Welcome to issue 156 of Love Sewing!

Sew your own top handle travel bag on

Sew, what's new?

The patterns, people, fabric and finds getting us sewing this month

Gorgeous GATHERS

Here are some of our expert advice for easy gathered tiers

5 New Skirt Styles to TRY IN 2026

Skirts can be so versatile in your wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean they have to be simple silhouettes, here are some of my favourite unique styles for you to try

Expose Your Patterns

Our lovely friends over at Sew Direct are offering you a FREE Butterick 7044 skirt pattern this month. Here are some fun fabrics that we are making us run to our sewing machines!

Show some Colour

Your new Nancy tunic dress & top is very versatile, so why not use this dress to express yourself, we are loving the on-trend colour combo of red and pink this season too!

Measuring STRETCH

Find out how to measure the amount of stretch in your fabric

Weaving Across the World

We caught up with Victoria Finlay to hear about her incredible adventure in search of the stories behind our fabric

The Thrill of the Frill

Frills were so popular in 2025, for garments and home décor alike; this trend will not be slowing down!

Fashion Fastenings

They’re the smallest and seemingly most insignificant part of a garment, but the fastenings we use have their own incredible history – let’s unzip it!

The Mix and Match Sewing Book by Amy Gonzales & Theresa Kuo

Sew a creative, wearable wardrobe with the Matchy Matchy Sewing Club's guide to mixing, matching and using what you’ve got to create 12 adaptable sewing projects

Snap into ACTION

Our experts explain how to use snap fasteners on your new upcycled snap fasteners

Choose WISELY

Angela is here to pass on her advice for choosing the right fabric every time

MACHINE FOCUS

We took a closer look at some of the machines that Singer have to offer

Quick Quilting

If you are trying to expand your skills this year, why not try some of these quilted projects?

Super Simple

This skirt dress and top pattern will be your next go-to outfit, which is super simple to style

SEWING for 2026

A maker’s guide to the new year’s trends, patterns and fabrics

Simple sew

THE UK’S NO.1 SEWING MAGAZINE NEW SEASON ESSENTIALS

This month, I'm making the PUFF & PENCIL BOMBER JACKET

This month, we are shining a light on this fantastic, warm and cosy spin on the classic bomber jacket style by Atelier.deborahka

Go to the EXTREME

Broderie anglaise fabric, teamed up with vintage lace trim makes for a beautiful feminine touch to this modern style blouse

The Romantic EDIT

This stunning high-neck dress, designed by Sewing Bee winner Juliet Uzor, is perfect for winter dates and helping you dress for the occasion!

The Nancy TUNIC

This sweet tunic is one of the easiest dresses to make and has so much potential for creativity!

Stylish SUEDE

This chic handbag from designer Sophie Tarrant combines practical design with a touch of luxury thanks to its faux suede outer and neat check lining

A Love for COMFORT

Sew your own high-street trendy heart-shaped cushion, use a bold fabric like Becky, or go for something simpler

The Classy SKIRT

Here’s a lovely, easy-to-make inverted pleat midi skirt that you can create without a sewing pattern. The soft, structured shape comes from the inverted pleats at the front and back, giving it a beautiful flow and balance

Pillowcase TOTE

The pillowcase tote is a slim, quilted tote with short handles and a mini ruffle edge for ultimate cuteness

Keep it ORGANISED

Keep your scissors safe in this simple-to-sew case

Warm & FREE

Keep yourself warm and free with these scrap-busting fingerless gloves

Wool MINI

This fun mini skirt is the perfect transitional piece for your wardrobe. Make yours in a cosy, soft wool, with a lining and an invisible zip

The Cute Collar COLLECTION

Detachable collars are such handy styling pieces in your wardrobe, dress up any plain outfit with these simple draft your own patterns

The Lapwing TROUSERS

Comfortable yet chic, these trousers from Simple Sew are perfect for days on the go