Love to Sew

A-HEM! In this episode, we get to the bottom of hems: techniques, tools, and tips for wovens and knits. Plus: marking hems, adjusting hem depth, and fancy hems! The listener feedback is all about changing robes/ponchos. The transcript for this episode is on this page at the end of the show notes. From the Listener […]

We celebrate five years of Love to Sew with a chatty catch-up, a bit of reflection, and a bunch of sewing-themed games! Thank you for five wonderful years! The transcript for this episode is on this page at the end of the show notes. Photos and video: Helen and Caroline five years ago, in the […]

Get ready for the lovey-dovey-est episode ever! We share your touching, funny, creative love letters to sewing teachers, sewing tools, sewing machines, fabric, friends, family, and sewing itself. The transcript for this episode is on this page at the end of the show notes. From the listener feedback section: @hellyeah.handmade’s call to add “plus” to […]

Tabitha Sewer is a sewing content creator, button designer, and business expert. We chat with her about sewing with unusual fabrics, creating designer looks for less, thrift flipping, and her amazing buttons! She also takes us behind the scenes of creating content for some of the biggest brands in the world. The transcript for this […]

Four years after our first Sewing Swimwear episode, we’re back on the topic with more sewing tips, better fabric information, and lots of great pattern recommendations! We also cover ideas for adapting non-swimwear patterns into swimwear, swim coverup ideas, places to buy swimwear fabric, and a review of all the swimwear we have sewn ourselves. […]

This week’s episode is a podcast crossover! We chat with the hosts of the Asian Sewist Collective Podcast, Ada Chen and Nicole Angeline, about making a sewing podcast, issues that affect sewists of Asian descent, and their personal sewing stories. Listen in to learn about how the Collective got started, how they make decisions, and […]

Chests come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes – and patterns usually don’t. In this episode, we go over the ways that patterns are shaped (or not) to accommodate a bust, how you can tell if you need a pattern adjustment, and how to adjust patterns to fit your unique chest. The transcript […]

Rose Parr is a sewist and ergonomics expert. In this episode, we get her best advice for sewing practices that are kind to your body, including how to set up your sewing space, which ergonomic tools make a difference, and what stretches to do. The transcript for this episode is on this page at the […]

Serena (a.k.a. Sewrena) makes her fabulous vintage wardrobe using vintage patterns and vintage machines! We chat with her about her favourite vintage styles, the differences between vintage and modern patterns, and what to look for in a vintage machine. Plus, vintage maternity clothes, making amazing hats, and #VintageStyleNotVintageValues. The transcript for this episode is on […]

As sewists, we know a lot about finished fabrics – but how much do we know about how they get made? In this episode, we walk you through all the steps of the fabric-making process, from raw materials to finished bolts. We also cover ethical considerations, fabric certifications, and how finished fabrics get from factories […]

Samantha (aka @purplesewingcloud) is a sewist known for her fun, colourful makes. In this episode, we chat with her about mixing prints, incorporating patchwork into garments, and how to make the sewing community more accessible. Sam also shares the design process for her handmade wedding dress, her personal accessibility strategies, and how to do foundation […]

Take your sewing to the next level by learning how to draft patterns! In this episode, we list the materials you need, give you an overview of the drafting process, and share resources to help you learn this skill. Also, Helen tells the story of her business, Helen’s Closet Patterns! The transcript for this episode […]

Kat Brown Akootchook is a Native American artist and designer who blends contemporary and traditional with a wink and a smile! We chat with her about her wonderful work in many mediums: beadwork, sewing, block printing, and hide tanning. The transcript for this episode is on this page at the end of the show notes. […]

For our 200th episode, we asked our listeners the question we ask all our guests: “How did you learn to sew?” In this episode, we share some of the many great responses we got – funny, touching stories of discovering this skill we all love. The transcript for this episode is on this page at […]

Donny Hoang (aka Donny Q) is a sewing influencer and microbiologist with a unique, textural personal style. In this episode, we chat with him about self-drafting, taking great photos, working with leafcutter ants, and his dream style aesthetic: looking like a pile of unfolded laundry. The transcript for this episode is on this page at […]

It has pockets! We cover patch pockets, in-seam pockets, slash pockets, and welt pockets. Plus: a short history of pockets, iconic pocket patterns, and tons of pocket tips! The transcript for this episode is on this page at the end of the show notes. Episodes mentioned: Episode 78: Interfacing 101 Episode 150: Pattern Matching Episode […]

Alexandra Morgan is a fitting expert – and today, she brings her expertise to our listeners! Alexandra shares a bit about her experience in the fashion industry and in the home sewing world, walks us through the steps of her fitting process, and helps six listeners with their fitting issues. The transcript for this episode […]

There’s no fabric more glamorous than silk! In this episode, we take a deep dive into this fancy fiber – its history, how it’s made, and how to work with it. Plus, we share a source for custom cutting mats, an amazing sewing song made by a listener, and alternatives to silk! 🚨 BLACK FRIDAY […]

Interested in quilting, but don’t know where to start? Start here! Bhiravi Rathinasabapathi, quilt designer and owner of Strawberry Creek Quilts, teaches us all the basics in this episode. The transcript for this episode is on this page at the end of the show notes. Previous Episodes: Episode 174: Pressing Episode 186: Transforming Thrifted Textiles […]

Four years of Love to Sew? This calls for a celebration! In this fun, chatty episode, we share big changes in our lives from the past year, answer questions from listeners, and play a game with our partners, Sam and Shea! The transcript for this episode is on this page at the end of the […]

Collars can be tricky to sew, but they’re worth it! In this episode, we go over the parts of a collar, the different kinds of collars, and lots of collar sewing tips. Plus, we answer a listener question about how to make more things you like, share some collared sewing patterns, and even talk about […]

A great garment pairs a good design with the perfect fabric. In this episode, we guide you through pattern and fabric matchmaking, whether in-person or online. Plus, we answer a question about using natural fiber fabrics for interfacing, share a listener’s recommended sewing gadgets, and share our best and worst fabric choices. The transcript for […]

What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started sewing? In this episode, Love to Sew listeners share the hard-earned advice they wish they had when they were new sewists – and Helen and Caroline commentate! The transcript for this episode is on this page at the end of the show notes. […]

Christi Johnson is a textile artist and teacher. We talk with her about mystical empowerment through wearable embroidery, clothing vs. fashion, and her new book! The transcript for this episode is on this page at the end of the show notes. Follow Christi: Website: Mixed Color – Find Christi’s work, workshops, free embroidery portal, blog, […]

Cutting is a big part of every sewist’s life. In this episode, we share tips for cutting patterns and fabric, recommend the best cutting supplies, and have a Team Rotary Cutter vs. Team Scissors smackdown! The transcript for this episode can be found on this page at the end of the show notes. We are […]