The BOO! Embrace Tog Sew Along will run from Oct 24-26.
You can join the event on Facebook here.
The amount of people who say they were terrified of sewing stretch fabrics and will now ONLY sew with stretch fabrics is a testament to how easy and enjoyable it actually is so if you have never tried sewing stretch before, have a go, we have a massive cheer squad here ready to help and get you on your way!
Let's 'embrace' the binding together.
PRE-ORDER SEW ALONG BUNDLES
There will be a pre-order available for sew along bundles on the website from TOMORROW 25 September 8PM QLD time (AEST). Shipping timeframe will be approximately 2-3 weeks after order date. You absolutely don’t need a bundle to take part in the sew along, but it is the perfect starter bundle at a really great price. You can check out the bundle here.
The awesome bundle is valued at just over $90 and will be available for $65 until it runs out.
- BOO! Embrace Togs pattern - Sizes 0-14 (issued day before sew along commences)
- 1m exclusive sew along fabric
- includes 2 different fabrics + 2 different binding fabrics
- makes a minimum of 4 embrace togs size 0-7 or 2 embrace togs size 8-14
- alternatively can be used for dress bodices, rashies, swim briefs, squad togs, ultimate suit, leotards, dolman tops, skirts or anything else that your heart desires!
- Nude lining (for crotch only) - you may purchase extra lining here if wishing to fully line
- 5.6m x 10mm swimwear elastic (enough for 2 pair up to size 14)
- Brand new BOO! Glue (sewing glue manufactured by Sewline)
- 10pk Clover wonderclips
- Stretch pins
- 5 pack Schmetz Stretch Needles (chrome finish)
- 1 inch BOO! sew along measuring card for ensuring pattern is printed to size
- BOO! tape measure
- BOO! tote bag
The BOO! Embrace Togs pattern will be available at the special intro price of $8 during the sew along week for those NOT purchasing a sew along bundle.
Sew along’s are organised sewing events at a set time where we all sew along at the same pace using the same pattern and help each other out along the way. There will be a blog post published each day covering the steps of the sew along and a post in the pattern club for you to ask questions, load photos and get help along the way. You don’t have to participate at the time the sew along is being run if the timing is not suitable, you can just check out the blog posts and sew along at your own pace any time you like!
The Embrace sew along will run over a number of days.
DAY 1
Measure your model to decide size or mixed sizing needs
Print and stick pattern
Cut out your first pair of togs
Practice on your scraps to establish stitch settings for sewing machine (and overlocker if you have one)
Sew seams and apply lining
DAY 2
Sew elastic to binding
Attach binding to togs and finish
Sew leg elastic
DAY 3
We will cover included variations for seam binding and double binding
Some basic stretch sewing info:
FABRIC
Fabric is generally broken into 2 categories; woven (non-stretch) and knit (stretch).
Knit and spandex are the same thing. Lycra is a brand name for spandex (like Cadbury's is a brand of chocolate). Another name for spandex is elastane.
The embrace pattern is designed for knit fabrics with 4-way stretch meaning they stretch side to side and up and down.
You can use Polyester/Spandex (what majority of my printed fabrics are) or Nylon/Spandex (what majority of my solid colour fabrics are) for sewing swimwear. It is best to check fabric listings when purchasing swim fabric to ensure it is noted as being swimwear suitable.
THREADS
You need good quality polyester thread (probably what you are using for your every day sewing). You can optionally use woolly nylon (or a variation like Maxi-lock) for your bobbin and/or overlocker loopers, but you don’t need to. The advantage in using stretch thread is that you can get a little more stretch/give in the seam. Children with skin sensitivity issues can find polyester thread a little scratchy on the skin and people have had good results by swapping to a woolly nylon which is softer.
NEEDLES
I wanted to keep it really simple and have just included single stretch needles (they can be used for swimmers or skater dresses as well). You can optionally use STRETCH twin needles in either the 2.5 or 4.0 width for finishing your leg elastic or binding if that is your preference. I always think it is better to start with the basics, then get more adventurous!
Lyn
Pattern printed. Kit Ready. Looking forward to learning something new in my first Sew along.
Thanks Lyn
Noelene Maciejewski
Am looking forward to this sewalong….