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.

There’s something extra special about a third release. Not just because it marks a milestone—but because it reflects growth, refinement, and a deeper understanding of what you actually want to sew and wear. We’re so excited to introduce our newest pattern: the Ease Two-Piece Swimsuit. Meet the Ease Two-Piece Swimsuit Designed with comfort, versatility, and effortless style in mind, the Ease Two-Piece is our take on a modern, wearable swimsuit you’ll actually reach for all summer long. This pattern is all about balance—supportive yet comfortable, minimal yet thoughtfully designed, and flattering without feeling restrictive. Whether you’re sewing for beach days, poolside lounging, or just want a handmade piece that feels like you, Ease was created to move with your body and your lifestyle. Designed for Real Life (and Real Sewing) We know that sewing swimwear can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. The Ease Two-Piece was designed to feel approachable while still delivering a polished, ready-to-wear finish. With clean construction and intentional design details, it’s a pattern that works just as well for a first swimsuit as it does for your fifth. Why “Ease”? Because that’s exactly how it feels to wear it. The name speaks to more than just fit—it’s about the overall experience: Easy to sew Easy to wear Easy to mix and match Easy to make again (and again) This is the kind of pattern you’ll come back to—whether you’re experimenting with bold prints, timeless solids, or building a handmade swim wardrobe that truly fits you. A Natural Next Step If you’ve been sewing along with us, you’ll know this release marks our third pattern launch—and it feels like a natural evolution. Our first two patterns, the Flow Bra and Flow Shorts/Leggings, were rooted in movement and performance. They were designed for workouts, layering, and everyday wear with an athletic edge. With the Ease Two-Piece, we’re expanding that same philosophy into swimwear: functional, wearable pieces that support your body—without overcomplicating the process. Made to Pair with Your Favourite Fabrics Like all Fabric + Flow patterns, Ease was designed with our curated swim fabrics in mind—so you can confidently choose materials with the right stretch, recovery, and durability. To make things even simpler, our swim kits include everything you need to sew your own swimsuit—from thoughtfully selected fabrics to elastics and all the essential notions, bundled together in one ready-to-make kit. No guesswork, no extra sourcing—just a streamlined way to bring your Ease Two-Piece to life with confidence. Your Summer Sewing Starts Here The Ease Two-Piece is more than just a swimsuit pattern—it’s an invitation. To try something new.To sew for the season you’re in.To create pieces that feel as good as they look. We can’t wait to see what you make with it. Make it. Wear it. Own it.