Stitching Tales
By: The Last Stitch Media
Language: en-gb
Categories: Leisure, Crafts
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
Episodes
Overwhelmed by sewing stuff and thoughts on zero waste #89
Jan 06, 2026Johanna 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 fo...
Duration: 00:54:532026 here we come! Plans, dreams and challenges #89
Dec 30, 2025Welcome 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 w...
Duration: 01:03:06Looking back at our 2025 #87
Dec 23, 2025Johanna 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...
Duration: 00:53:55Sewing our dream capsule wardrobe #86
Dec 16, 2025Johanna 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.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram<...
Duration: 01:05:50Sewing tricky fabrics without tears #85
Dec 09, 2025They 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...
Duration: 01:05:39Budget friendly sewing: Sew stylish, spend less #84
Dec 02, 2025Malena 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...
Duration: 00:48:25Career pivots & business revelations #83
Nov 25, 2025Malena 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...
Duration: 01:02:42Don't call the tweed police: The ultimate guide to wovens #82
Nov 18, 2025Think you have nailed wovens? Then think again. Malena is on a roll and delivers some fascinating factoids about woven fabrics, but please don't call the tweed police!
Then Johanna wants to quit the podcast mid-through and run out and buy some chambray fabric. Luckily, she stays the entire recording and instead invents a groundbreaking new material for duvets–flatine.
Check out the previous episode on woven fabrics:
New sewing spaces & decoding woven fabrics #77
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or cont...
Duration: 00:59:14Adjusting pattern length like a pro #81
Nov 11, 2025Johanna and Malena chat about one of the simplest but most powerful fitting tweaks you can make, adding or removing length in just the right places.
Whether you’re tall, petite, or just a unique human being (like all of us! ), you’ll learn how to adjust your patterns so your clothes sit exactly where they should.
Malena explains why length adjustments should always come first in your fitting order and shares the best ways to adjust the length of your patterns. And Johanna talks about how understanding her heig...
Duration: 00:53:43Mastering necklines on knit tops (without puckers or gaping) #80
Nov 04, 2025The worst part about sewing knit tops? The neckline, no doubt! To ease the pain and help you sew better neckline finishings, Johanna and Malena dive into one of the most common trouble spots when sewing knit tops, with a focus on the classic neckband.
Malena explains why your neckband should always be shorter than the neckline, and how to calculate the best ratio for every type of knit.
And should the neckband seam be at the shoulder seam, mid-back, or just behind the shoulder seam? This is a hot topic, and Johanna has some...
Duration: 00:57:39Overrated tools & sewing failures: Q&A time! #79
Oct 28, 2025Johanna and Malena dive into your pressing sewing questions, and they’re not holding back! What sewing tools do they think are totally overrated? And have they done projects that went completely off the rails? (Oh yes, and Johanna blames the fabric).
They also advise on when quilting cotton is suitable for garments and when it isn’t. Plus, Johanna and Malena share their best tips on how to construct and attach a perfect collar
Johanna's undercollar tutorial
Email us at ...
Duration: 00:52:46Should we join Project Runway? #78
Oct 21, 2025What would happen if Johanna and Malena joined the chaos of Project Runway? In this episode, they discuss how to deal with impossible challenges, fabric-shopping drama, and hard-hitting criticism from the judges.
Would they accept feedback with grace, get defensive or even start crying? Johanna would definitely shed some tears, that's for sure.
And would Malena’s wearable designs gain the approval from the judges—or be sent off with an Auf Wiederschein?
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
Malena's new sewing space & woven fabric wisdom #77
Oct 14, 2025Malena’s taking her sewing to new heights—literally—by moving onto a stage as her new sewing space! Johanna’s first reaction? Total shock… quickly followed by excitement. Luckily, Johanna is also getting a studio update, albeit not quite as glamorous.
After their catch-up, the conversation shifts to woven fabrics. Malena provides the ultimate guide to the three main categories of woven fabrics. Then Johanna tries to make Malena pick a favourite, but she ends up picking one for herself instead (hint, it starts with a T and ends with Will.)
Email us a...
Duration: 00:52:30Denim your way: Why sewing jeans is worth it #76
Oct 07, 2025What if your favourite pair of jeans wasn’t something you bought, but something you made yourself? In this episode, Johanna and Malena explore why sewing your own denim is not only empowering but also incredibly fun.
Johanna, who’s never found a perfectly fitting pair of jeans in stores, shares her latest denim project and how she’s adapted industrial techniques for home sewing.
Plus, she gives a sneak peek at the exciting updates to her jeans sewing course, Denim Mastery.Johanna's jeans sewing course
... Duration: 00:50:51Navigating the "thinness trend" and how sewing can help #75
Sep 30, 2025Johanna and Malena have noticed a recent decline in body diversity, both on the runway and among celebrities (hello, Ozempic). Was body inclusivity just a passing trend? And how does this shift make us feel about our own bodies?
Navigating society’s beauty standards is definitely complicated. And as sewing influencers, Malena and Johanna also want to present themselves, and in particular their creations, in the best light– quite literally.
So being non-judgmental toward ourselves is often easier said than done. On the flip side, sewing can actually help ease...
Duration: 01:00:01How to cut sewing patterns: Our best tips #74
Sep 23, 2025Malena enjoys cutting out the pattern pieces. Johanna does not. But they agree on one thing: how you cut can really make or break a sewing project. So, they dig into practical strategies for cutting pattern pieces, including how to prep, align, mark, and cut.
Plus some great advice on how to deal with those tricky fabrics (Johanna has three words for you: single-layer cutting).
P.S. Malena had some light sound issues in this episode.
Fit for Knits Bookhttps://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Episodes mentioned:
Trace, cut or chalk? Ways to m...
Duration: 00:59:22Organising your sewing space: From chaos to calm: #73
Sep 16, 2025Is your sewing table buried under mountains of fabric? Do seam rippers actually have legs? And why can't we ever find the right sewing machine needle? Keeping organised during sewing is hard, and we have all been there.
Malena and Johanna share their messy sewing space confessions and give some simple tips on how to improve your sewing space. Or as the French chefs say it – mise en place. Mais oui.
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
http...
Duration: 00:57:58Tariffs’ effect on sewing & Malena's pattern launch challenges #72
Sep 09, 2025Johanna puts on her reporter's hat (she used to be a journalist) and explains how tariffs work and their impact on both sewing businesses and the customers. Hopefully, this will clarify the confusion surrounding the current situation and explain why many sewing companies have ceased shipping to the US.
Malena has finally launched her Bilberry top (yay!), but not without last-minute hiccups.
Listen for a candid conversation about what it’s really like to run a solo sewing business when outside factors keep throwing new wrenches your way!
Email us at...
Duration: 00:57:09Grow your sewing skills: From beginner to pro #71
Sep 02, 2025Have 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 machineSew the fall 2025 fashion trends #70
Aug 26, 2025Malena 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.com...
Duration: 01:01:11Sewing revelations & new beginnings #69
Aug 19, 2025Malena 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!
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Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://w...
Duration: 00:48:08Johanna's HUGE decision & Malena's new pattern #68
Jul 22, 2025Johanna 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.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatterns
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get
Duration: 00:47:29Trace, cut or chalk? Ways to mark your fabric #67
Jul 15, 2025How 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-book
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www...
Duration: 00:51:07No pockets? No problem: How to add pockets to patterns #66
Jul 08, 2025Ever 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 pockets
https://www.thelaststitch.com/sewing-beautiful-pants-pockets-the-easy-way
In-sea...
Duration: 00:48:21Sewing into summer: Our favourite fabrics and makes #65
Jul 01, 2025In 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 shorts
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com/post/hacking-the-fieldfare-joggers-into-shorts-a-step-by-step-guide
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com/post/pattern-hack-shorts
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram Duration: 00:44:56
Knit vs woven: The battle of fabrics #64
Jun 24, 2025What 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.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen P...
Duration: 00:51:54From hobby to hustle: Turning sewing into a business #63
Jun 17, 2025Ever 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.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Ma...
Duration: 00:52:39Understanding seam allowances (and why they matter) #62
Jun 10, 2025What'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.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitch...
Duration: 00:59:53What 70 years of sewing taught us #61
Jun 03, 2025Johanna 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.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book auth...
Duration: 01:00:50Sewing projects we won't touch #60
May 27, 2025Johanna 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.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatterns
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
About Johanna Lundström: Sewin
Duration: 01:06:29Making Malena's pattern launch a success #59
May 20, 2025Malena 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.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on...
Duration: 00:58:24Fixing Johanna's business struggles #58
May 13, 2025Johanna 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.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book autho...
Duration: 01:00:28Sewing sleeves, stay-stitching, projector patterns: Q&A 57
May 06, 2025Should 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.com
Or write to us on our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www...
Duration: 00:44:18Sew faster: Speedy tips to try #56
Apr 29, 2025Lured 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 jeans
https://www.thelaststitch.com/7-time-saving-tips-for-sewing-jeans
Fastest way to assemble pdf-patterns
https://youtu.be/yxNObYiJSL4
Our book Fit for Knits
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www...
Duration: 00:50:39Knit fabrics explained: How to pick the right one #55
Apr 22, 2025Picking 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-book...
Duration: 00:47:54New sewing pattern, day job return & more updates #54
Apr 15, 2025Malena 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.com
Or write to us on our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
...
Duration: 00:51:10Exposing our personal lives #53
Apr 08, 2025Building 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 socials
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingt...
Duration: 00:57:46Financial independence, fabric shopping tips & hand-sewing: Q&A #52
Apr 01, 2025Would 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.com
Or write to us on our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
...
Duration: 00:55:47Avoid these sewing machine mistakes #51
Mar 25, 2025Too busy sewing to read the sewing machine manual? No worries; we have all been there! In this episode, Malena and Johanna confess their own sewing machine mistakes and share tips on how to avoid making them.
Plus Malena has been making patterns for a very cool design collab, and Johanna is feeling thorn that her day job leave is coming to an end.
Have questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod...
Duration: 01:01:05Interfacing: Our Best Tips #50
Mar 18, 2025Interfacing can make (or break) a garment. So how do we pick the right type? And should we interface stretchy knit garments? Malena and Johanna do a deep dive into the world of interfacing and share some valuable tips you might not have heard before!
Interfacing stretchy knits
https://www.thelaststitch.com/using-fusible-interfacing-knits/
Stabilising shoulder seams on knit tops
https://www.thelaststitch.com/how-to-stabilise-shoulder-seams-on-knit-tops/
Interfacing tailored garments (video)
https://youtu.be/SNys7qh9oW8
Shipping drama, sewing second guessing & other updates #49
Mar 11, 2025Johanna is back from an amazing mini-holiday in Lisbon and is ready to tackle the next project – hers and Malena's new sewing book. She also had some shipping drama that made her want to run and hide and almost quit her business.
Malena has been home alone and spent her "free" time sewing the photo samples for her upcoming pattern Yes, Malena will release a second pattern this year!
Johanna's new jeans sewing course
https://courses.thelaststitch.com
Stitching Tales on Instagram
... Duration: 00:58:32The secret ingredient to sewing success (fibres!) #48
Mar 04, 2025Is rayon a natural fibre and are synthetic materials always bad? Plus, why are some fabrics rubbish while others hold up for decades, even though the fibre content is the same?
Our resident fiber expert Malena goes deep into this important, and underrated, topic for us sewists. Johanna is in awe and has several new revelations in this episode. Enjoy!
Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@Stit...
Duration: 01:09:41Sewing sweaterknits, luxury knits, patterns for men: Q&A #47
Feb 25, 2025Are sewing sweaterknits doomed to fail and are fine wool knits worth going broke for? Plus: Where are all the good menswear patterns? Johanna and Malena open their mailbox and answer more questions from our lovely listeners and viewers.
Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
Lyrical fabrics
https://lyricalfabrics.com
Johanna's favourite wool knit supplier:
https://www.a-h.se/webshop
<...
Johanna's new sewing course & Malena's next pattern! #46
Feb 18, 2025Johanna has secretly launched her jeans sewing course, and you are among the first to find out! As a loyal podcast listener, get 20% off Denim Mastery before it officially launches on February 20.
Grab your offer: https://courses.thelaststitch.com/denim-mastery?coupon=DENIMTALES
(or use codeDENIMTALES at checkout). The sale ends February 20 11.30 PM (Central European Time)
Meanwhile, Malena is ready to start sewing the photo samples of her next pattern release. Yes, she too is on a roll!
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://ww...
Duration: 00:50:59Serger techniques for hemming knits #45
Feb 11, 2025Hemming with a serger is both fast and easy. Yet most of us don't do it. To change that, Malena and Johanna talk about four ways to hem knits using just a serger. Plus they get into coverstitching a bit too, and share valuable tips for making your coverstitching look professional. Get 20% off Coverstitch Success Use code POD20 or this link: https://courses.thelaststitch.com/?coupon=POD20 Hemming and securing threads on a coverstitch https://youtu.be/Md0AUk0h7oE Johanna's free guide for fixing coverstitch problems https://www.thelaststitch.com/coverstitch-troubleshooting-guide Have questions for another Q&A episode? Email...
Duration: 00:55:40Sew Trendy 2025: Making Sewing and Fashion Predictions #44
Feb 04, 2025Will AI be able to construct a sewing pattern using just an image, a prompt and your measurements? And will sewists jump on the latest trend; hot pants as the new mini skirt? Johanna and Malena bring out the crystal ball and make some bold predictions.
This somehow brings us into a heated discussion about unethical, unsustainable and downright dangerous practices that some clothes companies use. We are truly on fire in this episode! Tauko Magazine https://www.taukomagazine.com/shop/issue-14 Subscribe to Johanna's newsletter
https://www.thelaststitch.com/newsletter
Have que...
Duration: 01:09:46Hemming knits: Our top tips and tricks #43
Jan 28, 2025Hemming stretchy knits is tricky – something Malena and Johanna know all too well. Luckily they have figured out some really cool tricks that will make it so much easier, even if you only have a regular sewing machine. Tauko Magazine https://www.taukomagazine.com/shop/issue-14 Subscribe to Johanna's newsletter https://www.thelaststitch.com/newsletter Blind-hem tutorial https://www.thelaststitch.com/vide-sew-along-invisible-hemming/ Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Twin-needle tutorial https://www.thelaststitch.com/complete-guide-to-sewing-knits-with-a-twin-needle Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitching Tales on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns. https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatte...
Duration: 00:58:22Sewing tricky knits, careers in sewing & pocket fabrics: Q&A #42
Jan 21, 2025How to fix growing necklines, dealing with difficult knit fabrics and what's the story behind Johanna's sewing career? We answer these and many other listener questions in this Q&A episode. Have questions for another Q&A episode? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitching Tales on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns. https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatterns https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free t-shirt pattern) About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator. https://www.thelaststitch.com https://www.instagram.com/laststitch
Duration: 00:49:31Our goals for 2025 #41
Jan 14, 2025Malena can finally reveal her secret project! Plus she has big plans for 2025 (hint: two new sewing patterns).
Meanwhile, Johanna is burning the midnight oil trying to finish her jeans video course. And she is waiting for a very exciting delivery that gives her clout among the young people in her life.
Looks like we are off to a strong start!
Pre-order Tauko Magazine
https://www.taukomagazine.com/shop/issue-14
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod...
Duration: 01:08:042024 Recap: Triumphs & Hiccups #40
Dec 17, 2024Malena and Johanna had some grand plans for 2024. So how did it all go? Plus Malena reveals a professional pivot that she has never talked publicly about before! And a huge thank you to all of you that tuned in this year to listen to our podcast! Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatterns
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free t-shirt pattern)
About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pat...
Duration: 01:07:47Sewing gift guide: For every budget #39
Dec 10, 2024Looking for the ultimate gift to give your sewing friend (or yourself)? Then look no further. We share our best picks for sewing holiday gifts, from essential sewing tools to inspiring books, something for every budget level.
Stitching Tales Gift Guide
https://www.thelaststitch.com/giftguide
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://ww...
Duration: 00:47:28Let's get personal! #38
Dec 03, 2024Did Johanna really end up joining a weekly dance thing because of Tinder? And why did Malena's sister ban her from caring for her plants? In this episode, we lift the lid on our personal life and share some things you probably didn't know about us!
Plus we answer the question we all want to know...how big is really our (fabric) stash?
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
... Duration: 00:51:58Don't Make These Buttonhole Mistakes! Sew Buttons Like a Pro! #37
Nov 26, 2024
Sewing buttonholes is not Johanna and Malena's favourite thing to do. However, they have many tips on making them great, including some garment industry insider tips.
Listen to get lots of great insight on the best placement, getting the size right, stitch settings, tools and of course, how to open the buttonholes without ruining everything.
Easy bound buttonhole tutorial
https://www.thelaststitch.com/how-to-sew-bound-buttonholes/
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
...
Duration: 00:53:15Burning fabric, Malena's new job & other updates #36
Nov 19, 2024Johanna set her newly purchased fabric on fire, but why? And which mega-hyped Swedish brand is Malena's new client? Plus did Johanna finally crack the code for successful time management? Listen to find out!
In this episode, we talk about what's been happening in our sewing and business life lately.
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
...
Duration: 01:00:28Q&A: Upcycling, seam allowances & interfacing for knits #35
Nov 12, 2024You asked and we answered! Malena and Johanna share their favourite upcycling projects and give tips on the best seam allowances for tricky areas, plus how to use interfacing on knit fabrics. Enjoy!
Johanna's mittens and beanie hat patterns
(for upcycling old sweaters)
https://shop.thelaststitch.com/collections/accessories
Have questions for another Q&A episode? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Fusible stretch interfacing (blog tutorial and video)
https...
Duration: 00:51:01Sewing perfect zippers and waistbands on pants #34
Nov 05, 2024Feeling intimidated by sewing a zipper on pants? And what's the secret to a making waistband that looks as nice on the inside as the outside? Plus the secret to a truly invisible machine hem. Malena and Johanna share their best pant sewing tips in this info-packed episode. Enjoy!
Johanna's Pants Tutorial Series
https://www.thelaststitch.com/category/tutorials/sewing-pants/
Machine Blind-hem Tutorial
https://www.thelaststitch.com/invisible-blind-hem-stitch-with-a-sewing-machine/
Jeans Zipper Video Tutorial
https://youtu.be/JXPmXO73uxs
The inspiration behind Johanna's new jeans
https...
Duration: 01:13:51Can't Pay Rent With Patterns: Busting Sewing Business Myths #33
Oct 29, 2024Johanna can't even pay one month's rent with her latest pattern release, despite it being one of her best-performing patterns yet.
And Malena argues that you do need experience and the proper tools to create great sewing patterns. If you lack some skills, enlist help from those who have the knowledge. DIY doesn't mean we have to do EVERYTHING ourselves.
In this very candid conversation, we are busting plenty of myths about selling sewing patterns and running a business in general.
This episode was inspired by blog posts from Delphine...
Duration: 01:05:41Sew Pants Like a Pro: Industry Insider Tips #32
Oct 22, 2024Sew welt pockets, darts, and other dress pants details like a pro. Malena and Johanna go deep into common techniques for dress trousers and share their best tips, including some clever RTW techniques.
Johanna's Pants Tutorial Series
https://www.thelaststitch.com/category/tutorials/sewing-pants/
Dart Sewing Tutorial https://www.thelaststitch.com/vide-sew-along-back-darts/
Easy bound buttonhole tutorial (works for welt pockets too)
https://www.thelaststitch.com/how-to-sew-bound-buttonholes/
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram<...
Duration: 00:51:31Scared of Sewing Pants & Pattern Launch Update #31
Oct 15, 2024Sewing pants can be intimidating. Getting the fit right, zippers, welt pockets, the list goes on. Johanna and Malena discuss the challenges with sewing pants and share some very helpful tips too.
Plus did Johanna manage to release her new sewing pattern, the Vide Pants, despite not being done 48 hours before the launch? Listen to find out!
Resources mentioned:
Vide knit pants
https://shop.thelaststitch.com/collections/clothes/products/vide-knit-pants-pdf-sewing-pattern
Fold Line's Trouser Sewing Pattern Guide
https://thefoldline.com/blogs/top-10-sew...
Duration: 00:58:32Pattern launch and day job break #30
Oct 08, 2024Johanna has finally launched a new sewing pattern, the Vide knit pants. Will it fly or flop? Johanna is a bit nervous about the outcome but excited to have a new pattern to share, after over two years of no releases.
Shop Vide knit pants
https://shop.thelaststitch.com/collections/clothes/products/vide-knit-pants-pdf-sewing-pattern Johanna is also on a break from her day job and has some ideas on how to make her sewing biz a full-time income gig eventually.
Join us for a very candid episode on th...
Duration: 00:59:33Best seams and assembly methods for sewing knit pants (pt 2) #29
Oct 01, 2024Is a straight stitch sometimes a good idea when sewing knits? And do you need a serger to sew joggers?
In this second part of the knit pants series, they nerd out on seams, machines and assembly methods. It turns out that Johanna and Malena use totally opposite methods when sewing knit pants. So which one is the best? Or are both excellent? Listen to find out!
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
...
Duration: 00:51:56Sewing joggers, leggings & other knit pants (pt 1) #28
Sep 24, 2024Who doesn't like comfortable pants? Johanna and Malena certainly do. This is why they love to wear and sew pants made with knitted fabrics so much that they have also released sewing patterns with this style.
In this first episode, they dive deep into all the nerdy stuff that will make a huge difference when sewing knit pants, such as picking the right fabric, best cutting layout and elastic.
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
ht...
Duration: 00:48:23Secret sewing book project revealed #27
Sep 17, 2024Johanna and Malena are writing another sewing book! And they can finally share what it is about!
Plus we get into a heated debate about which seam allowance is best for knit sewing patterns!
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatterns
...
Duration: 00:47:57Sew Small September & Trend Forecasts #26
Sep 10, 2024
Malena is participating in the #sewsmallseptember24 initiative. So we discuss ways to support smaller sewing businesses that might not have big-name recognition but provide awesome products.
If you want to know more about the challenge and how to participate, check out @neighborhoodpatterns and @madswick_studio on Instagram who launched this initiative to highlight small sewing businesses.
And regarding sewing products, Johanna has pinpointed two massive fashion trends based on her commute. She thinks these trends are ripe to pick for any fast-moving pattern designer.
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitch...
Duration: 00:56:49Q&A: Favourite makes, fitting jeans, business tips #25
Sep 03, 2024We asked for your questions and here are our answers. In this episode we talk about presser feet for knits, how to best fit jeans and other pants, tips for grading patterns, our favourite makes, how to be smart about time when running a business and more!
Have questions for another Q&A episode? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Sewing Jeans Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/sewing-jeans-book
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Book tip:
Grading For The Pattern Industry Duration: 00:41:59
Big new projects & other updates #24
Aug 27, 2024Johanna and Malena are back from a summer podcast hiatus. But it's been a busy summer for both of them.
Malena has created several new patterns and samples for a new project that will be announced soon. And Johanna has (finally!) filmed her new jeans sewing course. Plus a new sewing pattern is in the works.
It will be a busy fall, so Johanna has decided to take (yet another) break from her day job.
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesP...
Duration: 00:43:08Top tools for improving sewing #23
Jul 09, 2024Sewing is tricky sometimes and we can all use a little help. Johanna and Malena talk about the tools that make tricky things easier, and save time too!
Plus Johanna has finally listened to Malena and purchased a life-saving "sewing" tool. But it took almost setting the sewing studio on fire before she came to her senses.
That said, Johanna does set something on fire during the episode, but it's all in the name of providing helpful sewing content!
Have questions for our Q&A episode? Email us at stitchingtalespod...
Duration: 00:50:19Big scary sewing dreams #22
Jul 02, 2024Malena and Johanna go outside their Scandinavian comfort zone to allow themselves to dream big, about sewing and the future of their businesses.
We share some lofty goals, plus we tease our next projects!
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatterns
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free t-shirt pattern)
About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.
https://www.thelaststitch.com
Duration: 00:45:24Sewing dos and don'ts #21
Jun 25, 2024Do you have to prewash every fabric and is overcasting the edges always necessary? And do we really have to cut all pattern pieces in the same direction?
Johanna and Malena talk about their biggest sewing dos and don'ts. Some they agree on, and some...well...you have to listen and find out!
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatter...
Duration: 00:49:18Projector files and struggling pattern companies #20
Jun 18, 2024Malena has added projector files to her latest pattern (The Malva Tee) and we think projectors might be the future for us homesewists. Plus she is featured on the biggest sewing podcast (not us, hehe).
Johanna is almost done with the instructions for her latest sewing pattern, the Vide knit pants. But will it sell?
This question leads to a discussion about sewing pattern companies going through periods of change or even folding.
Malena's letter on Love To Sew Podcast (Episode 263)
https://lovetosewpodcast.com/episodes...
Duration: 00:52:51Sewing activewear #19
Jun 11, 2024Learn our top tips for making your own activewear. We talk fabrics, construction methods, patterns, fit – and how to add those special seams and finishes using regular, domestic, sewing machines.
Use code SAPOD20 to get 20% off:
Johanna's Sewing Activewear ebook + Aila Leggings patterns. Malena's Hazelhen Top and Fieldfare Joggers.Johanna's discount link
https://shop.thelaststitch.com/discount/SAPOD20
Malena's discount link https://hazelhenpatterns.etsy.com?coupon=SAPOD20
Johanna talks about how she started making her own activewear, which eventually led to her publishing th...
Duration: 01:01:05Our favourite sewing tools #18
Jun 04, 2024We share our top picks of must-have sewing helpers. Tools that are also budget-friendly, with one tiny exception.
Malena and Johanna also get into a discussion about which country produces the best scissors. Then Malena reveals a tool that makes Johanna explode with laughter!
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Johanna's Top 10 Tools for Less than $10
https://www.thelaststitch.com/top-10-cheap-sewing-tools
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hj...
Duration: 00:59:33Drafting patterns from existing clothes #17
May 28, 2024Do you want to duplicate a store-bought garment? In this episode, we talk about how to make a pattern from a piece of clothing. There are several ways to do this and we cover them all.
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Johanna's Pattern Transfer Tutorial
https://youtu.be/qyZIMeEv0yc
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of...
Duration: 00:40:38Naming patterns & secret projects #16
May 21, 2024Malena is working on a secret pattern project but worries that the pattern's name might turn her into a crazy cat lady.
Johanna is burning the midnight oil cranking out weekly YouTube videos, but fears her schedule is not sustainable.
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Johanna's YouTube-channel
https://www.youtube.com/@Thelaststitch
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewin...
Duration: 00:54:21Sewing and fitting a perfect t-shirt #15
May 14, 2024What's the secret to sewing awesome knit tops? In this episode, Malena and Johanna share their best tips for fitting and sewing a t-shirt rivalling high-end RTW.
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Free FBA and SBA guide
https://www.thelaststitch.com/bustguide
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
T-shirt video sewing tutorial
https://youtu.be/qYWHOHV_eww
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional...
Duration: 01:01:54Secrets of a big brand pattern maker #14
May 07, 2024Malena's day job is making patterns for one of the largest fashion companies in the world. Can you guess which one?
In this episode, she shares what it's like to develop patterns in the professional world, and takes us through the process from a design sketch to the finished garment in stores.
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, s...
Duration: 00:53:56Sewing knits on a sewing machine #13
Apr 30, 2024Can you sew stretchy knits without a serger? Absolutely! If you use the right stitches, tools and techniques. In this episode, we share our best tips for sewing knit fabrics on a regular sewing machine.
Video: Sew Stretchy Knits on a Sewing Machine: 5 Game-Changing Tips
https://youtu.be/rr2hASfbuMY
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Profe...
Duration: 01:02:03Big plans, little time #12
Apr 23, 2024Malena's free pattern launch has been a huge success. But now she is swamped with freelance work, with little time to develop new products and content.
Johanna is back on YouTube and is blown away by the response. But can she produce weekly videos while also filming a sewing course, creating a new sewing pattern, plus working a part-time job?
The struggle is real!
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
<... Duration: 00:54:38Coverstitching: Our top tips and tricks #11
Apr 16, 2024Do we really need a coverstitch machine? And why are they so fickle? Johanna and Malena cover (hah) everything you need to know about using a coverstitch machine and share their best tips.
Get 20% off Coverstitch Success
Use code POD20 or this link:
https://courses.thelaststitch.com/?coupon=POD20
Free coverstitch troubleshooting guide
https://www.thelaststitch.com/coverstitch-troubleshooting-guide/
Johanna's coverstitch resources
https://www.thelaststitch.com/coverstitching
https://www.thelaststitch.com/master-the-coverstitch-machine-book
Fit...
Duration: 00:54:24Feeding the social media beast #10
Apr 09, 2024Do we have to be on every single platform? And how do we create great content on every social media without burning ourselves to ashes? The answer is that we can't!
But if we want our business to succeed, we must keep churning out new content. So how can we do that without losing our minds?
Johanna and Malena brainstorm some ideas for more effective content marketing.
Fit for Knits
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespo...
Duration: 00:56:13Sewing jeans like a pro #9
Apr 02, 2024What are the secrets to sewing a really awesome pair of jeans? Johanna and Malena dive deep into this fascinating topic and offer tips and hacks you might not have heard before.
Plus a few tales of jeans sewing disasters, because yes, they happen to all of us!
Johanna's book Sewing Jeans
https://www.thelaststitch.com/sewing-jeans-book
Sewing jeans resources
https://www.thelaststitch.com/sewingjeans
Fit for Knits
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
<...
Launching patterns and losing followers #8
Mar 26, 2024Malena is blown away by the response to her new free pattern. And Johanna is losing subscribers on YouTube because of the podcast! In this catch-up, we share some exciting and not-so-exciting things that have happened lately in our sewing businesses.
Fit for Knits
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
Ploen Patterns
https://ploenpatterns.com
Tauko Magazine
https...
Duration: 00:40:19Our struggles with marketing #7
Mar 19, 2024Marketing is the thing that both Malena and Johanna struggle with the most when it comes to running a business.
Malena wants to rely less on Instagram and is currently trying out new platforms.
Johanna is only comfortable with time-consuming, high-quality, content marketing, which incidentally is what stops her from doing any marketing at all.
We also address some legal and taxation complications regarding marketing. Things that not everyone in the sewing community might be aware of.
Fit for Knits
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
... Duration: 00:56:25
Creating a sewing pattern: From start to finish. #6
Mar 12, 2024Curious about the process of developing sewing patterns? What tools do we use? How much is digital vs pen and paper? And are pattern testers required to ensure a good fit in all sizes?
These and a lot more questions are answered in this episode where Malena and Johanna talk candidly about the process of creating sewing patterns as a small company.
Fit for Knits
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube<...
Duration: 01:01:28Malena released a (free!) pattern + other updates: #5
Mar 05, 2024Malena has released the Malva tee, which you'll get for free if you sign up for her newsletter. Malva is guaranteed to become a wardrobe staple, and Johanna can't rave enough about the balanced and clever silhouette.
Johanna hasn't released a new pattern (yet!) but Malena has some strong opinions on what type of sewing pattern Johanna should create next. This is where Johanna lets her guard down and admits she is terrified of that idea. Listen to find out!
Fit for Knits
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Sewing newsletters, yay or nay? #4
Feb 27, 2024Do we really need newsletters? Do readers find them useful? Or are they simply a waste of both inbox space and precious time for us business owners?
Malena wants to start a monthly sewing newsletter. But her concept flies in the face of all conventional sewing newsletter wisdom.
Johanna is both impressed and a bit sceptical. Will Malena be a newsletter disrupter or stick to a more conventional approach? Listen to find out!
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtub...
Duration: 00:50:24Our best tips from Fit for Knits. #3
Feb 20, 2024Johanna and Malena have made a book together. It's about how to fit and sew beautiful knit clothes. Listen to this episode to learn a ton of tips that could blow your mind.
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
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
https://www.instagram.com/laststitch
About Malena Hjerpe: P...
Duration: 00:56:32Who said sewing knits is easy? #2
Feb 13, 2024Malena and Johanna get candid about their own struggles when it comes to sewing clothes made with knit fabrics. We talk about fabrics that can't handle sewing, disappointing necklines and having the serger knife slice up your garment (again!).
Luckily they have figured out some great tips along the way, so listen carefully to save you from making the same mistakes. Some of Malena's and Johanna's tips involve using a glue stick and a timer. But not together!
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
St...
Duration: 00:59:09Sewing won't make us rich. #1
Feb 04, 2024Malena and Johanna talk about the realities of running a sewing business. Can you quit your day job, or even make money at all? And does creating content take the fun out of sewing?
Johanna likes to pretend she is running a big sewing media house with a staff of highly skilled professionals. But in reality, she is mostly a one-person show.
Malena is more down-to-earth and likes to apply the "good enough" philosophy to save her sanity. Plus she is a big fan of delegating.
Fit for Knits Book<...
Duration: 00:46:23