Tutorials

  • Smitten Crop Jacket Review: Make a Stylish Addition to Your Wardrobe!

    Remember that cute cropped jacket you saw on Pinterest? The one that’s perfect for summer but can be layered for Autumn/fall? Well, in this review of the Smitten Crop Jacket pattern from Pattern Emporium, I give an overview of the pattern and it’s different options as well as my tips on constructing the pattern.

    Join the 5 Day Stitch Your Style Sew Along and make your own perfectly fitting tee!

    Click the link below to join today.

    To check out in $USD https://members.sewandtell.com.au/sti…

    To check out in $AUD https://members.sewandtell.com.au/sti…

    — Tools & Resources —

     Sewing Kit & Tool Recommendations
     https://sewandtell.com.au/sewing-resources/

    — Freebies & Community —

    📕 FREE guide on How to improve your stretch fabric sewing in 30 minutes or less:
    👉🏻 https://sewandtell.com.au/improve-your-stretch-fabric-sewing/
    💻 Ready to boost your stretch sewing skills and gain the expertise and confidence you need to tackle stretch fabrics with ease? Join Conquer Stretch Fabric Sewing here.
    👉🏻 https://sewandtell.com.au/csfs/
    🖥️ Join a supportive community of other sewists in The Sewing Corner. An exclusive membership offering detailed tutorials and expert guidance to help sewists enhance their skills.
    👉🏻 https://sewandtell.com.au/the-sewing-corner/

    — Chapters —

    00:00 Intro

    03:29 Fabric Requirements

    04:32 Pattern Options

    08:04 Supplies Needed

    10:13 Construction Tips

    14:19 My Review

    16:54 Final Thoughts

    — Measure yourself for sewing patterns Correctly – Don’t make these mistakes! —

    Join Megan from Sew & Tell Australia in this detailed video where Megan shows you how to accurately take your body measurements for sewing patterns, helping you avoid common mistakes that could spoil your projects. Learn why it’s essential to check the accuracy of your tape measure, the importance of wearing the right undergarments, and why measurements should be taken before you start a new garment. This video is filled with essential tips to help you achieve an impeccable fit, ensuring your sewing projects turn out perfectly every time.

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video if you find it helpful. Your engagement helps us grow and continue providing great content. Happy sewing!

    — Let’s Connect —

    http://www.sewandtell.com.au
    https://www.instagram.com/sewandtellau/
    https://www.facebook.com/sewandtellaus
    https://www.tiktok.com/@sewandtellaustralia
    https://www.youtube.com/@sewandtellaustralia

    DISCLOSURE: We often review or link to products & services we regularly use and think you might find helpful. To support the channel, where possible, Sew & Tell Australia registers for affiliates for the patterns, tools and resources we love. Several links on this page are affiliate links. Clicking on these links and making a purchase may earn us a commission, with no extra cost to you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Measure yourself for sewing patterns correctly – don’t make these mistakes!

    Think you know how to take your body measurements for sewing patterns correctly? You might be surprised. Let me show you how to accurately measure yourself for sewing patterns and help you steer clear of the most common measuring mistakes, ensuring your sewing projects fit perfectly every time.

    Join the 5 Day Stitch Your Style Sew Along and make your own perfectly fitting tee!

    Click the link below to join today.

    To check out in $USD https://members.sewandtell.com.au/sti…

    To check out in $AUD https://members.sewandtell.com.au/sti…

    — Recommended Videos —

    📹 How To: Measure (Fitting, Dressmaking, Sewing) by @madetosew

    👉🏻 How To: Measure (Fitting, Dressmaking…

    — Tools & Resources —

    🔧 Sewing Kit & Tool Recommendations
    👉 https://sewandtell.com.au/sewing-resources/

    — Freebies & Community —

    📕 FREE guide on How to improve your stretch fabric sewing in 30 minutes or less:
    👉🏻 https://sewandtell.com.au/improve-your-stretch-fabric-sewing/
    💻 Ready to boost your stretch sewing skills and gain the expertise and confidence you need to tackle stretch fabrics with ease? Join Conquer Stretch Fabric Sewing here.
    👉🏻 https://sewandtell.com.au/csfs/
    🖥️ Join a supportive community of other sewists in The Sewing Corner. An exclusive membership offering detailed tutorials and expert guidance to help sewists enhance their skills.
    👉🏻 https://sewandtell.com.au/the-sewing-corner/

    — Chapters —

    00:00 Measure yourself for sewing patterns Correctly – Don’t make these mistakes!

    00:41 Sewing Tools to take your body measurements

    02:15 How to correctly take your own Bust Measurement

    04:00 How to correctly take your own waist measurement

    05:28 How to correctly take your own Hip measurement

    — Measure yourself for sewing patterns Correctly – Don’t make these mistakes! —

    Join Megan from Sew & Tell Australia in this detailed video where Megan shows you how to accurately take your body measurements for sewing patterns, helping you avoid common mistakes that could spoil your projects. Learn why it’s essential to check the accuracy of your tape measure, the importance of wearing the right undergarments, and why measurements should be taken before you start a new garment. This video is filled with essential tips to help you achieve an impeccable fit, ensuring your sewing projects turn out perfectly every time.

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this video if you find it helpful. Your engagement helps us grow and continue providing great content. Happy sewing!

    — Let’s Connect —

    http://www.sewandtell.com.au
    https://www.instagram.com/sewandtellau/
    https://www.facebook.com/sewandtellaus
    https://www.tiktok.com/@sewandtellaustralia
    https://www.youtube.com/@sewandtellaustralia

    DISCLOSURE: We often review or link to products & services we regularly use and think you might find helpful. To support the channel, where possible, Sew & Tell Australia registers for affiliates for the patterns, tools and resources we love. Several links on this page are affiliate links. Clicking on these links and making a purchase may earn us a commission, with no extra cost to you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Video Tutorial of Bear Hug Wrap Romper

    Pattern: Bear Hug Wrap Romper
    Designer: Peek A Boo Patterns
    Fabrics: Cotton Lycra from Wattle Hill
    Size made: 3 months & 12 months
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: This is a really cute little wrap romper for your babies. Perfect as a baby shower gift.
    Cons: None

    Effortless Baby Dressing: A Dive into the Bear Hug Wrap Romper Pattern!

    There’s something innately charming about dressing up babies; their outfits are like pint-sized versions of adult clothes, filled with cuteness overload. However, the practicality of baby outfits is just as crucial, if not more so, than their aesthetic appeal. That’s where the Bear Hug Wrap Romper pattern shines bright.

    This pattern effortlessly combines style with functionality. The wrap design not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures a quick dressing process – a must during those late night changes or with a wriggly baby.

    The rompers’ variety is another plus. It offers short and long sleeves, making it adaptable to different seasons and climates. The optional fold over cuffs is good for those bubbas who scratch themselves, protecting their hands and face. I also like the options of both cuffs or footies, ensuring your little ones remain snug as a bug.

    I also think an important feature of babywear is ease of use in getting to the nappy/diaper. If you choose to add the inseam snap placket, it eliminates the hassle of fully undressing the baby, saving both time and effort.

    I would say the most difficult part of the wrap is the binding. It can be quite tricky, however I suggest going slow and using something like double sided washaway tape to help keep it in place while you sew. Have a look at the tutorial I filmed below for additional tips and tricks.

    I highly recommend for those sewing for their little ones or even as a thoughtful handmade gift for expecting friends and family!

    Step-by-Step Tutorial: Sewing the Adorable Bear Hug Wrap Romper for Your Little One!

    What next?

    Stop wasting fabric and time on projects that don't fit right. 

    Learn to sew with confidence and let me guide you to more sewing success.

  • Pattern Review of the Ivy Colourblock Tee

    Pattern: Ivy Colorblocked Tee
    Designer: Sinclair Patterns
    Fabrics: Cotton Lycra Solids and Panels from Rubyjam Fabrics
    Skill level: Beginner
    Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist 39.5″; Hips 47″
    Size made: 18
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: I love the yoke and color blocking on this one, it makes for such a flattering fit.
    Cons: None

    The Wrap Up

    This month in The Sewing Corner, I had the pleasure of sewing up the Ivy Colorblocked Tee from Sinclair Patterns, and I have to say, I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out!

    First of all, I have to comment on the pattern itself. Sinclair Patterns is known for their well-drafted and thorough patterns, and the Ivy Tee is no exception. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, plus the pattern includes a wide range of sizes which I always appreciate.

    As for the design of the Ivy Tee, I love the colorblocking! It’s such a fun and modern twist on a classic tee, and it allows you to play around with different fabric combinations. I went with a darker teal solid on top and utilised one of Rubyjam’s jamPODs (Panels On Demand) for the lower section, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.

    You can have a lot of fun using different colour combos as well as integrating pattern prints to either the yoke or bottom colour block. If you like to matchy match, there is the kids version, the Ivyberry, that you can play around with too.

    As I mentioned above, this is the tutorial I filmed for The Sewing Corner this month, so if you need help sewing this pattern up come and join in the community of The Sewing Corner. Rubyjam is the sponsor this month so you not only get the tutorial, you get an exclusive discount only available to Sewing Corner members of 15% off their Panels on Demand. They have over 1000 to choose from now, make sure you check them out!

    If you’re not sure about the on going monthly subscription of The Sewing Corner, you can also purchase this course on it’s own, check out the link HERE to find out more. 

    What next?

    Find the confidence you've been lacking

    Learn to enjoy sewing and have confidence in the garments you make.

  • Video Tutorial of the Brindille & Twig Flutter Sweatshirt Dress

    Pattern: 61 – Flutter Sweatshirt Dress
    Designer: Brindle & Twig
    Fabrics: Sew Unique Fabrics
    Skill: Beginner
    Materials & Notions: Meant for knit fabrics
    Machines: Generally an Overlock machine / Serger. However in this tutorial I sew the entire garment on my normal Sewing Machine to show you it can be done!

    Links:

    The Wrap Up:

    I had a great time sewing up the number 61 pattern, the Flutter Sweatshirt Dress for my daughter in a gorgeous Cotton Lycra from Sew Unique Fabrics. This is a good pattern to adapt to the season. If you want something lighter you can use a Cotton Lycra and if you want something a little warmer, a French Terry works great as well to layer of the top of leggings or tights.

    This pattern goes from a 0-3 months to a 6T, a great size range to grow with your children. See the video tutorial below that goes through step by step how to put this pattern together. Enjoy!

    Gallery:

  • Pattern Review of the Be Mine Cardigan plus video tutorial

    This article contains affiliate links

    Pattern: Be Mine Cardigan
    Designer: Ellie & Mac
    Fabrics: Rib Knit from Clover & Co Fabrics
    Measurements: Chest: 21″; Waist 20.5″; Hips 21″
    Size made: XXL
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: I love love LOVE this cardigan. It is so flattering and I just love the way it sits
    Cons: No pockets. Not hard to add, but no pockets is hard to take haha.

    Links:

    The Wrap Up:

    I LOVE this cardigan. The first one I made in a rib knit from Spotlight was so so flattering that I knew I had to make another. Both times I’ve made the long sleeve bolero length, which for me hits in the right place just below my hip, flattering my shape. However there is also regular and boho tunic length with options for sleevless, short and 3/4 sleeve.

    I am a little sad that it doesn’t have pockets, however they aren’t really that hard to add if you want them. If I made another I’d look at inseam pockets or even perhaps patch pockets on the front.

    I also love that Ellie & Mac are very size inclusive. This pattern goes up to a 6XL and is based on their curvy fit block. It is great to make in either a rib knit, cotton lycra, waffle knit, french terry, any fabric with the required 50% stretch.

    I ended up doing this one for a Workshop Wednesday as well, see the video below if you’d like to see me sew it up and follow along.

    Video Sew Along:

    Gallery:

  • Video Tutorial of the Patterns for Pirates Peg Legs

    This article contains affiliate links

    I was lucky enough to recently host a Sew Along that was sponsored by Clover & Co. Fabrics. I sewed up the free Patterns for Pirates Peg Legs.

    It was such a great pattern and everyone had fun taking the time to sew something just for them. If you missed the videos, have a look below at the step by step guide on how to sew them up.

    Make sure you share your makes and tag me in your social media so I can share them and see how great they look!

    Day 1:

    Day 2:

    Day 3:

    Day 4:

  • Video Tutorial of the Brindille & Twig Summer Romper

    Pattern: 87 – Summer Romper
    Designer: Brindle & Twig
    Fabrics: Wattle Hill Fabrics
    Skill: Beginner
    Materials & Notions: Meant for knit fabrics, 2 x snaps for closure, Elastics
    Machines: Overlock machine / Serger – If you don’t own one, you can use a small zig-zag stitch in place of the serged seam. Normal Sewing Machine.

    Links:

    The Wrap Up:

    The number 87 pattern from Brindille & Twig, the Summer Romper is your perfect summer playsuit. Great to layer, it gives bubs freedom to crawl, walk, run or just kick their feet around on a warm summers day on a rug outside

    Meant for medium weight knit fabrics, it comes in sizes preemie – 3T. See the video tutorial below that goes through step by step how to put this pattern together.

    Gallery:

  • Pattern Review of the Jaunty Knit Dress

    Pattern: Jaunty Knit Dress
    Designer: Tadah Patterns
    Fabrics: Cotton Lycra Accent Fabric – Clover & Co, Solid Cotton Lycra – Sew Unique Fabrics
    Measurements: Unsure – Its a gift
    Size made: 7
    Adjustments: Added a tulle layer
    Pros: This is a very quick and easy dress to make. Perfect for gifts or to add to your child’s wardrobe
    Cons: Not a con, but it is quite a low waist line, I sometimes prefer my skirt to come out higher up the waist.

    Links:

    The Wrap Up:

    The Jaunty was on of the very first knit dresses I made for my daughter. It is such an easy and fun pattern, I have now made heaps! It was also some of the first times I used knit fabric and the jaunty made it so easy to create.

    I love that there is the dual layer for the skirts, it creates a fun element that lets you play around with different fabric combos. I also have done a version with a tulle skirt and have recently done a version with a gathered tulle skirt over a solid cotton lycra underlay. I love the way it turned out and will definitely be making more of those versions.

    Tadah Patterns are VERY easy to follow and have excellent written instructions. They were some of the first pdf patterns I used and in case you haven’t noticed, I am a big fan of Tadah. They will always be a firm favourite pattern maker of mine!

    Video Review:

    Gallery:

    Live Sew Along:

  • Video Tutorial of the Brindille & Twig Harem Romper

    Pattern: 85 – Harem Romper
    Designer: Brindle & Twig
    Fabrics: Forest Friends – Spotlight; Solid Cotton Lycra – Sew Unique Fabrics
    Skill: Beginner
    Materials & Notions: Meant for knit fabrics, 4 x snaps for closure
    Machines: Overlock machine / Serger – If you don’t own one, you can use a small zig-zag stitch in place of the serged seam.

    Links:

    The Wrap Up:

    The number 85 pattern from Brindille & Twig, the Harem Romper is an easy, ADORABLE, casual pattern. It’s a fun day project that will look good in almost any fabric. Also perfectly unisex!

    Meant for medium weight knit fabrics, it comes in sizes preemie – 6T. See the video tutorial below that goes through step by step how to put this pattern together. A great staple for those cooler months and perfect to layer with your longer sleeve tees.

    Gallery: