Garment pattern designer Liesl Gibson says she thinks about the fit whenever she creates a new pattern. In Episode 28 of Sewing With Threads, the founder and chief designer of Liesl + Co., Inc. , describes a few fitting factors she considers when pattern drafting: the amount of ease needed, style, and a sewer's personal preferences.
During this time of social isolation, creative people are keeping busy making useful and beautiful things. It's the perfect time for beginner sewers to improve their skills. As sewing machines fly off the shelves across the country, Threads has brought together lots of online content to get you started making clothes, accessories, and home décor items to suit your style. You'll enjoy the process now, and you'll end up with handmade projects to be proud of for years to come. In this bonus podcast...
With most of the country currently sheltering in place, we need to find inspiration to keep our creative juices flowing. In this bonus episode of the Sewing with Threads podcast, Threads editors Carol Fresia, Sarah McFarland, and Erica Redfern share some of their favorite YouTube content. Threads also invites listeners to visit our own YouTube channel for tips, how-to content, and project videos....
The new reality fashion show Making the Cut is creating a buzz these days. The 10-episode Amazon Original series challenges 12 designer contestants to show off their talents and skills—and survive elimination, to win a $1 million final prize. In this bonus podcast episode of Sewing With Threads, homebound editors Sarah McFarland, Erica Redfern, and Jeannine Clegg chatted remotely about Season 1 of the TV series. Threads is sharing bonus podcasts on Fridays through the month of April, and possibl...
As working from home is a new reality for many readers and listeners, the Threads staff has once again put remote technology to use to record bonus episodes of our Sewing With Threads podcast. We’ll be sharing weekly episodes on Fridays through the month of April, and possibly beyond. This week, editors Carol J. Fresia and Jeannine Clegg sat down in front of their webcams and microphones to talk about some of the ways we work in the Threads offices.
Learn some new serger techniques and find out about serger accessories that can help with garment construction from serger expert Sara Gallegos. The leader of the education team for Baby Lock sewing machines shares some of her favorites in the Sewing with Threads Episode 27 video podcast.
As working from home is a new reality, the Threads staff thought it was time to put remote technology to use and make additional episodes of our monthly Sewing With Threads podcast. We’ll be sharing weekly episodes on Fridays through the month of April, and possibly beyond. In this bonus episode, editors Carol, Erica, and Sarah talk about sewing techniques, getting hired at Threads , and making face masks for healthcare workers, family, or personal use. Please be patient with any blips in the au...
Contributing Editor Judith Neukam tells a few true tales of fabric stash disasters, some with surprising endings, in the Sewing With Threads video podcast, Episode 26.
Three editors share their favorite tips for beginners in the Sewing With Threads video podcast, Episode 25. Seasoned sewing enthusiasts also may benefit from these bits of advice, as they include useful information for improving efficiency and making sewing more enjoyable.
Learn how Threads magazine scrutinizes some of the latest commercial garment patterns released by the mainstream and lesser-known pattern companies. In the Sewing with Threads Episode 24 video podcast, expert Anna Mazur shares how she compiles the magazine's Pattern Review department for each issue, a complex job she has honed over the last 15 years. She whittles down pattern options from more than 150 pattern companies and relies on 21 Threads pattern testers to help evaluate the chosen pattern...
Find out the latest trends in sewing machine embroidery from expert Katrina Walker in the Sewing with Threads Episode 23 video podcast. Katrina plays a key role in the ever-evolving world of sewing machine embroidery. She's a brand ambassador for Pfaff sewing and embroidery machines and a Sulky thread Sewcialite. Besides teaching classes, she designs extensively....
Embellishment expert and teacher Ellen W. Miller talks about writing Creating Couture Embellishment , a reference for garment embellishing techniques, in Episode 22 of Sewing With Threads. Her 400-page book is based on a couture details class she taught at Boston School of Fashion. She shares her painstaking process of photographing and writing step-by-step instructions for a whopping 174 embellishment techniques. It took her well beyond her initial time frame of two years. "I wanted to show the...
Image consultant, teacher, and author Nancy Nix-Rice shares her thoughts and advice on how to create a flattering, versatile wardrobe in the Sewing with Threads Episode 21 video podcast. During the podcast, she explains her philosophy of choosing fabrics for sewing garments. She also delves into the "core four" method of building a wardrobe, and she outlines how to create or choose four core pieces. In addition, she discusses her "points of connection" method of selecting garments that link to a...
In the Sewing with Threads Episode 20 video podcast, custom clothier and teacher Pamela Howard discusses how to select fabrics that work for a chosen pattern and which fabrics are the most flattering for your shape. Her suggestions go well beyond the fabrics recommended on a commercial pattern.
In the Sewing with Threads Episode 19 video podcast, Threads Digital Ambassador and vintage pattern aficionado Peter Lappin shares his latest vintage pattern creations, discusses his upcoming camp shirt class, and delves into garment plackets and interfacings.
Pattern designer, teacher, and author Gretchen Hirsch discusses the growth of her brand and business, her upcoming plans, and her sewing fantasies in the Sewing with Threads Episode 18 podcast. Gretchen, better known as Gertie, came on to the sewing scene with Gertie’s Blog for Better Sewing. She expanded her business and created By Gertie , which offers online sewing tutorials; announces her upcoming events and traveling workshops; and sells her patterns, fabrics, and books. She also has been a...
In the Sewing with Threads Episode 17 podcast, knit fabrics and serging expert Pamela Leggett discusses ways to sew textured, ribbed, scuba, and other knit fabrics; using stabilizers on knits; machine needles she uses; and the stitch type she selects to get the best results when sewing knits.
In the Sewing with Threads Episode 16 video podcast, Threads staff seamstress Norma Bucko discusses finished and unfinished personal sewing projects. She also shares her tried-and-true technique for installing a ripple-free zipper in a hand-knit garment or when machine-sewing one into a store-bought sweater knit.
In the Sewing with Threads Episode 15 video podcast, guest Jennifer Stern-Hasemann discusses her focus on—and the importance of getting—a good fit. The garment pattern designer and owner of J Stern Designs also answers a Threads reader's question about proper placement for princess seams.
In the Sewing with Threads Episode 14 video podcast, guest Rae Cumbie talks about how she went from hand sewing at her mother’s side to developing and running an independent pattern company. She also explains why she loves sewing today, discusses her favorite sewing term and fabric, and even offers technical advice for tapering a pair of pants.
In the Sewing with Threads Episode 13 video podcast, guest Daryl Lancaster shares her experiences with designing, weaving, and constructing garments and fiber arts pieces for sewing contests. Daryl has contributed numerous articles to Threads and maintains her own website at DarylLancaster.com . She also travels extensively to teach hand weaving and garment construction.
Gail Patrice Yellen talks about her embellishing techniques, using fusible interfacing, and sewing over pins.
Fabric trends, fabric favorites, fabric sewing challenges, and even fabric storage solutions were part of the discussion among Threads magazine editors in the Sewing With Threads, Episode 11, now also available as a video podcast on youtube and ThreadsMagazine.com
For clothing pattern designer and teacher Louise Cutting, comfort and looks go hand in hand. The owner of Cutting Line Designs and a Threads contributing editor, Louise spends up to six months developing sportswear designs she says feel great and have the versatility of being worn in casual or dressy settings. She shares some of her methods and some sewing advice with Threads editors as the guest on Sewing With Threads , Episode 10.
In the Sewing with Threads Episode 9 podcast, Contributing Editor Judith Neukam talks about selecting beautiful vintage garments for the Threads magazine back covers and figuring out how sewers can create similar results. Judy also discusses—via a Skype call from her home studio—the merits of making flat-pattern adjustments versus fitting with a test garment, or muslin.
Couture sewing expert and Contributing Editor Susan Khalje shares her insights on sewing for weddings, taking sewing shortcuts, and whether to pretreat fabrics, in the Sewing with Threads Episode 8 podcast.
Peter Lappin discusses his love of vintage patterns and vintage sewing machines with the Threads editorial team.
Kenneth D. King talks about principles from his new fitting book and fashion icons that have inspired him.
Threads magazine editors discuss how they have tackled sewing challenges and offer tips and advice on overcoming challenges you might face.
Mimi G discusses how she started out developing her MimiGSyle brand that has since earned an immense online and social media following.
