Add Side Seam Splits To Your Trousers Too!

July 29, 2012.Reading time 7 minutes.

The other day I was asked how I did the side split hem on my black stretch capris, and as quite a few of you liked this design feature I’ve done a quick tutorial. This is for you Liza Jane! It is a handy trick to know, because you can also use it on the hems of […]

Sewing Checks – A Magic Pat-Trick!

May 21, 2012.Reading time 3 minutes.

While I’m still on the topic of sewing checks or plaids, let me show you this little trick for sewing seams together so that they match perfectly! I was shown this by one of the sample machinists (Pat) at my first job in the clothing industry, where I was a “design room assistant”, that is […]

~tricks of the trade: all-in-one facings~

July 3, 2010.Reading time 7 minutes.

While I was making my grey tweed dress, I thought I’d also make a tutorial on how to sew an all-in-one neck and armhole facing. I have noticed a few facing-phobic sewers out there in blogland – so hopefully this will help someone! I am a big fan of facings – if they are well designed and correctly sewn they give […]

~tricks of the trade: french seam a dart~

April 23, 2010.Reading time 5 minutes.

How to french seam darts, a technique for sheer fabrics

After making my emerald shift dress I found I was left with about 70cm of fabric, so I thought while the sewing machine is still threaded up with green thread, I would put this remainder to good use by making a camisole top – the #101 top from Burda 12/2006 to be exact! This style features an empire line seam with bust darts, […]