We’re very excited to finally say it — we’ve released our very own athletic sewing patterns 🎉 Meet the Flow Bra and Flow Leggings/Shorts: two elevated, go-to patterns designed to work seamlessly with our Athletic Kits and fit beautifully into any handmade activewear wardrobe. Designed to Flow — From First Make to Favourite Staple When we designed our first two athletic patterns, we weren’t thinking just about beginners — and we definitely weren’t designing only for advanced sewists either. We designed them for: Makers who want clean, well-fitting pieces Sewists who appreciate less fuss and fewer seams And creatives who want a solid base they can wear as-is or hack into something more expressive Because simple doesn’t mean boring — and it definitely doesn’t mean basic. The Flow Bra  The Flow Bra was designed to be the kind of piece you actually reach for. Clean lines Minimal seams No complicated strappy back Easy to pull on and off It’s a great-fitting basic bra that offers support and comfort without overdesigning the fit. Perfect for everyday wear, training sessions, or layering under tanks — and an ideal starting point if you love to hack patterns into your own creative variations. The Flow Shorts & Leggings  For the bottoms, we wanted the same thing: a flattering, high-waisted fit that feels good on and shows off your fabric choices beautifully. The Flow Shorts/Leggings pattern delivers: A clean, high-rise silhouette Shorts or full-length leggings in one pattern A fit that works perfectly with both prints and savvy solids And because we can’t help ourselves… we did level it up just a little 😉There’s an optional mesh ankle insert for those who want: A subtle sexy detail A pop of contrast Or a way to elevate a “simple” legging without overcomplicating it The Perfect Pairing: Patterns + Athletic Kits These patterns were designed to pair effortlessly with our upgraded Athletic Kits. Base Kits are perfect for 1–2 pieces Think: Flow Bra + Shorts Elite Kits are ideal if you want 3–4 pieces Think: Flow Bra + Leggings + extras Whether you’re building your first matching set or expanding a handmade activewear rotation, the Flow patterns and Athletic Kits were made to work together. Basic, But Never Boring We like to think of the Flow patterns as elevated basics. They’re clean.They fit well.They don’t fight you while you sew them. But they’re also the perfect canvas — for bold prints, contrast panels, mesh inserts, or future hacks that make them uniquely yours. Because basic doesn’t mean bad.And simple doesn’t mean uninspired. Limited-Time Pattern Promo 🎉 To celebrate the launch of the Flow Collection: Until the end of January, when you purchase one of our newly upgraded Athletic Kits, you can choose either the Flow Bra or the Flow Shorts/Leggings Pattern for free with code FLOW. It’s the easiest way to get everything you need to sew a complete, well-fitting athletic set — without overthinking it. Ready to flow into your next make?Our patterns (and kits) are ready when you are!

We Upgraded Our Athletic Kits — Here’s Why They’re Better Than Ever Whether you’re about to sew your very first athletic garment or you’re well into your 50th (or beyond 👀), the right starting point makes all the difference. That’s exactly why we upgraded our Athletic Kits — making them more complete, more intentional, and easier to use no matter where you’re at in your activewear sewing journey. Why We Revamped Our Athletic Kits We kept hearing the same thing:“I love sewing athletic wear… but I hate hunting down all the extras.” So we took a step back and looked at what actually goes into a great activewear make — the right fabrics, the right elastics, matching thread, and those little finishing touches that make a handmade garment feel done. The result? Athletic Kits that remove the guesswork and help you focus on the fun part: sewing something you’ll actually wear. Two Styles. Same Solid Foundation. We offer Solid Athletic Kits and Printed Athletic Kits — both built with the same goal in mind: complete, high-quality kits that work for beginners and experienced makers. Solid Athletic Kits Perfect for timeless, versatile activewear staples. What’s Included in the Solid Athletic Kit Solid Athletic Knit Fabric Powermesh Fabric Knit Elastic – Total 2m 1" (1m) 1.5" (1m) Thread (colour-matched) Exclusive Sew-In Label Printed Athletic Kits For when you want performance and personality. What’s Included in the Printed Athletic Kit Printed Athletic Knit Fabric Solid Athletic Fabric Knit Elastic – Total 2m 1" (1m) 1.5" (1m) Thread (colour-matched) Exclusive Sew-In Label Choose Your Kit Size Both Solid and Printed Kits are available in two sizes, depending on what you’re making. Base Kit – Ideal for Smaller Projects Total fabric: 1m Each fabric cut: 1m x 0.75m (40" x 30") Ideal for 1–3 pieces such as a sports bra and shorts (size dependent) Elite Kit – For Bigger or Multiple Makes Total fabric: 2m Fabric cuts: 1.5m x 1.5m (60" x 60") Solid or Print 1.5m x 0.5m (60" x 20") Mesh or Solid Ideal for 2–4 coordinated garments like leggings, a bra, and a tank (size dependent) From First Make to Fiftieth If you’re new to sewing athletic wear, these kits give you a confident, stress-free starting point.If you’re experienced, they save time and decision fatigue. Either way, you’re getting a solid, thoughtfully upgraded kit — designed to help you finish strong and feel proud of what you’ve made. Ready to stitch something that works as hard as you do?Our upgraded Athletic Kits are ready when you are.

Swim season’s calling! ☀️ Learn how to sew your own swimsuit that fits, flatters, and doesn’t fall apart in the waves. Spoiler: it’s easier than you think.

Tired of leggings that creep, bras that squeeze, or shorts that ride up mid-burpee? Let’s fix that. These pro fit tips will have your handmade activewear hugging just right.

You’ve sewn the seams — now it’s time to make them shine. These easy finishing tricks will make your handmade activewear look ready for retail.

Looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves to sew? Whether they’re a seasoned seamstress or a beginner with a brand-new machine, thoughtful sewing gifts are always appreciated. We’ve rounded up our favourite ideas at three budget-friendly price points — under $20, under $50, and under $100 — so you can find something special no matter your budget. 🎁 Gifts for Sewists Under $20 You don’t have to spend a lot to surprise a sewing enthusiast! These affordable options are practical, cute, and sure to be used often. Sew In Labels – Add a little sass and personality to their finished projects. Magnetic Pin Cushion – Keeps pins organized and easy to grab. Fabric Marking Pens – Washable, vibrant, and perfect for precise designs. Sewing-Themed Enamel Pins or Stickers – Add a touch of personality to any sewing bag. Thread Snips – Sharp, compact, and essential for clean finishes. Thread Bundle - 5 spools of basic Gutermann colours (Black, White, Navy, Grey, Vanilla) 💡 Tip: Bundle a few small items together for a personalized sewing kit gift! ✂️ Gifts for Sewists Under $50 These mid-range gifts balance practicality with a little indulgence. Perfect for hobbyists who appreciate quality tools. Cutting Kit – A F+F exclusive that includes an Olfa Rotary Cutter, replacement blades and fabric weights. A rotary cutter is a must-have for cutting fabric accurately. Self Healing Mat – To go along with the Rotary Cutter Fabric Bundles – You can never have too much fabric - or better yet a Gift Card to their fave store so they can pick out their own goodies! Adjustable Sewing Gauge or Ruler Set – Helps achieve perfect hems and measurements. Cute Sewing Room Decor - Think vintage-style signs or a custom nameplate for their craft space 🧷 Gifts for Sewists Under $100 If you’re looking to splurge a little, these gifts are sure to impress and last for years. High-Quality Fabric Shears – A great pair of scissors makes all the difference. Sewing Organizer or Thread Rack – Keep tools tidy and within reach. LED Desk Lamp with Magnifier – Perfect for detailed stitching and late-night projects. Fabric Kit – Choose from our Swim or Athletic Kits. Perfect whether they’re trying a new sewing project or are an experienced sewist. Each kit includes the essential materials they need to create something new—except the pattern. Workshop Voucher – A fun way to inspire creativity all year long. Closet Core has some great online Sewing Classes. ❤️ Final Thoughts No matter your budget, a thoughtful sewing gift shows you care about their creativity and craft. From handy tools to beautiful fabrics, these gifts will make any sewist’s day brighter — and their projects even more enjoyable.

If your leggings look great until you squat (and then… not so much), this one’s for you. Let’s talk fabrics, needles, and stitches that actually like being stretched.

Vests are great, but sometimes you just want a little more—a full sleeve moment, if you will. That’s where mid-weight jackets come in: not quite a coat, but definitely more than a hoodie. Think shackets, fleece pullovers, and lightweight quilted layers. These pieces are ideal for layering through the fall (and even under heavier coats in winter). Whether you're running errands or heading out for a crisp hike, these are the kinds of jackets you’ll reach for again and again. Let’s dive into some fabulous indie sewing patterns to get your mid-weight jacket lineup started! Pattern Picks: Mid-Weight Jacket Must-Sews 🧵 Styla Patterns – Taos JacketA relaxed, slightly oversized jacket with the perfect shacket energy. Great in sherpa, wool blends, or pre-quilted fabrics. Add big buttons and patch pockets for that cool, casual vibe. 🧵 House of Hôtard – Adrey JacketThis one’s all about soft structure and laid-back elegance. With dropped shoulders and a clean finish, it's ideal in lighter quilted fabrics or structured fleece. Looks amazing belted too! 🧵 StyleArc – Logan ShacketThe classic shirt-jacket combo. It’s slightly tailored with shirt-style details, so it looks great open or buttoned up. Try it in plaid wool, melton, or even a heavy flannel. 🧵 Fibre Mood – RyaGreat options for lightweight quilted fabrics. The Rya has a slightly boxy, modern feel. Bonus: Fibre Mood styles are super trendy and always come with styling inspo. Mid-Weight Fabrics We Love Here are some fabrics to keep an eye on when sewing your jacket: Suede-backed sherpa – soft, plush, and full of texture. Great for oversized styles. Sherpa-backed corduroy – warm and stylish with added structure. Pre-quilted cottons or poly blends – great for lightweight jackets with a puffy look but minimal bulk. Wool blends & brushed plaids – ideal for shackets or button-ups that need just a bit more warmth. We’ve got a full lineup of these in our Coating Collection Tips for Mid-Weight Success: 🪡 Pre-wash your fabrics—especially quilted or sherpa materials. Shrinkage is real!🪡 Use a walking foot for evenly feeding layered fabrics like sherpa or fleece.🪡 Go slow on seams and topstitching. A longer stitch length (3.0–3.5) looks neater and handles thicker spots better.🪡 Try bias binding or flat-felled seams if you’re working with unlined styles—these finishes are clean, pretty, and strong. Coming Up Next... We’ve done vests. We’ve done mid-weight magic. Next stop? Wool -faux and real Coats. Until then, browse our curated coating fabric collection and start dreaming up your next make. 🍁

Can you believe it’s almost November? The leaves are falling, the mornings are getting crisp—there’s even a hint of frost here in Alberta.  If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already started stitching up some cozy layers: plush fleece sweatshirts, heavier pants, maybe a long cardigan or two. Well, it’s the perfect time to kick off a new blog series on sewing outerwear, and we’re starting with one of my favorite transitional pieces—vests! Honestly, vests are as versatile as a zip-up hoodie. They’re perfect when you just need a bit of warmth without the full jacket commitment. You can go ultra-cozy with sherpa or quilted fabrics, or keep it sporty with an athletic woven (I personally have both—because options are everything). Let’s dive into some fabulous vest patterns to get your creative wheels turning! Top Vest Patterns to Sew This Fall: 🧵 Greenstyle Vapor VestThis one is a go-to if you love a modern, athletic look. Great for layering over your workout gear or weekend wear. It works beautifully with lighter woven fabrics or even a cozy stretch fleece for added warmth. 🧵 Love Notions Oakley VestA fan favorite for a reason! This pattern includes multiple lengths and collar options, making it easy to tailor to your personal style. Try it in a quilted plaid for that classic fall vibe. 🧵 Purl Soho Quilted Vest (Free Pattern!)Classic, clean, and oh-so-cozy—this free quilted vest pattern from Purl Soho is a great minimalist option. Perfect for showcasing those beautiful textured fabrics like quilted plaid or sherpa-backed cord. Great for confident beginners! 🧵 Styla Patterns Clayton Vest The vest is fully lined with multiple lengths, pocket + hood options, and perfect for layering. Honestly, this pattern is packed with options so you really can choose how many skills you'd like to tackle - keep it simple or go all out. Choose your fabrics based on the warmth you're after. Sewing Tips: Working with Thicker Fabrics Fall fabrics like fleece-back sherpa, quilted plaids, and sherpa-back corduroy (check out our gorgeous selection of Coatings) can take your vest game to a whole new level—but they do come with a few quirks. Here’s how to set yourself up for success: ✅ Use the Right Needle:Thicker fabrics = heavier needle. A 90/14 or 100/16 universal or denim needle usually does the trick. For layered seams, even consider a walking foot to help things glide through smoothly. ✅ Reduce Bulk Where You Can:Trim seam allowances and grade them to reduce thickness. Clipping curves and corners will help your finished vest look clean and professional. ✅ Test Stitches First:Always test your stitch settings on a fabric scrap first. Adjust your tension and stitch length (a longer stitch—around 3.0—works well on thick fabrics). ✅ Pin (or Clip) Strategically:Thicker materials can shift, so use lots of clips or long pins to keep your seams aligned. Make It Simple—or Go All Out One of the best things about sewing your own vest? You can make it as simple or as detailed as you like. Want something quick and cozy? Stick to a clean silhouette and let your fabric do the talking. Feeling adventurous? Add zippers, pockets, linings, and fancy topstitching—test every skill in your sewing toolbox! Whether you’re after instant gratification or ready to dive into a slow-sew project, you’ve got options. And if you’re in the mood for a little sewing envy (or inspiration), check out our blog post on this amazing puffer vest Karen made using our Alphamania coating:👉 Crafting the Puffer Vest – A Journey of Collaboration and Creativity Wrap It Up & Bundle Up Vests are just the beginning—this outerwear series is going to be packed with inspiration, fabric ideas, and real-life sewing tips to help you create your coziest makes yet. Be sure to check out our coating collection—we’ve got everything from quilted plaids to sherpa-backed corduroy to keep you stitching all season long. Thanks for hanging out, and stay tuned for the next part of the series where we move into coats. Until then, happy sewing and happy layering! 🍂