The Video's
Escape fast fashion, one stitch at a time. Learn how to make fabulous wardrobe staples that fit perfectly!
MY LATEST VIDEO
What is slash and spread and why do we use it?
Slash and spread is used to add volume and fullness to a garment evenly.
I first talk through the principles and then show you a few examples, on a skirt, bodice and sleeve.
The Absolute Basics
Everything you need to know to get started with pattern cutting and dressmaking.
Dressmaking advice - 20 hints and tips you should know before you start!
How to start dressmaking using your own patterns. The best way to get what you really want.
How to make your own sewing patterns, and how to use them. A guide for absolute beginners
Pattern cutting - The basics you need to know to get started!
Create your own paper patterns from your blocks. Good workflow for pattern cutting
How to plan your sewing project for perfect results every time!
How to take accurate measurements for dressmaking
Sewing pattern symbols and details - how to finish your self drafted patterns
Essential Sewing Skills
Learn these basic sewing skills to get you started on your dressmaking journey.
10 hems - the basics you need to know!
Why you should stay stitch and understitch openings like necks and armholes
Sew various seam types for jackets, coats and trousers
Why is grainline important? A quick explanation!
Bag out a lining on a dress or top - neck, armhole and zipper
How to sew an invisible zipper. Detailed tutorial including lining
How to hand sew a blind hem - quick & easy tutorial
How to sew a lapped zipper - detailed tutorial with lining and facing
Easily sew a curved seam - it's so simple!
Perfect Darts - with these tips!
Machine stitched blind hem - how to use a blind hem foot!
How to tailor a fitted dress. Take your dress in to fit perfectly - step by step
These projects don't require a block!
Some more basic projects you can make that don't require drafting a block first.
Make a circle skirt - complete tutorial for beginners
How to make a simple top - detailed tutorial for beginners
How to make a shift dress - detailed and easy beginner level tutorial
Simple skirt tutorial - suitable for an absolute beginner!
Wide legged trousers are so easy to make! Learn to make a perfect fitting pant!
Make a simple sun dress - Step by step EASY tutorial!
Maxi dress - no block needed!
Learn to make a sweatshirt, easy custom pattern and sewing tutorial
Make a shirred elastic summer dress
Make a big baggy sweatshirt - the size you want it!
The Basic Blocks
Get the perfect fit every time with blocks tailored perfectly to your measurements.
How to draft a bodice block (or sloper) from your own measurements
Answers to common questions about bodice blocks
Semi fitted bodice block - perfect for less fitted tops and dresses
How To Draft a Basic Sleeve Pattern - This method works with any armhole.
Coat block for tailor made coats and jackets
Draft a fitted pants / trousers block to your own measurements
Draft a fitted skirt block with this easy tutorial!
Draft a 2 piece sleeve pattern, perfect for coats and jackets
Strapless fitted bodice block tutorial for dresses and tops. How to draft and fit this block
T-shirt block tutorial for jersey and knits - no darts
Make a Circle Skirt - Simple tutorial to make a full, half and double circle skirt pattern
What do these pants calculations mean?
Pattern Cutting and Fitting Skills
After you've drafted your blocks, these tutorials will help you perfect the fit.
Fit your pants (trousers) perfectly! Detailed pattern amendments.
Achieve the perfect pants fit - all of YOUR questions answered
The 10 things you need to know to make perfect fitting pants
How to fit a sample when dressmaking, a step by step guide to common adjustments
What do drag lines mean, and how do we correct them?
How to adjust the fit of a bodice - step by step. All the adjustments you need to know!
Fit an armhole and sleeve head perfectly
How to fit a sleeve head - the basics you need to know!
Shoulders, neck and armhole adjustments for a perfect fit!
Add fullness to the tummy of any sewing pattern, detailed demo with 6 examples
Princess seams - convert a darted pattern & full and small bust adjustments.
How to get your bust darts absolutely perfect!
Make a pattern that fits YOUR figure absolutely perfectly!
Create perfect patterns with true seams and darts and other tips along the way
Why do we get drag lines? And how do we get rid of them!
Everything you need to know about darts!
Drag lines on a princess seam - how to correct them!
Advanced Sewing Skills
Once you've mastered the basics, these skills will help you achieve a great finish on everything you make.
Simple but effective details for plackets, cuffs etc...
Adjust a neckline - transform your clothes with this easy to follow tutorial
Bias Binding - 4 ways. Step by step tutorial for a perfect neck and armhole edge
In - seam pocket. Easy tutorial for any garment
A great alternative - the fake wrap! (perfect for a bigger bust!)
How to sew jersey and knits - 10 stitch types & 3 sewing machines
How to sew a zipped pocket - great for bags!
Sew a welt pocket - every single detail you need!
How to perfectly ease in a set in sleeve
How to sew lace - this video covers this basics if you've never sewn lace before!
Dressmaking on the bias, tips and advice for pattern making and sewing
Easy way to hem a chiffon dress - detailed sewing tutorial
10 things I wish I knew before sewing chiffon & organza!
Make perfect rouleau loops - this easy tutorial shows you 2 ways...
Sew perfect gathers easily with this detailed tutorial. No gadgets needed!
Sew a Curved Petersham waist facing. Clean finish waistband tutorial.
How to sew a rouleau neck trim. Full tutorial for this fancy trim.
How to sew piping - perfect for bags and cushions.
How to sew a perfect V neck. Sewing and pattern cutting detailed tutorial
How to sew a flat felled denim seam perfectly - with these tips
Sew in plastic boning - how to do it!
Simple and quick French seam tutorial - great for chiffon and organza!
The easiest way to sew a perfect rolled hem - without a special foot!
Sew a perfect lace edge - how to engineer a curve on lace
Sew a perfectly smooth bodice seam - including hand finishing the interlining.
How to sew a single welt pocket - the easiest way to do it!
Sew bound and piped buttonholes - easier than you'd think!
Denim jacket pockets - for a pro finish!
How to sew a jeans style buttonhole on a basic machine!
Sew a fly zipper one step at a time
Pattern Cutting Adaptations
Learn these pattern cutting techniques to fine tune your skills, so you can make ANYTHING!
How to make a pattern for 6 classic necklines. Make from scratch or adjust an existing pattern.
What are gape darts, or contour darts? How to perfectly contour a neckline or armhole opening
How to make patterns for a full bust - including 'Full Bust Adjustment' for commercial patterns
Dressmaking adjustments for 'Going Flat'. How to draft and adjust patterns after mastectomy
How to move darts and seams - 9 variations for you to try!
How to make a dolman sleeve - 3 different styles!
How to make a bustier pattern - not for beginners!
Make a wide legged trousers pattern that fits perfectly
Make a balloon sleeve, pattern making and sewing tutorial - every step!
Create a raglan sleeve from a set-in pattern
Grown on collar - very detailed tutorial. How to cut the advanced pattern and sew the collar
Advanced bodice pattern manipulation - 4 designs in detail
Wrap pattern for tops and dresses - the basics
How to design with a quarter scale dress form or mannequin
Learn how to draft your own collars for shirts, casual jackets and coats
What is slash and spread, and why do we use it?
Complete Garment Projects
A variety of dresses, skirts, trousers, tops and jackets to suit all abilities
How to make a classic shift dress - pattern cutting and sewing
How to make a lace dress, this tutorial covers everything - for the perfect Christmas party dress!
Classic wrap dress - every detail you need!
Make perfect fitting casual pants!
Draft a perfect fitting tailored shirt pattern
Sew a shirt - everything you need to know!
How to make a professional looking fake fur coat
Wool coat tutorial, sew like a pro! This tutorial shows you everything you need to know.
How to make a perfect fitting little black dress. The essential Christmas party dress tutorial!
How to make a shirt dress (or shirt) - everything you need to know is in this detailed tutorial!
Make a denim trucker jacket pattern from a block
Sew a denim jacket - absolutely everything you need to know!
Make a pair of jeans - every detail you need!
How to make an A-line skirt - including topstitching and pockets
Jeans pattern from a darted block - every step!
Sew a classic summer dress. Detailed bespoke pattern cutting and sewing tutorial
Make a simple jersey dress - everything you need to know!
Halter neck fifties inspired dress tutorial
How to make a V Neck princess line dress. Detailed pattern cutting and sewing tutorial
How to make a long sleeved shift dress (or tunic). Full pattern cutting and sewing tutorial
Make a sequin dress, everything you need to know to make this party dress
Bias cut slip dress tutorial - how to work 'on the bias'
Make a simple shift dress - complete tutorial for my sixties inspired dress.
Double circle dress - pattern and sewing instructions
How to sew a t-shirt - seams, trims, everything you need to know
Make my pleated wide leg pant, with waist facing and welt pockets
Panelled dress - detailed step by step tutorial for this sunray dress.
How I made this vintage style pleated dress from scratch
High waisted dress - full tutorial, pattern cutting and sewing!
Patchwork dress tutorial - I show you how I made this colour block dress.
How to make a fitted skirt, it's easy with this step by step tutorial!
Accessories
A couple of bags to suit different skill levels, and a Christmas stocking....
Tote shopping bag easy tutorial!
Make a zipped cross shoulder bag
How to Make a Christmas Stocking - 4 designs in 1 tutorial