Modern Sewing Starts Here – Issue 44 | Latest Patterns, Sewing Ideas & Fabric Releases

Edition 44 - February 2026
Modern
sewing
starts here..
Sewing
SURGERY
Seam rippers and how to best use them!
SEWING
patterns
?
?
?
THE LATEST PATTERNS
PREP STYLING
TROUSER TRENDS
WE
review
Annika Wienstroer, inspirational sewing blogger makes
the popular Bonnie Top from Mönsterfabriken
Let’s
TALK
Create buttonholes & buttons on your sewing
machine with style!
NEW FABRICS
Get your sew-on with beautiful fresh fabrics!
Fowler Jacket from
Closet Core
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk

A range of organic sewing threads offering colourcoordinated
palettes designed for different moods,
seasons and creative styles, suitable for quilting,
dressmaking and decorative stitching.
NEW
Organic Cotton
Themed Thread
Collections
30 Weight ~ 274 Metres | 50 Weight ~ 457 Metres
Made from Extra Long Staple Pima cotton grown without chemical pesticides and produced to
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) requirements. Manufactured in the EU and wound on
traditional wooden spools, the range reflects Scanfil Threads’ commitment to high-quality,
environmentally responsible production. Each box is thoughtfully packaged and ready to gift.

Editor’s Letter
With January behind us, we can begin to look forward to the
Spring. There’s something special about sewing as the world
wakes up again – choosing colours that echo fresh growth and
early flowers, and letting the slow, steady rhythm of making
mirror the quiet excitement of the season ahead.
We’re delighted to welcome inspirational sewing blogger
Annika Wienstroer, who shares her experience making the stylish
Bonnie shirt pattern from Swedish designer Mönsterfabriken. It’s
the perfect piece to refresh your spring wardrobe. Easter is also
an ideal time to pull out fabrics that have been waiting patiently
and turn them into something beautiful, so expect a dopamine
hit of cute Easter sewing in this edition!
Feeling sporty? The prep look is having a comeback, with an
emphasis on tailored, traditional pieces with a sporty edge, and
we’ve gathered patterns to help you achieve the latest looks.
We’re also seeing some exciting trouser trends right now, and we
take a closer look at four of the hottest styles.
Want to sharpen your sewing skills? Then check out the guide
to sewing the perfect button and buttonhole on your sewing
machine. While seam rippers may be the most-used tool in your
sewing box – are you using yours properly? We explore how to
get the best from this essential tool and how to choose the right
one for the job.
And as always, we take a look at some of the latest fabrics,
patterns, and haberdashery to inspire your next make.
Happy sewing from the team at
Modern Sewing Starts Here
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk
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#modernsewingstartshere

New apparel pattern releases for you to make!
Closet Core
The Fowler Jacket is a utilitarian and
gender-neutral pattern that offers two
distinct outerwear styles in one! Make in
a classic workwear inspired barn coat or a
cosy quilted jacket with double-fold bias
tape along all edges and hems. Its main
features are an oversized, boxy shape with
dropped shoulders, a two-piece sleeve,
and a band-less collar that’s finished with
your choice of button or snap closures. This
pattern comes in sizes XXS-6X in both 45in
(1.14m) and 58in (1.5m) fabric widths.
To view this pattern and more from
Closet Core – click here

Style Arc
The Cassia Knit Top is a zip-front, longsleeved
windcheater-style knit top pattern
with a collar and dropped shoulder line.
It has a front yoke seam, deep armholes
and a relaxed, sporty shape that finishes
at high hip length. The wide long sleeves
are finished with cuffs, and the collar, cuffs
and waistband can be made from the main
fabric or rib fabric. The front opening is
finished with a feature zip, making this
an easy-to-wear casual style suitable for
everyday dressing. This pattern comes in
sizes 4-16 and 18-30.
To view this pattern and more from
Style Arc – click here
JUST
ARRIVED
Wardrobe By Me
The Bermuda Pants and Shorts pattern
features a relaxed and comfortable design
that’s ideal for casual wear. It consists of a
contoured waistband, deep front pleats, a
front fly with zipper, inseam side pockets,
and back patch pockets for both the trouser
and shorts options.
The City Dress is a modern, easy-to-wear
dress designed for comfort and effortless
style. There are two slightly A-line style
options – make with elbow-length wide
sleeves and a stylish notched neckline or a
sleeveless version with a deep V-neckline.
It’s ideal for warm weather or layering over
a tee or turtleneck for cooler days. Both
these sewing patterns come in sizes 0-24
(30-54).
To view this pattern and more from
Wardrobe By Me – click here

Wardrobe By Me
The Moira Blouse and Dress has two romantic
garment options – a flowing blouse and a versatile
dress. Both versions feature a scooped neckline
with gathers and raglan sleeves for a relaxed yet
stylish silhouette. Choose from the blouse with
three raglan sleeve lengths or make a tiered dress
in mini, midi or maxi lengths with optional belt.
This pattern comes in sizes 0-24 (30-54).
We’re seeing this style
of skirt everywhere! The
Claude Skirt is a clean,
uncomplicated skirt
pattern that’s designed
for everyday wear. It has
a comfortable elastic
waistband and practical
inseam pockets. The
long version has a subtle
flare toward the hem
for a relaxed silhouette,
but the pattern can
be shortened from
the hem if a shorter
length is preferred. This
pattern is perfect for this
season’s woven fabrics
such as cotton, denim,
baby cord, or viscose
and makes a versatile
wardrobe staple that
can be dressed up or
down depending on
your fabric choice. The
pattern comes in sizes
2XS-4XL.
ALL IN STOCK
SOON
The Bear Jacket pattern is a relaxed-fit, utility
inspired jacket design. It features a full-length front
zipper from hem to collar, a classic shirt-style collar,
a shoulder yoke, and two large patch pockets on
the front. It’s fully-lined and designed for midweight
woven fabrics with a clean, structured finish
making it practical for everyday wear.
The Big T-shirt pattern is a perfect companion
to the Bear Jacket and is a relaxed, easy-to-wear
wardrobe essential. Designed with a roomy, boxy
fit and dropped shoulders, this T-shirt offers the
perfect balance of comfort and modern style, and
the neckline is finished with a rib band. Both these
patterns come in sizes 2XS-4XL.
To view these sewing patterns and more
from Wardrobe By Me – click here

Soft Toy Patterns
Bring a little handmade magic to life with this joyful range of soft-toy sewing patterns designed for crafters
who love personality, colour and creativity. From cuddly classics like bears, bunnies and puppies to quirky
characters like sloths, dinosaurs and highland cows, each pattern is packed with charm
For more information and stockists visit www.hantexonline.co.uk/funky-friends

TRENDSETTER
The Trouser Trends
BARREL
beauty
ATHLEISURE
style
The Twig Woven Pant pattern consists of a lovely high
waisted pair of jeans with a barrel leg. This curved silhouette
is currently a popular choice, and offers a more structured
trouser with a roomy wide leg through the thigh to the
knees that tapers inwards towards the ankle. The pattern is
complemented by neat front and back pintucks, and comes
in sizes 4-16 and 18-30.
To find out more about this sewing pattern from
Style Arc – click here
The Sepia Pants & Shorts pattern has a clever blend of style
and comfort, and is perfect for this year’s elevated athleisure
look! These trousers feature a high-rise paper-bag waist,
a flattering fit through the hips extending into a wide-leg
silhouette, as well as an unusual ‘floating’ double pocket. This
pattern comes in sizes 0-20.
To find out more about this sewing pattern from
Closet Core – click here

Start this year by sewing one of the latest trouser styles of the season!
PRACTICAL
& utilitarian
PALAZZO
feel
The Florence Trousers suit every occasion from casual
to work wear. This stylish wide leg trouser is close fitting
from the natural waist to hips and flatters the smallest
proportions. The large statement pleats dramatically create
a wide A-line silhouette to the floor. This pattern comes in
10 sizes that are exclusive to the pattern brand so do read
the size chart to find the best fit for you.
To find out more about this sewing pattern from
Size Me Sewing – click here
The Rambler Pants are the perfect pant for all adventures.
These baggy pull-on trousers have an elastic waistband
with built in belt and faux fly. The slightly tapered legs are
practical for being out and about and you can store your
goodies in the slanted side pockets, and for even more
carrying capacity you’ve got fun patch pockets on the side
seams too! This pattern comes in sizes XS-7X.
To find out more about this sewing pattern from
Friday Pattern Company – click here

Focus on
FABRICS
Get your sew-on with these beautiful fabrics!
The latest collections from Art Gallery Fabrics:
HIGHLANDS FLANNEL
Wrap yourself in the warmth and charm of Highlands Flannel
where traditions meet comfort! Crafted from 100% pure cotton,
yarn dyed and double-brushed for an irresistibly soft touch –
this new flannel collection is your ultimate cosy companion!
Inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands
and historic plaids, each design tells a story of timeless
elegance and adventure. Choose from Crosshatch and Check
Plaids, this fabric collection is ideal for making trousers, jackets,
dresses and home furnishings.
Prairie Plaid in Earl Grey
Chevron Plaid in Toffee
All Art Gallery
Fabrics collections contain
100% premium cottons with many of
the ranges including
rayon, flannel, canvas and knits plus
2.5 Binding and 108 Wide Back. And
many of the new collections
also feature a new linen/cotton
blend.
Buffalo Plaid Mini in Mink
Buffalo Plaid in Nightfall
To find a stockist near you of the latest Art Gallery Fabrics collections - click here

Stellar Engineering in Blue
ROCKET SCIENCE
Launch into a world of wonder with the Rocket Science
fabric collection. This range has some wonderful
prints and designs for budding scientists and space
enthusiasts, and is full of Astronauts, bubbling beakers,
and a galaxy of planets and stars. Designed for
intergalactic creativity, this collection will bring fun to
your next sewing project.
Constellations
Rocket Ride
Zero Gravity
MINIMO
Designed by Amy Sinibaldi,
this fabric range is a heartfelt
nod to her beginnings and
love for small, low-volumestyle
motifs that sparked her
sewing journey. The sweet
motifs will bring joy to every
stitch as they are cheerful,
bright, and perfectly scaled
for small patchwork projects,
quilts and home decor.
Cherry Tiles
Air Mail
Prairie Dot in Pistachio
SOAR
Rooted in earthy tones and matcha hues, Katarina
Roccella’s Soar collection captures a serene
experience inspired by nature’s quiet elegance
and imperfect beauty.
Skye Sakura Blossom
Skybound Blooms
Dancing Cranes in Jade
Updraft Carbon
To find a stockist near you of the latest Art Gallery Fabrics collections - click here

The latest fabrics from Fableism:
WATER COLOR WOVENS
Capture a soft, ethereal elegance and add a real depth of colour to your projects with this new range. This two-colour yarn shows
off watercolour paint stroke-like tones and will bring your patchwork to life with the ever flowing depth of shade options in abundant
earthy tones. These 100% cottons are currently available in 40 beautiful shades, as well as two fat quarter and 5in square bundles.
LUCKY LOOM
Embrace the charm of the rainbow with the Lucky Loom collection. It’s a dazzling fusion of mixed weight wovens inspired by moments
of serendipity where the palette radiates warmth and whimsy, featuring golden yellows, soft pinks, earthy greens, tranquil blues,
through to rich purples – reminiscent of the colours of the rainbow. With intricate patterns and inviting textures, it’s perfect for creating
quilts, garments, home décor and is available in full and half bolts.
To find a stockist near you of the latest Fableism Fabrics collections - click here

-
BE PREPARED
The ‘Prep’ look is rooted in American ‘Prep’ school fashions with emphasis on tailored, sporty and
more traditional garments. It concentrates on quality fabrics with a focus on heritage, understated
elegance and drawing its inspiration from pastimes such as sailing, tennis and rowing
BOX CLEVER
Marlo Sweater
by True Bias
TAILOR
MADE
Heather Blazer
by Friday Pattern
Company
To view this pattern
– click here
To view this pattern
– click here
TRIM TIME
Raph Knit Polo
Top by Style Arc
V FOR
VERY STYLISH
Keith Knit Vest
from Style Arc
To view this pattern
– click here
To view this pattern
– click here

To view this pattern
– click here
ALL
IN THE
DETAIL
Bonnie Top by
Mönsterfabriken
IT’S A
CLASSIC
Jenna Button-up
Shirt & Dress by
Closet Core
To view this pattern
– click here
FEMININE
STYLING
Ermine Blouse by
Coralie Bijasson
DESIGNED
FOR CURVES
Concord
T-Shirt from
Cashmerette
To view this pattern
– click here
To view this pattern
– click here
VINTAGE
INSPO
Jenny Trousers
and Overall By
Closet Core
To view this pattern
– click here

-
ANGULAR &
URBAN
Loviisa Denim
Dress from Named
Clothing
To view this pattern
– click here
UNISEX
CHINOS
Chino Pants from
Wardrobe By Me
BUTTON UP
Blair Skirt from
True Bias
To view this pattern –
click here
To view this pattern
– click here
HOW TO GET THE PREP LOOK:
Go for stripes, plaids, Argyle, gingham in navy, whites,
camel, forest green and pastel pinks and blues
Choose cotton, wool tweed, linen, Oxford twill and
cashmere
Layer your garments such as tops with jumpers to add
to this look
Prym Brass Buttons 17mm Antique Silver (American Star)
To view the full range of Prym Buttons - click here
Accessorise with leather belts, silk scarves and stand
out from the crowd with brass buttons!

EASTER
SEWING
Get your dopamine hit with some Easter sewing!
Make a fresh start with light fabrics, pastels, florals, bunnies, and a whole lot of cheerful energy.
A handmade Easter gift feels more special than chocolate that’s gone in 10 minutes!
QUILTING
Use your favourite fabrics to piece this
adorable bunch of bunnies wearing shirts,
overalls, and dresses. Basil, Blanche, Bertie and
Button are all dressed up in their best clothes.
This quilt pattern uses conventional patchwork
techniques with no templates or paper piecing.
Choose from a small or large quilt.
To view the Bunny Bunch Quilt Pattern Book
from Elizabeth Hartman – click here
This traditionally pieced quilt pattern is for the confident beginner sewers
and above. The pattern consists of two repeating blocks – a ladybug block
and a flower block and includes instructions for making a baby size quilt and
two throw sizes. The pattern also includes tags for organising your cuts of
fabric, downloadable colouring pages, and clear instructions and diagrams.
To view Hello Spring Quilt Pattern by Pen + Paper – click here
BEAUTIFUL THREADS
Celebrate mindful making with this beautifully curated range of
organic sewing threads, designed for makers who value colour, quality
and responsible production. Each selection box brings together a
harmonious palette chosen to reflect a particular mood, season or
creative style, offering a versatile foundation for quilting, dressmaking
and decorative stitching. Shown here is the Spring Flowers organic
cotton 30-weight thread selection.
To view the complete range of Collector Sets from Scanfil – click here

FUN FABRICS
Pastel shades are perfect for Easter
sewing and give off a breezy, light
vibe. Go whimsical with prints of
bunnies, chicks, or Easter eggs
or something more romantic with
floral, retro and gingham. Choose
lovely cottons this season: poplin,
embroidered cotton, chambray,
double gauze, gingham, twill, voile,
lawn and dyed yarn cottons.
Bunny Hops From Woodland Creatures by
Dominika Godette for Cloud9 Fabrics
Wild Flora Spring from The Cur8tor
Gardenista collection by Art Gallery Fabrics
Fresh Air Wide Stripe from the Canyon
Springs collection by Fableism
Libellule Ascension from the Spring Equinox
collection by Art Gallery Fabrics
Nesting Season Night from the Spring Equinox
collection by Art Gallery Fabrics
TOY MAKING
Whether you’re sewing a keepsake from baby clothes, making a thoughtful handmade gift or
whipping up a fun weekend project, these patterns offer clear instructions, beautiful shaping, and
endless customisation opportunities. Choose your favourite fabrics and watch each character come
alive! Children and adults will love the bunny, lamb or chick you made them! It’s an additional
chance to get creative, an excuse to sit down and ignore everything else for a bit! Therapy with
fabric and thread!
To see these sewing patterns and more from Funky Friends Factory – click here

LET’S TALK
Buttons & Buttonholes
Buttons make beautiful fastenings and come in lots of different shapes and
sizes, so when using them as closures for a garment, you’ll need to find the
perfect buttonhole to fit it! Julie Bonnar guides you through making this easy!
CREATING BUTTONHOLES:
A buttonhole is a set of very narrow zigzag stitches that are sewn
in two close lines and finished off at the ends to form a rectangle
box that along with a button creates a fastening for lots of
garments. Most modern sewing machines offer a one-step
buttonhole system and an automatic buttonhole foot making the
process a quick and easy task.
Most machines offer three different types of sensor
buttonholes. This means that the size of the buttonhole is
determined automatically when the button is placed in the rear
of the buttonhole foot allowing both button and buttonhole to
fit perfectly. You’d be forgiven for not realising that this foot is a
presser foot due to its shape!
Different types of buttonholes:
SQUARE - Use on medium to heavy fabrics.
ROUND-END – Choose for finer to medium weight
fabrics such as on blouses and children’s clothes.
KEYHOLE - Select for medium to heavy fabrics with
larger and thicker buttons.
Creating a buttonhole on your
sewing machine:
• Slot your button into the back of the foot by pulling the foot
back.
• The buttonhole foot attaches to your machine just like any
presser foot but you will need to pull the button lever down
as far as it will go.
• Use the same colour thread on the top of the machine and
in the bobbin. Draw the needle thread to the left through
the foot hole and mark the buttonhole position and lower
the needle to the starting point and lower the foot.
• Start sewing while pulling the thread gently to the left for
the first few stitches, and then let the machine finish off the
stitching sequence. Stitching starts off at the front of the
buttonhole and the machine will stop automatically when
the buttonhole is completed. Raise the buttonhole lever.
• For a sturdier buttonhole, you can sew another layer of
stitching over the top. To do this, just leave the buttonhole
lever down and start sewing.
Cutting open a buttonhole :
Place a pin at the top and bottom of the buttonhole as shown
above and use a seam ripper to cut the stitches. The pins
protect the ends of the buttonhole stitches from cutting.

SEWING BUTTONS:
You can use your machine to sew buttons on to your garments
quickly and neatly using a button sewing foot (shown below).
The blue rubber part of the foot is designed to hold the button
in place whilst the presser foot is lowered on top of the button,
to stop it from slipping. The foot attaches in two places - behind
the back bar as well as in front so make sure the back part of the
foot is lifted to click in to place.
Steps to sew a two-hole button on
your sewing machine:
• Mark where each button will be sewn on your garment (this
will be shown on your sewing pattern).
• Drop your machine’s feed dogs to ensure the button
doesn’t move or break your needle and attach the button
sewing foot.
• Choose your button
sewing stitch. Look at
the stitch chart for
a stitch that looks
like a button but
don’t worry if you
haven’t got this as
this can also be
easily done with a
zigzag stitch – just
set the stitch length
to 0.
• Position the button under the foot so the needle comes
down in the left hole of the button. Lower the foot to hold
the button in place. Then hand crank the machine so the
needle comes down and goes through the centre of the left
hole. You may need to move to get the best alignment.
• Continue so the needle goes back up and then comes
down in the right hole. To adjust this drop position, change
the stitch width. Start to stitch and sew about 8 stitches to
secure the button.
• Raise the presser foot and remove your button and fabric.
Snip the thread tails, leaving at least 4in of thread and
tie tightly.
TIP: Most manufactured buttons have the same
gap between the button eyes, and 3.5mm stitch is
usually perfect for sewing the button on.
To view our selection of dressmaking buttons – click here
Austin Dress from Grainline Studio
Button Troubleshooting:
How to space the buttons on the garment?
Buttonholes will be marked on your sewing pattern with short
lines, and a circle or a cross on top of the buttonhole marking
marks the button position. Remember that a women’s
garment does up right over left (so you’ll need to mark the
buttonholes on the left side).
The fabric has stretched around the buttonhole
When using stretch or fine fabrics, you should always use
some stabiliser on the back of the buttonhole and try not to
pull at the fabric as you sew. I like to use a small piece of a
tear-away so any excess can be removed after sewing.
The button doesn’t fit through the buttonhole!
Always make a test buttonhole on a scrap of the fabric to
check your settings and test that the button fits through
easily. If it doesn’t, you can pull the button holder back a little
more and try again!
The button has more than two holes
Just follow the steps twice and choose whether you do
parallel bars or a criss-cross with the stitching on the button.
The buttons are sewn on too tightly
Use a small pin to place in the middle of the button sewing
foot to make room for movement.
What is a stabiliser plate?
This is designed to hold and support your fabric and is also
attached to the buttonhole foot. It’s not essential but is
particularly useful when sewing a buttonhole over the hem of
thicker fabrics.

WHAT’S
NEW
We keep you posted of the
latest launches
HANDMADE TOYS
Bring a little handmade magic to life with this joyful range of softtoy
sewing patterns designed for those who love personality, colour
and creativity. From cuddly classics like bears, bunnies and puppies
to quirky characters like sloths, dinosaurs and highland cows, each
pattern is packed with charm.
Whether you’re sewing a keepsake from baby clothes, making a
thoughtful handmade gift or whipping up a fun weekend project –
these patterns offer clear instructions, beautiful shaping, and endless
customisation opportunities.
Choose your favourite fabrics and watch each character come alive!
These patterns are ideal for confident beginners and experienced
sewists alike!
To see these sewing patterns and more from Funky Friends Factory – click here

Ironing Ruler
Professional
Thread Scissors
A FEW OF THE NEW PRODUCTS FROM PRYM!
The General Purpose Titanium Scissors come in four great sizes 7cm, 8cm,
13cm and 18cm. They are reliable, all-purpose household and craft scissors
with titanium-coated stainless steel blades that makes it easy to remove glue
and sticky residues and keeping the cutting edge clean during use.
The strong, sturdy blades handle a variety of materials such as fabric,
paper, cardboard and plastic film while the grey plastic grip has a soft inner
ring that makes them very comfortable and non-slip. What’s great about
these scissors is that both right- and left-handed crafters can use them!
The Ironing Ruler is a transparent heatproof ruler designed to make sewing
preparation quicker and more precise. It’s made from durable, transparent
resin and features a right-angled L-shaped cut-out, 30°, 45° and 60° angle
markings, and 2cm and 3cm radii to help you measure, mark and press
seams, cuffs, straps, curves, bags and other fabric edges in one step. It’s heatresistant
so can be used directly under a hot iron to set folds and creases.
This versatile sewing accessory is ideal for anyone looking to streamline
their pressing and hemming tasks with accuracy and ease. It comes in sizes
30cm x 10cm and 20cm x 10cm.
General Purpose
Titanium Scissors
The Professional Thread Scissors are such a handy pair of thread snips
measuring 12cm in length. Designed for accurate and effortless thread
cutting in sewing and patchwork projects, they are a handy tool to have next
to you whatever your sewing project. With sharp stainless steel blades, they
deliver clean, precise cuts along their entire length, while the ergonomic softgrip
handles ensure comfort whilst doing repetitive threading work.
This Transparent Sewing Box is a practical and lightweight storage solution
for all sewists and is designed to keep all your essentials neatly organised and
easily accessible. Made from shock-resistant plastic, this roomy sewing box
opens like a toolbox with a concertina-style design that reveals lots of handy
compartments and two levels of storage, giving you a clear view of contents
at a glance. It’s perfect for home sewing and taking to workshops or classes.
To see more exciting new sewing products from Prym– click here
Transparent Sewing Box

MAKING THE
Bonnie Top from Mönsterfabriken
My pattern
When choosing a new shirt pattern, I am drawn
to designs that feel understated yet carefully
considered. The Bonnie pattern immediately
appealed to me because of its clean silhouette,
distinctive shoulder yoke, and the refined
front slit detail. It’s a modern shirt design that
balances simplicity with subtle construction
elements, making it both interesting to sew and
easy to wear.
One of the main reasons I chose this pattern is
its relaxed fit combined with well-defined details.
The shape allows for comfort and movement,
while still featuring a collar, front placket, and
yoke that give this garment a structured and
intentional look. This balance makes Bonnie a
versatile piece that works well for everyday wear
without feeling overly casual.
Sewing the pattern
From a sewing perspective, the process was
enjoyable and well organised. The instructions
are clearly written and supported by precise
illustrations, guiding the sewer with complete
confidence through each stage of construction.
Elements like the shoulder yoke and the front slit
are broken down into manageable steps, which
makes the sewing process feel approachable
and rewarding. The result is a clean finish that
reflects the quality of the pattern design.
Annika Wienstroer, inspirational sewing blogger
@frau.a.w shares her experience making this
stylish pattern from Swedish pattern designer,
Mönsterfabriken

My fabric choice
Fabric choice plays a key role in
highlighting the strength of this
pattern. I chose a lightweight
woven cotton with a classic stripe,
which complements the straight
lines and relaxed proportions
of the shirt. The fabric provides
enough structure for the collar and
placket while remaining soft and
breathable. This pattern style is
ideal for showcasing high-quality
shirting fabrics, as the design
allows the textile to take centre stage!
The result
The finished shirt is comfortable and easy to
style. It pairs effortlessly with tailored trousers
for a clean, modern look but works just as well
in more casual combinations. The Bonnie Top
has quickly become one of those garments
that fits naturally into my everyday wardrobe.
Overall, this pattern is a strong example of
thoughtful contemporary design, combining clear
instructions, satisfying construction and excellent
wearability. It’s such a rewarding project for
sewists who value quality, detail and
timeless style!
EDITORS NOTES
THE PATTERN:
Bonnie Top from Mönsterfabriken
This pattern
consists of a
really wide boxy
shirt with a
penguin sleeve
and a gusset
under the arm
for increased
comfort,
movability and
providing nice
detailing too. It
has a classical
shirt collar but with a slightly wider fit around the neck
for a more relaxed look. The pattern has a hidden
placket, slits at the sides and an asymmetrical cut yoke
at the back too. The design is made to play around
with top stitches and stripes. The yoke pieces at the
back can either be cut with the traditional vertical
grain line or place the grain line along the cut-lines of
the yoke for a graphical effect. The pattern comes in
chest sizes 80-116cm.
To find out more about this pattern from
Mönsterfabriken - click here
THE FABRICS:
Sew this pattern in a fabric that’s not too sturdy such as cotton shirt
fabrics, linen, Tencel, viscose or muslin, since the design requires some
flow for the best impression and fit.
For a classic look, choose the Wide Striped
Cotton Poplin in blue from the Jermyn
collection by Modelo Fabrics – click here
For a finer stripe, check out the
Fine Striped Cotton Poplin in
sand from the Jermyn collection by
Modelo Fabrics – click here
Make a light and
floaty romantic
version for Summer
with the Dobby
Voile in Denim
from the Kaibo
collection by
Modelo Fabrics –
click here

SEWING
surgery
SEAM
RIPPERS
The most common sewing tool but do you
use it correctly?
A seam ripper is an essential sewing tool that’s used
to accurately unpick, cut and remove unwanted
stitches. It’s vital for correcting mistakes, removing
basting, altering and deconstructing garments and
can even be used to open buttonholes quickly.
It’s one of the smallest tools that we reach for when
we need to remove stitching and you may not even
give it a thought to whether you are using it correctly
or not! However, did you know that different tasks
may require a different way of using it?
How to use this tool:
Unpicking a few stitches
Hold the seam facing you and pull the fabric apart
to reveal the stitches. Place the sharp pointed tip
under the stitch being careful not to rip the fabric and
gently push the seam ripper upward away from the
fabric to cut the thread.
This method is particularly useful when you have
just a few stitches to rip, your fabric is fragile or your
seams are curved. Many sewers will use this process
to cut every stitch but there is any easier way!
Ripping a long seam
This technique is for undoing seams or hems and
known as ‘plowing’. You can rip open an entire
seam in a matter of seconds. Simply pick open a
few stitches at the beginning and place the end with
the ball between the fabric and stitches. The red
ball protects the fabric and glides the seam ripper
through the seam as the edge cuts the stitches.
Holding the fabric with your left hand, run the
ripper to cut all the threads. The sharp edge should
go up and away from the fabric and outside the
seam. This is the fastest way but you do need to be
careful you don’t tear the fabric.
TIPS:
When using the seam ripper, slightly hold the
stitching vertically and gravity will take over!
Any backstitches, you’ll need to remove one-by-one
before you use this method.
WHAT DOES A SEAM RIPPER
LOOK LIKE?
A seam ripper is also known as a ‘stitch ripper’ and ‘unpicker’. It
consists of a sharp, J-curved blade for cutting thread and a pointed
tip, and on the other end, it has a safety ball that lifts stitches
without damaging the fabric.
Use a seam ripper to open buttonholes
Place a straight pin at each end of the stitches, but on the inside of
the bar tacks (the longer stitches at the top and bottom). See the
feature on buttons and buttonholes in this edition. Place the pointed
tip of the seam ripper into the fabric between the columns of zigzag
stitches and push it through in each direction until it hits the pins.
Remove the pins, and your buttonhole opens neatly!
Removing overlocker stitches
Start on the right side, and release the thread in the middle if
you’ve a four thread overlock stitch. Pull that out. If you start on the
wrong side, you’ll pull the threads together in a knot.
Then grab hold of the stitch between the V. Give those threads a
pull and grab them to pull all the way through, and the overlocker
loops will come out easily.

CHOOSING A SEAM RIPPER
There are lots of different seam rippers available. Most
sewing machines come with a basic seam ripper in the
tool kit but it’s a good idea to upgrade and get one that is
comfortable to use, after all you are going to use it a lot!
Here are a few of our favourites
from Prym:
Ergonomic Stitch Ripper
This stitch ripper from the Prym Ergonomics range is ideal for
unpicking fabric seams. With a sharp blade, rounded tip and
ergonomic shaped handle, the recessed grips are both soft
and anti-slip allowing you to work for long periods without any
hand fatigue. You can also lengthen the handle by putting the
end cap on the end where it locks into place. It comes in two
sizes small and large (see the image on the first page).
To view it – click here
Prym Love Stitch Ripper
This smaller stitch ripper from the Prym Love and Ergonomics
range is ideal for unpicking fabric seams and comes in two
colours - mint (shown here) and pink. With a sharp blade,
rounded tip and ergonomic shaped handle, the recessed
grips are both soft and anti-slip allowing you to work for long
periods without fatigue. You can lengthen the handle by
putting the end cap on the end where it locks into place.
To view it – click here
Prym Stitch Ripper Small
This one is smaller and measures 8.4cm and is ideal for taking
to workshops. Sturdily designed, it fits comfortably into the
hand and its sharp blade and rounded tip effortlessly picks
the thread out of the fabric. You can lengthen the handle by
putting the end cap on the end for better grip. The blade of
the stitch ripper is safely protected by a sturdy plastic cover.
To view it – click here
Can you sharpen a seam ripper?
As this is essentially a little blade, it will dull especially if you
rip seams a lot. Most of us probably choose to buy a new one
but you can actually sharpen the seam ripper to extend its
life with a small piece of steel wool like a pot scourer. Rub the
steel wool back and forth across the edge to sharpen the seam
ripper, and rinse and dry thoroughly.
To view the full range of sewing notions including seam rippers – click here

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