Databases and Magazine Articles

Databases:

  1. OverDrive. https://wapldmc.overdrive.com/

The Cambridge Library gives it members access to the Overdrive collection which includes a variety of digital sewing magazines and ebooks, which can be accessed online through a computer or on a tablet or phone through their app Libby.

Search Tip:

To find the best results try using the keyword: sewing.

  1. The Fold Line. https://thefoldline.com/

This site’s online sewing pattern database includes over 1,000 men’s, women’s, and children’s patterns covering both commercial brands (e.g. McCall’s, Vogue, Simplicity, Butterick etc.) and independent companies, and allows you to search for patterns using a number of features such as fabric type, skill level, style type etc.

Search Tip:

If you’re having trouble using their database, they made a video on how to search the site and use their search features. The video was made a few years ago and the website has since undergone an update but the video can still be used to understand the features and how they can be used to find the right pattern.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9qI5VLqtg4&t=94s

(Source: The Fold Line. (2019, February 16). How to: Search the Sewing Pattern Database and Shop on The Fold Line. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9qI5VLqtg4&t=94s)

Magazine Articles:

  1. Heppel, K. (2022, January 6). How to Take Accurate Measurements: Dressmaking Masterclass. Love Sewing. https://craftworld.com/cms/how-to-take-accurate-measurements-dressmaking-masterclass/

This article covers advice given by Alison Smith MBE (a sewing expert, teacher and author) on how to properly take your body measurements and the recommended amount of ease in a pattern, it also includes a printable measurement guide to record your own measurements on.

Note: If you’re a visual learner head to the Guides and Tutorials page for a video tutorial by Made to Sew for taking your measurements and seeing where these measurements correspond to on a real body.

  1. Glenn, H., & Mitnick, S. (2022a, September 7). Do You Have These 20 Essential Sewing Tools? Part 1. Seamwork. https://www.seamwork.com/articles/do-you-have-these-20-essential-sewing-tools-part-1

This first part covers 10 tools that Glenn and Mitnick recommend every sewer should have whether they are just starting or have been sewing for years, while part 2 covers the remaining 10 tools that are useful to have but are not necessary, especially for beginner sewers.

  1. Glenn, H., & Mitnick, S. (2022b, September 20). How to Choose a Sewing Machine Needle for Your Project. Seamwork. https://www.seamwork.com/articles/how-to-choose-a-sewing-machine-needle-for-your-project

This article goes into detail about the different types of sewing machine needles, the corresponding fabrics they work best with, and explains how this relates to the numbers featured on the needles. The article is accompanied by photographs, a video version and a downloadable quick reference guide.

  1. What’s the Best Way to Learn New Sewing Skills? (2022, June 22). Seamwork. https://www.seamwork.com/articles/whats-the-best-way-to-learn-new-sewing-skills

This article guides sewers through a challenging new project by approaching it in a way that makes it less frustrating and instead helps build your skills and confidence. This is done by identifying the new skills needed, researching them, and practicing them before applying them to the final item.

  1. McGhee, A. (2022, April 21). so, you want to start sewing. here’s what you should know. Frankie Magazine. https://www.frankie.com.au/article/so-you-want-to-start-sewing-heres-what-you-should-know-578274

McGhee gives advice based on her personal experience as a home sewer for getting started on a lower budget, recommending her essential tools, using and printing pdf patterns, and trying a project you know you can do to build your confidence.