A Guide to Fabrics and Fibers for Sewing

November 05, 2023 by Hilarie Dayton in Fabrics and Textiles, Garment Construction, Sewing and Construction

Have you ever stood in a fabric store, feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of fabric types, textures, weaves, and finishes, unsure of what to choose for your next project? Or perhaps you've purchased a fabric but have no idea what to make with it?

I am thrilled to share my latest project, Glossary of Fabrics and Fibers, A Guide to Textiles for Sewing.

I wrote this guide to help you to better understand the behavioral attributes of fabrics and fibers. To deepen your understanding of the foundational characteristics and essential vocabulary of textiles. Additionally, I share some general guidelines and advice for needle selection, thread, stitch type and length, seam finish, pressing, handling and care.

How to Sew A Detachable Statement Collar- Part Two

Little Stitch Studio

May 19, 2021 by Hilarie Dayton in Tutorial, Sewing and Construction, PDF Pattern

Learn to sew a detachable statement collar with perfect collar points.

Welcome to part two of the series, How to Sew a Detachable Collar. Detachable Statement Collars are such quick and satisfying sewing projects. There is so much mix and match potential in the variations that you might find yourself amassing quite a collection. Throughout this series, we will begin with a basic collar pattern and learn how to change the design to create a look that is uniquely you.

Top 10 Favorite Sewing Tools

Little Stitch STudio

December 17, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Learn to Sew, Sewing and Construction

The right sewing tools make sewing easier and so much more enjoyable. Often time I am asked about what tools someone needs to begin sewing. That can be a tricky question as it really depends on what types of things you are sewing. Garment sewing? Bags? Home decor? While all of these categories have some overlap, many require specialty notions. So as not to get overwhelmed, I suggest that you get what you need for the project you are working on and build from there.

To that end, there are some tools you may find helpful no matter what type of sewing you plan to do.

Face Mask Making FAQ's

Little Stitch Studio

April 09, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Pattern Making, Sewing and Construction, mask

So many of the questions that I receive through comments, emails and phone calls, tend to focus around a few topics. In the presence of that, I present to you a Face Mask Making FAQ.

How to Maximize Your Time Sewing Cloth Face Masks With These Tips and Tricks

Little Stitch Studio

April 03, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Tutorial, Sewing and Construction, PDF Pattern, mask

Learn how to save time and maximize the number of face masks that you can sew. How to sew a double-layer face mask with wire and pocket for filter or shield. Step by step cloth face mask tutorial and free pattern. Face masks are hard to come by and it seems that hospitals will be facing a shortage.

Face Mask Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

Little Stitch Studio

March 18, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Tutorial, Pattern Making, Sewing and Construction

Across the world, we are all discovering just how unprepared we are for the COVID-19 situation. Face masks are hard to come by and it seems that hospitals will be facing a shortage in the near future. After reading this article I decided that I needed to put my skills to use make a mask pattern.

Form, Function and Culture

Little Stitch Studio

March 03, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Fashion Design, Fashion History, Pattern Making, Teaching, Sewing and Construction

In Pattern Making, there are three types of sleeves; set-in, raglan and kimono. All other sleeve styles are developed from one of these three blocks.

However, in this era of globalization, it no longer feels correct to refer to this as a “kimono sleeve”. What then, is an appropriate name for a bodice where the sleeve is integrated into the design instead of a separate piece? “T-shape? Extended sleeve? Robe?

HOW TO HAND SEW SEQUINS: A Course in Creating Custom Embellishments with Sequins

Little Stitch Studio

February 26, 2020 by Hilarie Dayton in Tutorial, Fabrics and Textiles, Sewing and Construction, Sustainability

Recently I have been seeing a host of embellishments of all manner in fashion magazines and on the runways. Perhaps since clothing shapes and silhouettes are holding steady, embellishment is a way to make clothing new and enticing. Whether it’s just a sprinkling here and there or an all-over design, embellishment is a fun way to both personalize and dress up your wardrobe.

This winter I discovered that one of my favorite sweaters had been enjoyed by some moths. Uggh! However, instead of being upset, I decided that this presented the perfect opportunity to create a design that I had been playing around with in my mind and repair my beloved sweater.

How to make a detachable shoulder strap for your bag

Little Stitch Studio

November 07, 2019 by Hilarie Dayton in Bag Making, Book, PDF Pattern, Sewing and Construction, Tutorial

You have seen the new guitar type purse straps, right? While they weren’t really on my radar until early this year when I read an article in the NY Times. Since then, I haven’t been able to get this detachable strap out of my mind. I began to imagine the countless options and reinterpretations. Suddenly it seemed as if each bag I own needed to have its own wardrobe. And now, they do.

Tips and Tricks for Sewing with leather

Little Stitch Studio

November 06, 2019 by Hilarie Dayton in Bag Making, Book, PDF Pattern, Sewing and Construction, Tutorial

There is just nothing like sewing or crafting with beautiful materials. Chief among them for me is leather.

One of the reasons that I was late to release a pattern that requires leather is that for many people, it is tricky to acquire. It is not like you can stop by your local fabric shop and pick up a yard or two. Additionally, while leather is not difficult to sew, you do have to have a few extras available to make it turn out looking fantastic.