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.

It’s the DRESS Daytime … Night time … Anytime!

WORKING 9 TO 5 AND THEN SOME!

Haute Couture and Charles Frederick Worth • Exclusivity, artistry, opulence, customization, costliness – these terms are frequently used to describe the haute couture. But they are only the tip of the iceberg. Haute couture encompasses a multitude of processes and techniques used to create a single, exquisite design.

It’s the DRESS Daytime … Night time … Anytime!

The Cocktail Hour • Star Designer Isaac Mizrahi blends his perfect signature cocktail this season – mixing two parts retro elegance (a chic ‘50s silhouette in rich ‘couture’ fabrics) with one part sporty modernity (easy pockets!) and garnishing with a sweet ribbon bow at the waist, for a deliciously ›zzy twist to a smooth classic.

25 Tips for Sewing Silks and Silkies

Bare Beauties • Rising head and shoulders above any other evening looks, the bustier corset top beautifully bares just enough … forget about getting the ‘cold shoulder’ as it’s the ultimate evening ‘accessory’ that smoulders over the seductive charms of full, freewheeling ballerina skirts that are pure fantasy, or just about anything else ...

SLEEVES: The Cover Up • Often there is a garment or a pattern that ticks all the boxes but it doesn’t have a sleeve. This doesn’t always matter to some but for others, a sleeveless garment is just not an option. Whatever the reason, a sleeve pattern needs to be produced! This technique can be done with a ready-made garment, just use the garment instead of the front and back pattern pieces to get the necessary components to draft a sleeve.

Cheer UP! • Happy days are here again for the dress, especially in easy shapes, vibrant shades and cheery prints that would make anyone smile.

The Blind-hemming Foot • Whether this foot came with your machine or you purchased it as an extra, chances are you haven’t used it. Now is the time to get it out and follow these instructions to see how easy it is to use. Anything that saves time makes more time for actually making garments. And that has to be a good thing!

A Shapely Solution to a Straight Figure!

Summer evenings take THE LONG VIEW • in sleek lines and hot colours flashed with gold ...

Summer refreshers • A splash of (not too tangy) citrus refreshes the coolest, most casual dresses of summer, whether in a fruity hue or a long cool drink of mouth-watering print ...

Jetted Pockets are Easy! • Does the thought of making a jetted pocket give you goosebumps? It isn’t hard – especially when using this easy, step-by-step method. You will master this elegant and sophisticated detailing with ease and be ready to tackle your next project with confidence. Now read on...

Embellishing T-Shirts • T-shirts are one of the easiest to restyle, reshape, or redesign ... and it does not have to cost an arm and a leg. Here, Judith shares a few ideas of how to turn this basic garment into a fashion statement.

Stitching Lace • Working with lace requires planning before you commence stitching. If the gown is thought through from start to finish, you will encounter fewer problems during construction. Choosing a sewing technique to suit your lace and gown design is essential for a quality result. Lace can be stitched either by hand or machine, or a...