Stitching Tales
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© The Last Stitch Media
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The inside scoop on sewing your own clothes and running a sewing business. By the authors of Fit for Knits, Malena Hjerpe and Johanna Lundström.
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Johanna Lundström:
Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.
https://www.thelaststitch.com
About Malena Hjerpe:
Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://hazelhenpatterns.com
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Johanna Lundström:
Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.
https://www.thelaststitch.com
About Malena Hjerpe:
Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://hazelhenpatterns.com
102 Episodes
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Remember the t-shirt book Johanna and Malena said they were working on? Well, this is the update, and again, they need your input!Johanna and Malena share what’s happened since the last episode, what decisions they’ve made, what turned out to be more complicated than expected, and how your feedback has shaped the book.They talk about seam allowances vs stitch lines (and why that became a whole thing), how they landed on their sizing approach, and why naming the patterns felt like having babies. Plus a few moments of “we didn’t think this would be so hard”.This is the follow-up to episode #90 with more to come!Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on InstagramStitching Tales on YouTubeAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.Hazelhen Patterns Instagramhazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.thelaststitch.comThe Last Stitch Instagram
Ever tried gathering fabric and wondered why it sometimes works… and sometimes it's a real struggle?In this episode, Johanna and Malena dig into gatherings, and not the social kind. They share their favourite methods, how to distribute gathers evenly without guesswork, and what to adjust when things start going wrong. Plus, how fabric type affects the final result, because gathering a crisp cotton is not the same as gathering a drapey knit (and definitely not the same as heavy denim).Then Johanna goes deep into the intricacies of sewing gathers on knits, because that is the only thing she can think about right now, with the pattern launch looming and all that!Johanna's knit gathers tutorialGuril knit top pattern with gathered sleevesEmail us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on InstagramStitching Tales on YouTubeAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.Hazelhen Patterns Instagramhazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.thelaststitch.comThe Last Stitch Instagram
100 episodes (!!) and still talking sewing every week . In this celebratory episode, Johanna and Malena share how Stitching Tales started (mostly as a way to keep talking after finishing Fit for Knits). They also talk about choosing a very casual and candid format, plus the decision to do a video podcast from the start, and how that completely messed up Johanna's YouTube channel! They also answer listener questions, like how to deal with skipped stitches, gaping armholes and sewing buttonholes on knits!Thank you for being part of the journey, on to the next 100!Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on InstagramStitching Tales on YouTubeAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.Hazelhen Patterns Instagramhazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.thelaststitch.comThe Last Stitch Instagram
Johanna and Malena share what’s currently been happening behind the scenes. Johanna is launching a new sewing pattern soon (hopefully), and let's just say, it's a lot! From sewing photo samples under pressure to navigating real-life setbacks and experimenting with new instruction formats. Not to mention the constant worry that the pattern will launch to crickets.Malena has also been busy in the pattern studio and has added projector files to her sewing patterns. She also had to make some tough decisions on where her energy and time are best spent, and Johanna thinks that maybe she scared Malena straight. Then Johanna shares some upsetting book drama with a big vendor that starts with an A and ends with an M. But the good news is that if you are in the US, there is currently a spring sale on Amazon for Fit for Knits and Sewing Jeans (25% off!) So grab a print copy while there is stock left! SHOP BOOK SPRING SALE ON AMAZON USFit for Knits (Amazon affiliate link)Sewing Jeans (Amazon affiliate link)Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on InstagramStitching Tales on YouTubeAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.Hazelhen Patterns Instagramhazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.thelaststitch.com
Johanna and Malena hand over their creative control to the spinning wheel and play Fabric Roulette. A game where fabrics are chosen at random, and then Malena and Johanna have to figure out what to sew. Unfortunately, some fabrics are on their no-no list, but somehow they still manage to come up with some pretty cool designs. Especially since they don't actually have to sew them! Between the wild spins, there are some actual sewing tips; neckline techniques for sheer fabrics, why you should never work against the fabric and ways to hem tricky materials without losing your mind. Neckline tutorialhttps://www.thelaststitch.com/how-to-create-really-neat-neckline/Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
If you think your serger can do better, then this episode is for you! Johanna and Malena talk about their (arguable) favourite sewing machine and give tips on how to use the underutilised features of an overlocker. Including some unknown gems, which they are pretty shocked by themselves! They also get into the unglamorous but essential topic of learning your machine. Manuals are defended, rolled hems are praised, and thread tension is treated with the respect it deserves. Johanna even makes a case for reading the sewing machine manual rather than doomscrolling when you can't get up from the sofa.Book recommendations (Amazon affiliate links)Serger SecretsSerger EssentialsJohanna's serger tutorialsGathers on a sergerClear elastic tutorialEmail us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.https://www.thelaststitch.comhttps://www.instagram.com/laststitch
Malena and Johanna brave the chilly Swedish winter to discuss a decidedly warmer topic, spring fashion! They talk about elevated athleisure, utility wear, the comeback of bold colours, sheer fabrics, camisoles and perhaps the most pressing question of all: will the Wuthering Heights movie craze have us all dress as goths? Then Johanna declares that the most important fashion trend in 2026 is…pockets! They also take a detour to discuss a specific Swedish phenomenon, the mama sausage. Johanna is not a fan and has some choice words for this practical but uninspired garment. Then Malena drops a possible knowledge bomb: have we worn fur-lined hoodies wrong all this time? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
Moving from wovens to knits can feel like stepping into a parallel universe, similar tools, but completely different rules. In this episode, Malena and Johanna demystify knit fabric sewing and explain what actually matters when you're ready to make the leap.They break down the fundamental differences between knit and woven fabrics, why some knits are beginner-friendly while others will test your patience, how choosing the wrong fabric can mess up your project and why the sewing order changes with knits. They also discuss which starter project could set you up for success (hint: it might surprise you). Then Malena drops a cutting bomb that has Johanna in stitches! Helpful resourcesFit for Knits BookSewing with knits tutorialsGuide to sewing machine knit stitches (free download)Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
Johanna and Malena welcome their very first guest, Emily Hundt, founder of In The Folds, for an honest conversation about running a sewing business and making pivots when things are no longer working for the season you are in.They talk about finding your place in the sewing industry, what sustainability actually looks like when you’re self-employed, and how plans tend to change once life gets involved. Not to mention, having to figure out stuff you dread (taxes, tech, Reels!).Emily is sharing her journey on her Beyond the Folds Substack, and he has also begun a new exciting project that is very aligned with the times: Check out Making, Again (Emily's new venture) In the FoldsEmail us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
Malena has made a big life decision: she's reducuing here freelance pattern work to 80% to reclaim time for other projects. Now she's splitting her extra time between her own projects and working at a bridal shop.Johanna has been wrestling with website updates and other tech nightmares behind the scenes, reminding us all that running a sewing business isn't just about the fun stuff.In this honest catch-up, they talk about everything from Malena's magical emergency zipper fix to why working in a team beats the loneliness of solo freelancing. And how they're planning exciting new projects for the upcoming season.Save 20% on Johanna's patterns (48 hour Flash Sale) Click link or use code 20TALES to get the discount. Discount is applied at checkout.Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
Johanna and Malena do something slightly uncomfortable in this episode – they talk about themselves. With a growing number of new listeners (hi everyone!) it seemed like a good idea to explain who they are and how they ended up talking about sewing into microphones.Johanna unpacks her rather non-linear path, from teaching herself to sew, to working as a librarian, then a journalist, then a communications officer. Somewhere along the way, sewing refused to stay a hobby and in 2015, The Last Stitch was born.Malena's origin story begins in Finland and a childhood full of sewing. Fashion school confirmed that pattern making was the real interest, which eventually led to nearly a decade at H&M, including several years in Shanghai. After that came freelancing and the discovery of PDF patterns and the online sewing community. They finish off with some rapid-fire questions that reveal a fact about Malena that Johanna had no idea about, and the conversation takes an unexpected turn. Listen to find out!Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.https://www.thelaststitch.comhttps://www.instagram.com/laststitch
Press as you go, sew like a pro! Johanna and Malena dive straight into one of sewing’s most underrated skills, pressing. Malena (aka Sweden's biggest pressing ambassador) insists it's the unsung hero behind every great sewing project. While Johanna admits she once skimped on this crucial step, she then had to pay for it later. Between technique tips and favourite tools, they make a good case for how a quick press after each sewing step keeps the seams crisp and makes sewing easier. Johanna's pressing tutorialOur guide to essential pressing toolsEmail us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
Want to make your perfect t-shirt? Then Johanna's and Malena's next book could be the answer to your quest. Yes, they are working on a sewing book with patterns for five different t-shirt styles, because let's be honest, no one agrees on what “perfect” is anyway.In this episode, they share all the inside information, including styles, sizing, content and the decision to make their first paper pattern book. And most importantly, they need your help to figure out the best approach, from converting sizes to whether or not to include seam lines. Plus, Malena is wearing a sample of the straight t-shirt pattern, so watch the video version if you can! Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
Johanna and Malena have both moved sewing spaces recently. And now they feel overwhelmed—by all the sewing stuff they have accumulated over the years. What should they keep and what should they toss (or recycle)? They both feel kinda bad about getting rid of old fabric scraps. Should they be better at scrap busting? Or are the zero-waste messages not really realistic for home sewists? Then they turn their attention to the clear-out movement that was spearheaded by Mari Kondo, and see some possible pitfalls of too much focus on having a pristine home. Plus, they admit to some irrational shopping addictions of their own (for Malena, it's seeds, while Johanna can't resist pretty printed fabrics)Elsa, the sofa blogger :) https://elsa.elle.seUnderbara Clara, vintage-style bloggerhttps://underbaraclaras.seEmail us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.https://www.thelaststitch.comhttps://www.instagram.com/laststitch
Welcome to the very last Stitching Tales episode of 2025. Johanna and Malena are in a reflective mood, mostly because they just realised that episode 100 is creeping up fast. Malena shares her new work schedule with more room for personal projects. While Johanna reflects on the mind games that come with suddenly having more time on your hands. Of course, this leads to their big upcoming project, a sewing book they’ve been quietly plotting for a while. It’s a fun, slightly chaotic, and also optimistic way to wrap up the year and look forward to what’s next. And yes, they also want your help deciding how to celebrate that 100th episode!Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodPrint desinger mentioned https://www.instagram.com/isolettodesignAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
Johanna and Malena look back at their 2025 business year, a year packed with changes, and most of them felt good. Johanna made the big jump into working full-time on The Last Stitch, which gave her a boost of creativity, focus, and energy that she hasn't felt in ages.Malena finally launched the Bilberry top, scored her first pattern magazine feature, and even moved her sewing studio into a bridal shop, which has turned into some unexpected sewing adventures.Together, they agree that 2025 felt calmer and less stressful than the years before. And the best part, they already have some very fun plans lined up for 2026.Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.https://www.thelaststitch.comhttps://www.instagram.com/laststitch
Johanna and Malena play fantasy sewing and dream up five key garments that they love to wear over and over. For Johanna it's a retro-style windbreaker and of course the optimal pleated skirt (with pockets, of course). Malena ponders the perfect dress, and then she has a t-shirt revelation that makes them want to rethink everything. They also read another listener's email for the new Stitch and Tell segment, asking about the best places for fabric shopping and fashion inspiration in Sweden.Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)Places to visit in SwedenGöteborgRöhsska MuseumGårda TextilKnapp-CarlssonItalienska ModetygerTygaffär'nBorås Textil MuseumStockholmNordiska MuseetTygverketSiden-CarlssonFabric chain-storesOhlsons TygerSelfmade
They shimmer, they float, they slide right off your cutting table… Malena and Johanna dive into the world of slippery yet stunning fabrics. From satin to chiffon to charmeuse, they are talking about the types of materials that can drive sewists up the wall. A very timely episode as Malena has been dipping her toe into bridal wear (!). Malena also explains the technical side of how these fabrics are made. And then they dive into a tip-packed session on how to cut and sew these glowing beasts without the pain. So if you’ve ever fallen for a slippery fabric but felt too intimidated to sew it, this episode is for you!Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.https://www.thelaststitch.comhttps://www.instagram.com/laststitch
Malena and Johanna take a deep dive into the art of sewing smart on a budget, from fabric choices to smart tools. Malena also shares one of her favourite cost-saving tricks, based on how things are done in the garment industry. This impresses Johanna, because it's not just a budget trick; it's also a design feature!Johanna even claims that listening to this episode could make you rich, at least if you are using sewist math! But please don't fact-check this statement; instead, listen to this info-packed episode about how to sew on a budget.Also check out episodes 79, 23 and 18 to learn more about the sewing tools we think are valuable, and those you could skip. Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
Malena has been on a super inspiring networking trip to Copenhagen, and now she wants to switch careers and pivot into custom designs for theatre and ballet. Johanna has been working abroad as well, which, among other things, led her to start a sewing TikTok account after enjoying a glass of Spanish cerveza at the airport!In this fun update, they talk about everything from how to crack the sizing dilemma (Malena has some shocking stats on how few people actually fit into standard RTW-sizing) to Johanna (finally) getting brave with marketing, and the results are promising. Plus a new segment: Stitch and Tell, email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com if you have something you want to share! Ithaca Maven Substack about pattern fittinghttps://ithacamaven.substack.comOr contact us at our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodAbout Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatternshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
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