Australian Stitches

Australia’s leading dressmaking magazine is a favoured by all dressmakers in every age group. Fabulous garments, technical instructions and step x step photos help guide even the most novice sewer to complete perfect garments every time. All the latest patterns and fabrics are covered in every issue plus we trial patterns to give the lowdown on how to improve on each pattern’s instruction sheet. We showcase makeovers of real people, give wardrobe-planning advice and show the latest trends from the USA and Europe.

SHAPE WISE Stars OF THE SEASON

Beads and Sequins • Every once in a while, we need something that is filled with glitz and glamour … welcome beaded and sequined fabric - they ooze glamour like no other fabric can! The problem is sewing with these types of fabrics is that beads and sequins do take a bit of planning. With patience and good information, you can make a beautiful garment from these luxurious fabrics.

Anatomy of the Pant Leg • Pant styles are defined by the body cut (the front and back section above the crotch depth line), the shape and width of the pant leg, and the inseam length. The body cut and pant leg shape determine how the pants conform to your body. Understanding how different pant shapes are drafted will give you the basis to create your own styles best suited to your body shape.

DESIGNER SIGNATURES: Paco Peralta BARCELONA

Sway Back Adjustment • In the medical world it is called lordosis of the spine. In the sewing community we called it a ‘sway back’. It’s a common problem where the natural curve of the spine arches too far inward. This causes fitting problems which manifest in folds of fabric at the back waist. The fabric will smooth out at the side seams with the folds appearing mainly in the centre portion of the back garment. There are several different types of pattern adjustments that will fix this problem, all of which need to be done BEFORE you cut into your fabric. The adjustment described here is a less commonly known one and is for a pattern with no waist seam and the centre back placed on the fold.

Shift vs Sheath – Two Timeless Classics • The shift dress and sheath dress are often confused. Both styles are usually quite plain with a hem somewhere near the knee. So, what’s the difference?

P.M. Pow!

The Story of the ‘Scardigan’ • While shopping some time ago Julie came across a great boutique with unusual garments, amongst them was an interesting stretch mesh wrap like cardigan. This inspired Julie to create a similar style from other fabrics like chiffon, knits or jersey. Unable to find a commercial pattern, she spent some time designing her own.

How to Sew Leather Appliques • Adding leather appliques and slogans is a great way to jazz up basic tees or leggings. If you find this rather intimidating, you need not anymore as Megan shares her failsafe trick for sewing leather to almost any fabric, stretch or woven.

WHAT’S HOT: Advance Pants!

Sew Faux • Sometimes it’s the little things in life that make the biggest impact, and faux fur accessories and trims will take last year’s jackets and jumpers through into this year’s hottest look. Here’s a few tips on sewing this challenging fabric

Couture Tips For Perfect Pants • If the thought of sewing a pair of pants fills you with fear, these tips for fitting and sewing pants might just see you having a change of heart.

A Clever Fix! • A common problem with lined garments is lining splits down the side seams. The reason for this is often the lining is tighter than the skirt; it may be a manufacturing issue, or the outer fabric reacting differently to the lining fabric. Read on for Judith’s expert advice on how to repair this common alteration.

Two Halves Make One — the jumpsuit • The easiest way to address fit concerns of a jumpsuit is to break it down into top...