Sew News

Sew News magazine is a complete resource for sewers of all skill levels. Each issue of Sew News magazine is packed with practical sewing information, how-to guides and the latest on fashion, fabrics, books and new products.

EDITOR

WHAT’S NEXT?

What’s your must-have SUMMER PATTERN PICK?

READER TIPS

HIDE & SEEK

STAFF PICKS

MEET THE MAKER

TUBE TURNING • A variety of projects, such as narrow dress straps and wide purse handles, require fabric tubes for both functionality and embellishment. Learn eight stress-free tube turning techniques using common sewing room supplies and specialty tools.

BEACH BOUND • Alter a slip dress pattern to include side slits and a choker neckline for a cool cover up to wear to the beach or pool.

A MESSAGE FROM MEG, ONLINE EDITOR FOR BURDASTYLE

DARING DRAWSTRING

SWIMSUIT SHAPE-UP • From swimsuits to surplice tops, learn how to make summer’s top looks work for your curves.

BEYOND SEAM FINISHING • A serger is a great pick for seaming knits and finishing the edges of ravel-prone fabrics and seams, but there’s so much more it can do to simplify (and in some cases, speed up) the garment construction process. Read on to learn how to take your serger skills to the next level.

GARMENT SERGING SUCCESS

wardrobe BUILDING BLOCKS

EMBRACE THE SEWFIE

CORK COUTURE • An eco-friendly alternative to leather, cork fabric is a perfect pick for bag making or for any project where structure is needed. Read on to take the fear out of sewing with this unique material.

PATTERN PERFECT • Here are a few pattern picks that lend themselves well to cork fabric accents.

SHIRTTAIL SHOWDOWN • Hack a commercial pencil skirt pattern to create two distinct styles that mimic menswear shirt hems, plus learn to create a unique in-seam buttonhole placket.

A SHIRT THING

SUIT YOURSELF • No matter where you stand on the swimwear question—to sew or not to sew—it’s apparent that the experience can be transformative and educational, given you have a sense of adventure. We spoke to several members of the online sewing community to get their take on the experience, pros and cons and if they’ll sew a swimsuit again.

PATTERN PICKS • Here are some our favorite patterns to consider when you’re ready to give swimsuit sewing a go.

EASY SQUEEZY • Freshen up your table this summer with a paper-pieced table runner featuring festive lemon slices. Change the fabric colors to easily create a lime- or watermelon-slice table runner, depending on preference.

PAPER PIECING • Courtesy of The Quilting Company, by Mary Kate Petras: quiltingcompany.com

PRETTY IN PINTUCKS • Stitch a flirty and fun tank that’s easily made to dress up or down, depending on fabric choice. With pintuck details and shoulder insets, you’ll want to stitch one in every color.

TOPS FOR TUCKS

ONE IN A MELON • Stitch a whimsical purse that mimics a watermelon slice, complete with seed appliqués.

HIGH-FASHION FRUIT

VINYL VARIABLES

DAY DATE DRESS • Looking for the perfect breezy dress? With sweet ties, cuffs and a loose-fitting silhouette great for a variety of body types, this playful design is the ultimate summer wardrobe must-have.

DRAPE ON

THE TANK TOP EDITION KNIT & WOVEN • Tank tops are a summer staple and one of our favorite things to sew when the weather turns warm. Whether you’re looking for a swingy knit tank, a boxy woven tank, a tank with added design features or a great everyday basic, we’ve done the pattern research for you.

TANK-A-PALOOZA

THE ART OF Hemming • Whether finishing a home-sewn garment or altering a store-bought one, knowing how to hem is a life skill and, if done...