Blog 2026
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
Online Fashion and Design since 1995! - See About Angela Kane
All Sewing Patterns Included with Sewing Pattern Membership
The Angie Scarf!
I'm blogging about this scarf again as everyone has shown so much interest in it!
I hadn't heard of the Sophie Scarf until I posted my scarf online. Mine is quite different of course although worn in exactly the same way. What a useful little neckerchief for chilly days to come. You wouldn't wear a long scarf indoors all day but a neckerchief is just perfect. My scarf is knitted in a completely different way and is so easy.
Here are the full instructions for The Angie Scarf
Jeans Making
They are never out of season, never out of date it seems. My two jeans sewing patterns are my best sellers as individual pattern sales go. This is mainly because I have very, very many men making jeans who are not likely to join as members as all my other patterns are for women. I am thrilled to have so many sewers making my jeans for themselves and for family and friends!
I often come back to the subject of buttonholes for jeans. A jeans buttonhole needs to look a bit rugged and utilitarian. Sewing machine buttonholes don't suit and nor do handworked ones. I've worked out how to make this buttonhole foolproof. It's corded and so will be hardwearing.
Sewing Pattern Drafting
My original pattern drafting video, the imperial measurements version, has achieved over one million views on YouTube. Thank you! I have released two more versions since - The all metric version and the latest combined metric and imperial measurements version. I recommend you dive straight in to the latest version for a comprehensive tutorial on all basic pattern drafting - bodice, sleeve, skirt and trousers - Metric and Imperial Sewing Pattern Drafting
November 2026
Reproducing Multi-Coloured Sock Wool!
I'm having fun seeing if I can simulate the look of my multi-coloured neckerchief using different coloured yarn. To get the random effect of the sock wool I used last time, I will need to knot the wool. I want the colours to change along the rows rather than at the edges. I love that look. I looked at four methods for joining yarn. The square knot, the magic knot, the Russian join and join by felting. I'm using the square knot, which is supposed to be foolproof. I will show the methods in the next video short.
I'm Not a Great Knitter!
I joined a local sewing and craft group recently and the easiest thing to take along is knitting. So I searched through my ancient collection of knitting wools and came across this fabulous sock yarn. I can't remember buying it but it looked inviting -
The Shawl/Scarf - Method
This is the yarn - Regia Cotton India Color 4307 Rajastan - 41% wool, 34% cotton, 25% polyamide - but unfortunatly it has been discontinued. This is very similar though - Regia Cotton Sock Yarn 4 ply
Using 4mm needles, cast on 3 stitches.
Next row knit, make an increase on the 1st and 3rd stitches giving you 5 stitches.
From then on knit every row. Knit the first stitch, increase on the 2nd stitch. Knit until two stitches from the end and increase the second to last stitch, knit the last stitch.
Increase by kniting the stitch knit-wise first and then knit again into the back of the same stitch before you slip the stitch off the needle.
Keep repeating the increase on both ends of every row. Once you have too many stitches for comfort on your needles, knit the next row on to a circular needle. Continue until you think it is wide or deep enough. It is difficult to judge. I stopped at about 85 rows with 170 or so stitches. Cast off.
Crochet edging - Do a simple crochet stitch all the way around. First round - Start with a slip stitch on your hook then hook a loop through the knitted edge, then take a slip stitch through the two stitches on your hook. Continue all the way around the edge.
Second round - Take a chain through then make three chain and back through the original stitch, then move to the next stitch, all the way around.
You will find this gives quite a frilly edge and the shawl takes on a rather intereting curved shape.
Many of you will be much more experienced with knitting and crochet. I hope I have explained the method well enough!
The Classic Scarf
Using 4mm needles, cast on 45 stitches. This size of needle gives a relatively loose stitch. Slip the first stitch of every row knit-wise for a firm edge. Continue in garter stitch (knit every row) until long enough and cast off - so simple.
Knitting Basics for Beginners
The Deconstructed Jacket Sewing Pattern
I am currently working on this pattern. I will be publishing a sew along soon
October 2026
I'm looking forward to sewing this combination for autumn.
*If you make up 801 in winter fabrics, lower the armhole a little to allow for wearing over a shirt - Add a lining just by duplicating the main pieces - I will be adding this option to the pattern. I will also be working on a sew along soon.
Sew a Waistband with Petersham Stiffening
Easy Method
Easy Fit Casual Trousers
The perfect combination with the Sleeveless Button Through Waistcoat Style. This comfortable twosome will work well for autummn dressing. I am planning to make both patterns in corduroy or needlecord soon. That may be two more sew alongs if I get myself organised!
Easy Fit Casual Trousers Walk-Through Video
September 2026
Sleeveless Button Through Waistcoat Style
I have been so busy making versions of this for myself, I've only just got around to getting the pattern ready for publication. Linen is my favourite fabric at the moment, of course because of the extreme weather we have all been experiencing, but this pattern will make up in a variety of cloth for your all year round easy everyday style.
I used up fabric left over from the Shirtwaister Dress. This is cotton chambray - tropical leaves - from Croftmill - see my Sewing Supplies Page.
Watch the Easy to Make Walk-Through
August 2026
Jersey Sewing Patterns
*these are 1st phase heritage patterns
hence the £2 price tag!
Sewing jersey is easy because fit is not such a problem and the fabric moulds around the body so you don't have to rely on darts for your shaping. Many sewers think they will only achieve success if they use an overlocker (serger). I will show you in my videos that in many ways it is better to use a regular sewing machine.
You will find a host of useful videos showing you how best to sew jersey. As well as the patterns featured here, I have designed a comprehensive range of jersey designs for you to try, many of them still priced at £2 - Visit my Sewing Jersey page.
Shirft Dress - Flare Dress - Ra Ra Dress - Leggings - Vests - Sweatshirt
Coats for Summer
Only £2 for the Roll Collar Coat and the Yoked and Gathered Coat!
Roll Collar Coat - Shawl Collar Coat - Yoked and Gathered Coat - Summer Coat
This collection includes two from my First Phase range of Heritage Patterns. Why are they priced at only £2? When I started out with publishing my PDF patterns, they were 'net' patterns which means no seam allowance. Most designers work with net patterns. Also I was not offering cutting out layouts or fabric recommendations at that time. I was overwhelmed with requests for a more commercial style of pattern so after a couple of years I changed the format. My intention is to update these early patterns but while I'm busy creating new designs, these original designs are still available for £2. They are great simple classics at a bargain price. All my patterns are of course available to you if you pay as a Full Member.
Frock Coat - Raglan Sleeve Jacket - Panel Jacket - Boxy Jacket - Soft Tailored Jacket
These five jacket patterns give you the basis for so many different designs - raglan sleeves, set-in sleeves, welt pockets, patch pockets, in-seam pockets, classic rever collar, high collar, collarless rever, just collarless, classic cut, panel princess line cut, one piece sleeve, two piece sleeve. Use your imagination with different fabrics and your wardrobe options are endless. Who needs more jacket patterns?
May 2026
Pencil Skirts are Big News
I am currently busy making Pencil Skirts - They are so great for every day. Make them a little longer I think for an up to date look
April 2026
To kick of the New Year I have chosen two more of my most popular patterns to be freely available to all those of you who register.
All the free pattersn are infinitely adaptable, versatile and easy to make. They all feature sew alongs and there are technical know-how videos to accompany them.
All free patterns serve as great lessons for beginners but are equally useful for any sewers to add to their collection of pattern classics.
January 2026
