Johanna threatens to jump out of the window if she has to sew one more striped garment in 2026. Luckily, Malena talks her off the ledge. Instead, they get into the weeds of sewing striped fabrics: Cutting as a single layer, deciding whether to follow the grainline or the stripes, figuring out where a hem stitchline should land, and discovering that sleeve caps have absolutely no interest in cooperating with stripes.

They also compare their different approaches to stripe matching, from meticulous planning to knowing when to say, “Good enough.”

There are tricks involving pins, basting, glue pens, wash-away tape and walking feet, but the bigger lesson is learning which battles are worth fighting. Because sometimes the perfect stripe match is possible. Sometimes the garment shape wins. And sometimes you just have to stop looking at it and move on with your life!

Then Johanna makes a bold statement: the best way to prevent modern-day brain rot is to sew more stripes!

Johanna's cutting and sewing stripes tutorial

Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com

Stitching Tales on Instagram

Stitching Tales on YouTube

About Malena Hjerpe:

Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.

Hazelhen Patterns Instagram

hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)

About Johanna Lundström:

Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.

thelaststitch.com

The Last Stitch Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johanna and Malena open up the mailbox and answer some great listeners' questions, which takes the conversation into Swedish sewing culture, personal style and why making your own clothes can be about much more than filling a gap in the wardrobe.

They compare Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Japanese style, talk about how sewing can become several hobbies at once, and share their thoughts on adjustable waistbands and the challenges of a truly unisex pattern block. Plus Johanna goes on a long rant against Swedish mainstream fashion!

Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com

Stitching Tales on Instagram

Stitching Tales on YouTube

About Malena Hjerpe:

Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.

Hazelhen Patterns Instagram

hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)

About Johanna Lundström:

Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.

thelaststitch.com

The Last Stitch Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fancy elastic sounds like something that should come with a tiny handbag and an attitude problem, but it’s actually surprisingly useful. In this episode, Johanna and Malena look at fold-over elastic, stretch lace, picot and plush elastic, and where each works best.

They talk about stretch and recovery, choosing the right width, testing before committing, and different ways to attach elastic with a regular machine, serger or coverstitch. Because apparently, even elastic has a dress code.

From necklines to leg openings, there are plenty of ideas to try, and a good excuse to get a bit fancy with your next project.

Johanna's fancy elastic resources

⁠⁠Master The Coverstitch Machine Book⁠

⁠Sewing Activewear Book

3 ways to sew stretch lace

Fold over elastic video tutorial

Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠stitchingtalespod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Or contact us at our socials:

Stitching Tales on Instagram

Stitching Tales on YouTube

About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.

Hazelhen Patterns Instagram

hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)

About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator.

thelaststitch.com

The Last Stitch Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.