Hello, I'm Sarah

I run The Sewing Retreat and here you'll find out more about ethical sewing, pattern cutting and everything related

Grab a cup of tea and come and join me

3 days ago

5 Essential pattern cutting tools, books and mannequins to start creating your own sewing patterns

Learn which pattern cutting tools you need to get started today. A list of essential tools, useful pattern cutting books and more!

Oct 6

How to draft and sew an all-in-one facing - The burrito method

An all-in-one facing is perfect for sleeveless tops. Learn how to draft an all-in-one facing for your pattern and how to sew it together.

Jul 1

Understanding ease - What is ease and how do I add it into my sewing patterns?

Learn the difference between design ease and wearing/fitting ease to create those beautiful smock dresses ready for your summer BBQ

Apr 27

How to remove a bust dart from a bodice block

Learn how to remove a bust dart from a bodice block in under 4 minutes

Apr 26

Sewing and pattern cutting terms, annotations and symbols

Discover a list of essential sewing and pattern cutting terms and learn exactly how to annotate your sewing patterns

Feb 25

5 pro tips for creating perfectly fitting clothes - Part 3/3

It's so frustrating when you create something and it just doesn't quite fit but I'm here to help you create clothes that fit you perfectly!

Feb 12

How to begin working with pattern blocks - The basics of pattern cutting - Part 2/3

Before you begin your pattern cutting journey, it's really important that you know the difference between pattern blocks and sewing patterns

Jan 27

The one thing you need to know to upgrade your sewing game - Part 1/3

With just a basic understanding of pattern cutting, you can really transform your sewing projects and go from OK creations to dream garments

Jan 12

What do you need to start designing your own sewing patterns?

This list shows you what you really need to start creating and pattern cutting your own sewing patterns

Oct 12, 2020

How to design and make your own clothes - Sewing- Part 4/4

This is both the most exciting and most scary time in any project. You're excited to see your creation come alive but terrified to cut out y

Oct 7, 2020

How to design and make your own clothes - Toiles- Part 3/4

You've pattern cut your design and now it's time to cut out your pattern pieces and create your top.

Sep 20, 2020

How to design and make your own clothes - Pattern Cutting - Part 2/4

Pattern cutting is like writing a recipe for a cake (for me that's a chocolate cherry roulade at the moment!).

Aug 21, 2020

How to design and start making your own clothes - Designing - Part 1/4

You don't have to be a designer to design your dream clothes.

Jul 1, 2020

What are pattern cutting blocks and what are the quarter and half-scale ones for?

What are pattern cutting blocks? Pattern cutting blocks, also know as slopers, are the stencils used to create 99% of sewing patterns.

Jun 9, 2020

Book review - Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas - An insight into the fashion industry

A truly eye-opening, up to date, read on the impact the fashion and textile industry is having on our world and our people

Jun 9, 2020

Book Review - Metric Pattern Cutting for Womenswear by Winifred Aldrich

A bible for anyone wanting to make their own sewing patterns and create better fitting garments.

Jun 9, 2020

Book review - The Fashionary Womens A5 Sketchbook for quick and easy fashion design

The perfect sketchbook for drawing quick designs and practising fashion illustration.

Jun 9, 2020

Book Review - The Pattern Magic book series by Tomoko Nakamichi

Inspired by nature and geometry, this Japanese series of Pattern Magic books offers us the chance to be more playful with pattern cutting