To complete a classic shirt or shirt dress with long sleeves, you will need to draft a shirt sleeve cuff pattern. A shirt cuff finishes the sleeve opening, controls the wrist fit, and together with a sleeve placket allows the hand to pass through the sleeve comfortably. In this tutorial I show how to draft […]
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Knowing how to draft a shirt collar pattern allows you to expand your handmade wardrobe to include well-fitting shirts and shirt dresses. In this step-by-step tutorial I show how to draft a shirt collar pattern that fits any collar stand, using a collar stand drafted from a basic bodice block. You can read more about the collar stand
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Knowing how to draft a collar stand sewing pattern is a fundamental skill in shirt pattern drafting. In this step-by-step collar stand drafting tutorial, I will show you exactly how to draft a collar stand pattern from your bodice neckline measurement, so it fits accurately and sits comfortably around the neck. You can use this
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In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you will learn how to draft a button stand step by step using a bodice block, explaining exactly how to calculate the correct width for any button size so your finished garment sits flat and professional. I draft all of my shirt and shirt dress patterns from a basic bodice block,
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In this step-by-step sewing tutorial, I will show you exactly how to sew a buttonhole on a sewing machine using three methods: one-step automatic, four-step, and manual zigzag. You will also learn how to prevent puckering, uneven stitching, and thread jams so your buttonholes look clean and professional. I have sewn buttonholes on shirts, shirt
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If you want to start drafting your own sewing patterns, you do not need a studio full of specialist equipment. In this guide, I will show you the essential sewing pattern drafting tools I personally use, explain why they matter, and help you avoid buying tools you do not actually need. I have been drafting
Sewing Pattern Drafting Tools You Actually Need Read More »
In this step-by-step bias binding tutorial for beginners, you will learn exactly how to make bias binding (also called bias tape) using three practical methods: individual strips, continuous bias binding (no-waste method), and semi-continuous bias strips. Whether you need single fold bias tape, double fold bias tape, or a simple raw-edge bias finish, this guide
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In this step-by-step laptop bag sewing tutorial, I show you exactly how I sewed a fully lined and padded laptop bag using my own self-drafted sewing pattern. This project includes exterior zipper pockets, a structured gusset, sturdy top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. I chose natural fibre fabrics from my stash to keep this
DIY Laptop Bag Sewing Tutorial – Lined, Padded & With Zipper Pockets Read More »
Why I Drafted My Own Laptop Bag In this blog post, I document my first laptop bag pattern drafting process step by step, sharing real measurements, drafting decisions, mistakes, and practical fixes learned while drafting and testing the pattern. This tutorial is written from hands-on experience drafting the pattern from scratch for a real 14″
How to Draft a Laptop Bag Sewing Pattern (14″ Laptop) Read More »
In this blog post I will show you how to add seam allowance to your drafted or traced sewing pattern at the drafting and cutting stage. I draft my own garment patterns for personal wear and blog tutorials, working primarily with natural fibres such as cotton, linen, hemp, rayon, and wool. The seam allowance recommendations
How to Add Seam Allowances to Sewing Patterns (Drafting & Fabric Cutting Guide) Read More »
