Threads Magazine Podcast: "Sewing With Threads"

The authors of a groundbreaking book on patterns for plus sizes discuss why they wrote the book, what the step-by-step instructions include, and how the many included tips can help anyone who sews garments.

Couture specialist Susan Khalje discusses how a flexible sewing plan helps you to improve your results when sewing garments.

A couture sewing pro explains how she had her fabric custom-pleated to make a pair of striking, sunburst-pleated pants.

Image consultant Nancy Nix-Rice and sewist Jan McMinn discuss how to pare down a fabric stash and plan a versatile wardrobe.

Longtime indie patternmaker Folkwear offers vintage and folk patterns that can suit even the most fashion-forward wardrobe.

The editors of Threads share what they're excited about in the magazine's winter 2025 issue and even look forward to the spring. Find out what's coming up in the holiday issue—from how-to articles, to magnificent wool garments, to gifts for the sewists on your shopping list.

Lynn Brannelly, owner of Sewn Adaptive, talks about how she alters and makes garments that fit and function for those with disabilities.

Threads Contributing Editor Kenneth D. King outlines his approach to ensuring the best results when he sews. Through years of practice, experimentation, and research, he's developed methods that are, in his words, "repeatable and reliable."

The author of a book about creating a hand-sewn wardrobe shares how she got hooked on patternmaking and hand stitching, plus explains what her guide has to offer.

The founder of the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma, Washington, talks about how she caught the teaching bug and how she shares her love of sewing with a diverse group of students from around the country.

Learn from Kiki Smith, director of the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection, about what's in the collection and how it has attracted attention.

Sewing garments for design competitions calls for imagination, problem-solving, time management, and enthusiasm for turning obstacles into learning opportunities. Two winning designers share their strategies for success.

As the quilted garment trend grows, the founders of Fit for Art Patterns talk about sewing quilted jackets, the topic of their latest book.

Pattern designer, sewing teacher, and author Gretchen Hirsch talks about sewing fitted bodices, working with boning, and what's in her latest book.

Sewing celebrities and friends Sandra Betzina and Kenneth D. King dish about Sandra's full life, as she settles into retirement.

Learn about the craft of scissor making and the artisans who excel at it from the owner of luxury scissor purveyor Ciselier.

Learn how two longtime pattern testers evaluate and test a pattern to determine whether it is worthwhile to use the pattern in your own sewing. You can use their observations and tips when testing patterns for yourself.

Duane MacLeod was drawn into the world of tailoring seemingly by accident. Now the owner of a one-man tailoring business couldn't be happier. He shares his enthusiasm for the craft and how he arrived at this point, in Episode 81 of Sewing With Threads.

The size-inclusive lingerie designer, patternmaker, and owner of Madalynne Intimates discusses the challenges and rewards of bra-making.

Saskia ter Welle, founder of the Dutch Couture Academy, shares her passion for couture embellishment techniques through her work and courses.

What does it mean to sew a couture garment? Learn from an expert the five elements of couture pieces and how to start sewing them yourself.

Because of our neurodiversity, each of us uses our mental skills, or executive functions, differently in our sewing practice. You can learn to harness those functions for even more enjoyment when sewing.

Selecting the right sewing machine needle can make a big difference in how your sewing project turns out. Rhonda Pierce, a spokesperson for Schmetz needles, explains how to determine the right needle, what are some needle options, and even when you should change a machine needle. The avid quilter and sewing enthusiast shares her knowledge about what she calls "the most important 2-inch piece of steel in the home sewing machine" in this episode of Sewing With Threads. For more in-depth training with Threads magazine explore our eLearning courses at: https://courses.threadsmagazine.com/ Sign up for the Threads weekly eLetter - https://www.threadsmagazine.com/pages/newsletter-signup.php?utm_source=webad_728X90 Sign up for a Threads Insider membership - https://subscribe.threadsmagazine.com/loading.do?pk=W30120FS&ref=th-highlight&r=5D1551989&omedasite=THR_trial

Style Falcon patterns are designed for those without an hourglass shape, and the instructions and pattern pieces are visually accessible.

Guest Brooks Ann Camper shares the story of how she went from not knowing how to take a stitch or use an iron, to becoming a costume production professional and, now, to teaching a new and empowering approach to sewing.

Threads plans a tour to London in May 2025, after last year's trip to Amsterdam and surrounding areas. Threads Editor Carol J. Fresia shares what made the Netherlands tour a success and what to expect when in London. Visit our website: https://www.threadsmagazine.com Follow Threads on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/threadsmagazine Follow Threads on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/threadsmagazine Follow Threads on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/threadsmagazine Subscribe to our channel to view more Threads videos: https://www.threadsmagazine.com/videos Read the podcast notes and find related photos and articles for every episode at: https://www.threadsmagazine.com/blog/sewing-threads-podcast For more in-depth training with Threads magazine explore our eLearning courses at: https://courses.threadsmagazine.com/ Sign up for the Threads weekly eLetter - https://www.threadsmagazine.com/pages/newsletter-signup.php?utm_source=webad_728X90 Sign up for a Threads Insider membership - https://subscribe.threadsmagazine.com/loading.do?pk=W30120FS&ref=th-highlight&r=5D1551989&omedasite=THR_trial

The owner of a sewing box subscription service shares details about how her unique service works and her goal of turning dreams of sewing your own garments into reality.

Find gift ideas to inspire and help your sewing loved ones or yourself. The Threads editors discuss some of their favorites.

Kenneth D. King reveals details about his book, Doll Couture, including the inspiration and some dramatic scene creation for his finely dressed characters.

Sewing pro and wool expert Katrina Walker talks about her flock of sheep, characteristics and types of wool and caring for your own wool garments in this podcast.

A found collection of gowns by renowned couture house Callot Soeurs became a beloved research project for costume expert Maggie Raywood.

In this podcast, the always creative Becky Fulgoni shares her thinking while reimagining a handful of rediscovered but unworn garments. Two Threads editors pulled the garments from their own closets to challenge Becky, a frequent contributor to Threads, and to show how she arrives at wearable solutions.

Sewing book author, instructor and bridalwear designer Joi Mahon tells the story of how she turned her early passion for design and sewing into a business.

Digital Ambassador and sewing pro Pamela Howard shares fitting and alterations tips, along with her love of pressing and knit garments.

Sewing pro Sarah Veblen talks about her sewing frustrations and her strategies for managing and even preventing them.

Fashion designer and educator ChaCha N. Hudson discusses the draping process and how she approaches practicing and teaching draping.

Listen to some sage advice and learn some helpful tips from a custom dressmaker with extensive alterations experience, as prom and wedding season draw closer.

Heidi Parkes talks about how she stitches unique diary quilts to tell her story. She even shares how she began and what materials she uses.

Color and fashion trends, patterns, books, and even articles provide the motivation for those who love to sew. New Year's sewing resolutions aren't needed.

Kenneth D. King explains traditional and updated tailoring techniques, the subject of his in-depth "Smart Tailoring" video course.

Hannah Hamill lives and sews in Paris. She talks about her inspirations and how she's developed her chic, comfortable style.

Sewing With Threads talks with Alex Beard, also known as the Obsessive Costuming Dude on social media, who has become an expert on authentic Star Trek costumes.

Experimenting is at the heart of Gilbert Muniz's creative success. The teacher and Threads digital ambassador explains why it is so important.

Upcycling advocate and teacher Mary Ray discusses sustainability in the apparel industry and how home sewers can put the concept into practice.

Two sewing pros discuss the handling and wearing of vintage couture and textiles, whether they are nostalgic or historically significant pieces.

Draping authority Karolyn Kiisel talks about her opera costuming work, the essential dress form, and even her preferred draping fabric.

Syracuse University professor ChaCha N. Hudson talks about Fashion with Limits and the future of plus-size design.