Sew News

editor

DEAR READERS, Prints — all the time, sparingly, never? If you’re a passionate sewist, chances are you have a passionate answer for this question. We are team prints here at Sew News HQ… and we are here to indulge you! This issue is chock full of print-centric projects to help you choose and use prints well, print mix like a pro, create your own custom prints and add a touch of bold pattern to your wardrobe. There are so many ways to get started. Print-mix a one-of-a-kind robe that you’ll want to wear out. Customize an easy-sew zip pouch with embroidery hoop printing. Pair two fabrics and stitch the perfect cross-bodice jumpsuit with cool print blocking. Stitch a custom-printed shift dress for a wearable art piece. Get professional print mixing strategies from Masterclass columnist Pamela Howard. Turn…

reader tips

SMOOTH OPERATOR Before you sew a new zipper on jackets or pants, wrap the zipper around the outside of a bowl, fasten it with a clothespin, spray it with warm water and let it dry overnight. The zipper will lay flat and smooth the next morning while you sew it. Janet S., email TRIM & TIDY Save spools to hold various type of trim cut from yardage. The trim winds neatly around the spools and can be taped or pinned in place. Donna F., email EASY FIT DRAWSTRING When making skirts and slacks with drawstring waists, substitute 2/3 of the drawstring (the part that will be hidden inside the casing) with elastic, and adjust the length of the two tie ends appropriately. The elastic will create a better fit and greater ease when wearing. Marilyn B., Facebook GET A…

staff picks

1. If buttons are your thing, or even if they’re not — they will be after you see Tabitha Sewer’s New Button Line. Inspired by her own love of buttons and the inability to find quality ones in fun, vibrant colors, Tabitha created a whole shoppable collection of fun buttons to spruce up your next make. You’ll find everything from iridescent heart buttons to macaroni wood buttons that will have you wanting to sew more button-up patterns. tabithasewer.com 2. Did you know that steam removes wrinkles, not heat? Some irons may leak onto your garment when steaming because the soleplate is not the correct temperature when the water passes through. The new Reliable Velocity Iron 260IR overcomes this issue with its patented built-in steam generator that produces 55% more steam before…

emily hallman design

SN: Describe your perfect day. EH: A perfect day is one spent in the studio looking at fabric, sewing my own clothes, thinking about colors and outfit ideas and just being surrounded by the things that inspire me. And someone else making dinner and cleaning the kitchen so I can maximize my time in the studio! SN: What's your best way to decompress? EH: I’m the worst at decompressing! I’m a classic over-thinker and always analyzing, daydreaming, brainstorming or planning, so it's hard to turn that off and reset. I'm also always excited about all the things I want to do, so taking time to decompress can feel like a waste. But I made a resolution this year to be better about allowing time for that, and for me, that means a nighttime…

35 terms to know

APPLIQUÉ From the French, meaning “to apply,” appliqué is the technique of cutting fabric shapes and applying them to a background fabric. The shapes are usually secured with a decorative stitch, such as a satin or blanket stitch, over the raw fabric edges. ARMSCYE The arm opening of a garment where a sleeve is inserted or facing attached. AWL A sharp pointed metal tool used to pierce leather and punch holes in fabric. BARTACK A series of closely spaced stitches sewn by hand or machine to reinforce stress points on garments, such as pocket corners. BASTE Long stitches that temporarily hold garment pieces together for fitting. Usually basting stitches are removed after the permanent stitching is sewn. On a sewing machine, select a 4mm- to 5mm-long straight stitch for basting. Many machines have a built-in basting stitch. BATTING Filler material, such…

ready to ruffle

Used at the hem, along a seam or anywhere as a design detail, ruffles and flounces add instant volume and interest to a garment. Single, layered, narrow, wide, formal, casual – we kind of love them all. You can use ruffles to add width or length to a garment. Choose from gathered ruffles (for the most fullness) or circular ruffles (for moderate fullness). When adding ruffles, follow these guidelines. • The wider the ruffle (or more sheer or lightweight the fabric), the fuller the ruffle should be. • The lighter the fabric weight, the more it will ruffle. • Finish the fabric’s edges before gathering the ruffle. GATHERED RUFFLES The gathered ruffle is usually cut from a rectangular strip of fabric on the straight or bias grain, with the bias most flattering. Consider cutting a…