Threads #180, Aug./Sept. 2015

Quick to Make: Strapless Jumpsuit

Extend pants into a wear-anywhere garment.

The Magazine

Articles

Sew a Hand-Rolled Hem | Video

This easy-to-sew, narrow hem is perfect for fine and delicate fabrics. Watch this Threads Essential Techniques video to learn how.
Mixing Patterns

Whip up a new design from two styles.
Hong Kong Shopping Smarts

This bustling city offers luscious textiles and plentiful notions. Discover some fascinating fabric shops and get tips from our expert.
Notions: On-the-Go Sewing Case

Keep your notions where you want them with the no-residue sticky surface of this innovative sewing case.
Notions: Safety Pins for Sewers

These clever safety pins have a few tweaks that make them a sewer's dream come true.
Notions: Precision Cutter

The Janome Edge makes cutting paper and fabric designs a breeze. Great for paper crafting, quilting, embellishments, vinyl designs, and more.
Notions: Japanese Specialty Needles

These high-quality needles are available in a wide range of types and sizes.
Notions: Soft-Grip Rotary Cutter

This comfortable rotary cutter is loaded with features that ensure it can be used with the utmost convenience.
Tip: Portable Sewing Supply Station

For those of us without a dedicated sewing room, a toolbox on wheels is a great way to bring notions from room to room safely and conveniently.
Q&A: Sewing Machine Prices Then and Now

Sometimes it seems as if modern sewing machines can be very expensive. How expensive were they, comparatively, when they first became household items?
Q&A: Is Fabric Pilling Avoidable?

What is the cause of fabric pilling and how can it be prevented? An expert explains.
The Fortuny Legacy

A century of luxury textiles from Venice to Manhattan.
Rub Off a Pattern from Pants with Darts | Web Extra

How to copy a garment that’s shaped with darts—it’s quick, easy, and accurate.
Hong Kong Fabric Shopping: More Destinations to Enjoy

Fabrics, notions, and other discoveries shared by a seasoned tour guide

Three Vintage Blouse Details to Try

Discover three ways to add vintage charm to your tops.
Start to Finish, an Embroidered Fortuny Frock Coat

Kenneth D. King channels the 18th century and the 1960s in a Fortuny jeans jacket.
Fashion Print Design | Book Review

This 192-page book details the production of fabric designs from concept to reality and explains how these designs are applied to fabric.
Comfortable, Sleek Pants

Upgrade your favorite pull-on style with darts and a zipper.
Duplicate Your Favorite Jeans

Learn how to make a pattern without taking your favorite jeans apart.
Learn to Make a Vintage-Inspired Neckband

In this web extra from Threads #180, find out how to join a narrow neckband to a blouse neckline with fagoting stitches.

Pattern Review

Pattern Review: Simplicity 1256 Ensemble

Threads reviews Simplicity Pattern 1256. This pattern is an ensemble designed for stretch-knit fabrics. The pieces are sporty, comfortable, and meant to be mixed and matched.
Pattern Review: Marfy 3396 Blouse

Threads reviews Marfy Pattern 3396. This hip-length sleeveless jewel-neck blouse is versatile and classic.
Pattern Review: Diane Ericson - The Ventana Jacket and Vest 327

Threads reviews the Ventana Jacket & Vest Pattern by Diane Ericson. It's a head-turning, art-to-wear jacket or vest, made with unconventional techniques.
Pattern Review: Christine Haynes - Marianne Dress 1005

Threads reviews the Marianne dress pattern by Christine Haynes. These seasonless, casual knit dresses are nicely proportioned. They are close-fitting, but slightly A-line, feature dropped shoulders, and end just above…