Would Malena and Johanna still run their sewing business if they became financially independent? And how can we shop smarter when buying fabric online? These and other great questions from the podcast listeners are answered in this fun Q&A episode. Plus we get to find out when Malena last sewed a garment for herself, that wasn't a work project (the answer might shock you!) Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com Or write to us on our socials: Stitching Tales on Insta...
Apr 01, 2025•56 min
Too busy sewing to read the sewing machine manual? No worries; we have all been there! In this episode, Malena and Johanna confess their own sewing machine mistakes and share tips on how to avoid making them. Plus Malena has been making patterns for a very cool design collab, and Johanna is feeling thorn that her day job leave is coming to an end. Have questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com Or contact us at our socials: Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.in...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Interfacing can make (or break) a garment. So how do we pick the right type? And should we interface stretchy knit garments? Malena and Johanna do a deep dive into the world of interfacing and share some valuable tips you might not have heard before! Interfacing stretchy knits https://www.thelaststitch.com/using-fusible-interfacing-knits/ Stabilising shoulder seams on knit tops https://www.thelaststitch.com/how-to-stabilise-shoulder-seams-on-knit-tops/ Interfacing tailored garments (video) https...
Mar 18, 2025•53 min
Johanna is back from an amazing mini-holiday in Lisbon and is ready to tackle the next project – hers and Malena's new sewing book. She also had some shipping drama that made her want to run and hide and almost quit her business. Malena has been home alone and spent her "free" time sewing the photo samples for her upcoming pattern Yes, Malena will release a second pattern this year! Johanna's new jeans sewing course https://courses.thelaststitch.com Stitching Tales on Instagram ...
Mar 11, 2025•59 min
Is rayon a natural fibre and are synthetic materials always bad? Plus, why are some fabrics rubbish while others hold up for decades, even though the fibre content is the same? Our resident fiber expert Malena goes deep into this important, and underrated, topic for us sewists. Johanna is in awe and has several new revelations in this episode. Enjoy! Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com Or contact us at our socials: Stitching Tales on Instagram https:...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Are sewing sweaterknits doomed to fail and are fine wool knits worth going broke for? Plus: Where are all the good menswear patterns? Johanna and Malena open their mailbox and answer more questions from our lovely listeners and viewers. Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com Or contact us at our socials: Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitching Tales on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@...
Feb 25, 2025•36 min
Johanna has secretly launched her jeans sewing course, and you are among the first to find out! As a loyal podcast listener, get 20% off Denim Mastery before it officially launches on February 20. Grab your offer: https://courses.thelaststitch.com/denim-mastery?coupon=DENIMTALES (or use code DENIMTALES at checkout). The sale ends February 20 11.30 PM (Central European Time) Meanwhile, Malena is ready to start sewing the photo samples of her next pattern release. Yes, she too is on a roll! Fit fo...
Feb 18, 2025•51 min
Hemming with a serger is both fast and easy. Yet most of us don't do it. To change that, Malena and Johanna talk about four ways to hem knits using just a serger. Plus they get into coverstitching a bit too, and share valuable tips for making your coverstitching look professional. Get 20% off Coverstitch Success Use code POD20 or this link: https://courses.thelaststitch.com/?coupon=POD20 Hemming and securing threads on a coverstitch https://youtu.be/Md0AUk0h7oE Johanna's free guide for fixing...
Feb 11, 2025•56 min
Will AI be able to construct a sewing pattern using just an image, a prompt and your measurements? And will sewists jump on the latest trend; hot pants as the new mini skirt? Johanna and Malena bring out the crystal ball and make some bold predictions. This somehow brings us into a heated discussion about unethical, unsustainable and downright dangerous practices that some clothes companies use. We are truly on fire in this episode! Tauko Magazine https://www.taukomagazine.com/shop/issue-14 ...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Hemming stretchy knits is tricky – something Malena and Johanna know all too well. Luckily they have figured out some really cool tricks that will make it so much easier, even if you only have a regular sewing machine. Tauko Magazine https://www.taukomagazine.com/shop/issue-14 Subscribe to Johanna's newsletter https://www.thelaststitch.com/newsletter Blind-hem tutorial https://www.thelaststitch.com/vide-sew-along-invisible-hemming/ Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit...
Jan 28, 2025•58 min
How to fix growing necklines, dealing with difficult knit fabrics and what's the story behind Johanna's sewing career? We answer these and many other listener questions in this Q&A episode. Have questions for another Q&A episode? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitching Tales on YouTube ...
Jan 21, 2025•50 min
Malena can finally reveal her secret project! Plus she has big plans for 2025 (hint: two new sewing patterns). Meanwhile, Johanna is burning the midnight oil trying to finish her jeans video course. And she is waiting for a very exciting delivery that gives her clout among the young people in her life. Looks like we are off to a strong start! Pre-order Tauko Magazine https://www.taukomagazine.com/shop/issue-14 Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Malena and Johanna had some grand plans for 2024. So how did it all go? Plus Malena reveals a professional pivot that she has never talked publicly about before! And a huge thank you to all of you that tuned in this year to listen to our podcast! Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitching Tales on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Looking for the ultimate gift to give your sewing friend (or yourself)? Then look no further. We share our best picks for sewing holiday gifts, from essential sewing tools to inspiring books, something for every budget level. Stitching Tales Gift Guide https://www.thelaststitch.com/giftguide Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitching Tales on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod About Malena Hjerpe: Professional patt...
Dec 10, 2024•47 min
Did Johanna really end up joining a weekly dance thing because of Tinder? And why did Malena's sister ban her from caring for her plants? In this episode, we lift the lid on our personal life and share some things you probably didn't know about us! Plus we answer the question we all want to know...how big is really our (fabric) stash? Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtal...
Dec 03, 2024•52 min
Sewing buttonholes is not Johanna and Malena's favourite thing to do. However, they have many tips on making them great, including some garment industry insider tips. Listen to get lots of great insight on the best placement, getting the size right, stitch settings, tools and of course, how to open the buttonholes without ruining everything. Easy bound buttonhole tutorial https://www.thelaststitch.com/how-to-sew-bound-buttonholes/ Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit...
Nov 26, 2024•53 min
Johanna set her newly purchased fabric on fire, but why? And which mega-hyped Swedish brand is Malena's new client? Plus did Johanna finally crack the code for successful time management? Listen to find out! In this episode, we talk about what's been happening in our sewing and business life lately. Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitch...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr
You asked and we answered! Malena and Johanna share their favourite upcycling projects and give tips on the best seam allowances for tricky areas, plus how to use interfacing on knit fabrics. Enjoy! Johanna's mittens and beanie hat patterns (for upcycling old sweaters) https://shop.thelaststitch.com/collections/accessories Have questions for another Q&A episode? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book...
Nov 12, 2024•51 min
Feeling intimidated by sewing a zipper on pants? And what's the secret to a making waistband that looks as nice on the inside as the outside? Plus the secret to a truly invisible machine hem. Malena and Johanna share their best pant sewing tips in this info-packed episode. Enjoy! Johanna's Pants Tutorial Series https://www.thelaststitch.com/category/tutorials/sewing-pants/ Machine Blind-hem Tutorial https://www.thelaststitch.com/invisible-blind-hem-stitch-with-a-sewing-machine/ Jeans Zipper ...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Johanna can't even pay one month's rent with her latest pattern release, despite it being one of her best-performing patterns yet. And Malena argues that you do need experience and the proper tools to create great sewing patterns. If you lack some skills, enlist help from those who have the knowledge. DIY doesn't mean we have to do EVERYTHING ourselves. In this very candid conversation, we are busting plenty of myths about selling sewing patterns and running a business in general. This episode w...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Sew welt pockets, darts, and other dress pants details like a pro. Malena and Johanna go deep into common techniques for dress trousers and share their best tips, including some clever RTW techniques. Johanna's Pants Tutorial Series https://www.thelaststitch.com/category/tutorials/sewing-pants/ Dart Sewing Tutorial https://www.thelaststitch.com/vide-sew-along-back-darts/ Easy bound buttonhole tutorial (works for welt pockets too) https://www.thelaststitch.com/how-to-sew-bound-buttonholes/ Fit...
Oct 22, 2024•52 min
Sewing pants can be intimidating. Getting the fit right, zippers, welt pockets, the list goes on. Johanna and Malena discuss the challenges with sewing pants and share some very helpful tips too. Plus did Johanna manage to release her new sewing pattern, the Vide Pants, despite not being done 48 hours before the launch? Listen to find out! Resources mentioned: Vide knit pants https://shop.thelaststitch.com/collections/clothes/products/vide-knit-pants-pdf-sewing-pattern Fold Line's Trouser Sewi...
Oct 15, 2024•59 min
Johanna has finally launched a new sewing pattern, the Vide knit pants. Will it fly or flop? Johanna is a bit nervous about the outcome but excited to have a new pattern to share, after over two years of no releases. Shop Vide knit pants https://shop.thelaststitch.com/collections/clothes/products/vide-knit-pants-pdf-sewing-pattern Johanna is also on a break from her day job and has some ideas on how to make her sewing biz a full-time income gig eventually. Join us for a very candid episode on t...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr
Is a straight stitch sometimes a good idea when sewing knits? And do you need a serger to sew joggers? In this second part of the knit pants series, they nerd out on seams, machines and assembly methods. It turns out that Johanna and Malena use totally opposite methods when sewing knit pants. So which one is the best? Or are both excellent? Listen to find out! Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Stitching Tales on Instagram ...
Oct 01, 2024•52 min
Who doesn't like comfortable pants? Johanna and Malena certainly do. This is why they love to wear and sew pants made with knitted fabrics so much that they have also released sewing patterns with this style. In this first episode, they dive deep into all the nerdy stuff that will make a huge difference when sewing knit pants, such as picking the right fabric, best cutting layout and elastic. Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Stitchi...
Sep 24, 2024•48 min
Johanna and Malena are writing another sewing book! And they can finally share what it is about! Plus we get into a heated debate about which seam allowance is best for knit sewing patterns! Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitching Tales on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingT...
Sep 17, 2024•48 min
Malena is participating in the #sewsmallseptember24 initiative. So we discuss ways to support smaller sewing businesses that might not have big-name recognition but provide awesome products. If you want to know more about the challenge and how to participate, check out @neighborhoodpatterns and @madswick_studio on Instagram who launched this initiative to highlight small sewing businesses. And regarding sewing products, Johanna has pinpointed two massive fashion trends based on her commute. She ...
Sep 10, 2024•57 min
We asked for your questions and here are our answers. In this episode we talk about presser feet for knits, how to best fit jeans and other pants, tips for grading patterns, our favourite makes, how to be smart about time when running a business and more! Have questions for another Q&A episode? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com Sewing Jeans Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/sewing-jeans-book Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Bo...
Sep 03, 2024•42 min
Johanna and Malena are back from a summer podcast hiatus. But it's been a busy summer for both of them. Malena has created several new patterns and samples for a new project that will be announced soon. And Johanna has (finally!) filmed her new jeans sewing course. Plus a new sewing pattern is in the works. It will be a busy fall, so Johanna has decided to take (yet another) break from her day job. Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod...
Aug 27, 2024•43 min
Sewing is tricky sometimes and we can all use a little help. Johanna and Malena talk about the tools that make tricky things easier, and save time too! Plus Johanna has finally listened to Malena and purchased a life-saving "sewing" tool. But it took almost setting the sewing studio on fire before she came to her senses. That said, Johanna does set something on fire during the episode, but it's all in the name of providing helpful sewing content! Have questions for our Q&A episode? Email us ...
Jul 09, 2024•50 min
