Innehållsförteckning för Issue 146 från Simply Sewing

Open your window and let in the fresh air because spring is well and truly here. And to celebrate, we’re bringing you our fabulouslyflowy cover star, the Winnie Dress – ideal for strolls in the park and catch-ups with pals (p20). For something more casual, look no further than the simple elegance of the Mabel Top (p28). In this issue, we’re also honouring one of our most favourite (and on-trend) patterns – gingham – with a collection of quick-makes that are begging to be sewn. Including a peplum top (p51), sweet summer dress (p55), and accessorise any outfit with a ruffle-trimmed tote bag (p48). Plus, find out how Gabby Brown and Leila Kelleher are breaking the mould when it comes to pattern sizing and inclusivity. Happy sewing, everyone! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG…

LET’S GET SUMMER-READY! It’s worth checking in with French designer, Coralie Bijasson, every month as she is constantly reviewing her collection and adding new patterns. The summer-ready Anggun dress is one of her recent additions, reimagining the classic shirt dress. It’s designed to combine comfort and style, with a neat collar and collar stand, delicate polo placket, shoulder yoke, and inverted pleats at the front and back – all details that shape the silhouette while maintaining movement. See more at coralie-bijasson.com MATCHY MATCHY Californian girls Amy and Theresa make art school cool patterns for their brand Matchy Matchy Sewing Club, including the Storybook Swing Coat. With an oversized collar and enough room for layering, it’ll see you through the year. matchymatchysewingclub.com I MADE THIS! Add a little fanfare to your…

PSST: Turn the page for fabric and styling inspiration. Share yours online! Make a timeless statement with The Winnie Dress. It’s a midi length dress with deep pockets (hurrah) and a fully lined boat neck top. With cosy mid-length sleeves, it’s the perfect design for those ‘in-between’ spring days when the sun is shining but there’s a chilly breeze! The back waist is elasticated, which gives it a chic shape and makes it so comfy to wear. Share your photos with us online using #SimplySewingMag YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 115cm wide: 3.5m 140cm wide: 3.25m Lining fabric: 115cm wide: 1.5m 140cm wide: 1.25m 50cm of 25mm waistband elastic 60cm of 10mm elastic for sleeve cuffs Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRIC SUGGESTIONS Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such…

Following the last two months’ Learn to Sew Workshops, where we have covered how to find your size and then looked at the basics of working with sewing patterns and what all of the different elements mean, this month we are combing the two and focusing on what to do to adjust your pattern if your measurements don’t fall neatly into one size bracket. We will take a look at various common fit issues that can arise. We will also take a deeper look into how to lengthen or shorten your pattern pieces to accommodate longer or shorter torsos, arms and legs. In addition, we suggest useful resources to help you find lots more information on fitting issues. Turn the page to find out more. YOUR 12 PART SERIES AT…

Plus-size Patternmaking for Womenswear: Inclusive Sizing, Pattern Drafting, and Fitting, a new book written by sewing community stalwarts Gabby Brown and Leila Kelleher, is described as an “essential guide to patternmaking for plus-size fashion” – and for the two authors, it fills a crucial gap in the market. “We were both frustrated that people frequently cited the lack of resources for plus size specific patternmaking,” says Leila. When the two connected, they realised that they both wanted to do something about this underserved need. “I had already started my plus size sewing pattern company, Muna and Broad when Gabby and I connected on instagram,” Leila remembers fondly. “At that time there were very few plus size options available in sewing patterns and it was really nice to have a fellow…

CHERRY BAG YOU WILL NEED 1 metre pink gingham at least 150cm wide 0.5m lightweight interfacing 5x10cm red cotton 10x10cm green cotton 20cm of 1cm wide green ribbon Red and green embroidery thread Fabric glue Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. Download the cherry template from gathered.how/ss-templates If you‘re new to embroidery stitches, we have a handy stitch guide at gathered.how CUTTING OUT Step one First create the pattern pieces for the bag. Using tracing paper, draw a rectangle 27x32cm, then cut out and fold in half lengthways. Place a small bowl on the bottom corner and draw around it to create a round edge. This will be the Main Bag and Lining. 01 Step two Draw a second rectangle 142x12cm. This will…

APRON DRESS YOU WILL NEED 3m of Atelier Brunette Gingham Double Gauze in Chestnut from atelierbrunette.com Back pattern piece to use as a template* 1.5cm wide strips of iron-on interfacing NOTES *Use any basic bodice pattern from a regular (but not loose) fit top or dress that fits you. You only need the back pattern piece and the top section of it (above the waist) as a rough guide/template. CUTTING OUT Step one Using your template, cut two identical bodice sections on the centre fold (CF), where the side seam extends outward and the armhole curve is trued to meet the newly extended side seam. (Note: this makes for a slightly shallower armhole curve as pictured). 01 Step two We extended the side seam by about 8.5cm to fit a…

Say hello to our Weekend Makes Collection, packed with inspiration and ideas for your wardrobe, perfect for embracing the spring season. We've partnered with our friends at JANOME to bring you heaps of creative joy and help you use up those wonderful fabrics you've been desperate to make something with! From must-sew accessories to easy-make tops, skirts, and palazzo pants – all with easy-to-follow guides so you can confidently sew them over a weekend. Share your makes on Instagram @janomeuk and @simplysewingmag.…

YOU WILL NEED White plush fabric: 70x60cm Blue plush fabric: 15x12cm Silver lamé fabric: 7x100cm White wool felt fabric: 6x7cm Red wool felt fabric: 3x3cm Dark blue wool felt fabric: 3x3cm Green wool felt fabric: 3x2cm Length of thin black elastic: 80cm Polyester toy filling: 250g Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Core Range Super Soft Plush Fleece in White and Blue and silver lame fabric, all from minerva.com NOTES Find the templates on page 79 or at gathered.how/ss-templates. Fabric measurements are given width first, then height. Arrows on templates indicate direction of plush pile. The templates include 6mm seam allowances. Cut pair = cut mirror image. Tack before sewing, especially on tight curves. Clip notches in seams, particularly on tight corners. Finished size: Approximately 31cm tall CUTTING OUT…

I was first introduced to sewing by my mum, who patiently showed me how to thread a needle and guide fabric beneath the machine. Sewing always felt a little bit magical to me – practical, but full of possibility. During university, though, I drifted away from it. But my mum, knowing me better than anyone, surprised me with my very first sewing machine – the very one I still use today. It sat quietly in the corner of my room for a few years, waiting. When I began working for this magazine, everything shifted. I felt inspired by the makers around me, and before long, I was threading up that same machine. It was during this time that I discovered surface pattern design. The thought that I could create my…

YOU WILL NEED Denim or twill shorts Stranded cotton in three colours Vanishing ink pen Embroidery hoop Embroidery needle Scissors PREPARATION Step one Use a water-soluble embroidery pen to mark little three-colour rainbows all over the shorts. You can practice making these on paper, but it's okay if the markings aren't all exactly the same. Consider the placement of the rainbows so they aren't in places that are difficult to stitch. Step two Position the embroidery hoop on the shorts, making sure that only the outer layer of fabric is in the hoop. Around the pockets you'll need to take extra care so the lining doesn’t get caught. Thread your embroidery needle with all six strands of the first colour. 01 EMBROIDERING THE DESIGN Step one Embroider each line of…

YOU WILL NEED Man’s shirt that fits you loosely (see notes for details) Elastic: 2.5cm wide Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES The shirt you choose as your base garment should have an underarm to underarm measurement that is at least 1.5 times your bust measurement for a lightly gathered top, or 2-2.5 times your bust measurement for a more heavily gathered top. CUTTING OUT Step one With the shirt buttoned up, cut straight across through all layers, underarm to underarm, as pictured. The bottom section you cut away from the shirt will form the main part of your top. Set this aside for now. 01 Step two Cut strips on the bias from one of the shirt sleeves. You’ll need enough to run along the length of the top…

YOU WILL NEED 2.5m 140cm wide knit fabric Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED Minerva Core Range Chunky Cotton Sweater Knit Stretch in Light Grey, minerva.com NOTES Use a 1.5cm seam allowance Hem allowance is 4cm DRAFTING THE CARDIGAN Step one Refer to diagram in picture one. 01 Step two First draft the Back. Mark the top (A) and bottom of an 80cm vertical line down the fabric fold. This forms the centre back for a hip length cardigan (adjust length as preferred). Step three Mark a horizontal guide line at right angles to the top of this line at A. Measure down 4cm from A and mark point B. Now measure across the horizontal guideline 7.5cm from A and mark point C. Connect points B and C with a curved line. Alternatively trace the back neckline of…

YOU WILL NEED Lightweight woven fabric: 1–2m Waistband elastic: your waist measurement + seam allowance NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. Fabric quantity will depend on the size and length of your skirt. Make a sample or a paper pattern before buying your fabric to save buying too much if you are unsure how much you will need. The basis of this skirt is essentially a tube of fabric. This can be comprised of a single very wide rectangle, folded and then joined with a single seam (as we have done), or two rectangles layered on top of one another and joined with two side seams. Which you choose will be dependent on your waist measurement, degree of gathering required, and the width of your fabric. CUTTING OUT…

YOU WILL NEED Rayon fabric: 2mx150cm Ruler and erasable fabric marker Basic sewing kit Matching thread NOTES Use a 1cm seam allowance. The instructions will create a multi-size garment to fit a UK 8-16. For larger and smaller sizes, increase or decrease the width and length of fabric as required. CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric, cut: Two rectangles measuring 75x100cm, see notes for sizing. 01 MAKING THE NECKLINE Step one Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise and cut out a neckline shape as pictured. When opened out you want the neckline 'scoop' to be approx 7cm deep at the centre front/centre back and 25cm wide. Do this for both rectangles, then set them aside. 02 Step two Next, mark 4x3cm strips on the bias (45-degree angle) on…

This issue we are all about inspiring your creativity with gorgeous sewing projects to wear, enhance your home and take you right through the new season. Our Winnie dress (p20) is sure to become a favourite with its relaxed fit and hidden pockets. Our gingham project special celebrates this season’s retro trend (p47) with five fab projects, and don’t miss the stripy Mabel Top (p28), and tiered maxi skirt (p35) to add to your spring wardrobe. And if you’re feeling lucky, why not enter our prize draw to win a JANOME sewing machine worth £449? You’ll find the details on page 15.…

The 230DC has lots of easy-to-use features which make sewing a pleasure. It’s a great machine to grow with your skills and is both suitable for beginners and more experienced sewers, fully computerised with stitches and settings at the touch of a button. It also features no-fuss threading with the auto needle threader and top loading bobbin, and is light enough to carry to classes or in-person sewalongs with a hard cover for protection. Discover more about JANOME and its product range at janome.co.uk. Enter the competition on our website at gathered.how/competitions Promoter: Our Media Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 05715415. Residents of the UK and Channel Islands aged 18+ can enter. The closing date for entries is 23:59 on 13th May 2026. For…

Like so many sewists, I was lucky enough to have a mum that sewed and after lots of begging to have a go, my mum slowly taught me the foundations of sewing. My mum still sews regularly today and she’s lucky enough to have a source for unlimited fabrics, courtesy of Fabric Godmother! I often think about how special it is that this craft has woven its way through generations of my own and millions of other families around the world. Those early lessons weren’t just about the technical practicalities of sewing, such as how to thread a needle or sew a straight seam – they also taught invaluable life skills such as patience, creativity, and the quiet joy that comes from making something with your hands. From the very…

YOU WILL NEED Cream sweatshirt Black sweatshirt scraps Card Scissors Erasable fabric pen DMC Perle Cotton 8 in Black Basic sewing kit NOTES Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates Optional: Remove the ribbing and crop at the sleeves and hem by cutting across at the desired point before you start. The hems are left raw in our example. TRANSFER THE DESIGN Step one Draw out your desired shapes onto thin card and cut them out. We went for Matisse-inspired organic shapes, but this method can be used for all manner of motifs. 01 Step two Trace the templates you made to mark your motifs across the front of your sweatshirt using an erasable fabric marker. 02 STITCHING THE DESIGN Step one Cut scraps from a contrasting sweatshirt fabric of a similar…

PEPLUM TOP YOU WILL NEED Cotton fabric: 1.5m Bias tape Pattern Loop turner Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 2cm, unless otherwise stated MAKING THE PATTERN Step one For this project, a bodice sewing pattern can be used or a new pattern can be drafted by tracing over a V-neck top from your wardrobe that has a comfortable fit. Step two Fold the top in half along the centre and place onto paper. Using a pencil, trace closely around the top, mark the waist point on the front and back bodice. Measure from your shoulder to the desired neckline and draw this point on the front bodice pattern. Step three For the Front Bodice, add a 2cm seam allowance including the centre front line. Step four For…

FLOWER TOP YOU WILL NEED Your choice of blouse Stranded cotton: 1 skein each of blue, dark blue, light blue, lilac, lime, orange, peach, pink, dark pink, light pink, purple, dark purple, light purple and yellow Embroidery hoop: 18cm diameter Mediumweight fusible interfacing Basic embroidery kit STITCHES USED Full knot stitch Satin stitch Straight stitch NOTES When using two colours at the same time, cut both to the same length before separating the strands and then threading them as one in your needle as normal. If you‘re new to embroidery stitches, we have a handy stitch guide at gathered.how Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates TRANSFERRING THE DESIGN Step one Transfer the motifs onto the interfacing as many times as desired. Then, cut them out and iron them in place on…

Sign up to our newsletter today to download your bonus digital booklet Handmade Home! It’s packed with 14 on-trend projects across a range of crafts, so that you can pick and choose the ones that will look the part in your own home. Whether you crochet, sew or love general DIY, there’s so much to make, from wall hangings to blankets and candlestick holders. Sign up at try.simplysewingmag.com/bonus-gift to download yours. If you’ve already subscribed to our newsletter, just look out for the link for your free PDF in our weekly sewing newsletter.…

THE GUIDE HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY Always measure yourself before you choose a pattern size to cut out. The sizes do vary greatly from pattern to pattern, so it’s always best to measure yourself accurately and then refer to the pattern’s size chart to find your size. The chart will usually be printed on the pattern envelope or on the instructions inside. Measure yourself in your underwear and preferably in the bra you’ll be wearing underneath your garment as this can alter the measurements slightly. Use a fabric tape measure as it’ll curve around your body well for accuracy. You can measure on your own if you stand in front of a mirror, but, for best results, ask a friend to help so they can check the tape measure…

With spring finally upon us, welcome to our Weekend Makes collection, packed with inspiration and ideas for taking your wardrobe happily into the new season. From must-sew accessories (silk scrunchies, a velvet tote and the cutest Peter Pan collar, anyone?) to easy-make tops, skirts and palazzo pants, we hope this project collection in partnership with JANOME brings you heaps of creative joy. It’ll also save you money (hurrah!), ss several of the separates are patternless, while others upcycle tired old garments into fresh new ones. Happy sewing!…

YOU WILL NEED Wide leg trousers that fit 2.5 - 3m of 140cm wide fabric 2cm wide waistband elastic the length of the waist minus 2.5cm Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRIC Minerva Core Range Stretch Woven Slub Linen Look Viscose in Mint Green, minerva.com NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm Hem allowance is 4cm SUGGESTED FABRICS Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as viscose, silk, crepe or cotton lawn. DRAFTING THE TROUSERS Step one Select a pair of comfortable wide leg high waisted trousers in a woven non-stretch fabric. Place one leg inside the other with right sides (RS) together so the front crotch curve can be clearly seen. Flatten the curve as far as possible and lay on top of folded fabric. Step two Position the trousers so that the outside leg seam is…

YOU WILL NEED A selection of coordinating silk satin fabrics, at least 1m wide 20-25cm of 0.5-1cm wide elastic per scrunchie Large safety pin Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance: 1cm FABRIC Main fabric: Minerva Core Range Aesha Satin in Duck Egg, Dusky Pink and Taupe, minerva.com SUGGESTED FABRICS Silk, satin, viscose, crepe, poplin, or lawn. CUTTING OUT Step one For each scrunchie, cut one strip of fabric 16cm wide x 100cm long. MAKING THE SCRUNCHIE Step one Fold the fabric right sides (RS) together lengthwise and pin or clip. At each short end, measure 4cm along the seam line and mark in chalk. Step two Backstitching to start, begin stitching at the first chalk mark, 4cm from the short edge. Finish stitching at the other chalk mark,…

YOU WILL NEED Non-stretch velvet fabric: 50cm Quilting cotton: 50cm, for the lining Fusible stiff interfacing: 50cm 2 x Chicago screws: 2mm deep shaft, 1cm across One magnetic popper clasp Bradawl Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Outer: Dark green cotton velvet. Lining: Kona Solids by Robert Kaufman in Bellini. NOTE Use a 1cm seam allowance, unless otherwise stated. MAKING THE STRAP PATTERN Step one Make a pattern that is 52x11cm. At one short end, evenly reduce the width to 7cm. Use a ruler to connect this shorter edge to the other 11cm edge. On the short end write 'cut on fold'. CUTTING OUT Step one From the velvet fabric, cut: Strap: one on fold using the pattern. 01 Bag Outer: 71x32cm. Pocket: two 25x20cm. Step two From the…

YOU WILL NEED Cotton lawn fabric: 85x140cm A loose-fitting top, for measuring Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 1cm seam allowance, unless otherwise stated. You will need more fabric if you would like the top to be longer, or if you would like to make the top larger than a UK size 16. You may find it more economical to draft the pattern first and then purchase fabric depending on the size of your pieces. CUTTING OUT You can trace your pattern onto pattern paper or directly onto the fabric. We chose to trace straight onto the fabric. However, if you would like to create a pattern for future use, trace around the template top on paper and mark the centre of the pattern piece as ‘cut on…

BETH GIOVANELLI Wales-based designer (and Simply Sewing’s in-house creative designer!) Beth is all about romantic floral art and patterns and creating whimsical designs. Find out more about Beth’s favourite thing she has made recently on page 82. GABBY BROWN Gabby is a technical designer in the US fashion industry, and her background focuses on fitting, construction, patternmaking, grading, and block development. Turn to page 38 to find out about her and Leila Kelleher’s exciting new book! LEILA KELLEHER Leila is Professor of Fashion Design and Social Justice, blending biomechanics and fashion to centre fat bodies through inclusive, decolonised design. Find out more about her new book in collaboration with Gabby Brown on page 38. TAMMY SILVER Tammy is a London-based sewing blogger. She’s a print-loving, puffy sleeve enthusiast. She enjoys…

LIGHTSPEED LEGGINGS These leggings from Fehr Trade are designed with active men in mind, featuring a roomy front pouch, a rear panel with an optional zippered pocket, and a comfortable elasticated waistband. The one-piece leg is constructed without side seams, so your favourite prints won’t be broken up – and there’s no chance of rubbing or chafing during wear. Available in biker short and full-length options, they’re versatile enough to be worn year-round as workout wear, base layers, or everyday underwear. fehrtrade.com PATTERN INSPIRATION Stay comfortable and move with ease thanks to our pick of the best six activewear patterns 1 VIRGINIA LEGGINGS This pattern from Megan Nielsen lets you create the ultimate pair of basic leggings, complete with a comfortable elasticated waistband and plenty of mix-and-match options. Choose from…

STYLE IT WITH The Hazel Skirt is a perfect pairing for this top. Find the pattern at gatheredshop.com Create a top that you can wear for any occasion with The Mabel Top! Made in stretch jersey, it's the perfect everyday staple to pair with your favourite skirts, trousers and (dare we say say it yet…) shorts! With a sassy scoop neck, you can easily dress it down with jeans and simple accessories or dress it up for a smart outing. We've made our Mabel Top in stripy cotton jersey fabric, but there's so much choice out there, why not make another in a bold, block shade, a pretty floral or even an on-trend animal print? YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: sizes 6-14: 1.5m of 140cm wide fabric sizes 16-30: 2.3m…

YOU WILL NEED 3-4 m of 140cm wide fabric in total (divided across three contrast fabrics) Lightweight interfacing (we used Vlieseline H180) 20cm invisible zipper Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance: 1cm Hem: 2.5cm SUGGESTED FABRICS Lightweight wove fabrics, such as viscose, silk and crepe FABRIC USED Minerva Exclusive Silhouette Spring EcoVero Viscose Challis POD Fabric in Geranium, Hyacinth and Hellebore, minerva.com DRAFTING THE SKIRT Step one Measure the waist and add 2cm seam allowance. Draw a line this length across the top of first fabric. Measure down 12cm to create a rectangle for the Waistband. Cut one in fabric. Repeat in interfacing. Step two Decide the length of the skirt from natural waist to hem. Divide this length by 5 and add 2cm seam allowance. For example,…

YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric (quilted waterproof): 35x45cm Bias tape: 1m Small harness or strap: 1.10cm D-ring NOTES Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates Seam allowance: 1cm PREPARING THE PIECES Step one Cut the two pattern pieces: the large main piece and the small base piece. 01 Step two Attach bias tape around the large piece, leaving the bottom edge free for attaching the base. 02 ADDING BIAS TAPE LOOPS Step one Cut small bias tape strips (approximately 4 cm) and position them where you want to attach the harness or strap. Step two Fold the tape to secure it and hold in place with pins or clips. Step three Stitch around the bias tape using a straight stitch. Step four Fold the tape to the inside securing it with pins or…

FRILLY SOCKS YOU WILL NEED Two pieces of gingham fabric: 50x10cm each Pair of socks Small drinking glass Matching thread Basic sewing kit PREPARING THE FABRIC Step one Fold a piece of fabric in half along the length with right sides (RS) facing. Sew along the raw long edge, then press open the seam. Step two Turn to the RS. Position the seam along the centre of the fabric’s length and press. 01 Step three Fold one short end of the fabric to the wrong side (WS) and press. Tuck the other short end inside the folded opening and pin. Sew along the edge of the folded end to secure in place. 02 CREATING GATHERS Step one Thread a needle, with a knot in the end. Insert your needle roughly 1.5cm…

YOU WILL NEED A crossbody bag Tracing paper Pencil Stranded cotton (we used DMC B5200, 351, 352, and 472) Embroidery needle Basic sewing kit NOTES Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates You can find more information on embroidery stitches at gathered. how/needlework/embroidery TRANSFERRING THE DESIGN Step one Trace the mushroom embroidery patterns onto a piece of tracing paper. Line up the patterns and use as many or as few as you like. Pin the paper onto the strap of the crossbody bag. 01 STITCHING THE DESIGN Step one Using three strands of green stranded cotton, stitch the grass with straight stitches. Next, embroider tiny dot flowers with French knots. 02 Step two Embroider the outlines of the mushrooms with back stitch, working with three strands of thread. 03 Step three Remove…

YOU WILL NEED Cotton fabric: 1.5m Cotton fabric for piping: 1m 0.5cm wide piping cord: 4.5m 53cm zip, Square cushion pad, 53x53cm, 15cm deep Matching sewing thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1.5cm, unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one Cut two 56 x56cm Top and Bottom pieces, three 56x17cm Side pieces and two 56 x 10cm Zip pieces from your main fabric and put to one side. 01 Step two Cut two 35x10cm Handle pieces from your main fabric Step three With right sides (RS) together, fold the cut side of your piping fabric over to the selvedge edge to create a triangle shape. Cut along the fold, then cut 5cm wide strips from each side of this cut, so along the bias. You’ll need the combined…

YOU WILL NEED Your PDF pattern file A laptop, smart phone or tablet A home printer (we used an Epson EcoTank ET-2956) White printer paper Ruler Paper scissors or a guillotine Glue or sticky tape PRINTING THE PATTERN PDF sewing patterns can usually be downloaded as a tiled A4 file. They can be printed on a home printer and stuck together to create the pattern pieces. Step one Make sure you print the test page first, to make sure you are printing the pattern at the correct scale. A few mms off when printing, can lead to a very ill-fitting garment! 01 Step two Print the pattern at 100% scale or at full size and measure the test square with an accurate ruler. 02 USING THE PATTERN Step one You…

YOU WILL NEED 2m jersey fabric Sewing machine (or needle and thread if you're hand sewing) Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated Using jersey fabric means there’s no need to hem the edges, making everything super-speedy CUTTING OUT Step one Lay out your fabric, folding it in half width-wise. One side will become the front of the cover up and the other side will be the back. Step two Cut directly down the middle of the front side all the way to the edge of the fold, creating two front flaps. Step three Next, cut 7.5cm directly across the fold on either side of the flaps, creating the gap for the neck hole. SEWING THE COVER UP Step one With right sides (RS) together, sew 25cm below the fold to…

YOU WILL NEED A T-shirt Scrap piece of lace Bondaweb Basic sewing kit MAKING A PATTERN Step one Make a paper pattern of the shape and the size you’d like your insert panel to be. We have chosen a five-point star. Either draw a star template yourself, or search for a free template to download online. 01 CUTTING OUT THE SHAPE Step one Turn your T-shirt inside out and fold or measure to find the centre of the front or back depending on exactly where you want to place your insert. Step two Pin your pattern to the T-shirt, taking care to keep the T-shirt flat beneath and around it for a neater finish. 02 Step three Draw around your pattern using a fabric marker and cut your shape out…

YOU WILL NEED 1 fat quarter cotton fabric 1cm ribbon or cotton tape: 60cm Button: 1cm diameter Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 1cm seam allowance. Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates CUTTING OUT Step one Trace the collar template from the pattern sheet and cut it out. Step two Fold your fabric in half with right sides (RS) together then pin the collar pattern on top and cut around it. Step three Repeat this to cut another set and you will now have two mirror image pairs. MAKING THE COLLAR PIECES Step one Place one pair of collar pieces RS facing and pin together around the edge. Repeat this with the other pair. 01 Step two Stitch each pair together, starting and finishing at the narrowest end and leaving a…

YOU WILL NEED T-shirt with pocket Stranded cotton (see notes) Pencil Water-soluble or tear-away stabiliser Embroidery hoop Embroidery needle Scissors NOTES We used DMC stranded cotton in the shades: 3687, 3824, 743, 745, 367, 368, and 504. Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates TRACING THE DESIGN Step one Trace or print the floral pattern onto the stabiliser. Leave excess stabiliser at the top to help prevent the T-shirt from stretching, but trim the bottom so it can fit into the pocket. Step two Place the T-shirt in the embroidery hoop. Be sure that the fabric doesn't stretch or distort. It helps to have as much of the stabiliser fill the hoop as possible. 01 STITCHING THE DESIGN Step one Embroider the flowers and leaves with backstitch. Use six strands for the…

SIZES 6–30 (US 2–26/EUR 30–54) PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheet x 1 (Tracing required) Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: sizes 6-14: 1.5m of 140cm wide fabric sizes 16-30: 2.3m of 140cm wide fabric Small amount of ribbon, knit interfacing or clear elastic to stabilise shoulders Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE Use a 1.5cm seam allowance, unless otherwise stated. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS Light to medium weight knit fabrics such as cotton, viscose or bamboo jersey. FABRIC USED Minerva Core Range Cotton Jersey Stretch Knit Fabric in Rust, minerva.com Shop more of our sewing patterns at gatheredshop.com BODY MEASUREMENTS © Designed and printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Supplied by Our Media Company Ltd, Bristol, BS1 4ST. For individual, private use only and not for commercial or manufacturing purposes. Not…