What to Sew First: A Beginner’s Guide to Swim Kits (and What to Expect) If you’ve been thinking about sewing your own swimwear but don’t know where to start — this is for you. Swim can feel intimidating at first. Stretch fabric, elastic, fit… it’s a lot. But the truth is, with the right pattern and the right materials, your first swim project is completely doable (and honestly, kind of addictive). Let’s walk through what to sew first, what’s inside our swim kits, and what you can expect along the way. Start with the Right Pattern If you’re new to swimwear, choosing a beginner-friendly pattern makes all the difference. Our Flow and Ease swimsuit patterns are designed specifically with beginners in mind. They focus on: Clean construction Straightforward techniques Minimal overwhelm while still feeling elevated Whether you’re leaning toward a one-piece or a simple two-piece, these are the best place to start. What’s in Our Swim Kits? We created our swim kits to take the guesswork out of sourcing materials — so you can focus on sewing, not hunting everything down. You can choose between two options: Full Metre Kit Perfect if you want: A one-piece A matching set in the same print Includes: 1 metre of swim fabric 1 metre of luxe swim lining Matching Gütermann thread Rubber elastic (4m of 8mm + 2m of 19mm) Exclusive sew-in label Standard Kit  Perfect if you love a mix-and-match look. Includes: Two coordinating swim fabrics (fat halves totalling 1 metre — think print + solid, or print + stripe, etc) 1 metre of swim lining Matching Gütermann thread Rubber elastic (4m of 8mm + 2m of 19mm) Exclusive sew-in label What to Expect From Your First Swim Project Your first make might not be perfect — and that’s completely normal. Here’s what will happen: You’ll learn how stretch fabric behaves You’ll get comfortable sewing elastic You’ll understand fit in a whole new way And by the end? You’ll have something you made yourself — which is always worth it. Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) Let’s save you some frustration: 1. Using the wrong needleAlways use a stretch or ballpoint needle. This prevents skipped stitches and fabric damage. 2. Skipping test stitchesTest your stitch on a scrap first. A narrow zigzag or stretch stitch usually works best. 3. Pulling the fabric while sewingLet the machine do the work. Stretching fabric as you sew can cause rippling. 4. Elastic tension strugglesElastic doesn’t need to be stretched to the max — consistent, gentle tension is key. 5. Rushing the processTake your time, especially on your first go. Swimwear is all about control and precision. A Few Extra Tips That Make a Big Difference A walking foot can help feed fabric evenly (optional, but helpful) Polyester thread (like the one included in our kits) is a must for stretch and durability Clip instead of pin when possible — it’s easier on stretch fabric Press gently with low heat (always test first) You’re More Ready Than You Think Starting is the hardest part — but once you do, everything clicks faster than you expect. With a beginner-friendly pattern and a thoughtfully prepared Swim Kit, you’re not figuring it out alone — you’re set up for success from the start. And your first swim piece? It won’t be your last.

Sewing Machine Needle Guide: Why It Matters Choosing the right sewing machine needle is one of the most overlooked steps in sewing—but it has a huge impact on your results. The wrong needle can cause skipped stitches, puckering, or even damage your fabric. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced sewer, understanding needle types and sizes will instantly improve your stitch quality and make sewing easier. Shop Quality Sewing Machine Needles Before you start your next project, make sure you’re using high-quality needles designed for the job. We’ve added trusted, industry-favourite options to our shop so you can get the best results every time. Now available on our website: Schmetz Knit & Stretch Needle (Assorted 70/10–90/14)Perfect for knit and stretch fabrics, these needles help prevent skipped stitches and fabric damage. Schmetz Denim Gold Needle 90/14Designed for heavy-duty sewing, this needle easily handles denim, canvas, and thick layers with precision. Schmetz Universal Needle (Assorted Sizes 70–90)A versatile essential for everyday sewing projects, suitable for a wide range of woven fabrics. Using the right needle not only improves stitch quality but also extends the life of your sewing machine. Browse our full collection to find the perfect match for your fabric and project. 🔍 Understanding Needle Sizes Sewing machine needles are labeled with numbers like 70/10, 80/12, 90/14. The smaller number (e.g., 70/10) = finer needle for lightweight fabrics The larger number (e.g., 90/14) = thicker needle for heavy fabrics Quick guide: Lightweight fabrics (silk, chiffon): 60/8 – 70/10 Medium fabrics (cotton, linen): 80/12 Heavy fabrics (denim, canvas): 90/14 – 100/16 🪡 Types of Sewing Machine Needles 1. Universal Needles Best for: Woven fabrics like cotton, polyester, blendsThese are the most commonly used needles and a great starting point for beginners. 2. Ballpoint Needles Best for: Knit fabricsInstead of piercing the fabric, they push between fibers, preventing snags and runs. 3. Stretch Needles Best for: Elastic or highly stretchy fabrics (like spandex or jersey)Designed to prevent skipped stitches when working with stretch materials. 4. Denim (Jeans) Needles Best for: Heavy fabrics like denim, canvas, and twillThey have a strong shaft and sharp point to handle thick layers. 5. Microtex (Sharp) Needles Best for: Delicate or tightly woven fabrics like silkPerfect for precision sewing and clean, sharp stitches. 6. Leather Needles Best for: Leather and faux leatherThey cut through material rather than piercing it, creating clean holes. ⚠️ Signs You’re Using the Wrong Needle If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to switch: Skipped stitches Thread breaking Fabric puckering Visible holes or snags 💡 Pro Tips for Better Sewing Results ✔ Change your needle every 6–8 hours of sewing✔ Always match your needle to your fabric type✔ Use a fresh needle for important projects✔ Store needles in labeled containers for easy access ✨ Final Thoughts Using the correct sewing machine needle is a small change that makes a big difference. With the right needle, your stitches will be smoother, stronger, and more professional-looking. Save this guide and refer back to it whenever you start a new project—you’ll thank yourself later!

If there’s one piece stealing the spotlight this spring, it’s the quilted jacket. Lightweight yet cozy, structured but relaxed—it’s the ultimate in-between layer that makes every outfit look intentional. From high-end designer versions (hello, quilted Burberry-inspired neutrals) to handmade statement pieces, quilted jackets are everywhere right now. The best part? You can absolutely make your own—and make it better. Let’s get into it. The Patterns Everyone’s Sewing Right Now Whether you’re new to outerwear or a seasoned sewist, there’s a quilted jacket pattern with your name on it: Cardamom Jacket – Sew Bake Make PatternsA modern, slightly boxy silhouette with clean lines—perfect for showing off your quilting. Coda Jacket – Love NotionsRelaxed and beginner-friendly with a cozy, everyday vibe. Flora Jacket – Brightside Fabric CoFeminine and soft with beautiful shaping details. Sage Jacket – Elle Stitch StoreMinimalist, wearable, and incredibly versatile. Tamarack Jacket – Grainline StudioA cult classic for a reason—timeless, polished, and ideal for quilted fabrics. Each of these works beautifully with pre-quilted fabric or fabric you quilt yourself (more on that below). Fabric Picks Of course, classic Quilted Fabrics are always a win: Burberry Look Beige Vintage Bluebell  But if you want something a little more unique, this is where things get fun. Less-Obvious (But Amazing) Options: Lightweight denim → creates a structured, workwear-inspired jacket Faux wool → cozy look without the bulk Athletic wovens → modern, slightly technical feel (and super wearable) Sherpa → no quilting required, just instant texture and warmth Canvas → durable with a slightly utilitarian edge Your favourite woven (printed or plain) → seriously, don’t overthink it—if you love it, it works And here’s the real insider tip: 👉 You don’t need to buy pre-quilted fabric. You can make almost any fabric quilted. How to Quilt Your Own Fabric (The Simple Way) Don’t worry—this doesn’t have to turn into a full quilting project. Keep it simple: What You Need: Outer fabric Batting (lightweight is best for jackets) Lining or backing fabric Quick Method: Make a sandwich: outer fabric + batting + lining Secure layers: use safety pins or spray baste Mark your lines: straight lines, grids, or diamonds Sew through all layers: start with simple parallel lines Trim and square up your fabric That’s it—you now have custom quilted fabric ready to cut like any other yardage. Keep It Beginner-Friendly: Start with straight stitching (no need for complex patterns) Use a walking foot if you have one Go slow—this is not a race Styling Your Quilted Jacket The beauty of this trend is how wearable it is: Throw it over denim + a tee for everyday Layer it with dresses for that soft, contrast look Pair with matching quilted pieces if you’re feeling bold It’s equal parts comfort and style—which is exactly what spring dressing should be. Need a little real-life inspiration? Here’s how one came together in our studio. My Take on the Quilted Jacket Trend I couldn’t resist trying this trend myself—and it might be my favourite make yet. I used the Vintage Bluebell quilted fabric, and for a little extra detail, I made my own bias tape using our 3oz Dark Wash Denim. That contrast gave it a more elevated, finished look. For the pattern, I started with the Coda Jacket – Love Notions, but made a few key modifications to better match my style: Added a hood for everyday wearability Swapped buttons for a zipper (because easy wins) Widened the back slightly for a more relaxed fit Added a curved hem to the sleeve cuffs for a modern touch The goal was to make it feel current, functional, and like something I’d actually reach for daily—and it worked. I won’t lie, it took some patience (and a lot of clips… and a bit of figuring things out as I went), but the end result was completely worth it. It’s one of those pieces that instantly feels like you the second you put it on. If you're thinking about making your own, start with a fabric you love—the rest comes together from there. Final Thoughts Quilted jackets aren’t just trending—they’re staying. And making your own means you get exactly what you want: the fit, the fabric, the vibe. Whether you go classic with a neutral quilted cotton or experiment with denim or athletic textures, this is one project that delivers every single time. So pick a pattern, grab some fabric, and start stitching—your new favourite jacket is waiting.