Table of contents for Issue 141 in Simply Sewing

Welcome to our Christmas special! Create your most glamorous occasion dress yet with our cover star – The Marianne Dress. Turn to page 24 for fabric and accessories inspirations, and to page 20 for the best tips to help you get started sewing with lace – fresh from our experts. We’re jumping on the trend of spacious and practical bags with The Conrad Bag pattern. This design would make a great gift for a loved one to take with them on their 2026 adventures. Talking of present ideas, if you’re stuck for some last-minute makes then turn to page 34 to find six quick projects you can whip-up in a weekend! Share your makes using #simplysewingmag WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

MADE WITH LOVE Tom Daley, our favourite Olympic diver and crafting icon, has launched a range of DIY embroidery and crochet kits for Hobbycraft called Made With Love by Tom Daley – perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike. Each kit comes with everything needed to get started from hooks and threads to easy-to-follow instructions, making them an ideal way to relax and embrace learning a new hobby or refining a current one. They'd make a great gift too (hint, hint!). Browse the lot at hobbycraft.co.uk RELAX, TAKE IT EASY Winter is the season for guilt-free lounging, right? Good news – Maison Fauve have the perfect patterns for this! The ADELE hoodie, SASHA joggers, and SUZANNE wrap top (from their Sports Capsule) are waiting for you to join them! Shop…

My sewing interests were reignited when I started working in a fabric shop in Bristol. It had been years since I'd used my sewing machine, but it was hearing what customers would be making with the fabrics they were buying that got me inspired to find my sewing machine and set up a sewing desk. Small Space, Big Ideas The flat I rented was tiny, but I became obsessed with clever storage and using every bit of space to create an inviting area to sew. I knew I didn't want to be dragging my sewing machine and tools out of a cupboard every time inspiration struck, so I created a fold down desk in a corner of a dark hallway. Using every inch of wall space and areas below the…

1 BUTTONS THE ELF Make Christmas morning even more magical with the arrival of this mischievous little elf. With his cuddly fabric body and sweet smile, he'll look perfect on a shelf! Buttons can even be stitched from fabric to match your child’s favourite festive pyjamas. 2 POLAR BEAR Kids love a traditional teddy, and we adore this wintery take on the classic cuddly bear. Whether frolicking in the snow or snuggling under the duvet, this super softie will warm up your little ones on even the coolest of days. 3 ANIMAL COMFORTERS These adorable comforters are just the thing for helping babies drift off to sleep. Luxury merino yarn and bright colours make for a sensory experience, and with the puff stitches and pretty borders in contrast shades, we’re…

Create a top that you'll easily be able to wear for any occasion with The Laurel Top! This simple, drapey blouse has a chic neck tie detail that will make this top perfect for smart outings. But you can easily dress it down with jeans and simple accessories, to wear it for everyday occasions. Get the perfect drapey effect with light weight fabrics such as chiffon or viscose, and choose a dark and neutral colour to create even more elegance. Don't wait any longer, sew your Laurel Top today! And don't forget to tag us in your photos on socials @simplysewingmag. YOU WILL NEED Fabric 115cm width fabric x 1.8m or 140cm width fabric x 1.5m for all sizes Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE Use a 1.5cm seam allowance,…

YOU WILL NEED 1-2m of 140cm wide needlecord, corduroy, velvet or denim 1 x 40cm invisible zipper 2m bias binding Tape measure, straight ruler and curved ruler Fabric marking tools Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm. Hem allowance is 6cm. DRAFTING THE DRESS Step one First draft the Front Bodice. On paper, draw a horizontal line across the top (a guideline for the shoulder) and a vertical line down the paper (for the centre front). 01 Step two To create the neckline, mark 12cm down the centre front (A-B) and 8cm across from the centre front (A-C) on the top horizontal line and connect using a French curve. Step three To create the strap, draw a 7.5cm line at a 20° angle from point C to…

YOU WILL NEED Card stock Stranded cotton (we used DMC 676 and 321) Pencil Scissors Chenille needle Felt mat or corrugated cardboard Embroidery scissors Hole punch Baker's twine or ribbon Basic sewing kit NOTE Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates TRANSFERRING THE DESIGN Step one Fold the cardstock in half lengthwise. This allows you to make two tags from one sheet. Print or trace the tag and scandi tree template on paper and cut it out. Place the dashed line on the fold of the cardstock, then trace the outside shape with a pencil. Cut out the tag shape. 01 Step two Open the tag and place the template on the front with the dashed line on the fold. Working on a felt mat or corrugated cardboard, begin pre-punching holes for…

I’ve always been creative, dabbling in different crafty hobbies for as long as I can remember, but I never gave sewing its fair chance. That is, until a few long-time friends got their first sewing machines and I quickly became invested. They easily convinced me to join them and get a sewing machine of my own. We started meeting monthly to keep each other inspired. Helping each other solve sewing machine malfunctions and decipher pattern instructions flourished into trying more complex projects, fabric hauls, and planning sewing retreats. I found myself relishing in practicing new skills and honing in on details, letting myself tune out the noise of the world for a brief moment of calm – all while being giddy to share each and every bit with my sewing…

What an end to the year! Well almost. Whilst we’re sending this issue to print we’re planning our Christmas office party, so it seems fitting to be showcasing the gorgeous Marianne Dress (p24) on our cover. If you’re new to sewing lace, don’t panic just yet – we’ve got 10 expert tips for you (p20). For those of us who have left the handmade gifts to the last-minute (ahem), we’ve got six easy-sew projects to save the day (p34) – there’s something for everyone in the family. Fancy treating yourself instead? Why not, I say! Sign up to an annual subscription (p18) and get 13 issues a year delivered directly to your door, plus a lovely box of Madeira threads to play with!…

LISBETH DRESS This ankle-length design from Vikisews is a versatile choice for any occasion, from lively festive parties to effortless summer weddings. Crafted with an allover lace overlay, it showcases a defined waist, a graceful boatneck, and sleek princess seams, all finished with discreet in-seam pockets. vikisews.com PATTERN INSPIRATION Add a layer of sophistication to your outfit with these pretty lace patterns 1 M8109 DRESS For a true show-stopper, don’t miss this pretty design from McCall’s. Featuring an all-over lace finish and a striking ruched front, this above-the-knee dress not only looks good but feels comfortable to wear, too. Choose from delicate straps, short sleeves, or dramatic long voluminous sleeves to create your perfect party look. sewdirect.com 2 M7707 CHILDREN’S DRESS This sweet children’s gown comes with plenty of options,…

Time to sew your next staple bag with The Conrad designed by Lauren Holloway (@laurenhollowaydesigns). This oversized crescent bag has it all: it's incredibly spacious (it holds a lot more than you think!), it's comfortable to wear, and it also looks good. With the adjustable straps, you can wear your bag exactly how you like it. The Conrad would make a practical gift for any keen traveller as you can fold it up in your suitcase for the journey – then get it out to use as roomy everyday bag when you arrive! Share yours @SimplySewingMag…

YOU WILL NEED 1 piece of patterned double gauze/muslin 30x30cm 1 piece of plain double gauze/muslin 30x30cm 1 piece of 3.5cm wide broderie anglaise ribbon: 20cm long 1 piece of linen ribbon 1.5cm wide: 50cm long 1 piece of small bobble trim: 50 cm long Small rectangle of hook and loop tape: 1x2cm Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates MATERIALS USED Double gauze/muslin fabric from myfabric.com PREPARING THE FABRIC AND PIECES Step one Fold both pieces of fabric in half. Lay out the template on the fold of the patterned fabric, pin and cut. Repeat for the plain fabric. 01 Step two Cut from the linen ribbon two pieces 13cm in length. Tie a bow with the remaining longer length of linen ribbon. CREATE THE…

For many budding sewists, the drive behind designing clothes often comes from a desire to break away from the confines of mass-produced fashion and tailor to your personal style. But for Cornelius Quiring, the shift into making his own wardrobe was a question of functionality and necessity, rather than creative self-expression. When he was three years old, Cornelius was involved in an accident that caused nerve damage on the right side of his body, which meant that several muscle groups atrophied. “Clothes have never fit me well, and so as I reached my teens when personal image is important, it just seemed natural for me to want to make my own clothes,” he says. “I've spent most of my adult life making my own clothes, but it was in my…

YOU WILL NEED Green smooth plush fabric: 41x36cm Dark green smooth plush fabric: 58x42cm Brown smooth plush fabric: 18x32cm Yellow smooth plush fabric: 28x13cm Black wool felt: 6x3cm Pink wool felt: 4x2cm 1mm thick wadding: 18x32cm White mini pompom trim: 50cm Six pompoms cut from trim Black stranded cotton White stranded cotton Polyester toy filling: 200g Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Cuddle plush smooth in Kelly Green, Evergreen, Caramel and Yellow, all by Shannon Fabrics. NOTES Find the templates on page 73 or download and print from gathered.how/ss-templates Fabric measurements are W x H. Cut pair = cut mirror image. 6mm seam allowance is included in the templates. Note wider seam allowance when sewing up the main body. Arrows on templates indicate direction of plush pile. Fasten on and off at…

SIZES 6–30 (US 2–26/EUR 30–54) PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheet x 1 (Tracing required)  Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Fabric: 115cm width fabric x 1.8m or 140cm width fabric x 1.5m for all sizes  Matching thread NOTE ■ Use a 1.5cm seam allowance, unless otherwise stated. Seam allowances are included on the pattern pieces. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Light weight woven fabrics such as cotton, cotton lawn, gingham, rayon or crêpe. Shop more of our sewing patterns at gatheredshop.com 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. CUTTING LAYOUT BLOUSE 115CM WIDE BLOUSE 140CM WIDE DIAGRAMS STITCHING TERMS Seam allowance: Sew all seams with…

LAURA TER KUILE Laura founded Thread Pegs, a business that started through a desire to find beautiful but practical storage for her growing sewing supplies. Find out more about Thread Pegs on page 16 and enter our competition to win a cotton reel board on page 15! AUSTIN KATONA Austin is a long-time creator and crafter turned self-taught sewist. He relishes in taking time on the details when he sews, loves gabbing about ideas for new projects, and enjoys fabric shopping. Turn to page 82 to read about his favourite make! CORNELIUS QUIRING When he was 3 years old, Cornelius was in a farm accident that left his body asymmetrical. He learned how to draft patterns and sew clothes to uniquely fit him. Today, he shares his skills with those…

Feel elegant and timeless with The Marianne Dress. Its sheer overlay, crossover bodice and gathered elastic waist will make you look, and feel your absolute best! Share your photos with us online using #SimplySewingMag YOU WILL NEED Lining fabric (all sizes): Long length:3.5mx115cm 2.5mx140cm Short length:3mx112cm 2.3mx140cm Net overlay fabric (all sizes, 140cm only): Long length: 2.5mx140cm Short length: 2.2mx140cm Sleeves: add 50cm Strong thin elastic cord such as shirring elastic: 1m A safety pin or elastic threader Tacking thread and needle Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS Lining fabric: lightweight woven fabrics such as cotton voile or rayon. Overlay fabric: sheer net/lace overlay. FABRICS USED Long length version: Deadstock Embroidered Lace Tulle Fabric in Chestnut, minerva.com Minerva Exclusive Ombre Gradient…

YOU WILL NEED 1-2m light to medium weight woven fabric Medium weight iron on interfacing Buttons Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED Minerva Exclusive Python Prayer Linen Viscose Blend POD Fabric in Sand, minerva.com PREPARING THE SKIRT Step one Cut one large rectangle that is double your waist measurement + 8cm (width) x your desired length + 3cm. CREATING THE PLACKETS Step one Finish the raw edges on the bottom and side edges of the skirt. Create front plackets by interfacing the wrong side (WS) of both side edges with 4cm strips of interfacing that stop 2cm short of the hem. 01 Step two Turn the interfaced sections back on themselves, so that the right sides (RS) are together. Stitch across the plackets only at the base of the…

YOU WILL NEED Needlecord fabric: 0.5m 17cm zip: 1 1.2 m of webbing strap per pouch Bag clip and triangle ring: 2 Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. To make it easier for you to cut the rectangles, we would recommend using a quilting ruler to mark out the fabric. Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric, cut: Gusset: 1 x rectangle 38x3cm. Tab: 2 x rectangles 8x5cm. Front/Back: 2 x downloaded pattern pieces. 01 CREATING THE STRAP TABS Step one Fold one Tab in half lengthways right sides (RS) together and pin in place. Stitch together along the length and one end. 02 Step two Turn the Tab RS out using a tube turner. Unpick the…

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…

PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheet x1 (tracing required)  Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric: 0.5m x 110cm wide  Lining fabric: 0.8m x 110cm wide  Bonded Fleece Lining (duoline): 0.8m 38mm cotton webbing (1 x 140cm, 1 x 12cm) 1 x 44cm zipper 1 x 42cm zipper 2 x rope tag zip pulls 1 x 38mm buckle slider Matching thread  Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. ■ When ironing nylon/waterproof fabric use a low heat setting or place a piece of fabric over the top, otherwise the fabric will melt and warp. SUGGESTED FABRICS ■ Outer fabric: Waterproof nylon/PVC ■ Lining fabric: Cotton/polycotton Lauren Holloway runs her own slow fashion brand. Find out more at laurenholloway.uk WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING WWW.LAURENHOLLOWAY.UK © Printed in the UK for Simply…