You've decided you'd like to start sewing (yippee!) but what sewing tools do you need? Like any new hobby you want to have the necessary equipment to make it easy and enjoyable, but you don't want to spend a fortune in case it doesn't work out (trust us, it will!) Here's our no nonsense guide to getting that balance juuuuust right. Continue reading →
The day we started stocking the Cielo dress and top pattern by Closet Case all sewing plans went out of the window! I knew I needed the dress version in my life, which I loved so much I ended up making the top too and that almost never happens! Read on to find out why I loved it so much. Continue reading →
Autumn has officially arrived so it's time to start sewing the key trends of the new season. I've picked out six Autumn trends from the High Street plus the sewing patterns and fabrics you can use to recreate the looks. You can even mix and match the individual pieces to create a capsule wardrobe. Get ready for some autumnal tones and seriously cosy vibes. Continue reading →
We're drawing to the end of summer here in the UK and an odd time to be sewing a jersey playsuit. However, with a winter sun holiday just around the corner and a need to top up on those poolside garments it was just the ticket. A lovely quick, easy sew, massively comfortable to wear and available in full length trouser versions too. Continue reading →
I've been talking about sewing a shirt dress since time began and the Penny dress by Sew Over It was always on the shortlist. A super simple sew it was a great way to test the water in the shirt dress world and I'm pleased to report I love it! Continue reading →
Having the right tools for the job can make such a difference to any sewing task, especially when it comes to sewing machine feet. Ok it is possible to complete most tasks with a very limited selection of feet, but use the feet designed with the specific task in mind and they can take it from tricky and time consuming to fun and easy. Here I share my top five sewing machine feet, which save me time and my sanity! Continue reading →
The Burda 6344 jersey sundress has been on my radar since it was released last summer. So many of the features immediately jumped out at me - the V neck created by the wrap dress design plus twisted spaghetti straps and it's for jersey fabrics AKA ultimate comfort. Tick, tick, tick! Let me tell you all about the making of this lovely dress. Continue reading →
It's time for some fabric loving folks! This month I've picked out a few of my favourites for summer and, as always, I make suggestions for sewing patterns to pair them with. Continue reading →
I would argue the Ogden cami by True Bias is one of the most well known and well loved sewing patterns on the indie pattern scene. As summer rolls round it seems to gather in popularity each year, popping up left, right and centre on my Instagram feed. Finally I got around to making one and I'm so pleased it lived up to expectations. Continue reading →
We can hardly believe it, but this month we celebrate 15 years of Sew Essential! From a kitchen table start up we have certainly come a long way. As a thank you to our valued customers we're running a prize draw where you can win a whopping £730 worth of sewing goodies, including an M50 QDC Janome sewing machine. Read on to find out how you can be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Continue reading →
If you're going to the trouble of making a garment it's worth taking the time to achieve a good fit from your sewing pattern. One of the key areas of focus is the bust and by learning a few simple sewing pattern adjustments it is easier than you might think. In this week's video I show you how to raise or lower a bust dart and explain why you might want to do this. Continue reading →
I honestly think this Seren sundress by Tilly and the Buttons in our cotton lawn fabric is my all time favourite summer dress. Multiple views, a definite retro vibe and a fit that feels elegant yet totally wearable it is a wardrobe winner. Continue reading →
