We dive into fancy weaves - those fabrics that are made with special looms, special tools, special yarn twists, or otherwise unusual processes! We cover satins, jacquards, velvets, dobby weaves, and more, describing what they’re like, how they’re made, and how to sew with them. We also give advice to a listener who’s starting her own business. Show Notes...
Have you ever looked at all the stitches you can do on your machine and wondered, “What’s that one for?” In this episode, we explain the function of each stitch, give tips on how to get the best results from machine stitching, and share some ideas for how to use decorative stitches. We also share listener feedback about sewing social media platforms! Show Notes...
Home decor sewing can make your house into a warm, inviting home! In this episode, we chat about the home decor fabrics, notions, and tools you’ll need to do a bevy of projects. We also give home-decor specific sewing tips, share the projects we’ve made ourselves, and discuss inspiring project ideas. Plus, listener feedback about our quilted garments episode! Show Notes...
Soft, cute, and always wire-free, we are HERE for bralettes! In this episode, we talk about the fabrics, patterns, and techniques you can use to make the perfect bralette for you. We review the different ways bralettes can give support, notions you might need, and how to switch out finishes. We also share listener feedback about chalk hem markers! Show Notes...
Is there anything scarier than a really bad sewing mishap? Okay, there are a few things, but this episode is about the sewing moments that made our listeners’ hearts drop. We share their funny and harrowing stories, plus answer a listener question about getting a flat bias tape-finished neckline. Happy Spooky Season! Show Notes...
Home sewing patterns put knowledge and power in the hands of ordinary people, changing fashion forever. In this episode, we go back to the beginnings of sewing patterns in the mid-19th century (and a little bit earlier). We talk about the enormous shifts in technology and lifestyles through the nearly two centuries that followed - and we even predict the future of sewing patterns! Plus, a listener question about fashion school and life direction. Show Notes...
This episode is all about making cozy cool quilted garments! We talk you through every step: choosing fabric, making patchwork, quilting, assembling, and finishing. We also review batting options, give seam finishing tips specifically for those bulky quilt seams, and chat about inspiring quilted garments we love. In our listener question section, we recommend A-line skirt patterns in plus sizes and name a source of nickel-free jeans buttons and rivets. Show Notes...
From laundering to mending, this episode is all about caring for your precious me-made garments! We cover pre-washing, sewing tips to make your clothes last, stain removal, storage, and more. Plus, a listener letter about swim trunks notions! Show Notes
We share your most unexpected tips and tools in this community episode! From fun gadgets to expert guidance, be prepared to have your mind blown! Show Notes
In this episode, we review components of design (volume, colour, texture, print, and more) so that you can pinpoint your ideal personal style. Then we offer suggestions to bring your ideal down to earth so that it’s wearable in your everyday life. Plus: how to have fun with fashion, a listener question about getting flat knit neck bands, and our favourite part: the phrases listeners use to describe their style! Show Notes...
A-HEM! In this episode, we get to the bottom of hems: techniques, tools, and tips for wovens and knits. Plus: marking hems, adjusting hem depth, and fancy hems! The listener feedback is all about changing robes/ponchos. Show Notes
We celebrate five years of Love to Sew with a chatty catch-up, a bit of reflection, and a bunch of sewing-themed games! Thank you for five wonderful years! Show Notes
Get ready for the lovey-dovey-est episode ever! We share your touching, funny, creative love letters to sewing teachers, sewing tools, sewing machines, fabric, friends, family, and sewing itself. Show Notes
Tabitha Sewer is a sewing content creator, button designer, and business expert. We chat with her about sewing with unusual fabrics, creating designer looks for less, thrift flipping, and her amazing buttons! She also takes us behind the scenes of creating content for some of the biggest brands in the world. Show Notes
Four years after our first Sewing Swimwear episode, we’re back on the topic with more sewing tips, better fabric information, and lots of great pattern recommendations! We also cover ideas for adapting non-swimwear patterns into swimwear, swim coverup ideas, places to buy swimwear fabric, and a review of all the swimwear we have sewn ourselves. Plus: listener feedback from our Getting Started with Pattern Drafting episode! Show Notes...
This week’s episode is a podcast crossover! We chat with the hosts of the Asian Sewist Collective Podcast, Ada Chen and Nicole Angeline, about making a sewing podcast, issues that affect sewists of Asian descent, and their personal sewing stories. Listen in to learn about how the Collective got started, how they make decisions, and how the podcast sausage gets made! Show Notes...
Chests come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes - and patterns usually don’t. In this episode, we go over the ways that patterns are shaped (or not) to accommodate a bust, how you can tell if you need a pattern adjustment, and how to adjust patterns to fit your unique chest. Show Notes
Rose Parr is a sewist and ergonomics expert. In this episode, we get her best advice for sewing practices that are kind to your body, including how to set up your sewing space, which ergonomic tools make a difference, and what stretches to do. Show Notes
Serena (a.k.a. Sewrena) makes her fabulous vintage wardrobe using vintage patterns and vintage machines! We chat with her about her favourite vintage styles, the differences between vintage and modern patterns, and what to look for in a vintage machine. Plus, vintage maternity clothes, making amazing hats, and #VintageStyleNotVintageValues. Show Notes...
As sewists, we know a lot about finished fabrics - but how much do we know about how they get made? In this episode, we walk you through all the steps of the fabric-making process, from raw materials to finished bolts. We also cover ethical considerations, fabric certifications, and how finished fabrics get from factories to your doorstep. Show Notes...
Samantha (aka @purplesewingcloud) is a sewist known for her fun, colourful makes. In this episode, we chat with her about mixing prints, incorporating patchwork into garments, and how to make the sewing community more accessible. Sam also shares the design process for her handmade wedding dress, her personal accessibility strategies, and how to do foundation paper piecing. Show Notes...
Every month on Patreon, we release a mini-episode for our patrons at the "Love to Sew Superfan" level! These episodes are short versions of our main episodes. We have done episodes on sewing techniques, fabric deep dives, and pattern ideas. We often make episodes based on questions or topics from our patrons! Patrons at this level also get 15% off discount codes to Helen's Closet and Blackbird Fabrics. In this free mini-episode, we share five methods for making a dress form that looks just lik...
Take your sewing to the next level by learning how to draft patterns! In this episode, we list the materials you need, give you an overview of the drafting process, and share resources to help you learn this skill. Also, Helen tells the story of her business, Helen’s Closet Patterns! Show Notes
Kat Brown Akootchook is a Native American artist and designer who blends contemporary and traditional with a wink and a smile! We chat with her about her wonderful work in many mediums: beadwork, sewing, block printing, and hide tanning. Show Notes
Every month on Patreon, we release a fun, chatty, full-length bonus episode. This month, we are giving it away to all our listeners! March's bonus episode is full of adventure! Caroline went on a dangerous hike and saw a bobcat in her yard; Helen tried basket making and signed up for a pottery course. Plus: exciting Helen's Closet news, Caroline's wedding guest dress, tons of cool pattern releases, and a tool that will keep your fabric from twisting and bunching up in the washer and dryer. If yo...
For our 200th episode, we asked our listeners the question we ask all our guests: “How did you learn to sew?” In this episode, we share some of the many great responses we got - funny, touching stories of discovering this skill we all love. Show Notes
Donny Hoang (aka Donny Q) is a sewing influencer and microbiologist with a unique, textural personal style. In this episode, we chat with him about self-drafting, taking great photos, working with leafcutter ants, and his dream style aesthetic: looking like a pile of unfolded laundry. Show Notes
It has pockets! We cover patch pockets, in-seam pockets, slash pockets, and welt pockets. Plus: a short history of pockets, iconic pocket patterns, and tons of pocket tips! Show Notes
This episode was originally released on August 19, 2019. In this Love to Sew Favourite, we talk about everything denim! What do denim weights mean? How do I choose the right denim for my project? What is selvage denim? We cover it all!
This episode was originally released on March 11, 2019. We asked for your sewing stories from around the world! In this Love to Sew Favourite, we make connections and highlight differences in our sewing. We share your stories, tips, and experiences. Show Notes
