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Sewing with Threads Podcast

Shapewear and Wardrobe Building from a Patternmaker | Episode 30

Video: Threads Editors. Edited by Cari Delahanty

Sewing instructor and fitting expert Pamela Leggett discusses her latest shapewear and other patterns, shares sewing tips, and talks about how her business has weathered the pandemic, in the Sewing With Threads video podcast, Episode 30.

Learn about shapewear

The owner of Pamela’s Patterns says she can’t wait to get back to teaching in person. Still, she’s looking forward to being part of the Great Bra Sewing Bee online conference July 23–26, 2020. Her class, “Intro to Shapewear,” is based on her Smoothing Shapewear pattern. Learn how to adjust and convert the pattern’s Hollywood undies into a swimsuit pattern in the class, Pamela says. The Smoothing Shapewear pattern and kits are available through BraBuilders.com, the conference sponsor with whom Pamela also has partnered.

Hollywood undies
The Hollywood Undies are part of Pamela Leggett’s Smoothing Shapewear pattern. Photo by Mike Yamin.

See “Make Your Own Shapewear” in Threads #183, Feb./March 2016 for techniques from Pamela on sewing lingerie.

Make Your Own Shapewear by Pamela Leggett
Pamela Leggett walks through the sewing notions, fabric types and pairings, sewing techniques, and shapewear styles in this features from Threads #183.

Patterns to build a wardrobe

Among Pamela’s most recent wardrobe-building designs are: Secret Sleeves, a one-piece pattern she refers to as a sleeve dickey; and Cap Sleeve Shell, which features working with soft and silky fabrics. Handling these fabrics requires liquid stabilizer, and Pamela recommends Perfect Sew liquid stabilizer.

Pamela combined her pattern design skills with her expertise in sewing knits when she collaborated with image consultant Nancy Nix-Rice to create the Cascade Cardi or Blazer. She discusses how the pattern focuses on soft tailoring techniques.


Serger expertise

Learn about using and mastering a serger from Pamela through her DVDs, Fashion Serge and Serger Techniques as well as her book, Sewing Essentials: Serger Techniques (The Taunton Press, 2015).


This episode is brought to you by our friends at Baby Lock, who remind you that you can support your local retailer by purchasing Baby Lock machines online. You’ll find a variety of sewing, quilting, serging, and embroidery machines ready to purchase along with notions, fabrics, and other goods and services. Visit BabyLock.com to find a participating retailer, and see what they have ready and available for you. 

Baby Lock logo


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  1. lonnie888 | | #1

    Enjoyed it!

  2. user-7409508 | | #2

    I am disappointed by Pamela’s use of the word ‘nude’ as the name of a colour and the hosts’ failure to correct this. Language matters! Makers of colour should be able to listen to your podcast without enduring a microaggression like this.

    1. User avater
      smcfarland | | #4

      Thank you for further informing our understanding of how the term is perceived. The meaning intended was "skin-toned," but you are correct, the term “nude” has become inaccurately linked to a particular skin tone. We won't be using it in the future because our content is intended to be inclusive and for people of any color.

      1. user-7409508 | | #6

        Thank you for your reply. I very much look forward to your podcast every month, and appreciate your intent to be inclusive (I wouldn’t listen otherwise). We are all better together.

  3. lindalouise | | #3

    Hi, Thank you for the delightful interview. Loved her sharing how she works with slippery fabrics. Happy to be aware of a bra making supplier too!

  4. user-5910757 | | #5

    Great interview! Ive taken 2 4-day classes with Pamela. She is an excellent teacher and like to share her knowledge.

  5. User avater
    antoinetterdn | | #7

    Enjoyable interview. I was like, Oh! Wow!, she has a pattern better than the one I've done in the past particularly in the summer to keep warm as my arms are always cold going into air-conditioned rooms and buildings (and it's too humid and hot to walk - I'm a walker - in a sweater or jacket).

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