I’ve made the Almost Long Trousers by The Assembly Line several times now. Here’s why it’s such an enjoyable, beginner-friendly pattern... and one I keep coming back to.
Merchant and Mills have designed a fabulous pattern hack for one of their best selling styles, the Trapeze Dress sewing pattern.
Merchant and Mills have added a full, double layered gathered skirt with a ribbon tie back. The result is playful and fun and the perfect canvas for a bright or embellished fabric. They chose a Cotton Poplin together with a Cotton Voile for lining. As you can see, because the poplin is a tightly woven fabric and quite crisp it gives the dress a lovely sculptural look.
If you choose something softer like an Indian Cotton it will have a softer silhouette. The second dress, pictured below, is made from the Libra Spot Indian Cotton also by Merchant and Mills and available on our website by clicking here.
I love this pattern hack, it completely changes the silhouette of the Trapeze Dress and is a great way to get more from your sewing pattern, I'll definitely be making one!
To make this dress you'll need the Trapeze Dress sewing pattern which you can buy here and you can download the free pattern hack over on the Merchant and Mills website by clicking here.
There were some real stand out Sewing Pattern styles in 2024 so I thought I'd share our Top 5 Sewing Patterns to hopefully inspire your next sewing project.
Our best selling pattern last year was the Remy Raglan Top Sewing Pattern by Sew House Seven. This a simple, timeless top is quick and easy to make. It features a relaxed fit at the bust and waist with three sleeve choices plus an optional keyhole button closure at the front.
Suitable for confident beginners, it's a great style for summer but can also be worn with a long sleeve tee in the winter.
Following closely behind the Remy, in second place, was Le Top by Atelier Brunette. Le Top is a sleeveless, trapeze top with a flattering design. You can chose from four playful side styles including three buttons, a single button and side splits, ties and a lace detail.
Third place went to the Tempete Blouse Sewing Pattern by Maison Fauve. Released in September, this beautiful blouse combines clean lines and sophistication with a very feminine drape.
The pattern plays on pleats, proportions and a trompe l’oeil collar effect. The sleeves can be long, and constructed with stitched pleats and a buttoned cuff, like a blouse. You can also sew the Tempête Blouse without sleeves, with an impeccable armhole finishing, for a very elegant little top to wear for any occasion.
The Cuff Top Sewing Pattern by The Assembly Line was our fourth best selling style of 2024 and has consistently been one of our best selling styles since we first started stocking it six years ago. Suitable for beginners, this is an easy to make style with a straight fit, boat neck and half sleeves with statement deep elastic cuffs
Finally, fifth place went to the Thea Boho Sleeve Shirt Sewing Pattern by Liberty. Thea is a loose-fitting button-front blouse with a range of different sleeve options. Choose from long and short sleeve lengths, the long sleeves have the option for puffed sleeves, as shown in the photos, as well as a ruffled option, making it a really versatile pattern.
It's interesting to note that all five styles were tops and blouses, that said they're all completely different with their own unique design details and silhouettes, and they are all still relevant as we head into 2025.
Explore and shop our thoughtfully curated collection of Sewing Patterns by clicking HERE.
Danish brand Puff and Pencil, in collaboration with Min Mote, have designed the Hangaround Bag as a free PDF sewing pattern.
The Hangaround sewing pattern is a small, lined shoulder and handbag. The bag is made up of four parts: two side pieces and a front and a back piece, as well as a handle and ties that serve as the bag's closure in the middle.
I chose to make my Hangaround Bag in in the Irit Organic Raw Denim fabric by Mind the MAKER and used this fabric for both the outer and the lining. You could of course choose to use a different fabric for the lining. I've seen some great versions over on Instagram including one made in a leopard print twill.
It's a really interesting style to make and comes together fairly easily. Don't be put off by the fact that it's a PDF sewing pattern, as it's a small item the pattern pieces are split across just 3 pieces of A4 paper making it really easy to cut out and put together.
I made the sample above for my daughter as a surprise gift when she started her final year at University back in September. She was thrilled with it and uses it constantly. In the new year I'll be making one for myself, I'm planning to use the Thelma Quilted Fabric, also by Mind the MAKER.
Click here if you fancy making your own version of the Hangaround Bag sewing pattern either as a gift for a friend or for yourself.
A simple collar tie hack for the Billow Blouse by The Assembly Line... a beautiful way to elevate this relaxed pattern with a more structured, versatile finish.