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by The Last Stitch Media
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
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Most people picture one job when they think about fashion: designer. Or perhaps a pattern maker if you are deeply into sewing (like us!). But the clothing industry is a whole ecosystem, and most of the key roles happen far away from the sketchbook.In this episode, Malena and Johanna break down how the apparel business actually works. From global players to small independent brands, they walk through all the roles that shape what we wear. If you’re curious about building a career in clothing or just want to understand what really happens behind the scenes, then this episode is for you!Episodes mentionedSecrets of a big brand pattern maker Creating a sewing pattern from start to finishEmail 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
It's time for another catch-up episode, which means Johanna and Malena are chatting about everything from summer sewing projects to the not-so-glamorous realities of running a sewing business.Malena has been sewing a new boat-neck knit top and they swap some practical sewing tips, including a clever neckline trick, moving shoulder seams for a better fit, and ways to reduce bulk when sewing knits.The conversation then shifts from the sewing room to the business side of things. Johanna reflects on leaving her day job to focus on The Last Stitch full-time, while Malena shares what it's like balancing a part-time job at a bridal shop with freelance sewing. They also discuss pattern sales, Etsy, newsletters, AI, marketing, why visibility has become harder than ever, and what it really takes to make a living teaching sewing online.If you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Stitching Tales, this episode is your backstage pass.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
Sizing a sewing pattern is rarely as simple as making everything bigger or smaller. In this episode, Malena unpacks what pattern grading actually involves, from choosing a base size to adjusting proportions for areas like the bust, waist, neck and sleeves.You’ll hear why grading is about balance rather than mathematics alone, how fabric choice affects the process, and why there are so many different sizing charts out there. If you’ve ever wondered why sizing can feel inconsistent or simply confusing, this episode gives you a clearer understanding of the decisions happening behind the scenes.Mentioned in this episodeMuna and BroadEmail 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
Sometimes a business pivot starts with a carefully planned strategy. Other times it starts with panic, burnout, a global crisis… or just the growing feeling that something isn’t working anymore.In this episode, Malena and Johanna talk about the messy reality of changing direction as creative entrepreneurs. From freelance work and sewing businesses to bridal alterations, PDF patterns and unexpected career detours (construction worker!).They also reflect on the emotional side of entrepreneurship: anxiety, motivation, social exhaustion, financial uncertainty and how difficult it can be to know whether you should keep pushing forward or try something completely different.And naturally, it wouldn’t be Stitching Tales without a slight detour into matching fabric shades, small talk and the unexpected ways world events have shaped their businesses.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 unravel the surprisingly complicated world of elastic, and hopefully they didn't stretch this topic too far!This elastic deep dive covers everything from comfy waistbands and sports bras to swimwear and activewear. Plus lots of practical tips for measuring elastic, joining the ends neatly, preventing twisting and rolling, and even how to use elastic for gathers.Johanna also explains why she almost always reaches for knitted elastic these days, and why clear elastic deserves a permanent place in every sewing room. Let's just say this conversation has plenty of stretch!Elastic resources mentioned Fit for KnitsSewing ActivewearMaster The Coverstitch MachineEmail 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
You spend days making a precious garment. And then, with wash and wear, it starts to break down.In this episode, Malena and Johanna talk about what affects how long handmade clothes actually last, such as fabric choices, how you wash your makes, and the things that slowly wear garments down.If you’ve ever had something you made lose its shape, fade faster than expected, or just not hold up, this episode will help you figure out what’s going on.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
The sewing world has never been more connected, or more fragmented.15 years ago, most online sewists gathered in a handful of forums and blogs. Today, conversations are spread across Facebook groups, memberships, Discord servers, Substack, online courses, Instagram, YouTube, and platforms that may or may not still exist by the time this episode airs.On one hand, it's easier than ever to find people who share your interests. On the other hand, keeping track of where everyone is gathering can feel like a part-time job. And don't we all crave more in-person meetups these days? The conversation may also have been lightly influenced by some behind-the-scenes brainstorming around Johanna and Malena's upcoming book To a Tee and whether the internet really needs one more place for sewists to gather.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
In this fascinating episode, we get to see the inner workings of Malena's day job as a pattern drafter. Using Clo 3D, Malena shows how to turn a pants pattern into shorts while avoiding all the pitfalls. Then she converts Johanna's Vide Pants Pattern into barrel pants, and Johanna has to eat her previous judgment on barrel joggers. Because Malena's version looks really great! About Clo 3D It's a program to help designers and pattern makers evaluate proportions and fit digitally.Garments are tested on a virtual body with your intended fabric, which opens up new ways of thinking about fit, length, drape, and overall shape before sewing a physical sample.Clo 3D SoftwareEmail 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
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
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