Sew News

Sew News magazine is a complete resource for sewers of all skill levels. Each issue of Sew News magazine is packed with practical sewing information, how-to guides and the latest on fashion, fabrics, books and new products.

SEW NEWS

EDITOR

SEW & TELL

COMING UP

READER TIPS

STAFF PICKS

MARTHA PORTER OF BURIED DIAMOND • Martha Porter is a textile designer, jewelry maker, and home sewist based in Brooklyn, NY. She received a BFA in Textiles from the Rhode Island School of Design before moving to NYC in 2006 to become an in-house textile designer for brands including Tibi, DKNY and Kate Spade Saturday. These days, Martha freelances as a textile designer for many fashion and interior brands, makes her own jewelry and sews her own clothes.

SEAM FINISHES AND HEMS • A well-sewn hem is just as important as using the appropriate seam finish for your fabric type and garment style. The hem gives a garment a crisp, neat edge. The correct hem also adds weight and structure to a garment lower edge, allowing the garment to hang better. Read on to learn the basic seam finishes all sewists should know, as well as the best hem applications, from hand or machine stitching to using fusible web.

DONNY HOANG • Donny Hoang is a Microbiology PhD student in Wisconsin and sews in his free time. He started sewing in 2016, initially intending to supplement a growing interest in fashion. After taking a lesson to learn how to navigate and thread a sewing machine, his love for sewing grew quickly and has since become his primary creative outlet.

CURVE APPEAL

NECKLINE KNOW-HOW

NEXT-LEVEL KNITS • Knit fabrics are soft, comfortable and make for easy-fit garments that are perfect for everyday wear. Serging knits is the perfect way to create a wide variety of wardrobe basics, such as T-shirts and leggings. However, if you’re ready to try some beyond-basic patterns or get more professional results, read on for advanced tips for garment construction.

PATCH POCKET PERFECTION

BLACK MAKERS MATTER

MINDFUL MEASURING: GETTING STARTED

MEASURE BETTER

DIY L-SHAPE RULER

SEWSTAINABLE: ROUND ROPE BAG • Give the rope bowl a practical makeover! Use the same technique to make a one-of-a-kind bag using dyed rope and other upcycled components.

WRAPPED & Refined • Easily add a collar and gathered sleeves to a classic wrap top for an artful, upscale blouse.

Palm Pillows • Designer décor is easy to create with simple, yet elegant pillows featuring quilted palm frond designs and zippered openings.

PASS THE CHIPS POUCH • Stash essentials in a fun zippered avocado pouch. The design features a clasp to hang on your purse or belt loop.

GOOD DAY GODETS • Learn how to draft custom convex and concave godets and insert into a skirt for added drama. Plus, add a ruffle for extra excitement and twirl.

Ever After BLOUSE • Draft a dramatic sleeve based on a simple readymade sewing pattern to create a fashionable statement piece.

tip

RESORT Remix • Upcycle a basic men’s button-up shirt into a stylish cropped top with pleating and gathered sleeves.

Paint It LIKE POLLOCK • Discover how to easily paint leather to create one-of-a-kind accessories.

BE PREPARED

SAGE ABSTRACTION CUSHION • Add texture and dimension to a round tufted cushion with tonal hand appliqués.

23 BLACK FASHION DESIGNERS to know

Pinafores • Pinafores are a great transition piece for your memade wardrobe. Wear them in the cooler spring months layered with leggings and a turtleneck for a timeless, sophisticated look. As summer gets close and warmer temps ensue, pair a pinafore with sandals and a cropped tee or tank. We’ve pulled together a few of our favorite pinafore patterns – pick one...