Clothe me

Learn all about sewing darts to give your clothing and bags a 3 dimensional shape. Here I show you step by step how to mark and sew perfect darts every time

Making PJs should be just as easy as wearing them, like this cute floral combo by Corinne Bradd – which even novices will love. Cotton is a really manageable fabric and will make the shorts super comfortable, and it's a great opportunity to try making your own bias binding. If you aren't a fan of elastic waistbands, thread a length of decorative ribbon through the channel and knot at each end for a waist-tie.

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The classic shift dress has been reinvented over and over, flattering boyish frames and curvy figures alike. Here, Amanda Walker creates structured lines with her simple design, which includes shapely darts and practical pockets – perfect for beginners! If using a check fabric, cut out the front dress first, then lay the pockets directly onto it to ensure a perfect pattern match.

This loose fitting tunic is not only comfortable and stylish, but easy to stitch, too. It’s custom sized, which means no tricky pattern pieces to follow – simply use your own measurements to cut the shapes and stitch together. Fusible web tape is used for fuss free hemming and the facings are made from an extended seam allowance, so there’s no excuse not to get stitching!

Is it a coat? Is it a cardigan? One thing we know for certain is that Amanda Walker's slip-on garment looks stunning in this textured bouclé fabric. With no buttonholes required, this is a great introduction for coat-making newbies, requiring just basic stitching techniques along with overlocking or zig zag stitch to neaten the seams. You could always make a waist tie to fasten it from any leftover fabric.

This easy-to-make maxi dress by Torie Jayne is perfect for summer, stitched in a lightweight, drapey fabric. It can be easily adjusted for your size – simply make the bust larger or smaller by increasing the depth and length of the panel. To make the skirt larger or smaller, just increase the width of the panels. As for the hem, mark your desired length, plus 2cm for the hem allowance and 6mm for the seam at the top.

Avoid the embarrassment of turning up in the same dress as another guest at a festive engagement by stitching your own bespoke outfit. Designed by Amanda Walker, this simple dress is in a curve-hugging wiggle style evocative of the 1950s. It features two dart positions and is a flattering knee length; with a pretty bow detail at the neckline. From the Sew archive, it has had a modern revamp with two striking prints from John Kaldor – perfect for turning heads at all your seasonal soirées.

Jazz up your style

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If you are making the dress, you can assess this quickly and easily by pinching it at the top of the shoulders and holding it up to yourself. It should be wide enough to get over your hips, and a suitable length. The asymmetric top can be made from a t-shirt that is already a snug fit.

The perfect go-to for Sunday walks, this cosy tunic by Amanda Walker features contrast pockets and neck lining plus a dropped waistline that is slightly curved for interest. Ponte Roma is an easy knit fabric to work with that skims over your body and doesn’t crease. Stay tape is used here to stabilise the base and cuffs, but if you don’t have any you can easily substitute hemming tape or interfacing.

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