Block It Like It's Hot: Colour Blocking for the Win If you’re looking to bring a little bold energy into your handmade wardrobe, colour blocking is the trend to try. Think big pops of contrast, geometric panels, and that satisfying moment when your fabrics clash just right. Tops, sweatshirts, even joggers or skirts — colour blocking is a super easy way to level up your makes without needing a brand new pattern. Especially when working with fleece and ribbing — hello cozy + cool! So What Is Colour Blocking, Anyway? Colour blocking is all about combining two (or more!) bold, contrasting colours in geometric shapes or panels. Think retro 90s windbreakers, modern art vibes, and totally intentional seams. When you pair fleece with juicy ribbing accents in a punchy palette? That’s sewing gold. How to Hack Your Own Colour Blocked Top  No need to buy a new pattern right away. Here’s a quick & dirty way to colour block your fave top or sweatshirt pattern: Pick your base pattern. Choose a simple silhouette — raglans and drop shoulders work great. Draw your lines. Use a ruler to draw horizontal or diagonal cutting lines where you want the blocks to be. Think yoke lines, sleeves, or even offset asymmetrical shapes. Add seam allowance! Don’t skip this — add 1/4"–3/8" seam allowance to each new piece. Mix your fleece colours. Go wild with combos — we love ochre + lilac, or moss green + cream. Sew it up, then rib it out. Finish your cuffs, waistband, and neckband in contrast ribbing for that pro finish. Bonus: Colour blocking is an excellent way to use up fleece scraps and make your project more sustainable. Patterns to Try (or Hack): If you want a head start, here are some patterns that are either already colour blocked or come with tutorials to get you going: Chalk & Notch Page Hoodie – A fan fave that already includes colour block options (and a fantastic sew-along). House of Hotard Juju Sweater – Panels make it easy to block at the sleeves or body. (photo above) Paradise Patterns Pine Sweatshirt – Classic sweatshirt with a comfortable, oversized fit Ellie & Mac Around the Block Hoodie – 3 diagonal panels across body and arms. Made for Mermaids Logan Hoodie – Has colour blocking panels already done for you - comes in Adult and kids. Petite Stichery has quite a few colour block options as well. Go Beyond Tops: Block Those Bottoms Don’t stop at your upper half — colour blocking works wonders on joggers, leggings, or even skirt panels! Add side panels in contrast fleece to joggers. Mix waistband and hem bands in poppy ribbing. Try a tiered skirt with each layer a different shade — yes please. Fabric Recommendations: Fleece + Ribbing Faves We’ve got the dream team for this trend: Cozy Cotton Fleece – Super soft, and heavier weight that's perfect for sweatshirts & joggers. Matching Ribbing – Ready to colour pop your cuffs and collars. We also have a great selection of Bamboo Jersey, Terry and Ribbing if you want something lighter weight. Not sure which colours to put together? Pinterest is packed with inspo to get your wheels turning. Get Inspired & Get Sewing!  Whether you’re colour blocking your first sweatshirt or diving into a full fleece set, this trend is comfy, creative, and totally addictive. Tag us @fabricandflow with your makes — we love seeing how you mix it up!  Want Help Choosing Fabrics? Message us or pop into the chat — we’re happy to help you build your own fleece + ribbing palette. 

Sewing the Perfect T-Shirt: Patterns, Tips & Fabric Picks for Beginners Few wardrobe staples are as versatile and loved as a great t-shirt. Whether you’re after a classic fit, a cozy casual look, or a trendy twist, sewing your own perfect tee is a rewarding project — and totally doable, even if you’re a beginner! Today, we’ll break down some beginner-friendly t-shirt patterns, essential notions, pro tips, and the best knit fabrics - from Jersey to Ribbed Knits -  to help you nail your DIY t-shirt game. Why Sew Your Own T-Shirt? Customize fit, sleeve length, neckline style, and fabric Save money and reduce fast-fashion waste Learn knit sewing skills — a gateway to sewing comfy everyday clothes Make gifts personalized just for friends and family Best Beginner T-Shirt Patterns 1. The Hemlock Tee (Free for newsletter subscribers!) This t-shirt pattern by Grainline Studio is a cult favorite for a reason. With its relaxed fit and simple construction, it’s perfect for beginners eager to tackle knits. Features:Drop shoulder, short or long sleeves, crew neckline Would look perfect in Bamboo Jersey or Interlock to go with the drapey vibe of the drop shoulder 2. The Blomma Tank by Paradise Patterns Want a sleek, sleeveless option? The Blomma Tank is a fitted, athletic-style top with two cup size options. Features:Bound neckline and armholes, includes tips for customizing the neckline, armholes, and binding width Perfect in Bamboo Ribbed Knit for a solid look. Or amp it up with a print like Sweet Cherries and Victorian Blooms Cotton Ribbed Knits 3. Jackson Tee by Helen's Closet The Jackson Tee & Pullover is a gender‑inclusive knit pattern with a classic unisex fit and slightly dropped shoulder, available in both tee and pullover versions with multiple lengths to suit different styles. Features:Gender-inclusive fit with tee and pullover options, plus cuff and hem band variations. This is where our Collection of Cotton Jersey and Matching Ribbing gets to shine. Notions and Tools You’ll Need Ballpoint or Stretch Needles: Prevent skipped stitches on knit fabrics. Polyester Thread: Has stretch, perfect for knits. Stretch or Narrow Zigzag Stitch Settings: For seams that move with your fabric. Walking Foot or Knit Fabric Foot: Helps feed knit fabric evenly through your machine. Pattern Weights & Rotary Cutter: For cutting knit fabrics accurately without stretching. Pro Tips for Sewing the Perfect Tee Prewash your fabric: Prevent future shrinkage and check for colorfastness. Use matching ribbing for neckbands: For a professional, polished finish, use a coordinating rib knit fabric to bind the neckline. Ribbing stretches with the tee and maintains its shape over time, giving your shirt that store-bought look. You can find coordinating rib knits in many colors at Fabric and Flow — just look for “rib knit” or “ribbing” in their collections. Stabilize your neckline: Use clear elastic or stay tape inside the neckline to avoid stretching out. Test stitch settings: Sew on fabric scraps first to get tension and stitch length right. Use a twin needle or coverstitch for hems: Gives that professional, stretchy finish. Don’t stretch the fabric while sewing: Let the machine feed it naturally to avoid wavy seams. Fabric Picks from Fabric and Flow’s Perfect Tee Collection Choosing the right fabric is crucial for comfort and style. Here are some favorites from Fabric and Flow’s curated selection: Cotton Spandex Jersey: Soft, breathable, and with just enough stretch — perfect for everyday tees. Modal Jersey: Silky soft, with excellent recovery — ideal for luxurious, soft t-shirts. Bamboo Jersey: Eco-friendly, silky, and breathable — perfect for sensitive skin and hot climates. Final Thoughts Sewing your perfect t-shirt is a fantastic beginner project that unlocks a whole new world of garment sewing. With the right pattern, fabric, and a few helpful notions, you’ll create tees that fit like a dream and feel amazing. Make It. Wear It. Own It!

Thinking About Sewing with Denim? Here's What You'll Need Whether you're diving into your first handmade pair of jeans, planning a structured denim jacket, or creating a classic denim skirt or overalls, one thing is clear: sewing with denim requires a few specialized tools and supplies. Denim behaves differently than lighter fabrics. It's thicker, more structured, and can be hard on machines and needles if you’re not prepared. But with the right supplies, it's absolutely manageable—and the results are worth it. Below, you’ll find a clear list of must-have tools (essentials you shouldn’t skip), plus nice-to-have items that can make your sewing experience smoother and your final project look more polished. Must-Have Supplies for Sewing with Denim These are the essentials you’ll want to gather before you start: 1. Denim Fabric Choose your denim weight based on the project: Lightweight (4–8 oz): Best for shirts, skirts, or lighter dresses. Midweight (8–11 oz): Great for jeans, jackets, and most patterns. Mid to heavy weight (11 oz +): Great for jeans, jackets, and workwear. 2. Denim Sewing Needles Use a denim or jeans needle (size 90/14 or 100/16). These are built to penetrate thick fabric layers without snapping. 3. Sturdy Thread Use polyester all-purpose thread for seams. Consider topstitching thread for decorative seams—usually in a contrasting color like gold or copper for a classic denim look. Tip: Use topstitching thread in the needle only, and regular thread in the bobbin for smoother stitching. 4. Fusible Interfacing Medium-weight interfacing is ideal for waistbands, collars, and pocket facings—anywhere you want to add structure or stability. 5. Denim Hardware (Buttons, Rivets, Zippers) Jeans buttons: Typically no-sew and secured with a hammer or hand press. Rivets: Used at stress points like pockets for reinforcement and a professional finish. Metal zippers: For pants or jacket closures. Nice-to-Have (But Helpful) Tools These aren’t essential, but they’ll improve your results and make the process easier—especially for more advanced or repeat projects. 1. Walking Foot Feeds thick, layered fabric evenly under your machine. Great for bulky seams and keeping things aligned. 2. Edge Stitch or Topstitch Foot Makes neat, even topstitching much easier—especially useful on jackets and jeans. 3. Clapper A wooden pressing tool that helps flatten thick seams after pressing, giving you a crisp, professional finish. 4. Hand Press or Rivet Setter If you’re adding a lot of hardware, this tool makes setting jeans buttons and rivets faster and more accurate than a hammer. 5. Seam Finishing Tools Denim bias tape or twill tape: For clean seam finishes without bulk. Serger (optional): Helps finish raw edges neatly and securely, especially if you're not binding seams. Quick Project Tips by Garment Type Jackets: Use mid-to-heavyweight denim. Topstitch for structure and style. Press all seams well (a clapper helps here). Jeans: Focus on durable seams (use flat-felled or mock-felled seams), reinforce stress points, and consider a jeans pattern with good instructions. Skirts: Lighter or midweight denim is easier to handle and creates a cleaner drape. Overalls: Heavier denim adds structure, but make sure your machine can handle it. Reinforce straps and stress points. Where to Buy Denim Sewing Supplies Item Canada USA Thread, Interfacing Fabric + Flow Fabric + Flow or Wawak Hardware & Tools Etsy or Cleaners Supply Stylemaker or Wawak Final Thoughts Sewing with denim is a satisfying, long-lasting way to expand your handmade wardrobe. It’s a bit more technical than working with lightweight cottons, but once you’ve got the right tools and a bit of patience, you'll be amazed at what you can create. Start with the basics, add tools as you go, and you’ll be sewing jeans, jackets, skirts—and everything in between—with confidence.