How To Shorten Your Dressmaking Patterns If you are starting to make your own clothes and finding that you need to shorten your patterns, here’s how in 6 easy steps! 1 - Decide how much you need to shorten the pattern by. 2 - Take your pattern piece and look for the double line. It might even have ' lengthen / shorten ' written on it. Most patterns will have at least one lengthen / shorten line but don’t worry if yours doesn’t - you can create your own by drawing a line whic

Learn How To Grade Your Seam Allowances For Dressmaking Once you have sewn a seam in dressmaking, or in most other sewing projects for that matter, your pattern instructions may ask you to grade the seam allowances.  This means to trim each layer to a different level so they are tiered. The purpose of grading seam allowances is to reduce any bulkiness in that area and to help prevent the seam raw edges from leaving an imprint or ridge on the right side of the garment or sewin

If you’re looking for a creative, confidence-building activity for your child aged 11+, this upcoming sewing workshop from Dress By Amy could be the perfect fit. Designed especially for young makers, this hands-on session introduces essential sewing skills in a friendly, supportive environment. Whether your child is completely new to sewing or has already experimented with a sewing machine at home, this workshop offers the right balance of guidance, creativity, and independe