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
71 Episodes
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Have you looked at a sewing pattern and thought, I could never make that? Or maybe you’ve mastered the basics, but the idea of sewing a zipper or adding collars to a garment intimidates you? In this episode, Johanna and Malena share the best methods for transitioning from a sewing novice to feeling more like a pro. Plus, they address mindset challenges such as frustration with underwhelming results, the fear of “ruining” good fabric, and the hesitation that comes with trying something new. Topics covered:Picking the right sewing machineHow to choose the right fabric and patterns for your skill levelPractice projects that build technique and confidenceWhen (and how) to push yourself into more advanced skillsAnd lots more!Exclusive discount on the Bilberry Top BILBERRY DROPS SEPTEMBER 4(offer valid from 4th to 7th September): Use the code PODCAST20 for a 20% discount https://www.etsy.com/shop/HazelhenPatternsEmail 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 put their style forecaster hats on and list the key trends for fall 2025 and, most importantly, how to sew them.They talk genie pants, draped coats, power suits and midi-skirts. And what about embracing fashion comebacks? Well, Malena still struggles with revisiting 90s fashion, and Johanna is so not ready for 80s shoulder pads. As Stitching Tales' resident music fanatic, Johanna also has some interesting style notes from the "Swedish Coachella" music festival (hint: we all need a pleated kilt skirt). 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 has found the perfect solution to bring back her sewing mojo: invite a friend and sew together over a glass of cava. Johanna is currently a sweaty, toothless mess. But she has also done some sewing this summer that reminded her of an important principle: KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) They also talk day-job updates, and on air, they impulsively make a bold declaration that will challenge them both. 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
Johanna recently made a big decision regarding the future of The Last Stitch and her well-being. And Malena is finally finishing her next sewing pattern, the Bilberry Top. It's a busy summer, and all the hard work will hopefully pan out in the fall! 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
How do you transfer notches and lines from paper to fabric accurately? Without ruining the fabric or having it rub off before you even start sewing? Malena and Johanna dive into an often overlooked, but essential, step in sewing: marking your fabric.From tracing wheels to tailor’s chalk, snips to washable pens, they’ll explore the pros, cons, and best-use methods for the many marking tools that we have at our disposal. Fit for Knits Bookhttps://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-bookEmail 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
Ever found the perfect sewing pattern…only to discover it has no pockets? Don’t worry, in this episode, Malena and Johanna talk about how to take matters into your own hands (literally) and add pockets to just about any sewing pattern.They’ll explain why so many designers leave out pockets, the best way to draft and sew them, and what to watch out for along the way. Tutorials to get you started:Slanted pocketshttps://www.thelaststitch.com/sewing-beautiful-pants-pockets-the-easy-wayIn-seam pocketshttps://www.thelaststitch.com/how-to-sew-inseam-pockets-in-kni/Patch pockets (on jeans)https://www.thelaststitch.com/how-to-sew-jeans-back-pocketsEmail 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
In this sun-soaked episode, Johanna and Malena dive into the joys of summer sewing. In particular, how to choose the right fabrics and styles for hot weather. They also give tips on the best way to hack a pants sewing pattern into shorts, and why Johanna relies on breezy shirts rather than sunscreen on most summer days. Malena's tutorials for hacking pants into shortshttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com/post/hacking-the-fieldfare-joggers-into-shorts-a-step-by-step-guidehttps://www.hazelhenpatterns.com/post/pattern-hack-shortsEmail 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
What makes knit and woven fabrics so different, and why does it matter for your sewing project? Plus, can you use a sewing pattern designed for woven on knits, and vice versa? Malena and Johanna dive headfirst into the ultimate fabric showdown: stretchy vs structured, forgiving vs well-fitted, comfy tees vs slim-fit shirts. The battle is on! 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
Ever dreamed of turning your passion for sewing into a full-fledged business? Johanna and Malena pull back the curtain on what it really takes to leap, from pricing and mindset shifts to setting up the business correctly and asking for support. And is it even a good idea to turn your beloved hobby into a business? 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
What's the ultimate seam allowance? (hint: it depends) And should sewing patterns come with seam allowances, or not? Johanna and Malena delve into the world of seam allowances and share some pro tips that you may not have heard before.Plus, Malena talks about how seam allowances are done in the garment industry, which is quite different from what you'll find in most sewing patterns. 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 have sewn for over 70 years. Not individually (they are not that old!). But together, that's how many years it adds up to.So have they learned something after all these years? Well, quite a lot, it turns out, including some important mindset stuff. 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
Johanna and Malena love sewing. But not every type of sewing. Some projects are just plain nope! In this episode, we spill the tea on garments and fabrics that we avoid like the plague. 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 is releasing a new Hazelhen pattern for the first time in years (yay!). But she recently had a revelation that made her rethink the launch process. So now she has to come up with a whole new game plan, and Johanna is here to help.Plus, there is an update on Johanna's situation, which left her in dire straits (which she talked about in last week's episode). Hint: Things are looking up! 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 has hit a low point after weeks of a stubborn flu combined with a return to her day job. A lack of direction and overwhelm have made her feel like she's treading water with the sewing business. Luckily, Malena has some great advice on where Johanna should put her main focus to make the business grow. Have suggestions? 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
Should you stay-stitch knits? How do we eliminate puckers when sewing set-in sleeves with ease? Plus, have Johanna and Malena jumped on the projector file bandwagon? Listen to find out! In this episode, we open the listener's mailbox and answer your pressing sewing questions. Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr write to us on 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
Lured by the idea of sewing faster? Johanna and Malena have some practical tips on how to sew more efficiently AND make fewer mistakes. Plus, we address the elephant in the room: Is faster sewing something we should even strive towards? Time-saving tips for sewing jeanshttps://www.thelaststitch.com/7-time-saving-tips-for-sewing-jeansFastest way to assemble pdf-patternshttps://youtu.be/yxNObYiJSL4Our book Fit for Knitshttps://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-bookContact 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
Picking the wrong type of knit fabric for a project is a recipe for disappointment, so listen to this episode before you make your next knit garment.Malena and Johanna talk about different knit fabrics and their properties. What's the difference between a single knit and a double knit? And why are sweatshirt fabrics often flossy on the inside? Listen to find out! Then the discussion takes a detour down memory lane when we reminisce about those iconic velour tracksuits from the early 00s.Our book Fit for Knitshttps://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-bookHave more questions? 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 is getting close to launching a new sewing pattern, but will she make her (self-imposed) deadline? Johanna has returned to her day job after a six-month-long break, and this new reality brings out mixed emotions. They also discuss alternative career plans, especially if you have a passion project that takes up a lot of brain space. Perhaps Johanna's next career move is to become a tram driver? Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr write to us on 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
Building a personal brand means showing yourself. But how much is too much? Malena and Johanna have a candid talk about navigating their online presence, and the possible pitfalls.Johanna opens up about sharing her divorce online and what it's like dating as a semi-public figure. Plus she has an exciting update on her relationship status! Malena wonders if she should show herself more on Instagram, and if so, what would people want to see? Chat with us on our socialsStitching 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
Would Malena and Johanna still run their sewing business if they became financially independent? And how can we shop smarter when buying fabric online? These and other great questions from the podcast listeners are answered in this fun Q&A episode.Plus we get to find out when Malena last sewed a garment for herself, that wasn't a work project (the answer might shock you!)Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.comOr write to us on our socials:Stitching Tales on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespodStitching Tales on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPodJohanna's waistband tutorialhttps://www.thelaststitch.com/sewing-a-curved-waistband-that-rivals-rtwVide slip-stitched elastic waistband tutorialhttps://www.thelaststitch.com/vide-sew-along-waistbandAbout 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
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