dressmaking
Get To Know Sewing Bee Finalist Debra Drake
Sewing Bee finalist DEBRA DRAKE chats self-confidence and her brand-new sewing school
1 I started making clothes when I attended an evening class at my village school. I was hooked…
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Nora Dress
If you’re looking for a dress that’s worthy of a boogie to Jools’ Annual Hootenanny, we think this might be it. Playful and sophisticated,
Joy Dress
Sultry silk dupion reaches fashionable new heights with this vintage-inspired frock, that’s perfect for party season. Designed by Posner and Posner, the pattern will walk you through inserting zips and sleeves,…
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Florence Pocket Coat
Smart, sophisticated, and suited to the season. Need another reason to make this gorgeous garment from Amanda Walker? How about the fact that it can be stitched in five simple…
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Ariana Midi Dress
Do you have your heart set on stitching a suits-all seasonless pattern? Well, this spotted midi dress by Posner and Posner is just the thing for you! With its soft-as-butter…
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THE DENIM DEBRIEF: A Brief History of Denim
Jeans, jeggings, jackets… we can’t get enough of these closet classics, but when it comes to making our own, it’s easy to see why dressmakers can find denim a little daunting. From the…
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Your Dressmaking Toolkit: Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Me-Made Wardrobe
If you’re anything like us, you’ll be constantly on the lookout for more handy tips and tricks to add to your sewing arsenal. The sheer volume of different things to learn…
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Pleated Midi Skirt
The onset of summer means it's time to kit out your wardrobe with skirts like this gorgeous Rosalie number! The chic design by Amanda Walker combines big and bold inverted…
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Reese Classic Wrap Dress
If you’re hankering for that definitive classic wrap dress to enhance your natural assets, this pattern is the perfect opportunity! Just like pioneer Diane von Furstenberg blazed a figure-flattering trail with…
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Chantelle Cropped Jacket
Set yourself a challenge with this beautifully-tailored jacket by Posner and Posner! The project requires you to insert a lining, create pockets and attach piping, too.
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Dolman Sleeve Dress
Step this way to uncover a wonderfully simple garment that will have you looking and feeling amazing! Not only does Amanda Walker’s frock include beautiful elbow-length dolman sleeves and an optional…
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Classic Linen Shift Dress
Sewn in a soft blush pink linen, this six-step dress oozes femininity with delicate bust darts, a bold notch neckline and flattering three-quarter sleeves. You could also switch it up…
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Short Sleeve Trapeze Dress
Whatever your day has in store, this frock is designed to deliver! Combining flattering short sleeves with a trapeze style body, this dress has been cut from a relaxed and…
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V-Neck Drawstring Blouse
If one garment has the power to shake up your wardrobe, this is it! The versatile top gives you cropped sleeves, along with the option to add a polo-neck jumper…
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Easy Knee-Length Dress
This berry frock is the new wardrobe superhero for those ‘I have nothing to wear’ days! With this project, you’ll master the art of sewing with knits using a ball point…
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Three-Quarter Length Sleeve Wrap Blouse
Fasten your seatbelts, sewists, because we have the perfect make for testing your technical skills! This gorgeous wrap top requires working with darts, attaching a zip and preparing wrap ties.…
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Guide to Grading
For most of us, there’s usually a few occasions where we know a style just won’t sit quite right and needs to be taken up or down a size or two –…
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Easy Tie Dress
This stunning dress, designed by the talented Amanda Walker, is a must-have for your wardrobe. Easy to assemble with no fussy fixtures, the tie feature allows you to bring it…
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Maternity sewing patterns and how to make them
Whether Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton are on royal tours, official visits or presenting awards, they always manage to look ever-so glam when they’re carrying a little one. But as we…
Read Now_(1)_275_144_s_c1.png "Dressmaker of the Year 2019 the winners revealed!")
Dressmaker of the Year 2019 the winners revealed!
Over 2,400 Sew readers entered our annual Dressmaker of the Year competition, so it was no surprise that our judges had a difficult time crowning the winners! But after hours…
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Long-Line Dress
Sometimes deciding what fabric to use for a particular project can be tough, so the beauty of this make is that you can pick two! Use contrasting prints to create…
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Belted A-Line Skirt
This latest design will shake up your wardrobe this season! The A-line skirt is oh-so flattering and the pocket flaps are a sweet touch. Not only that, but this make…
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Tent Tunic Dress
Ladies, this dress just proves that you can be comfortable and stylish at the same time. Made from a beautifully light crepe fabric, this tent tunic is ideal for a…
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Asymmetrical Jacket
A gorgeous asymmetrical jacket like this one is a staple for every woman’s wardrobe. It can be combined with so many different outfits – pair it with jeans for a casual…
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Gathered Skirt
There’s nothing quite like donning a flared skirt to bring out your inner diva, and best of all, there’s no pattern needed to make this one! Be the centre of attention…
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Pleated Midi Skirt
There’s something so comforting about a skirt with pockets – but being practical doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the glam factor! With its feminine pleats, this skirt is ideal as…
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A-Line Panel Skirt
An A-line skirt is a wardrobe essential! This version is made up of stylish panels that add subtle interest to the classic design. The project is a great choice for…
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Two-Tone Layered Top
Introducing the layered top you’ve all been waiting for! This no-pattern make incorporates the stunning two-tone trend, while helping you improve core sewing techniques. It’s made in stunning lightweight crepe, which is…
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Classic Polka Dot Dress
The pretty polka dot has timeless appeal, that's why we've created this dreamy dress to give you a slice of fifties flair. Consisting of a fitted bodice and multiple skirt…
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Cinched Waist Dress
Step up your sewing skillset with this fabulous frock that’s ideal for venturing out into the sunshine. Shirring elastic is a handy technique to have in your back pocket as it…
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Ruffle-Trim Blouse
Ruffles are a great way to add a feminine detail to a garment and here, this top combines a classic line with a dainty trim. Amanda Walker’s pattern allows you to…
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Children’s Smock Dress
This pretty smock dress is ideal for energetic tots and allows you to work on your shirring and embroidery skills. As a bonus, it’s a no-pattern garment, with just one template…
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Belted Shirt Dress
This light and lovely shirt dress is great for layering now, then staying cool all summer long – especially if you opt for chambray, like Amanda Walker has here (don’t forget to…
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Classic Shift Dress
The classic shift dress has been reinvented over and over, flattering boyish frames and curvy figures alike. Here, Amanda Walker creates structured lines with her simple design, which includes shapely…
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Simple Velvet Shift Dress
The real wow-factor of this garment, designed by Julia Claridge, lies in the texture and slight sheen of the stretch velvet. It isn’t too tricky to work with, either. Simply finish…
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Easy Pencil Skirt
Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that are the sweetest, like this figure-hugging stretch skirt by Amanda Walker. The basic pattern (which you can draft yourself, if you prefer) has…
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Cap-Sleeve Wrap Dress
Combining comfort and style, this lovely design by Amanda Walker features a flattering bodice with sweet cap sleeves and a sewn-in waist tie. The project is a great choice for…
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Sleeveless Lace Shift Dress
Adding panels of an interesting fabric like lace gives even the most simply constructed dresses extra oomph. Here, Julia Claridge has doubled up jersey to give this sleeveless shift dress…
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Cropped Top
This pretty cropped top by Amanda Walker is perfect all year round and would look great sewn in a lightweight chambray or cotton. Available in sizes 8-20, the design involves…
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Stitching the Past
Here at Sew HQ, we’re still mourning the end of BBC 4’s brilliant six-part series A Stitch In Time. Every week, we tuned in to see fashion historian Amber Butchart select a classic…
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Sew Issue 109 Sneak Peek
Issue 109 of Sew has arrived, with all kinds of inspiring dressmaking projects, plus items to make for the home or to give to your loved ones. This issue’s FREE New Look…
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5 ways to increase your chances of winning
Hurrah, you’ve decided to enter Dressmaker of the Year – our annual dressmaking competition aimed at stitchers from all walks of life! With six categories to enter, there is sure to be a…
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Our Interview With Dressmaker of the Year Winner Portia Lawrie
Earlier this year, Sew and our sister title Make It Today Dressmaker, launched the very first Dressmaker of the Year competition. As the second event gets away, we chat to…
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Floral Button-Up Skirt
Step out in style with an oh-so-sweet A-line skirt made up in a pretty floral designer print. Our versatile button-up beauty by Amanda Walker is perfect for any occasion and…
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Bette Dress
Long-time readers of Sew may fondly remember our Bette dress from our earliest issue, a gorgeous 50s style frock with a nipped in waist and five panel skirt, sewn in…
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