Over the centuries, kimono have been made from specialty silk, linen, and cotton fabrics that were developed to suit Japan’s climate. The superb weaving, dyeing, and design techniques used to…
Linen is a natural fiber spun from the cellulose inside the stalk of a flax plant. Woven linen fabrics are a favorite of many sewers, but that is not the…
Over several decades of making custom clothing, I’ve learned a lot about garment fitting. Many of my favorite techniques were taught by Roberta Carr and published in her book, Couture:…
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris is a must-visit for fashionistas when vacationing in France. The museum is housed in the private mansion at 5 avenue Marceau where Yves Saint…
If you’re investing time in sewing clothes to fit your figure, it’s worthwhile to employ smart, durable construction techniques. In Threads #208 (June/July 2020), I described the basic method for…
I recently had some trouble achieving a neat finish when sewing a French seam on a synthetic crepe. After doing the first stitching pass with wrong sides together, I knew…
Keep tools at hand Scissors, seam rippers, and other implements never seem to be in the right place when you need them. Use the Sewing Tool Belt from HipNotions to…
Her design story began with graphic design, which, when mixed with an early love of sewing, became something more. After years of struggling to find clothes, especially outerwear, that fit…
The sewing stiletto is the modern descendant of the awl, used in making the earliest examples of clothing. Its sharp point could create holes for lacing together animal skins, before…
Q: What is the difference between nap and pile when you’re describing a fabric’s texture? Do you have to treat fabrics differently depending on whether they have nap or pile?…
Q: I’m planning to make some fitting adjustments to a pattern, but the waistline is not marked on it. How do I determine where the waistline is on the pattern?…
Shisha embroidery is the technique of stitching a border around small pieces of metal or glass to attach them to fabric. It originated in Southeast Asia, and examples of shisha…
Designed by Mimi G, this outfit is a fun and versatile concept. The boxy shirt has a mix of classic and fresh details featuring a traditional shirt collar with a…
A chic and summery garment, this dress with lace-up front detail is a warm weather staple. This design has an inset waistband, wide shoulder straps that continue into the bodice…
This loose-fitting dress has a front bodice with overlapping panels, a triangular back panel, elastic-gathered waist, and a slight A-line skirt with cut-on in-seam pockets. The front underpanel has a…
Sporty seams and a wide collar make this unlined jacket designed by Connie Crawford a great look for daywear. It is loose-fitting and has a front button closure, side-front panel…
Butterick 6717 This ensemble pattern includes four garments. View A is a hip-length unlined jacket with rolled collar, full-length sleeves, and a self-fabric belt. View B is a duster-style unlined…
Simplicity 8955 A relaxed design, this unlined hip-length jacket has three views. All views include raglan sleeves and a shawl collar. View A is double-breasted with turned-back cuffs. It has…
Megan Nielsen: Ash and Ash Curve jeans These pants have many classic jeans details, such as belt loops, a fly front, fivepocket design, and a curved back yoke. What sets…
Deer and Doe: Sirocco Jumpsuit This short-sleeve jumpsuit and romper will hug and highlight your curves. It has a surplice bodice, a 1-inch-wide neckline band, an inset waistband, and diagonal…
Typically the go-to fabric for towels and bathrobes, terrycloth has desirable characteristics for a variety of garments. Standard terrycloth has a looped surface on both sides. French terry has a…
When I was a child, I loved to eavesdrop while my aunt and grandmother sewed together and told family stories. I was inspired by the strong women in my family…
Italian fashion of the 20th century has a reputation for exquisite fabrications, up-beat and contemporary style, and high-quality construction that ensures longevity. This Italian dress from 1969 was made when…
This cocktail dress, from Butterick 5779, is made of silk dupioni and it includes an eye-catching lace back panel. In Threads #209 (June/July 2020), author Andrea Schewe shares her method…
This stunning two-tone blouse was made by Andrea Schewe from Marfy 5323 in cotton/linen and cotton/metallic blend fabrics, with sheer point d'esprit. This design has intriguingly shaped panels in front and…
A chic and summery garment, the Oia dress from Itch to Stitch, has a lace-up front detail that will make it a warm weather staple. This design has an inset…
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Whether in ruffles, at skirt waistlines, or in the caps of puffy sleeves, gathers are used in subtle or dramatic ways to add volume, shape, and interest. There’s nothing lovelier…
