Innehållsförteckning för Issue 142 från Simply Sewing

This issue, we’re so excited to share our cover star, The Clover Top – a clever four-in-one pattern that you’ll have fun making it as unique as you! Turn to page 14 fabric and accessories inspiration. You’ll also fall in love with The Hazel Skirt, our cosy corduroy staple, perfectly paired with a friendly expert guide on how to sew with corduroy so you can stitch with confidence. Luke-Matthew gives their best advice about building a capsule wardrobe that truly works for you. And of course, we’ve included plenty of mindful projects, from soothing quilting to simple embroidery, and an irresistibly huggable fluffy plushie owl toy. Share your makes #simplysewingmag WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

EMBRACE YOUR CURVES Sew yourself a show-stopping dress with the Ellington Dress designed by Cashmerette! This absolutely stunning strapless evening gown sewing pattern is made for cup sizes C-H. The maxi dress features a boned bodice expertly drafted for bigger boobs, plus a dramatic floor-length skirt with a front slit for effortless movement. This dress will be your go-to for any special occasion, and we're sure you'll find a reason to wear it casually too! Head over to cashmerette.com to get the pattern. DRAMATIC VOLUME Get ready for chic and feminine statement culottes with the Sanaz pattern designed by Coralie Bijasson! The wide-leg cut, enhanced by sharp pleats, creates beautiful volume while maintaining fluidity and grace. Find the pattern at coralie-bijasson.com SWEET SURPRISE ▼ We're all been there – searching…

MAISIE OVERALLS Dungaree patterns match perfectly with corduroy, as this design from Juliana Martejevs proves. These classic all-in-one overalls feature adjustable tie straps and generous pockets, with cute pleats at the waistline and a casual, relaxed fit. They’re ideal for jumbo cords in bright colours and prints! julianamartejevs.com PATTERN INSPIRATION Indulge in sumptuous texture with our guide to the best corduroy-friendly patterns 1 MARGO PINAFORE Along with dungarees, pinafore dresses are another classic match for printed corduroy. This beginner-friendly design from Tammy Handmade features an A-line skirt, a fully lined bodice, and two patch pockets, as well as your choice of square or deep-V necklines. tammyhandmade.com 2 AUDREY BOMBER JACKET We absolutely adore this oversized jacket from Juliana Martejevs! This classic bomber features wide raglan sleeves, large patch pockets, and…

YOU WILL NEED 2-3 metres of 140cm wide fabric 5cm wide elastic the length of the waist minus 2.5cm Matching thread Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED Tartan fabric from Anbo.co.uk SUGGESTED FABRICS Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as cotton, linen or ramie. NOTES Seam allowance: 1.5cm Hem allowance: 2.5cm WOF - Width of Fabric For larger sizes, or for more gathering at the waist, cut Skirt Front and Back in two pieces. Ideally a width of somewhere between 1.5 - 2 times the waist measurement. DRAFTING THE SKIRT Step one To draft the Waistband, select your largest measurement, waist or hip. Add 12cm for seam allowance and ease. Divide by two and mark this across the fabric at right angles to the fold. Measure down 12cm. Cut one.…

TIE DIE THROW YOU WILL NEED White cotton sheeting: 2.5mx140m Lining fabric: 2.1mx140cm Wadding: 2.1mx140cm 1 large bowl, to wet the fabric 2 buckets, for the dye baths Elastic bands Washing pegs Lolly sticks A piece of plastic piping Orange stranded cotton Embroidery needle Clear plastic template measuring 18x18cm, including 1cm seam allowances Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES The amount of fabric you need depends on the size of the quilt you are making. A single duvet cover measures 135x200cm. Dylon dye in Bahama Blue and Ocean Blue from Hobby Craft hobbycraft.co.uk Use a 1cm seam allowance, unless otherwise stated. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES Step one Mix up the two dye baths according to manufacturer’s instructions. Cut up the fabric into pieces approx 50x50cm. Step two Take one piece of…

YOU WILL NEED 50 cotton fabric squares (coordinating colours/patterns if desired): 10x10cm each Quilt batting or felt: two pieces, 50x50cm each Lining fabric: two pieces, 50x50cm each 2 straps: 65cm each Basic sewing kit NOTES Cut 10x10cm fabric squares. To make a 45x45cm bag, you’ll need 5 rows of 5 squares per side - 25 squares for each panel. Seam allowance: 1cm. CREATING THE PATCHWORK Step one Arrange the 10x10cm fabric squares on a flat surface. Organize them into 5 rows of 5 squares in a layout you like. 01 Step two With right sides (RS) together, sew a pair of squares along the edge with a 1cm seam allowance. Continue joining squares to complete each row of five . Step three Press all seam allowances open. This will help…

YOU WILL NEED One fat quarter each of Fabric A, Fabric B, Fabric C, Fabric D, Fabric E and Fabric F  Two fat quarters of Fabric G  Backing fabric: 1m  Binding fabric: 50cm  Wadding: 85x105cm  Cardboard  Rotary cutter  Cutting mat  Fabric marker  Matching thread  Basic sewing kit NOTE Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates CUTTING OUT Step one Using the downloaded template, cut a hexagon shape from cardboard. Step two Trim the raw edges from all the fat quarters. Step three Cut four hexagons each from Fabrics A-F, and five hexagons from Fabric G. Be sure to cut all the hexagons in the same direction on the fabric. 01 Step four Pierce the dots on the template with a pin, then use it to mark a dot on the back…

It's officially hibernating season, so get yourself sewing the snuggliest sleepy Teddy Bear with its matching quilted bed! This pattern by Jo Carter (twoowlsdesign.co.uk) will make you feel super cosy and will make for the perfect gift to your own sleepy head. With this pattern, you'll get to practise your quilting skills too! Use your favourite fabric scraps to create the bed, and sew your bear plushie with the softest fabric! Share pics of your finished make on socials @SimplySewingMag and find more toy patterns to sew at gatheredshop.com…

A new year invites us to reset and return to the things that bring us joy – like sewing! We’re celebrating value, creativity, and making the most of what we have in our stashes and skill sets. If you love budget-friendly projects, you’ll enjoy our 4-in-1 Clover Top pattern (p14), a versatile sew that proves thoughtful design can stretch our wardrobes and our budgets. We’re championing upcycling with a scrap jumper (p59) using leftover fabrics to make something totally unique. If your goal is simply to make more time for yourself, we’ve got inspiration for that too. From slow-crafted quilts to mindful embroidery (p37). Here’s to a creative and calming 2026.…

PSST: Turn the page for fabric and styling inspiration. Share yours online! Say hello to The Clover Top! This versatile garment has four different versions for totally personal looks. Choose between three sleeve options, a round neck or tie neck options, and add an optional front tie or pocket if you wish! Share yours online with #SimplySewingMag YOU WILL NEED Version A: Sizes 6-20: 1.7m of 140cm wide fabric Sizes 22-30: 1.8m of 140cm wide fabric Version B: Sizes 6-20: 1.5m of 140cm wide fabric Sizes 22-30: 1.8m of 140cm wide fabric Version C: Sizes 6-20: 2.2m of 140cm wide fabric Sizes 22-30: 2.3m of 140cm wide fabric Version D: Sizes 6-20: 1.7m of 140cm wide fabric Sizes 22-30: 2m of 140cm wide fabric 30cm x 150cm lightweight Interfacing Version…

GET THE LOOK Find the ‘Catriona’ Tank Top by Ella Burch from The Knitter issue 217 at www.ourmediashop.com/knitting-back-issues Sew the skirt of this winter with The Hazel Skirt! Make it with a cosy corduroy fabric to pair it easily with all of your cold season's outfits. This knee-length a-line skirt has a timeless fit, so you're sure to wear it for a lifetime. And boost your sewing skills by adding a fly front zip for a professional finish. This skirt is sure to become a wardrobe staple, and you can easily decide to make it with different fabric for an all-year-round look! Don't wait any longer, sew your Hazel Skirt today! And don't forget to tag us in your photos on socials @simplysewingmag. YOU WILL NEED 1.5m 145cm wide fabric…

SELF DRAFT SKIRT YOU WILL NEED Medium weight woven fabric: 1.5m, see notes for details Standard zip: 23cm Pattern paper Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 1cm seam allowance. Fabric quantities will depend on your measurements. FABRIC USED The fabric used is a Twill Weave Suiting in Indigo from minervacrafts.com Designer Portia says: "This is a neat and versatile wardrobe basic that'll work in a variety of fabrics, comprising simple geometric shapes cut to your own measurements. Whip a few of these up and your spring wardrobe is good to go!" TAKING YOUR MEASUREMENTS Step one Take the following measurements: Waist: at the narrowest point of your waist. Skirt length: the length that you would like your skirt to be – ours is 1m waist to hem. Skirt…

TIE DYE SCARF YOU WILL NEED White viscose fabric, approx 130cm x 50cm Dylon hand dye in Velvet Black Table salt Plastic bowl Rubber gloves Elastic bands: two thick and several thin ones Two pieces of wood off-cuts, 10x10cm Assorted skeins of brightly-coloured stranded cotton Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 1.5cm seam allowance, unless otherwise indicated. This easy no-sew scarf uses shibori-style dying – a Japanese tie-dye technique dating right back to the eighth century. DYEING THE FABRIC Step one Fold your fabric lengthways into a concertina, keeping each pleat approx 12cm wide. You'll end up with a long fabric zig zag. 01 Step two Repeat this folding technique from one end to the other along the length of your first zig zag. Work the fold away from you…

For a long time, I sewed absolutely whatever I fancied – a crazy print shirt, a jacket in neon green or even a seasonal outfit I would only ever wear once a year. I truly loved each make, but together they didn’t make much sense. And with a wardrobe full of me-mades (and a ban on buying fast fashion), getting dressed felt like trying to complete a Rubik’s puzzle while playing chess. I decided to start again. I sorted through everything I’d made, keeping the pieces that still worked and passing others on to whoever wanted them. It felt good, like tidying-up your sewing space after a marathon weekend. I wanted my clothes to make sense, to bring cohesiveness to the chaos, and make getting dressed feel easier – and…

YOU WILL NEED Five 2.5cm wide fabric selvedges, at least 45cm long Size 8 Perle cotton embroidery thread  1cm wide elastic: 25cm long  Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat (if cutting the selvedges)  Sashiko needle or embroidery needle  Basic sewing kit NOTE You can make this with a sewing machine instead of by hand for a quicker finish. CUTTING OUT Step one Cut your selvedge pieces and arrange them in the order you want. 01 MAKING THE SCRUNCHIE Step one Overlap the long edge of the first two selvedge pieces by about 8mm and pin in place. Stitch the two pieces together with running stitch. Keep the stitching centred in the fabric overlap. 02 Step two Continue adding strips. Trim any uneven ends, making sure you don't trim the stitching!…

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…

SIZES 6–30 (US 2–26/EUR 30–54) FRONT BACK PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheet x 1 (Tracing required)  Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED 1.5m 145cm wide fabric  0.5m medium weight iron on interfacing 15cm metal zip  Jeans button  Topstitching thread  Matching thread  Basic sewing kit NOTE Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated.  There is a small amount of extra length on the Waistband front ends just in case it is needed. SUGGESTED FABRICS Medium weight woven fabric such as corduroy, denim or cotton drill. MATERIALS USED Bubble Pecan Pie Fabric and Bubble Dreamy Twilight Fabric, both from Atelier Brunette. atelierbrunette.com BODY MEASUREMENTS CUTTING LAYOUT STITCHING TERMS RS/WS: Right side/wrong side of the fabric. The right side usually has the print, design or texture and the wrong side is usually plain or duller in appearance. Machine tack:…

LUKE-MATTHEW Luke-Matthew, the winner of Sewing Bee 2024, celebrates self-expression and gender-inclusive design through vibrant drag costumes and everyday wear. They shared with us their tips on how to build a capsule wardrobe on page 54. BELLA MAE Bella is a seamstress, a perfectionist and a content creator! She loves to sew, design, and create. She shares the whole process of turning fabric into a one of a kind piece with her audiences online. Get to know her better on page 28. MAYA PEREDA Originally from Peru, Maya is a London-based designer who created her own crafting brand, L’Atelier de Maya. She creates 100% handmade accessories combining comfort and design. Sew her patchwork shopper bag on page 51. JAMES AND DAVY Trópico Adventure is a creative partnership between a sewing-loving…

The first time I sewed something, to the point that I actually finished it, was about five years ago; before then, I was useless! I remember having a lesson at school, and my standout memory is the teacher yelling at me when I tried to sew with an empty bobbin and then was unable to add thread to the bobbin – now I could probably fill up a bobbin in my sleep! I also have a memory of ironing Scooby Doo onto an iron as I tried to iron a Scooby patch the wrong way and stuck it to the iron – but that’s a whole other story. The start of a passion During Lockdown, like most people, I binged watched a lot of TV and films, one of them…

Everyone has a favourite childhood film that stayed with them at a tender age, inspiring wobbly drawings that made it onto the family fridge. For Bella, that inspiration led to something fairly more impressive than your standard colouring page. “At age 13 I had a dream to make a replica Narnia costume,” she says: “The reason? I wanted to start a business!” Aside from lions and witches, there was another inspiration in her life that led to the conception of what would become Bella Mae Designs: “Growing up, we had a family friend who sold historical costumes. She was my inspiration to believe that creating a business around sewing was possible,” says Bella. And while other young people might have seen such an elaborate costume as an opportunity to clean…

PSST: Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates EMBROIDERED JACKET YOU WILL NEED Denim jacket Stranded cotton in rainbow shades Sticky-backed water-soluble stabiliser Embroidery needle Embroidery scissors Basic sewing kit TRANSFERRING THE PATTERN Step one Print or trace the Be Kind/Rainbow embroidery pattern onto sticky-backed water-soluble stabiliser. Trim any excess stabiliser and then peel and stick it onto the back shoulder panel of the denim jacket. The structure of the fabric and jacket makes it easier to work without an embroidery hoop for this project. EMBROIDERING THE DESIGN Step one Working with four strands of stranded cotton thread throughout the project, begin stitching the lettering with light indigo thread. The pattern has both thick and thin lines. Start with the thin stroke on the ‘b’ and embroider with backstitch. Start and end…

WASHBAG YOU WILL NEED 50cm plain cotton fabric 50cm patterned cotton fabric 50cm wadding Zip: 40cm Matching sewing thread White sewing thread Gold sewing thread Basic sewing kit CUTTING OUT Step one Place the patterned fabric right side (RS) down and mark out two 30 x 40cm pieces. Add a 1.5cm seam allowance to both of the pieces and cut out, then cut a piece of wadding to the same size, using the fabric as a template. Place the wadding between the two pieces of fabric with wrong sides (WS) facing, then put to one side. Step two Place the plain fabric RS down and mark out four 14.5 x 40cm pieces. Add a 1.5cm seam allowance to each piece and cut out, then cut two pieces of wadding to…

YOU WILL NEED Appliqué motif Second-hand jumper with a few stains scattered across the front and back body. FABRIC For your re-make garment, we recommend you choose something in a fabric that is relatively stable and not too thin and stretchy – a medium-to heavy-weight jumper fabric works really well. For the appliqué, choose light- to medium-weight scraps that are big enough to cut your motifs from, ideally cotton and linen. NOTES Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates We have provided the cloud templates we used for this project in three sizes. If you want to make your own motifs, use simple shapes that aren’t too hard to sew. PREPARING THE APPLIQUÉ MOTIFS Step one Decide which fabrics you want to use and choose off cuts that will be big enough…

YOU WILL NEED Beige faux fur fabric: 48x39cm  Ivory faux fur fabric: 38x30cm  Brown faux fur fabric: 15x21cm  Ivory smooth plush fabric: 15x21cm Orange smooth plush fabric: 28x20cm  Green wool felt fabric: 8x4cm  Black wool felt fabric: 6x3cm  Mint green wool felt fabric: 24x19cm  White stranded cotton  Polyester toy filling: 250g  Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Faux fur in ivory, light beige and brown, find similar on Etsy.  Cuddle plush smooth in Papaya and Ivory, by Shannon Fabrics. NOTES Find the templates on page 73 or download and print from gathered.how/ss-templates.  Fabric measurements are W x H.  Arrows on templates indicate direction of plush pile.  Clip notches to ease the seams on curved pieces.  6mm seam allowance is included in the templates. Note slightly wider seam allowance when sewing up the main…

Davy’s first memories of sewing are of his mother at the machine, turning factory scraps into creations. From then on, fabric has always been in the back of his mind. In 2022, when we got engaged, we set ourselves a challenge: to sew our own wedding outfits. Two years felt like plenty of time, yet between trial and error, indecisiveness, and constant changes, we each ended up making not one but two outfits. Sewing together proved to be equal parts playful, frustrating, and deeply rewarding. Each project pushes us to experiment and learn, while working side by side allows us to inspire and encourage one another. Our go-to T-shirt pattern is Jack by Notches Patterns, with its 24 versatile variations that includes a kimono-style vest. We’ve made many versions…

PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheet x1  Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Body fabric: 60x50cm  Front ear fabric: 10x10cm Nose fabric: 6x6cm  Quilt fabric: 30x50cm  Bed fabric: 35x50cm  Pillow fabric: 9x20cm  Wadding: 35x50cm  Two 9mm plastic safety eyes  Black stranded cotton  Polyester toy filling  Matching thread  Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 6mm seam allowance, unless otherwise stated.  Finished bear approx 28cm tall.  Finished bed approx 19x30cm. MATERIALS USED Shannon Solid Cuddle 3 in Camel.  Christmas Twinkle in Snow Night from Moda.  Kona Cotton Solids in Mocha by Robert Kaufman.  Spectrum Solid in Antique White from Makower.  Spot On in Sky, from Makower. Jo Carter is a soft-toy designer. See her full range of patterns, kits and products at twoowlsdesign.co.uk WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING© Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing magazine. Design by Jo…