel (AKA Casta Hex) on page…

TOTALLY COSY CARDI Create your next favourite Spring make that will follow you all through the summer and autumn too! The Carlotta Cardigan by Juliana Martejevs is a comfortable cardi with short, puffed sleeves, making it perfect during sunny days when there's a cold breeze or during chillier evenings. Wear it on its own for a trendy and effortless look, or use it as an extra layer to your outfit. This cute cardigan is sure to become a staple of your wardrobe for this upcoming season! Find the pattern now at julianamartejevs.com TO QUILT OR NOT TO QUILT Try your hand at quilt making for the first time - it doesn't have to be scary, we promise! This Beginner's Quilt Project Box by my Sewing Box is fairly simple to…

Create your next favourite make with quality fabric from Alice Caroline – this month, win five fat quarters from their Exclusive Mint Meadow Liberty Collection! The soft, tranquil shades of mint are a celebration of both the plant and the hue. Whether you’re crafting beautiful quilts, stylish garments, or delightful home accessories, this collection offers a versatile and distinctive addition to your Liberty fabric stash. Check out Alice Caroline’s other beautiful collection and more at alicecaroline.com. Don’t wait any longer, head over now to gathered.how/sew_comps to enter! See gathered.how/sew_comps to enter today! Promoter: Our Media Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 05715415. Residents of the UK and Channel Islands aged 18+ can enter. The closing date for entries is 23:59 on 7th May 2025. For…

Sign up to our newsletter to download your bonus digital copy of Quick Gifts to Sew – for free! Inside this nifty guide you'll find twenty makes to create with a fat quarter, so that you get to use all your favourite fabrics that you've collected over the years! Every project inside is quick and easy, perfect to pass time or as a last-minute gift. Don't wait, sign up for yours today at try.simplysewingmag.com/bonus-gift Already a newsletter subscriber? Lookout for the link to download your bonus gift in our weekly sewing newsletter.…

Mix elegance and glamour with The Josie Blouse – a beautiful garment that's perfect to wear in warm weather while staying super stylish! Make it with floral and pastel prints to celebrate Spring, or use brighter colours that would pop with a Summer outfit. This blouse is great to wear with simple accessories and trousers, or a maxi skirt to add even more flow to your outfit! Sew your Josie Blouse today and don't forget to tag us with @simplysewingmag. YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: Sizes 6-16 1.7m of 150cm wide fabric Sizes 18-30 2.3m of 150cm wide fabric■ 6 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…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 1m cotton fabric■ 40cm zip■ Point turner■ 40x40cm cushion insert■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. FABRIC USED ■ Reversible Double Gauze in Rosewood from Higgs and Higgs higgsandhiggs.com. CUTTING OUT Step one From main fabric, cut: Front 40x40cm. Lower Back 30x40cm. Upper Back 15x40cm. Ruffle 15cm x the width of your fabric until you have 3.2m. INSERTING THE ZIP Step one Take the Lower Back piece and press the top over to the wrong side (WS) by 1cm. Step two Position the zip right side (RS) up and place the Lower Back WS down on top of the zip, so that the fold you just made lies against the zipper teeth. Pin in place. 01 Step three…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Outer canvas fabric: 1.25mx115cm■ Cotton canvas backing fabric: 1.25mx115cm■ Cotton lining fabric: 1.25mx115cm■ Heavy-duty zip: 61cm■ Two leather straps: 107x4cm■ Small rivets: eight pairs■ Rivet tools■ Two D-rings■ Two swivel clips■ Zip: 18cm■ Two pairs of heavy-duty snaps■ Snap tools■ Quilting clips■ Leather punch■ Hammer■ Fabric adhesive spray■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm, unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one From the outer fabric, cut: Main Bag: Two 63.5x51cmD-ring Tab: Two 9x7cm pieces Step two From the backing fabric, cut:Main Bag: Two 63.5x51cm Step three From the lining fabric, cut:Main Bag: Two 63.5x51cmZip Pocket: Two 31x33cm pieces. Open Pocket: one 28x20cm piece Step four Cut one leather strap into four 4x4cm squares for the zip tabs, and two 2x41cm lengths…

BEE TOY PAGE 56ACTUAL SIZE All templates are available to download from gathered.how. Scan the code to go straight to the templates page! REUSABLE SANITARY TOWELS PAGE 69ACTUAL SIZE…

DRESS FRONT BACK PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheets x2 (tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Jersey fabric:3.5mx115cm (Size 6-20)3mx140cm (Size 6-20)4mx115cm (Size 22-30)3.5mx140cm (Size 22-30)■ Clear elastic■ Ballpoint needle■ Twin ballpoint needle■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use a 1.5cm seam allowance, unless otherwise stated. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 30% stretch. 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 More fabric may be required for patterned or napped fabrics. 115CM WIDE 140CM WIDE DIAGRAMS FRONT BACK WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Printed in the UK for Simply…

PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x1■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Outer fabric: 0.5m■ Lining fabric: 0.6m■ Base fabric: 0.5m■ 1.5cm magnetic popper clasp■ Small scrap of iron on interfacing■ 3cm wide faux leather strapping: 1.3m■ 8 x 1cm wide Chicago screws with 4mm shanks■ Bradawl■ Flat head screwdriver■ Fabric clips■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Outer fabric: Medium weight woven fabrics such as canvas or denim.■ Lining fabric: Light to medium weight cotton.■ Base fabric: Washable metallic fabric or waxed canvas. Anna is a master of bags – check out her Instagram feed @aalicialondon for all her latest craft projects. WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Design by Anna Alicia. Supplied by Our…

Oh, hello, sunshine! It’s been a while. As I write this, I’m happy to say the sun is shining, and it finally feels like spring has arrived. Gingham is everywhere on the High Street, so we’ve put together a couple of easy-sew projects (pages 51 and 34) to help you bring this trend home. For all your spring adventures, don’t miss our durable travel bag (page 60) and stylish tote (page 39). While you’re out and about, tune into Zoe Edwards’ Check Your Thread podcast (page 29). And if you haven’t subscribed just yet, now’s the perfect time – don’t miss our limited-time offer (page 14) to get a Janome sewing machine with your subscription. Enjoy!…

EDDY CARDIGAN BLAZER This fun pattern from Friday Pattern Co creates a stylish outerwear piece that offers endless styling opportunities. It’s a fully-lined collarless design with subtly shaping body darts, a back vent, front patch pockets, and a single front button closure. fridaypatterncompany.com PATTERN INSPIRATION Get stitching your own with our pick of the best button-friendly sewing patterns 1 BETSY UTILITY JACKET This oversized utility jacket from Lydia Naomi features a button front closure, convertible collar, vented sleeves, four patch pockets, and a back yoke. The sleeves are lined and the rest of the internal seams can either be overlocked or even bias bound for a high-end feel. lydianaomi.com 2 ASTERI DRESS AND BLOUSE This elegant design from Named Clothing features two different options, with a sleeveless midi-length dress, and…

Say hello to The Elena Dress – a garment that you'll wear again and again all Summer long! Make this tulip hem, jersey dress with light and stretchy fabric to fit your body comfortably when the hot weather strikes – you'll be able to go about your day without feeling uneasy. Sew a belt to tie at the waist to shape your dress around your body, and add a couple of hooks on either side of the waist to prevent your belt from falling down as you move. Give this classic dress a twist with its faux wrapped front. This will give you more freedom to move while staying totally secure. The short cuffed sleeves also add a stylish, summery touch. This is an easy-to wear garment that you can…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Gingham fabric: 2-3m■ High-waisted slim-leg trousers■ Pattern paper■ 4cm wide elastic: 1m■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm, unless otherwise specified. CREATING THE PATTERN Step one Find a pair of high-waisted slim-leg trousers that fit you well. Fold the trousers in half along the length and place them on the pattern paper, then trace around them, adding 1.5cm seam allowance on all sides. Mark the hip point and draw a straight line horizontally across the paper for the waist, then draw a second horizontal line 5cm above this. Cut out the pattern – this will be the Front Trouser. 01 Step two Place the pattern onto a new sheet of pattern paper and trace around it. Add an extra 5cm along…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Template (see below)■ 2m light to medium weight woven fabric with some drape■ Ruler/tape measure■ Fabric marker■ Rotary cutter/scissors■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ This dress uses a “template” for the bodice section. Either use a block pattern or trace the top section of a paper pattern you already own. Look for a pattern that is sleeveless and relaxed in fit and use this to create your template. ■ By tracing pattern sections onto card, you create durable, reusable pieces that speed up the process, ensure precise cuts, and make it easy to tweak designs. This method bridges the gap between commercial patterns and custom creations, allowing for endless variations with minimal effort. MATERIALS USED: ■ Azulejos Florais viscose from sewmesunshine.co.uk. CUTTING OUT Step…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cardigan■ Tracing paper■ Pencil■ Tapestry wool (we used two shades of red, plus light pink and aqua)■ Chenille needle■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Find the template on page 73 or download from gathered.how/ss-templates TRANSFER THE DESIGN Step one Using the template, trace the strawberry and flower patterns onto tracing paper. Arrange the patterns along the edge of the cardigan, pinning them in place. 01 STITCHING THE DESIGN Step one Thread the needle with a length of tapestry wool and secure the end of the yarn through the back of the cardigan. Be sure to work through the stitches several times, keeping the yarn hidden in thicker stitches. 02 Step two Embroider the strawberries in red using satin stitch. Instead of coming up at the top,…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cotton fabric scraps in a selection of prints – light and dark shades■ Cotton fabric scraps in a selection of solid colours – light and dark shades■ Geometric fabric: 1x5in (2.5x12.7cm)■ Cotton backing fabric: 5½in (14cm) square■ Fusible woven interlining, Vlieseline G700: 1x5in (2.5x12.7cm)■ Medium-loft fusible batting (wadding)■ Vlieseline H640: 5½ in (14cm) square■ Coordinating thread■ Small amount of filling (see tip) TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT ■ Basic quilting kit FINISHED MEASUREMENTS ■ 5in (13cm) square CUTTING OUT From cotton fabric scraps: Cut one 2in (5cm) square, for the centre. Cut two 1x3in (2.5x7.5cm) pieces in dark fabrics, for Round 1. Cut two 1x3½ in (2.5x9cm) pieces in light fabrics, for Round 1. Cut two 1x4in (2.5x10cm) pieces in dark fabrics, for Round 2. Cut two 1x4½…

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…

SHIRT FRONT BACK PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x1 (Tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric:Sizes 6-16 1.7m of 150cm wide fabricSizes 18-30 2.3m of 150cm wide fabric■ 6 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 look, try viscose or Tencel. FABRICS USED ■ Liberty Tana Lawn Fabric Wiltshire Peppermint, alicecaroline.com 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…

MATT NEVARD Matt is an amateur sewist who has a passion for making classic and unique menswear. His love of sewing started with a two-day shirt making course, evolving into a love of sewing with interesting patterns and prints. See his fave make on page 82. TAMMY SILVER Tammy is a London-based sewing blogger. She’s a print-loving, puffy sleeve enthusiast. She enjoys making easy-going looks with an abundance of colour and volume. Turn to page 34 to find out how to make stylish gingham flared trousers. SCOTT HAZELL AKA CASTA HEX Scott Hazell, also known by his drag name as Casta Hex, is a professional embroiderer and textile artist for costume for Film and TV. His work is typically inspired by history and often has a dark or whimsical twist…

Zoe Edwards was working sewing clothes for a charity at a studio in Brighton in 2012 when her only colleague went on maternity leave. Left with an echoey silence, bar the hum of her trusty sewing machine, and spurred on by a friend’s recommendation to try listening to a podcast, the sewing podcaster-to-be pressed play on a moment that changed the course of her eclectic career. “I very quickly got obsessed,” Zoe remembers. “I was listening to six episodes of This American Life a day!” When her subsequent role involved regularly commuting from her home in East Sussex to London, podcasts become even more prominent in her life. “Then, when I had my two children and they were napping or I was walking the buggy, podcasts became a real connection…

Add a touch of glamour and style to the classic tote bag with The Millie Bag, designed by Anna Alicia. This fashionable tote bag is the ideal companion to your everyday outings, from a casual afternoon in town, to doing your weekly shop or even picnicking. The Millie Bag is not only beautifully unique, but it's also super spacious, allowing you to store your groceries or essentials for a night away. Play with fabric prints and textures for a bag like no other! Find more bag patterns at gathered.how/sewing-shop…

One garment that sometimes gets overlooked is your old wedding dress. This hidden treasure could have more exciting fabric in it than anything else in your wardrobe, as well as being packed full of happy memories and steeped in your own personal history. Let’s delve into its potential, and explore ideas you can try on YOUR old gown, to get it out of the attic and back into your life. Some brides choose to sell, donate, rent out or even frame their old wedding dresses, and there is nothing wrong with simply keeping it tucked safely in a tissue lined box. But if you ARE tempted to repurpose it, let’s look at 4 ways to do this. ■ Change the colour■ Restyle and Refashion■ Discover Refabrication■ Create a Keepsake COLOUR…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Outer fabric (cotton/ jersey)■ Bamboo 3D diamond Zorb■ ProSoft bamboo fleece (1ml PUL)■ Snap fasteners: two per pad■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated.■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates. FABRIC TIPS You can buy specialist fabrics at cuddleplushfabrics.co.uk but this is also a great stash busting project if you have any of the suggested fabrics in your stash. CUTTING OUT Step one Print off the template twice or trace off the dotted line section onto a separate sheet of paper, this is the template for the inner pad. Cut one of the main pad template in your top fabric (cotton) and one in the Prosoft bamboo fleece with PUL. Cut the inner pad from bamboo 3D diamond Zorb. If you…

In 2022 I took part in a two-day shirt-making workshop – a Christmas present from my family. I set about searching for fabric to take and thinking about the style I wanted to make. I found the workshop fascinating and was instantly hooked, loving the intricacy of cutting a pattern (even doing some pattern matching!), and marvelling as a few scraps of fabric turned into a unique shirt I love wearing. I left the workshop and instantly bought a sewing machine, setting to work thinking up ideas for my wardrobe. I take inspiration from fellow sewists on Instagram and keeping an eye on celebrity styling trends (Paul Mescal and Jonathan Bailey’s style inspires me). I’ve spent the last couple of years building up a wardrobe of ‘me made’ clothes. I…