Taking body measurements

Sleeves are fun to experiment with and quick to sew up as a toile, as they have fewer pattern pieces and no darts to consider. It can be very difficult to gauge volume on a flat sleeve pattern, so I a

Here are the tools I recommend you have to start pattern drafting: 1 Pattern paper: Draw your patterns on lightweight pattern paper or brown paper. I prefer white paper as it has some transparency to

■ 2.5m of 140cm wide fabric ■ 2cm wide elastic the length of the waist minus 5cm ■ 20cm invisible zip ■ 1m lightweight fusible interfacing ■ Fabric marking tools ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit ■

M8252 DRESS This fun pattern from McCall’s is perfect for those who want to level up their sewing skills without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a two-piece style that’s cleverly joined at the waist with a

MEASUREMENTS To fit sizes: 76/81 cm (30/32 ins), 86/91 (34/36), 97/102 (38/40), 107/112 (42/44), 117/122 (46/48). Actual size: 91 cm (36 ins), 102 (40), 112 (44), 123 (49), 134 (53). Length: 57 cm (22

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric, see instructions for size ■ Elastic, 0.5cm wide and long enough to fit around your cover ■ Ironing board padding (optional), see instructions for sizing ■ Matching sewing