Skill-Boosting Sewing Patterns
Sewdirect | Blog
by Amy Scarr
3M ago
Staying safe with sewing patterns isn’t a bad thing, especially if you’re short on time or appreciate simple silhouettes, but sometimes it’s nice to push yourself to learn a new technique or try a new silhouette. We’ve rounded up five project ideas you could try to develop your sewing skills! The Shirt: Vogue 8772 Shirt-making is a classic milestone in sewing as you’re creating a wardrobe staple and diving into a traditional garment with a rich history. After trying a lot of shirt patterns and styles, I’m recommending Vogue 8772 because this feels like the cream of the crop. The pa ..read more
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Dress Pattern Edit: Long Sleeve Dresses
Sewdirect | Blog
by Amy Scarr
5M ago
There’s no getting around it, there is no better time than to sew dresses… with sleeves! The wonderful thing about sleeves is there are so many options to choose from – tailored sleeves, puff sleeves, cuffed sleeves, bell sleeves, there are endless options. And whether you’re looking for a long sleeve winter dress, statement sleeves or prefer to keep your arms covered, we have a pattern for you. We’ve collated 10 of our favourite dresses with sleeves to inspire your next sewing project. Pattern: McCall’s 8342 This is a classic cut of a shirt dress with button-through bodice with a coll ..read more
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Sewing Bee 2023 Week 10 Patterns & Techniques
Sewdirect | Blog
by Amy Scarr
8M ago
And with this week’s episode, the Sewing Bee 2023 is over! Don’t worry we’re not going to say who won on this post. But we hope you’re happy with the winner and their amazing makes from the final episode. Challenge 1 If you loved the dress sewn in challenge one of tonight’s episode we have THREE sewing patterns that are perfect for recreating the look! McCall’s 8032 Available in Paper and PDF format, this dress has the fitted bodice you recognise from the show with a gorgeous full skirt, sleeve and hem ruffles. It’s perfect for luxe fabric like satin. McCall’s 7994  Available as a PD ..read more
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Sewing Bee 2023 Week 9 Patterns & Techniques
Sewdirect | Blog
by Amy Scarr
9M ago
It’s nearly over! We can’t believe it. This week’s semi final was full of cool garments you can make at home, so let us show you our top pattern picks. Challenge 1 If you loved the trench coat sewn in challenge one of tonight’s episode pick up one of our trench patterns for HALF PRICE! Pick a trench coat pattern from our Sewing Bee Episode 9 collection and use the code SBTRENCH at checkout. This offer expires 23:59 July 26th. P&P charges still apply. Challenge 3 The versatile boiler suit is so easy to dress up or down. Boiler suits are mainly casual, weekend ..read more
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Sewing Bee 2023 Week 8 Patterns & Techniques
Sewdirect | Blog
by Amy Scarr
9M ago
We loved Fashion Icon week on the Sewing Bee and are excited to share patterns to recreate the looks at home. Challenge 1 If you loved the Audrey Hepburn pattern challenge, take a look at our pattern picks to recreate her costumes from Breakfast At Tiffany’s and Sabrina, plus the essential Little Black Dress Collection: Shop Little Black Dresses Challenge 3 When it came to Smoking Jacket fashion there were some amazing creations. We’ve rounded up the best patterns for recreating the contestants style in our Sewing Bee Episode 8 collection. Smoking jackets are cosy but ..read more
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Sewing Bee 2023 Week 7 Patterns & Techniques
Sewdirect | Blog
by Amy Scarr
9M ago
Were you inspired by 90s fashion week? Keep reading for cargo pants designs, Supermodel looks inspired by the contestants and classic 1990s fashion trends modernised into current sewing patterns. We’re rounding up some of the techniques and patterns you’ve seen on the show to inspire your sewing and boost your skills. Challenge 1 If you loved the cargo pants sewn in challenge one of tonight’s episode pick up one of our cargo pants patterns for HALF PRICE! Pick a cargo pant pattern from our Sewing Bee Episode 7 collection and use the code SBCARGO at checkout. This offer expires 23 ..read more
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Sewing Bee 2023 Week 6 Patterns & Techniques
Sewdirect | Blog
by Amy Scarr
9M ago
Did you enjoy Sewing Bee episode 6 – kids week?! We saw fun dinosaur dressing gowns, embellished denim jackets and adorable party outfits for little girls! We’re rounding up some of the techniques and patterns you’ve seen on the show to inspire your sewing and boost your skills. Challenge 1 While we don’t have a dinosaur dressing gown pattern, we know you’ll LOVE our dino onesie, with coordinating dog outfit. There are three versions of onesies to play around with to create your perfect dinosaur. Challenge 2 The Bees did a great job embellishing children’s jackets, and were delighted to s ..read more
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Sewing Bee 2023 Week 5 Patterns & Techniques
Sewdirect | Blog
by Amy Scarr
10M ago
It was a first in the Sewing Bee studio – Art week! We saw dramatic taffeta skirts with big sash bows, sculptural shapes in the transformation, and for the made to measure challenge we were presented with dreamy outfits inspired by the surreal art movement. We’re rounding up some of the techniques and patterns you’ve seen on the show to inspire your sewing and boost your skills. Challenge 1 We couldn’t help but notice how similar the taffeta skirt pattern was to S9711 / S9712. This chic gathered waist skirt has two hem lengths and an optional sash bow… Esme would say a bow is never optional ..read more
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Sewing taffeta fabric – patterns and tips for success
Sewdirect | Blog
by Amy Scarr
10M ago
Taffeta fabric is a luxurious and versatile fabric that adds elegance to any project. Traditionally, taffeta was made from silk, but with the boom of synthetic fibres, textile manufacturers started making the fabric from rayon and polyester instead. Why not try Simplicity 9711 / 9712 – these taffeta skirts are gathered at the waist with a flat waist band. A signature sash finishes the look! Or McCall’s 8252 would look beautiful in taffeta, to give the skirt and puff sleeves extra drama. Sewing taffeta fabric can be a bit challenging due to its delicate nature and tendency to fray easily. W ..read more
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Sewing Bee 2023 Week 4 Patterns & Techniques
Sewdirect | Blog
by Amy Scarr
10M ago
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle week returned to the Sewing Bee this week, helping us all think about our sewing and shopping habits. We’ve rounded up all the resources you need to think more mindfully about your sewing: whether that’s our top tips on how to change your mindset, ways to make your patterns last longer, or easy replacements you can make in your home to be more eco-friendly! Are you inspired to try re-purposing fabric just like last night’s Sewing Bee? Be inspired by our stash busting patterns perfect for scraps or smaller pieces of fabric. Use up every last piece of fabric with th ..read more
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