Finishing can mark out a garment as being top notch rather than a hurried thrown together item. Properly finishing can affect the way a piece of clothing sits on the body, how well it wears and how professional it looks. I see many makers nowadays using shortcuts, time is money and I understand that top stitching and pressing are easily bypassed in the rush to get something finished. At Dark Star Designs we press and top stitch, constructing the garments to last as long as possible. If you are thinking of sewing something for yourself or your child it is always worth the extra investment of time to do the following during construction. Neck ribbing is top stitched down on Dark Star Design's t-shirts Pressing seams during construction is really important especially if working with a non stretch woven fabric. When doing this make sure you are pressing rather than ironing. Top Stitching on all fabrics can help a seam lie flat and help garments that are reversible stay toge...

This is not a forever list as new pattern designers are always coming through, so it's definitely worth checking out the Facebook sewing groups for reviews on new patterns from the testers. You can click on all the brand names and go straight to their website. In no particular order..... Brindle and Twig My current favourite from here has to be the T-shirt dress Elliedactyl My favourite from here are the Zane Joggers Fishsticks Designs Been around for a long time, some good basics. Love Notions Trendy Tunic is a tunic with a bit of a twist and pockets which are always a winner MBJM A UK based pattern maker for a change, lots of good staple patterns including harems and the hot chocolate hoody Peekaboo Patterns Classic Oxford button up shirt Purperita Love the harem dungarees with the moon pocket Twig and Tale Ahh what's not to love, the Wild Thing Coat and the wee pixie hats are a firm favourite here Tiedyediva Another one that has been ...

Purchasing handmade children's clothes is a big commitment financially, there are many mass produced cheaper alternatives on offer out there. They aren't of the same quality but sometimes the purse dictates the purchase. Here at DSD I try and give an extra bit of growing room in all our clothes or use designs that grow with the child such as the Anna dress which easily converts to a tunic then a top. Straight forward t-shirts and hooded tops are a little more problematic as they are shirt length already, there is however a way round it. This was given to me by a boy who loves his Raggedy Rainbow Hooded Top but having a growth spurt has meant the length is just too short now. He had requested extending colours of yellow and green. A quick measure and spin on the overlocker - with matching rainbow thread - and the top is extended so it will last until the next growth spurt or maybe 2. This can easily be achieved at home by using a zig zag stitch on your sewing ...