Australian Stitches

Australia’s leading dressmaking magazine is a favoured by all dressmakers in every age group. Fabulous garments, technical instructions and step x step photos help guide even the most novice sewer to complete perfect garments every time. All the latest patterns and fabrics are covered in every issue plus we trial patterns to give the lowdown on how to improve on each pattern’s instruction sheet. We showcase makeovers of real people, give wardrobe-planning advice and show the latest trends from the USA and Europe.

Wear What When

Working with Knits • A sewer can never have enough information and even if you’ve been sewing for years, there is always something new to learn. Whether you are new to knit sewing or you familiarised yourself with knits a long time ago, this article is full of helpful tips and hints that should see you ‘working with knits’ for many years to come.

Travel Wardrobe Analysis • It has been fifteen months since Lynn retired from Australian Stitches magazine, and in that time she has travelled to Europe and the United States.

Anatomy of the Collar • Collars are both functional and decorative features sewn to the neckline of a garment. As decoration, the collar is often the focal point of the garment drawing the eye upward to frame the face.

The Best Shape-Wise Finds

Elegant in Pink • With its flattering, asymmetrical lines and interesting front pleat detail, Vogue V9148 makes a versatile wardrobe piece.

Sewing Room Supplies − Part 1 • Susan thinks of herself as a pretty low-tech sewer, but that said, there are things that she really relies upon in her studio. We are sure you have your own favourites, but it’s always fun to see what someone else likes to use – and why – so here’s a look inside Susan’s workroom!

Contour Waistlines • The contour waistline has been a fashion focus for several seasons but it is also a great alternative to a waistband for the short-waisted woman, as it sits below the natural waistline.

How to Transfer A Bust Dart Location • One of the things Megan loves about pattern drafting is the math of it. The pure geometry of manipulating flat patterns brings her so much joy. When she first began to delve into flat pattern making, she remembers being blown away by the principles of dart manipulation − and today it’s still one of her favourite elements to explore.

Denim is Back! • Denim has always been a wardrobe staple; especially denim jeans. Originally sturdy workwear for miners, jeans have made their way into mainstream fashion. While the basic construction has remained the same, the jeans shape is constantly changing. Style Arc have many pattern choices, and with so many different looks to choose from, why not try your hand at making yourself some jeans. Once you have a pattern you love, with a it that works, you can make them again and again!

What To Wear Tonight • You dont need to go big and over the top when deciding on eveningwear. Here we tell you how easy it is to be ready for every occasion!

Skirts and Grainlines • We have all been taught to follow the pattern placement instructions when cutting out a pattern.

Make Your Own Shoulder Pads • Although these days we don’t use shoulder pads as we did in the 1980s, when ‘power suits’ were all the rage, we are returning to a more tailored and structured look.

Evening Flash! • Summer’s hottest festive season looks after dark.

Now You See It – Now You Don’t! • If you are like so many folk who have no dedicated sewing room, then chances are this story is for you!

Design Your Own Skirt • This complex asymmetrically designed skirt has an inset yoke, plus a godet introduced into the lower skirt for added flare.

A Couture Essential: Hand Sewing • Hand sewing is an essential...