Table of contents for Issue 137 in Simply Sewing

This issue, we’re feeling good about ourselves and the summer with beautiful sunny makes! Our cover star, The Morgan Dress, is versatile, elegant and comfortable, so that you can feel amazing no matter the occasion – turn to page 22 for all our fabric and accessory inspiration. Our two other bonus patterns – The Esther Camisole and The Sasha Hat – are the perfect wears for hot summer days while staying cool and trendy. We also have an exclusive pattern from Tammy Handmade’s brand new book Sew Simple, turn to page 42 to discover her summer jacket. Plus, we’ve teamed up with Janome to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a brand new coverstitch machine worth £999 (page 15)! Share your makes #simplysewingmag WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

SEWING BEE RETURNS! Believe us when we say, we are so excited about the new season of the BBC One TV show Great British Sewing Bee! Join us for news, gossip and the chance to share your makes with like-minded people in our dedicated Facebook group – just search "Great British Sewing Bee Fans" to find it! With over 50,000 followers, it's the ideal place to share your love for the TV show – and sewing of course. Make sure to bookmark gathered.how/sewing-bee where we share behind-the-scenes photos and interviews, too! DEER & DOE This summer, opt for a light and romantic dress to keep yourself cool and elegant! Wear your Lilas Dress pattern by Deer and Doe up or down depending on your choice of fabric. We assure you…

Stop everything you're doing and sew your next favourite dress! The Morgan Dress makes for a great casual wear with simple accessories while also being just perfect for nice occasions. However you sew yours, share a photo with us on socials using #SimplySewingMag YOU WILL NEED Version 1 and 3 ■ 2.3mx115cm■ 1.9mx140cm Version 2 and 4 ■ 2.9mx115cm■ 2.5mx140cm All versions ■ Invisible zip: 56cm■ Lightweight iron-on interfacing: 50x110cm■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use a 1.5cm seam allowance, unless otherwise indicated.■ Choose from the round or v neckline. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as cotton, viscose, crepe or linen. FABRIC USED ■ Bold Tropical Foliage in Neutrals Cotton Sateen, lamazifabrics.com■ Flow Bottle Grreen Viscose Linen Blend Dress Fabric, lamazifabrics.com READER DISCOUNT!…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric: 2m■ Waistband elastic of your choice■ A loose-fitting trouser pattern■ Paper and pencil/pen■ Fabric marker■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as linen, cotton, chambray or double gauze. BEFORE YOU START Measurement: Measure your hips at the fullest part. Add 5-10cm. This will give you your Total Hip circumference including design ease. (H*) THINGS TO KNOW The crotch line on a sewing pattern is a horizontal line that runs from the base of the crotch curve (the crotch point) to the side seam, perpendicular to the grainline, marking the point where the body turns from torso to leg. This is a key reference point in trouser and shorts patterns, especially for fitting and drafting. If it…

SIZE CHART FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS YOU WILL NEED DIFFICULTY LEVEL ■ Beginner MATERIALS ■ Long cover-up: 3m of fabric, 127cm wide woven fabric (all sizes) FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Light to medium-weight woven fabric such as viscose challis, georgette, cotton, viscose or satin. This easy and breezy beach cover-up is the perfect addition to your holiday wardrobe. SEW THE SHOULDER SEAMS Place both the Front Bodice pieces right sides (RS) together with the Back Bodice and align at the shoulders. Sew the shoulder seams with a 1cm seam allowance. Finish the seam allowances using an overlocker, zigzag stitch or pinking shears. 01 MARK THE SLEEVE- HEAD NOTCHES Open out the Sleeves that have been cut on the fold and cut a small 0.5cm notch at the top where the fold was…

Hop on the trend and sew a simple yet stylish bucket hat that you'll love to wear all summer long! Designer Jessica Entwistle (jellybgood.com) has created this pattern with three options to sew a small, medium or large brim – depending on your own comfort and style. This hat is super lightweight to wear and will protect you from the hot summery sun for years to come. Use medium weight woven fabric to keep it sturdy while remaining light, to let your head breathe. Shop more sewing patterns at gathered.how/sewing-shop…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Canvas sneakers■ Yellow wool felt■ Black and white stranded cotton■ Scissors■ Fabric glue■ Chenille needle■ Size 5 embroidery needle■ Vanishing ink pen■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates ADDING THE DESIGN Step one Use the oval template to cut out as many bees from wool felt as you want for your shoes. 01 Step two Decide where you want the bumblebees to go and then glue them onto your shoes with fabric glue. Allow the glue to fully dry. 02 STITCHING THE DESIGN Step one Remove any laces from the shoes to make it easier to embroider. Thread the chenille needle with six strands of black stranded cotton and tie a knot at the other end. Stitch stripes on the first bumblebee…

Sign up to our newsletter to download your bonus digital copy of Sewing for Kids – for free! Inside this cute and practical guide you'll find fifteen great projects to create for little ones – anything from decorations, plushie toys, garments, school makes and even gift ideas so that you can get to. Plus, you'll find easy-sew guides to get you started! Don't wait, sign up for yours today at try.simplysewingmag.com/bonus-gift Already a newsletter subscriber? Lookout for the link to download your bonus gift in our weekly sewing newsletter.…

Sewing used to be just a hobby for me, a way to create clothes to fit my child perfectly. It keeps me grounded and creative, serving as a mindful escape. But over time, it's evolved into so much more. It's a way to create clothes that fit perfectly as my body changes. While many home sewers adore making dresses, I'm a separates person at heart, loving the versatility of mixing and matching well-fitted tops and bottoms. I can create a multitude of outfits that are perfect for work, play, or anything in between with a few coordinated and well fitted tops and bottoms. My favourite type of sewing is garments, specifically trousers! They are generally more involved as there’s more pattern pieces and fitting adjustments but so satisfying when done…

PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x1 (tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Smaller brim hat: Fabric A: 0.5mx112cm – Outer and Brim Fabric B: 50x50cm – Lining Vlieseline M12 medium weight sew-in interlining: 0.5m■ Larger brim hat: Fabric A: 0.6mx112cm – Outer and Brim Fabric B: 50x50cm – Lining Vlieseline M12 medium weight sew-in interlining: 0.75m■ 25mm cotton bias binding – Small 58cm, Meduium 60cm, or Large 62cm■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Medium weight woven fabrics such as cotton poplin, canvas, linen or denim. NOTES ■ Use a 1cm seam allowance.■ Templates include seam allowance.■ Pay attention to fabric placement if your fabric is directional.■ Fabric is cut on the horizontal fold for all templates apart from the hat top.■ Use a walking foot if…

With the brand new series of the Great British Sewing Bee finally back on our TV screens (read more on page 18), we're feeling all the feel-good summer vibes! This is our absolute favourite time of year so we've got a cracking line-up of colourful projects to make it yours, too! We've got summer holidays makes covered with everything from wash bags (page 57) and comfy dresses (page 22) to refashioned shorts (page 55). Short on time this holiday and want to make your sewing count? Try our beginner-friendly picnic quilt (page 39). You'll be so chuffed to wash and reuse it with your family for years to come. Happy holidays!…

Having sewing be part of my job was not something I ever thought would happen. I’m a writer, and that isn’t something you would connect with making clothes, but what I write about is cosplay, costume and pop culture . Cosplay and costuming hobbies are incredibly popular now, but that was not the case when I was a teenager. You can buy them from online shops, download tutorials and 3D print your own pieces at home, and how I wish that had been the case for my 14-year-old self, however I doubt I would have the same love and understanding I have for my craft, in such a way as I can write about it, if I had. Creating through mistakes For me, creating and learning have to go hand…

Create an everyday top that will become one of your summer staples with The Esther Camisole! This garment is perfect for hot sunny days, whether you're on a city break, at the beach or simply lounging around at home. Its light a drapey feel makes it the perfect top to keep cool and comfortable in the heat. This camisole top also has a darted bodice for shaping, while still keeping its drape and movement. Choose a lightweight fabric that allow for plenty of movement, and have fun using bright and bold prints to reflect the sunshine! Sew your Esther Camisole today and don't forget to tag us @simplysewingmag. YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric: 1m of 150cm wide fabric■ Marking tool■ Loop turner■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use…

GATHERED LILIES YOU WILL NEED ■ Small pieces of your main fabric■ Fusible interfacing■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Stitch petals with 6mm seams. We suggest that you make photocopies of flower tissue patterns, or trace patterns onto separate pieces of tissue paper. This way you will have a fresh pattern for cutting multiple sections of fabric and interfacing. ■ Petals will make a total of six flowers; two large and four small. Separate the petals from the large block from the petals from the small block. Labeling each petal as belonging to the large or small group will prevent you from mixing them up. ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates MAKING THE GATHERED LILIES Step one Apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side (WS) of each large…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Denim jeans or shorts■ Cotton fabric for the frills: 4 times the width of the shorts opening x 13cm■ Optional: Embroidery machine: Brother Skitch■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit PREPARING THE SHORTS Step one. Measure from the crotch seam the length you want your shorts to be. Our shorts measure 9cm from the crotch seam. 01 Step two Cut to size straight across both legs. PREPARING THE FRILL Step one Measure the width of the shorts leg hem, and using that width measurement, cut your frill fabric 4 times that width, by 13cm. Step two Cut frill strip in half lengthways, so that you have two strips now measuring 6.5cm and 4 times the width of the shorts hem. Step three Pin the short ends of…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 1-2 metres of 140cm wide fabric■ 1m lightweight interfacing (we used Vlieseline F220)■ 6-8 x 1cm buttons■ Tape measure, straight ruler and curved ruler■ Fabric marking tools■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES: ■ Seam allowance: 1cm■ Hem: 2.5cm SUGGESTED FABRICS: ■ Linen, cotton, chambray DRAFTING THE SKIRT Step one Draft the waistband onto a single layer of fabric: measure the waist and add 6cm (4cm for front overlap and 2cm for seam allowance. Draw a line this length across fabric then measure down 10cm to create a rectangle. Cut out. Repeat steps in interfacing and apply the interfacing to the fabric. Step two Divide the waist measurement used in step one (waist + 6) by four and mark this length across fabric at a right…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Pastel rainbow plush fabric 70x45cm■ Pink glitter cuddle plush fabric 30x29cm■ Mint cuddle plush fabric 33x15cm■ Yellow cuddle plush fabric 36x27cm■ 1-2mm thick wadding fabric 28x15cm■ Dark grey stranded cotton■ Extra strong thread■ Polyester toy filling: 250g■ Long doll making needle■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED ■ Luxe Cuddle Sorbet in Pastel, Sparkle Cuddle Glitter in Blush/Silver, Solid Cuddle Plush in Honeydew and Banana, all by Shannon Fabrics. NOTES ■ Find the templates on page 75 or download and print from gathered.how/ss-templates.■ Fabric measurements are W x H.■ The templates include 6mm seam allowances.■ Arrows on the templates indicate direction of plush fabric pile. Note: pile runs upwards on the Horn and Spike pieces.■ Use a stretch or ballpoint needle and a slightly longer…

VERSION 1 VERSION 2 VERSION 3 VERSION 4 SIZES 6-30 (US 2–26/EUR 30–54) PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheets x2 (Tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Version 1 and 3 ■ 2.3mx115cm■ 1.9mx140cm Version 2 and 4 ■ 2.9mx115cm■ 2.5mx140cm All versions ■ Invisible zip: 56cm■ Lightweight iron-on interfacing: 50x110cm■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use a 1.5cm seam allowance, unless otherwise indicated.■ Choose from the round or v neckline. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Light to mediumweight woven fabrics, such as cotton, viscose, crepe or linen. Shop more of our dressmaking patterns online at gathered.how/sewing-shop BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Designed and printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Supplied by Our Media Ltd, Bristol BS1 4ST. For individual, private home use only. Not for commercial or manufacturing purposes or…

PAIGE JOANNA Paige Joanna is your go-to gal for colourful crafts, sewing, and lifestyle content. Spreading joy through online tutorials, creative projects, and colourful me-made fashion inspiration. Turn to page 55 to find her frilly patternless project. HOLLY SWINYARD Holly is a pop culture and games writer with a passion for vintage and a love for twisting historical ideas into cosplay. Turn to page 26 to read about their passion for writing, sewing and cosplay, and how the three merged into their full time job. ANGIE CHIA Pattern tester, drafter, and fabric lover, she creates bespoke garments for her family with passion. Now, as a stay-home mum, she creates handmade wardrobes tailored to her lifestyle, merging function with style. Learn more on page 82. TAMMY JOHAL Tammy is a British…

Have you been religiously watching every episode of The Great British Sewing Bee so far? Because we have, and we're absolutely loving it! This year, our favourite judges, Patrick Grant and Esme Young, are back, alongside an amazing host, Sarah Pascoe. Season 11 sees another twelve of the nation's top home sewists facing fun, creative and oh-so technical challenges set by Patrick and Esme. Over the course of ten weeks, the contestants will see themselves sewing under different themes ranging from Art to Movies, and the 1920s to Korea, to test just how good their skills are, as they compete to get the title of Britain's best home sewist! Here, we've talked to Patrick and Esme to learn what they thought about this season, what has changed, what they love…

HOLLY TOP AND HARPER PANTS These beautiful patterns from Ready To Sew pair together perfectly to create a romantic look that’s just calling out for soft, drapey linen. Inspired by 19th century bloomers and petticoats, the Harper pants feature a comfortable paperbag waist, delicate pintucks, and adjustable hem ties. The Holly top features an airy silhouette that’s somewhere between a balloon shape and gentle flare, with delicate straps and another gorgeous pintuck detail. readytosew.fr PATTERN INSPIRATION Slip into summer with our pick of the very best linen-friendly patterns 1 MARGUERITE TOP AND DRESS With an incredible 32 different variations, this design from I Am Patterns has plenty to offer. It features a gathered bust with an elasticated casing, decorative gathers, and plenty of other design options (including pockets!) to really…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 16 Fat eighths■ 1.5m backing fabric■ 50in x 60in quilt batting■ 190in x 2in binding (6 width of fabric strips)■ 12 weight hand quilting thread (optional)■ Basting spray or basting pins■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is ¼in unless otherwise stated.■ Finished quilt size: 40in x 48in. MATERIALS USED ■ Patchwork - ‘ A Year in Petals’ by Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery Fabrics.■ Backing - Smokey Blossoms Cloud from the same collection.■ Batting - Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 poly/cotton blend, bleached white. CUTTING AND MARKING Step one From each fat eighth, cut a 9in x 18in rectangle, and then cut these into two squares, measuring 9in x 9in. You should be left with two extra squares, but you can swap out two…

Over the years, I’ve gradually discovered various ways (often through trial and a lot of error!) to make the most effective use of my precious sewing time. It’s definitely been a journey, with some roadblocks and mishaps along the way. I hope that sharing what I now consider to be my fail-safe methods will help you to sew the right garments for you in quicker time! 1 PREPARATION IS EVERYTHING When Abraham Lincoln said, "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe", he understood the importance of preparation and planning before taking action. After rushing into various sewing projects with much excitement only to either completely fluff it or have an ill-fitting garment at the end of it, I…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Outer fabric (for Base Circle): 35x35cm■ Lining fabric (for Base Circle): 35x35cm■ Outer fabric (for Flap): 14x20cm■ Lining fabric (for Flap): 14x20cm■ Outer Fabric (Cord Channel): 6x110cm■ Cord: 150cm■ Snap■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise indicated.■ Optionally you can use an interfacing (eg felt) between lining and outer fabrics. MAKING THE BASE Step one Using a plate or compass, cut a 35cm diameter circle from the outer and lining fabrics for the Base Circle. Step two Take the 6x110cm Cord Channel, fold it in the corners and stitch them. Then fold the strip in half lengthwise and press to set the fold. Step three Fold the outer fabric Base Circle in half and notch the centre point. This…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Yellow gingham fabric: 0.5m■ Wadding: 30x30cm■ 35cm zip yellow■ Erasable pen /pencil■ Red stranded cotton■ Chenille needle■ Bias binding tool■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ All seam allowances are 1cm unless, otherwise stated.■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates MATERIALS USED ■ Neon yellow gingham from Fabric Godmother. PREPARING THE FABRIC Step one Cut two pieces of the main fabric and one piece of the wadding 30x 30cm. From the main fabric, cut two bias strips 40x3cm one bias strip 15x3cm and two bias strips 10x3cm. Step two Create bias strips from all of the strips by ironing the edges into the centre, this is made easier using a bias making tool. Step three Sandwich the wadding between the two pieces of gingham fabric and…

HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF BEFORE you choose a pattern size to cut out. The sizes do vary greatly from pattern to pattern, so it’s always best to measure yourself accurately and then refer to the pattern’s size chart to find your size. The chart will usually be printed on the pattern envelope or on the instructions inside. Measure yourself in your underwear and preferably in the bra you’ll be wearing underneath your garment as this can alter the measurements slightly. Use a fabric tape measure as it’ll curve around your body well for accuracy. You can measure on your own if you stand in front of a mirror, but, for best results, ask a friend to help so they can check the tape measure is sitting…

SIZES 6–30 (US 2–26/EUR 30–54) PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x1 (tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric: 1m of 150cm wide fabric■ Marking tool■ Loop turner■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use a 1cm seam allowance, unless otherwise indicated. SUGGESTED FABRICS ■ Light to medium weight woven fabrics with plenty of drape and movement, such as viscose, cotton lawn, linen mix, Tencel or crepe. Shop more of our dressmaking patterns online at gathered.how/sewing-shop BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING ©Designed and printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Supplied by Our Media Company Ltd, Bristol, BS1 4ST. For individual, private use only and not for commercial or manufacturing purposes. Not for resale. STITCHING TERMS RS/WS: Right side/wrong side of the fabric. The right side usually has the print, design…