Whether you are a beginner sewist or someone who has been sewing for a long time, there are always more skills to practice and master. This January, we'd like to take advantage of the extra burst of motivation that comes with a brand new year, and come together as a group to achieve a goal of learning one new skill each. Is there a sewing skill that you've always wanted to learn, but haven't mustered the motivation to try it yet? Maybe it's installing a zipper, making buttonholes, curved hems, working with stretch knit fabrics, sewing swimwear or athleticwear, sewing a v-neck, quilting, bag making or any other skill that you might like to try! Join our Facebook Group where we will be encouraging each other and tracking our progress to sew one New Year's ReSEWlution Skill Builder project this January. Complete your project by Jan 31 2025 and enter to win free sewing pattern prizes!
To help inspire you to choose your ReSEWlution project, here are some suggestions of skills to work on and patterns that could make a good beginner project for that skill.
Sewing buttons and buttonholes can be challenging. Some sewing machines will come with a button hole setting and foot which can be used in combination. This makes sewing buttonholes much easier! Some older or more basic machines do not have a programmed buttonhole setting or use buttonhole feet. This can make sewing the holes more challenging, but it can still be done!
Buttons & Blueprints - Rogue Cloak
This pattern is a versatile sweater/jacket for knit fabrics. It features a crossover style with buttons, two front styles, inseam or patch pockets, regular or cloak hood, and optional cuffs.
Buttons & Blueprints - Explorer Cloak
The Explorer Cloak is a woven outerwear garment with inset sleeves and lots of options. The unique design is perfect for cool weather and all bodies. The size range is 00 - 44+.
Both of these patterns can be made with alternative closures if buttons aren't your favorite. We've got a YouTube video showing you some options to try.
Stretch knit fabrics, like jersey or ribbed knits, are incredibly comfortable and versatile but can be tricky to handle. Learning how to sew with knits involves mastering techniques like using a stretch stitch, adjusting tension settings, or using a walking foot or serger. Start with simple projects such as t-shirts, tank tops, or leggings. These are great beginner-friendly garments that will help you get comfortable with the unique properties of knit fabrics. We've got a ton of great tips in our other blog posts and YouTube tutorials about how to sew stretch knit fabric, and plenty of wonderful patterns for knit fabric in the Sew PDF shop!
If you're already comfortable with standard knits, consider branching out to try athleticwear or swimwear. These are high stretch, high recovery and compressive fabrics, and this can make sewing your fabric a bit more challenging, but the resources we've linked above will help with this too.
Designs by Call Ajaire - Diamondback Bundle
This athletic style bundle comes with the Diamondback cami & crop top as well as the leggings. Both have a unique geometric cut out which is an excellent design feature! These cut outs are finished with binding, which is another great skill to work on! Sizes newborn to 16 youth.
The Diamondback set is also available as a separate top and bottoms.
Buttons & Blueprints - Sea Suit
The Sea Suit is a flattering one piece swimsuit in sizes 00 - 44. It includes standard or full bust adjustment cups, a halter back with out without a back panel for more coverage, and a flat or ruched front. This pattern requires swim knits with at least 50% horizontal and vertical stretch. This pattern is full of great skills to work on!
One skill that many sewists find intimidating at first is installing a zipper. Whether it's for a dress, skirt, or bag, zippers can seem tricky, but once you get the hang of it, they open up a world of possibilities for your projects. From invisible zippers that disappear into seams to regular zippers with topstitching, mastering this technique will give your garments and accessories a professional touch.
Cork & Copper - Callisto Case
The Callisto Case is a fun and easy sew which can be customized in many ways. This case is great for pencils/office supplies, but could be used for anything you like. The large size has optional grommets which can be added to make a binder case.
Goober Pea Designs - Quadra Jacket
The Quadra is a semi-fitted jacket with great colour blocking options. It can be made lined or unlined, with a hood or a collar. This pattern includes lots of other optional skills to work on like inseam and slant pockets, facings, and optional piping. Size range 0-3m to 20 youth.
We've got more great suggestions for patterns with zippers - check them out here.
Sewing a v-neck can seem tricky due to the shaping and the precise finishing required. Whether you're making a shirt, dress, or tunic, learning how to sew a perfect v-neck will enhance your wardrobe with stylish details. Stay tuned for a YouTube tutorial coming soon with tips for sewing the perfect v-neck!
Buttons & Blueprints - Summer Staple Dress
The Summer Staple Dress is a classic gathered dress with a huge variety of options - three necklines (v, crew, scoop), six sleeve options (sleeveless, short, elbow, 3/4, long, and flutter), two waist lengths (empire and drop), and three hem lengths (above knee, below knee, and maxi). It has a comfortable relaxed fit, which is perfect for easy summer wear!
Rad Patterns - Leia Dress
The Leia dress has a unique, flattering cut at the bodice side seams, making it a great option for panel use! It includes a V-neck with optional bow or ruching, which are more great skills. It can be made as a peplum top or as a dress with one of 4 skirt lengths. It is available in sizes XXS-4X.
Whether you're working on a circular skirt or a top or dress with a curved hemline, mastering this skill will help you achieve smooth, finished looking results. The key is to pin or clip generously, ensuring your hems follow the natural curve of the garment without puckering or shifting. Another helpful tip is to gather the edge of your fabric slightly. Stay tuned for a YouTube video tutorial coming soon!
Amelia Lane Designs - Dream Tee
The Dream Tee is a dolman tee or dress pattern, packed with options! Scoop or plunge neckline, short/elbow/long sleeves, and optional pockets for the dress version. The size range is 00-34, covering bust sizes of 31"-63.5".
Zen Llama Patterns - Radiant Raglan
The Radiant Raglan is packed with options and includes petite, regular, and tall heights. Try a curved hem, ruching, and colour blocking if you like! Also has optional chest-feeding access. Available in sizes 2 - 30.
Quilting is another skill which may seem daunting. If you've ever admired beautiful quilted projects, this challenge is the perfect opportunity to start your own quilt. We’ll introduce you to basic quilting techniques which can be used to create a small quilted project like a pillow or table runner, or go big with a full-size quilt.
Needles - In the Neighbourhood
In The Neighbourhood is a cozy quilt with lots of interesting details. It includes 7 different blocks which you will learn to fully construct. *This pattern is made up of rectangular pieces and uses a cut chart, there are no pieces to print.
Bag making can involve a lot of skills and seem overwhelming, but once you understand the basics, it's incredibly rewarding. From simple tote bags to more complex purses or backpacks, the skills you’ll gain from dipping your toe into bag making will help you build your confidence and create custom bags that are both functional and stylish.
Cork & Copper - Pennyroyal Pouch
The Pennyroyal Pouch is a beginner friendly sew with a classic design. This pouch can be customized with outer quilting or made with solid pieces. This bag is super versatile and available in four sizes.
Lányos Handmade - Primrose Purse
Primrose is a purse with a long, adjustable cross body strap and two zipper pockets, one magnetic closure pocket, and options for even more: another zipper, card slot or slip pocket. You can carry everything you need - and be able to find it all easily, too!
No matter which skill you choose to tackle this January, the important thing is that you're setting aside time to grow as a sewist. Whether you’re looking to add some new techniques to your repertoire or simply want to complete a project you’ve been putting off, we’re excited to help you achieve your sewing goals this month!