Sussex Seamstress Sewing Blog
Printable Dressmaking Metric To Imperial Chart
Do you prefer to use imperial feet and inches to metric metres and centimeters? You can use a smartphone to convert between them pretty easily, but if you’d like something less techy our printable metric to imperial chart has got you covered.
How To Sew 6 Types of Pockets - With Video Tutorials
There are many types of pockets, each with their own benefits, from simple patch pockets to fancy tailored welt pockets. This blog post provides video tutorials on how to sew 6 different types of pockets.
Dressmaking For Complete Beginners
New to Dressmaking? Here’s some beginner’s information to get you started, including choosing a pattern, the easiest to use fabrics, understanding sizing, cutting layouts, and lots of other beginner friendly tips.
Sizing Charts, Finished Measurements And Toiles - Making The Right Size
One of the most common mistakes in dressmaking is making up the wrong size. If you want the best results it’s not as simple as making “an 18”. Let’s look at how to use sizing charts, finished measurements and toiles to get the best possible fit.
How To Sew A Welt Pocket
Learn how to sew a smart internal Welt Pocket with our video tutorial.
Full Bust Adjustment Tutorial
A tutorial on how to do a Full Bust Adjustment, suitable for beginners and including a video tutorial. A full bust adjustment is a great way of getting a better fit if you have a full bust without having to size up and have the pattern not fit you properly elsewhere or leaving you with a gaping neckline. We take a look at how to do an FBA in the most common situation - a bodice with a bust dart.
Sewing WORD SEARCH (Printable)
Why not have a go at our Sewing Wordsearch… Just print it out, grab a pen, and take a break :)
How To Make Your Own Quilted Fabric For Dressmaking
Make your own double sided quilted fabric, specifically for dressmaking with this simple tutorial. Many tutorials focus on smaller fabric pieces for quilting and craft uses - we show you how to cope with the larger fabric pieces required for dressmaking.
Sewing Crossword Puzzle (Printable)
Why not try our Sewing Crossword! Straight clues for a quick crossword, Cryptic clues if you want a challenge! Have fun :)
How To Lengthen A Trouser/Pants Pattern
Everyone is a different height and has different length legs, so getting a pair of trousers/pants that are the perfect length straight from the pattern is rare. Thankfully, altering the length is relatively simple in most cases. This tutorial shows you how to lengthen a trousers/pants pattern, using our Bramber Trousers pattern as an example, and also covers cases where you have a turn-up hem.
How To Organise And Search Your PDF Pattern Collection
Is your PDF pattern collection a bit of a mess? Here’s some tips on efficiently organising and searching your PDF sewing patterns in Windows.
Perfect Interfacing - How To Block Cut For Better Results
Applying fusible (iron-on) interfacing to fabric when dressmaking is relatively straightforward, but getting neat results can be tricky, especially for beginners. Block cutting your fabric and interfacing can make it much easier to produce good results. This blog post shows you how and includes a video tutorial.
How To Print PDF Sewing Pattern Instructions As Booklets
Here’s a quick tip for how to print your PDF sewing pattern instruction manuals as neat little booklets.
How To Make A Quilted Mayfield Jacket
Let’s make the Mayfield Jacket using a quilted fabric. In this tutorial I take you through all the steps you’ll need.
Printing PDF Sewing Patterns Without A Printer
Want to print a PDF sewing pattern but don’t have a printer? Or maybe just don’t fancy the PDF jigsaw? Let’s look at some options as well as some potential pitfalls, including copy shop printing, online pattern printing services, and how to avoid problems with different paper sizes.
How To Make The Blatchington Hat - With FREE PDF Pattern!
Let’s make a hat! Download our FREE Blatchington Hat PDF Pattern and get started with this quick & easy make.
How To Make The Rye Jacket In Boiled Wool
The Rye Jacket looks great in boiled wool. I’ve shared some tips in this post about how to make the Rye with this lovely fabric.
How To Print PDF Sewing Patterns Correctly From iPhone, iPad and Android
How do you print PDF sewing patterns to the correct size on iPhone, iPad and Android? Let’s take a look at the options and how to solve this tricky problem.
How To Sew A Rouleau Loop
This tutorial shows you how to sew Rouleau loops (those little loops you pop buttons through), using a Rouleau Turner.