Innehållsförteckning för Issue 143 från Simply Sewing

Happy New Year from all of us at Simply Sewing! To start the year right, we have lots of exciting patterns and projects – such as our cover star, The Olive Pinafore (page 16). A timeless, versatile dress pattern that you’re sure to wear indefinitely for years to come! We’re also delighted to have partnered with Sew Over It to bring you their ever-popular Hackney Shirt pattern (page 46) – a fit for everybody for the sharpest look, from smart to casual. We’ve got heaps of hady technical advice for you too! Turn to page 20 to learn how to master sewing with denim and page 26 to top tips for beginners from Sewing Bee contestant Marcus Holley. Enjoy! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysew-…

Sign up to our newsletter today to download your bonus digital copy of Top 50 Stitches – for free! This beginner’s guide will teach you the best modern embroidery techniques for you to stitch like a pro. Inside, you’ll find step-by-step tutorials, a stitch guide, templates and the top tips from experts. This guide is easy to follow for beginners to stitching experts alike. Sign up now at try.simplysewingmag.com/bonus-gift Already a newsletter subscriber? Then, look out for the link to download your free bonus digi gift in our weekly sewing newsletter.…

LE WIDE LEG JEANS We can’t put together a denim round-up without a great pair of jeans – and these high-waisted, wide-leg trousers from Atelier Brunette might just be our new favourite. The 1970s-inspired cut and relaxed fit make them comfortable to wear while looking sharp, with classic details like decorative top stitching, flat-felled seams, and a tailored back yoke adding to the retro charm. atelierbrunette.com PATTERN INSPIRATION There’s more to denim than just jeans – here’s our pick of the best overalls, dresses, tops, and more 1 DEVON WAISTCOAT This waistcoat from The Modern Sewing Co is a versatile layering piece that can be adjusted to suit the season – line it with cotton for summer, or a super cosy sherpa fleece for winter. Multiple fastening options also give…

QUILTED THROW YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 150x100cm Backing fabric: 160x112cm Border fabric: 120x112cm Cotton wadding: 160x112cm Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Main fabric: MariaO for Spoonflower: “Map” of our sky in Kona® Cotton Ultra. To order visit spoonflower.com Backing fabric: Spectrum, Ivory. Ref: 2000/Q01. For stockists visit makoweruk.com Border fabric: Spectrum, Vintage Blue. Ref: 2000/T64. For stockists visit makoweruk.com ASSEMBLING THE THROW The backing fabric and wadding are cut a little bigger than the main top fabric. This is because it’s easier to quilt it then trim it all to fit later as you’ll get neater edges this way. Step one Place the backing fabric right sides (RS) down with the wadding on top and then place the main fabric centrally RS up on top of the…

MOBILE YOU WILL NEED 1mm thick pure wool or wool-blend felt in dark grey, light grey, light blue, blue, white, beige, light yellow, bright yellow, red and gold Stranded cotton in black, white and yellow Toy stuffing White perlé cotton thread (size 8) Air or heat-erasable pen 20cm embroidery hoop 2cm felt ball Powder blush Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES This project uses a 1.5mm straight stitch, sewn a few millimetres from the edge Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates PREPARING THE PIECES Step one Using the templates, draw out the pattern pieces onto the felt with an air or heat-erasable pen and cut out. MAKING THE ROCKET Step one Mark the lines at the top of the Rocket with a pin and machine stitch the dark grey Rocket Top…

YOU WILL NEED 1.5-2m of 140cm wide fabric 40cm of 1cm wide elastic 1.25m bias binding Tape measure Straight and curved rulers Fabric marking tools Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED Dashwood Studio floral viscose from Anbo. SUGGESTED FABRICS Drapey woven fabrics such as viscose or silk. NOTES Seam allowance: 1cm Hem: 2cm DRAFTING THE TOP Step one Measure from shoulder to desired length (in our example, just above the hip) and mark this length vertically along the fold. This will be the centre back. 01 Step two At the top of the centre back, measure down 6cm and mark (point B) and also across 9cm and mark (point C). Join points to create a gently curved neckline. Step three Measure an approx 20 degree downwards angle from point…

YOU WILL NEED 1.5-2m cotton fleece fabric A pair of high waister shorts or trousers that fit you well 1m of 5cm wide elastic Pattern paper Ruler Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 2cm, unless otherwise stated A pair of full-length trousers can be used to create the shorts pattern. Follow step one and two to trace around the trousers. On your body, measure from the waist to the desired length of the shorts. Take those measurements and draw the length on the pattern piece and add 2cm allowance to the hem. DRAFTING THE PATTERN Step one Fold the shorts lengthwise an use a pencil to trace around the shorts to create the Shorts Back. Add 2cm seam allowance along the size seam, crotch curve, and hem.…

YOU WILL NEED Overalls with flap pockets Stranded cotton in two colours - we used DMC 352 and 353 Disappearing ink pen Embroidery needle Embroidery scissors Basic sewing kit ADDING THE DESIGN Step one Using the disappearing ink pen, draw a bunch of scattered Xs and Os on the pocket flaps of your overalls. It helps to rotate some of the Xs and stagger the elements so it doesn't look too much like a grid. 01 STITCHING THE DESIGN Step one Working with three strands of stranded cotton, embroider the Xs with cross stitches. Form the stitches with the sewing method, keeping the needle on the fabric surface. Try to avoid stitching through both fabric layers. Do this with each stitch and as you go between the stitches. 02 Step two…

PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheets x2 (Tracing required) Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED For all sizes: Main fabric: 2.7mx115cm or 140cm Contrasting topstitch thread (optional) 2 x buckle sets Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 1.5cm seam allowance, unless otherwise stated. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as wool, corduroy, denim, or cotton drill. VERSION A VERSION B 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 or manufacturing purposes or resale. CUTTING LAYOUTS DIAGRAMS STITCHING TERMS Right side (RS)/Wrong side (WS): The right side/wrong side of the fabric. The right side usually has the print, design or texture and the wrong side is usually…

PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheet x1 (Tracing required) Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Exterior fabric (115cm wide): 0.5 m Lining fabric (115cm wide): 0.6 m OPTIONAL Fusible woven interfacing (iron-on or sew-in) 8mm cotton webbing: 1.5m 46cm (or longer) nylon zipper with double slide 28cm (or longer) nylon zipper for outside pocket 13cm zipper for interior pocket 2 x 25mm O or D rings 1 x 38mm buckle slider 1 x trigger or lobster clasp ½” Wide double fold bias tape: 2m Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. FABRIC RECOMMENDATIONS ■ Main body: Medium-heavy weight canvas or similar woven fabric. Thinner fabrics can be stabilised using an interfacing. Only use if your machine can sew through thick layers. ■ Interfacing: We recommend Pellon Double…

As I write this letter, it’s the final week before the holidays and there’s a buzz of excitement in the air for 2026. Colleagues are chatting about using the year ahead to learn fresh skills and finish their WIPs. (Oops, I’ve got a few hiding under my desk!). It’s been suggested we start a lunchtime club to help us do that. This is what I love about our creative community: people truly flourish when surrounded by others with shared passions. If you’re new to sewing, you’ve chosen the most wonderful time to join us! We’re launching a new monthly sewing masterclass (p30) to collect and keep. By 2027, you’ll be a pro!…

COUNTRYSIDE COUTURE Inspired by the English countryside with an urban twist, Atelier Brunette have released a new pattern to wear on your cold wintery walks – LA Barn Jacket. This lined jacket has an authentic feel that makes it absolutely irresistible. The traditional vibe of the pattern makes it totally timeless, and its modern twist makes it incredibly trendy too! Use different fabric for the collar and cuffs to make them stand out and create a totally unique look. Get the pattern today at atelierbrunette.com PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE Last November, the Hand & Lock Embroidery Prize celebrated its 25th anniversary, and the talented Ilaria Harris won the Open Fashion category with her magnificent Syncresis piece that she embroidered herself! Find more of Ilaria's work on her socials @zestandlavender BREAKING NEWS! This…

Learning to sew can be daunting. People want to dip their toe in the ocean of the craft but it can be so deep and vast and expansive that they are not sure where to dive in. Marcus focuses on two topics which tripped him up when he got into sewing, in a bid to quell the fears of getting started and to offer some advice to the newcomers. EQUIPMENT This is where a lot of people new to the hobby come unstuck. Cheap machines are marketed towards beginners, but they are not beginner friendly. They have a poor build quality, they are not forgiving, and they are harder to operate, but chiefly - they go wrong. This is often enough to make newbies turn away. They think: “I must…

BUNTING YOU WILL NEED To make all 11 constellation designs: Quilting cotton: 1mx115cm Linen fabric: 30x115cm Embroidery hoop: 20cm Stranded cotton in white Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates CUTTING OUT Step one Download, print and cut out the constellation templates. Step two Cut the quilting cotton into squares to fit your embroidery hoop. We cut a square for each of the 11 constellation designs, with each square measuring 25x25cm. Step three For each cotton piece, cut a 12x14cm piece of linen. FOUR-LEGGED KNOT Step one This stitch is similar to a cross stitch with a knot in the centre. Start by making a vertical straight stitch. Come up to the right of this stitch. Keeping the needle above the working thread, slide the needle…

Although I sewed as a child, helping my mum with household sewing and even going to a fete dressed as a haberdashery on one occasion, I've always felt like my sewing journey began much later in life. A Creative Escape In 2010, I started a PhD programme where my chosen subject was heavy on the sciences, and I soon felt the need for a creative outlet to balance it out.I started off by making a hand-sewn quilt and loved the release it gave me – the process of choosing the design and fabric, and the joy of watching it become something real and useful. A year or so later, I convinced my sister to come with me to the Festival of Quilts at the NEC, where she said something that…

YOU WILL NEED (PER OTTER) Brown plush fabric: 75x50cm Beige plush fabric: 28x23cm Black wool felt: 9x8cm Black stranded cotton One pair of 9mm black toy safety eyes Extra strong thread and long doll needle Polyester toy filling: 250g Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Solid Cuddle Plush in Brown, Cocoa and Beige by Shannon Fabrics. NOTES Find the templates on page 73 or download and print from gathered.how/ss-templates. Fabric measurements are given width first, then height. Arrows on templates indicate the direction of plush fabric pile. The templates include 6mm seam allowances. Use 6mm seam allowance, unless otherwise indicated. Tack before sewing. Use a ballpoint machine needle for plush fabrics. Use a longer stitch length to quilt the legs, to help sew the lines more easily. Finished size:…

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…

MARCUS HOLLEY Marcus’ love of design started as a teenager, when he would print t-shirts for his friends. He’s passionate about making garments that are interesting and a little bit different. On page 26, he shares his best tips for sewing beginners. MICHAEL SULLIVAN Michael Sullivan is a sewist living in New York City. His work is often inspired by his historical interests. He enjoys upcycling fabrics and embellishing pieces with hand embroidery. Turn to page 83 to learn more about him and his favourite make! 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 59 to make your own version of her self-draft lounging shorts. ROSIE STIRLING Rosie, owner…

PSST: Turn the page for fabric and styling inspiration. Share yours online! Time for you to create a fun, timeless and versatile dress with The Olive Pinafore pattern! This pinafore is easy to style in so many different ways – a jumper for winter and a breezy t-shirt in the summer – this is the perfect garment to wear again and again all year long! Pinafores have been trendy for decades now, and their simple look is sure to make them fashionable for another few decades at least – we're sure of it! Make yours with medium weight fabrics for the best finish – using corduroy will be great to keep you warm during the cold season, while denim looks good and fits well no matter if it's hot or…

Starting next issue, we’re so excited to bring you a brand-new sewing workshop that you'll be able to enjoy and collect month-by-month. Over 12 issues, our sewing expert, Sarah Taylor, will gently guide you through the basics of sewing, with a new topic in each issue – perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a refresher. This series will go through the foundation of sewing, where you'll get to master key techniques and tools. Cut out and keep the whole collection and you'll have your very own complete sewing reference by the end of year!…

HOT WATER BOTTLE YOU WILL NEED Fabric A: 90x60cm Fabric B: 20x46cm Fabric C: 20x20cm Fabric D: 10x10cm Wadding: 45x60cm Bondaweb: 50x25cm Button: 25mm Erasable fabric marker Matching thread Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED The fabrics used are from the Stargazer collection by Art Gallery Fabrics. To find your nearest stockist visit hantex.co.uk Wadding is Thermolam by Vlieseline. NOTES Use a 1cm seam allowance. Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates CUTTING OUT Step one From Fabric A, cut: Bottle outer and lining: four 45x30cm. Step two From the wadding, cut: Bottle wadding: two 45x30cm. Step three From Fabric B, cut: Binding strips: 4.5x25cm. Loop strip: 4x9cm. Step four Trace the rocket sections onto the Bondaweb and press it onto the chosen Fabric B, C and D pieces, then cut them out.…

Sew a classic shirt that you can wear indefinitely with The Hackney Shirt pattern! It's slim-fitting for a flattering look while staying super comfy, which makes it the perfect everyday fashionable garment. This shirt features a collar with a collar stand that you can wear either open or with a tie, making it a great smart-casual shirt to keep within reach. The rest of the tailored details, such as the back yoke with box pleat, traditional shirt cuffs, and the patch chest pocket, make this shirt the perfect fit for any body. We recommend making it with medium weight fabrics to keep it structured yet comfortable. But you could easily make it with viscose if you'd prefer an oversized version to tie at the waist. Don't forget to tag us…

YOU WILL NEED 1m of fabric Ruler Chalk pencil Scissors Serger/overlocker (optional) Sewing machine and thread Zipper foot for machine (optional) 40cm zipper Pins Gathering foot for machine (optional) Water-soluble marker 46 x 46cm pillow insert NOTES It’s best if the pillow cover is a snug fit on the pillow insert, which it will be when it is sewn. To determine how long you need to cut the Ruffle, measure the distance all around the pillow and multiply by 1.5 times. So, for a pillow with side dimensions of 46cm, the Ruffle fabric will be 68.5cm x 4 sides giving you a length of 274cm. To sew through the two layers of fabric and the ruffle edge, it’s advisable to use a heavier needle such as for denim. FINISHED SIZE…

Lauren Holloway (laurenholloway.uk) has designed the perfect bag pattern for everyday outings, to keep all your essentials – including your water bottle – safe and secured. The Hadrian Bag, your bonus pattern this month, is a small but surprisingly roomy one-shoulder bag that is comfortable to wear and can hold more than it looks! With its outer front zip pocket and its internal pocket, you can keep everything organised and within easy reach. It even has an adjustable strap to keep it secure! Share yours @SimplySewingMag…

In the early 2000s, my high school offered a sewing course, but I was too nervous to take it because I was worried I’d get bullied by my classmates. Fast forward to my late thirties, I finally began teaching myself how to make clothes from online tutorials. From that moment on, I was off to the races! I’m thankful I finally took the plunge because sewing has opened an entirely new creative outlet for me. Also, being small in stature, it was difficult for me to find clothes that fit my body well until I started making them myself. I typically like creating clothes using upcycled textiles – it’s interesting when fabrics have some history before I get to them. Even when using new fabrics, the pieces I make are…

SIZES XS-XXL PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheet x 1 (Tracing required) Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED 2.3m of 140cm wide fabric or 2.8m of 115cm wide fabric 0.75m of iron on interfacing 9 x 11mm buttons Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1.5cm throughout, unless otherwise stated. FABRIC RECOMMENDATIONS Medium weight cotton fabrics such as lawn, poplin, flannel, chambray, needlecord and shirting fabrics. BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING WWW.SEWOVERIT.COM ©Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Designed by Rosie Stirling. Supplied by Our Media Company Ltd, Bristol, BS1 4ST. For individual, private use only and not for commercial or manufacturing purposes. Not for resale. CUTTING LAYOUTS NOTES Seam allowance is 1.5cm throughout, unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one From main fabric, cut: Shirt Front (A): one pair. Shirt Back…