Favorite Sewing Blogs and Websites

I love sewing, and I love reading—and I love reading about sewing. If I can learn something from another sewer's experiences (be they mishaps or triumphs or simple tutorials), it's a good day. That's why I peruse so many online sewing blogs, from personal sewers' blogs to those of bigger organizations. Particularly for someone whose friends are non-sewers, sewing blogs serve as sources of inspiration as well as instruction, and connect me to a community. But a few stand out as particularly useful, because they emphasize instruction, technique, design, and pattern information.

• PatternReview.com—I'm sure many of you Threads online readers are well aware of PatternReview.com, but it's such a useful site it bears repetition. I love this workhorse of a site because it delivers everything from sewing instruction, sewing event coverage, and new pattern news to its namesake member-generated reviews of commercial patterns. I've found it indispensable when I need to know about the pitfalls or glorious possibilities of a particular pattern. Plus, the educational opportunities are so numerous and so interesting—ranging from beginner to advanced techniques—it's hard to decide which to take advantage of. Several of Threads' contributing editors regularly teach online classes through the site, as well.

• http://365daysofsewing.com—This site offers daily sewing lessons, including free pattern downloads that help teach the method being highlighted. It covers all the basics, ranging from actual sewing techniques, fitting, and pattern drafting to design elements, special projects, color selection, and optimizing one’s sewing time. Every day’s lesson is archived and available for viewing after its date of first posting, plus, the site notes the lessons to be covered in the following three days. It’s perfect for beginners and more advanced sewers who may need the occasional refresher. I always find something useful when I stop by for a browse.

• Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing—New York vintage-sewing aficionado Gertie has recently taken a break from the intensive sewing technique tutorials that her readers have come to love so much (the better to focus on completing her forthcoming book), but her blog archives are packed with lessons on couture construction methods and instructional sew-alongs. She's also started teaching occasionally in brick-and-mortar sewing studios. To keep her blog lively in the interim, she has started posting on more modern fashion topics and vintage patterns, but always with a weather eye out for details, techniques, and construction methods to make them worthy of a few minutes' diversion. (Her book, tentatively titled "Gertie's New Book For Better Sewing" is scheduled for release Fall 2012 by STC Craft/Melanie Falick Books and will focus on "couture-style sewing using basic vintage techniques.")

Do you have a favorite sewing blog (or two)?

Stephani Miller, associate editor
Posted on May 25th, 2011 in sewing, tips & tricks, fabric, techniques, blogs, instruction

Comments (12)

uggyface writes: where can I find a site that will show in detail how to install a lining and lining in a dress the commerical way?

Posted: 1:43 pm on March 11th

nanacosta writes: www.rainforestcouture.blogspot.com is a blog that shares secrets in how to make wonderfull couture finished garmets!!!

Posted: 10:07 am on December 21st

HouseofPinheiro writes: Great blogs. I have been following them for a while before I launch my own sewing blog :
http://houseofpinheiro.blogspot.com/
Posted: 4:09 am on June 15th

JDNow writes: I started a blog about my sewing adventures a few years ago. It really keeps me motivated to seek out new fabric sources, attend fashion events and generally make time for fashion fun!
my blog is http://WeSew.blogspot.com/
Posted: 11:55 pm on June 6th

AdventuresinDressmak writes: There are so many great blogs out there!! So many talented sewists.
Posted: 10:54 am on June 6th

SLMiller writes: Thanks for sharing, SarahbelleSews!
Posted: 9:14 am on June 1st

SarahbelleSews writes: I LOVE Gertie!! also:

http://katiekadiddlehopper.blogspot.com/
She is a prolific sewist who blogs several times a week, and writes great tutorials with many photos. Check her out for inspiration, education, and the cutest. kids. ever!

and:
http://varinascostume.blogspot.com/
This Grad student/Domestic Goddess views creativity from a decidedly Our-Global-Village-needs-shrinking viewpoint. Taking inspiration form a plethora of cultures, past and present, and interpreting the same into sewn garments, knit wear and food (!), she refuses to be bound by any rules other than her own. I defy you to read this blog, and be bored. Not going to happen.
Posted: 10:31 am on May 31st

Dee1002 writes: THIS IS MY FIRST TIME ON THIS BLOG, AND I LOVE IT.
Posted: 8:35 pm on May 30th

SLMiller writes: Thank you for the web address hint, Laurie. You can indeed type in www.sewing.patternreview.com, however, if you just type in www.patternreview.com, your browser will automatically direct itself to the other URL. I've never had an issue pulling up the site by typing in the second URL. PatternReview must own both.
Posted: 9:50 am on May 27th

LaurieDiane writes: I'm a daily user of Patternreview.com but you need to put (the sewing)for the actual website
www.sewing.patternreview.com which makes it a little confusing. I just got back from the 10th Anniversary PR weekend in Chicago. Great time putting all the faces to posts. So much more than just a website!
Posted: 1:09 pm on May 25th

365DaysofSewing writes: Thank you so much for the mention! We are a big fan of Threads too. :)
Posted: 11:03 am on May 25th

Robinbird writes: I have been reding Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing. I love it! She gives great information and ideas. Her vintage style is amazing!
Posted: 8:53 am on May 25th

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