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.

SIGNALS OF THE SEASON

Anatomy of the Pocket • A pocket can be both functional and decorative. The combination and configuration of pockets is unlimited. This article describes the anatomy of the pocket, types of pockets and their suggested uses. When designing pockets for your garments, we recommend that you use your fit garments as a guide to pocket size and placement. You can also measure pockets on existing garments for size and placement.

Bias Spaghetti Straps • Ultra-narrow, yet strong bias spaghetti straps are fun to make and even more fun to incorporate into a garment. As you might imagine, a few extra steps will make them perfect. Read on for how …

WHAT'S HOT: THE DRESS In Print

Designing Blouse • We spend time getting our basic blouse and skirt pattern to fit our individual body shape, so now's the time to get creative and design a dolman-sleeve blouse. This garment features a cross-over front opening, an asymmetrical flounce and a ‘swash-buckler’ tie.

How to Sew a Horsehair Braid Hem • Horsehair braid is a type of crinoline netting and is used to provide structure and give body to hems, hats and sleeves. It's one of Megan's favourite notions as it gives truly amazing results. Even better - it's ridiculously easy to apply!

Why are my Shoulders So Cold all of a Sudden?

Moving Forward • What do you do about altering patterns for forward sloping shoulders? We take a look at how to overcome the pitfalls and solving this problem once and for all.

Asymmetrical and Tiered Hemlines • There has been recent return of the uneven hemline. You may say, “I've done that one before, aren't doing it again!” It is interesting to note, asymmetry is not a concoction of the eighties, but merely a revival of all things past. Vintage shows that even back in the late 1920s women were wearing this type of silhouettes, simply chasing fashion down its inevitable track.

WHAT'S HOT: ACCESSORIES The Ultimate Look Changers

McCall's M7402 • Autumn is just around the corner, but the heat of some days can still be stifling! Here's a great dress and jumpsuit pattern to try … just think different fabrics for different occasions, and it becomes a very universal pattern. And apart from the cutting, can be sewn together very quickly. Let's take a look at the jumpsuit, view D.

Got It Covered! • Can't find shoes to go with your outfit? Try the next best thing - cover plain shoes with fabric to match your garment.

WHAT'S HOT: THE BLOUSE Strikes Back!

Sewing Velvets & Devoré • Velvet, always a stylish classic, shoots into high fashion prominence this season. Knowing a little background history and a few ‘tricks of the trade' will help you work with it and take it into your personal wardrobe plan.

Diy Buttons • If you have ever searched unsuccessfully for the perfect button to finish the perfect garment, then the answer is at hand … make your own. With the fabulous polymer clays now available, you can mix up any colour and emulate almost any finish - wood, stone, pearl, shell, bamboo and metallic. Just think of the combinations and roll with the clay!

Let's talk about What A Frill! TRIMS!

Circular Ruffles and Flounces • Circular ruffles and flounces are fashionable once again, after many years in the...