The Megan Nielsen journal
Learn, get inspired & go behind the seams
Sewing tips, fitting help and pattern stories from the studio.
The essentials
All the essentials
The posts we'd send every sewist
Where to Print Your Sewing Patterns: Our Big List of Large Format Printers
Essential · 2026
Making the Ultimate Beginner Sewing Kit
Essential · 2026
How to Make a Pincushion Jar
Essential · 2025
3 Ways to Make Bias Binding Tape
Essential · 2024Where to Print Your Sewing Patterns: Our Big List of Large Format Printers
Essential · 2026Making the Ultimate Beginner Sewing Kit
Essential · 2026How to Make a Pincushion Jar
Essential · 20253 Ways to Make Bias Binding Tape
Essential · 2024
How to Remove Bust Darts and Do a Flat Bust Adjustment
Essential · 2022
Filling a Kickboxing Bag With Fabric Scraps
Essential · 2021
Geraldton Wax Embroidered Dawn Shorts AKA Covering Stains With Embroidery
Essential · 2021
How to Add Shirring Details to the Floreat Dress
Essential · 2020
How to Make Storage Baskets and Bowls From Fabric Scraps!
Essential · 2018
The Beginners Guide to Sourcing Fabric Responsibly
Essential · 2018
How to Make a Braided Rug From Fabric Scraps and Old Clothing!
Essential · 2018
How to Sew Your Own Underwear + FREE Pattern!
Essential · 2017
Five Ways to Transfer Pattern Markings to Fabric
Essential · 2017
How to Block Fuse Facings
Essential · 2016
Tutorial // How to Make a Drawstring Fabric Gift Bag
Essential · 2015
Tutorial // How to Make the Perfect Baby Swaddle (Every Time)
Essential · 2015
Tutorial // How to Sew a Horsehair Braid Hem
Essential · 2015
Understitching: How to Do It, and Why It’s Important
Essential · 2015
Tips and Tricks for Cutting Fabric
Essential · 2015
Tutorial: How to Make and Wear a Rebozo Style Baby Carrier
Essential · 2015
DIY Cloth Baby Wipes
Essential · 2014
Crop Top Pattern Alteration for Wrapped Maternity Top
Essential · 2014
Tutorial: The Two Seam Dress
Essential · 2014
Clipping vs. Notching
Essential · 2013
3 Ways to Sew a Rolled Hem
Essential · 2013
What’s in Your Sewing Kit?
Essential · 2013
Tutorial : Hand Sewn Hems
Essential · 2013
How to Transfer Bust Dart Location
Essential · 2013
Tutorial: How to Sew French Seams
Essential · 2013
How to Alter Bust Dart Height
Essential · 2012
Button Up Refashion Swap | How to Make a Maternity Shirt From a Men’s Button Shirt
Essential · 2012
How to Do a Small Bust Adjustment (SBA)
Essential · 2012
How to Do a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA)
Essential · 2012
How to Make a Toddler Apron From a Tea Towel
Essential · 2012
Basic Guide to Sewing With Stretch Fabrics
Essential · 2012
How to Make the Best Hooded Towel
Essential · 2012
Fabric Wrapped Christmas Presents
Essential · 2011
Holly Christmas Garland Tutorial
Essential · 2011
Christmas Stocking Tutorial
Essential · 2011
Easy Pattern Grading – The “Quick & Dirty” Method
Essential · 2011
DIY Tote Bag
Essential · 2011
DIY Jersey Maxi Skirt
Essential · 2011
#1. Learn to Sew
Essential · 2011
How to Make Scallop Hem Shorts From Old Shorts
Essential · 2011
Beginner Sewing Projects | How to Make an Elastic Waistband Skirt
Essential · 2009The library
1,388 posts since 2009, sorted by what you want to sew.
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129 postsBrowse → TopicMaternity & baby
25 postsBrowse → TopicHandmade home
23 postsBrowse → TopicSustainable sewing
12 postsBrowse → TopicSewing community
108 postsBrowse → TopicBehind the scenes
78 postsBrowse → CollectionCostumes
30 postsBrowse → TopicChristmas projects
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34 postsBrowse → TopicA beginner sews
7 postsBrowse →Most loved
More
The makes you talk about most
DIY Tote Bag
69 comments
Thoughts on the Perception of Handmade Presents
68 comments
The Nora Dress
67 commentsHow to Sew Your Own Underwear + FREE Pattern!
65 commentsDIY Tote Bag
69 commentsThoughts on the Perception of Handmade Presents
68 commentsThe Nora Dress
67 commentsHow to Sew Your Own Underwear + FREE Pattern!
65 comments
How to Sew With Liberty of London Fabrics
52 commentsHow to Do a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA)
50 comments3 Ways to Sew a Rolled Hem
50 comments
Honest Opinions Needed
49 comments
I Do Not Like My Duck Billed Scissors
46 comments
Tutorial: Six Seam Finishes (and When to Use Them)
46 commentsDIY Jersey Maxi Skirt
44 comments
Buying a Dress Form or Mannequin
41 commentsHow to Transfer Bust Dart Location
40 commentsHow to Make Scallop Hem Shorts From Old Shorts
39 comments
5 Things Sewers Care About (That No-One Else Does)
38 commentsBasic Guide to Sewing With Stretch Fabrics
34 comments
Oh Hi… I Made Some Leggings
34 comments
Briar Sewalong: Neckline Binding
34 comments
Length Issues
33 commentsHow to Do a Small Bust Adjustment (SBA)
31 comments
Tips for Buying a Beginner Sewing Machine
30 comments
The Golden Brumby
29 comments#1. Learn to Sew
29 commentsBeginner Sewing Projects | How to Make an Elastic Waistband Skirt
28 comments
That Time I Made Polyester Shorts and Liked It
28 commentsButton Up Refashion Swap | How to Make a Maternity Shirt From a Men’s Button Shirt
27 comments
Breaking From Sewing by Sewing
27 comments
Inspire of Me
27 commentsTutorial // How to Sew a Horsehair Braid Hem
27 comments
How to Make a Dirndl Skirt
26 comments
Making Sense
26 comments
Falling for Merino Jersey
26 comments
How to Avoid Your Creations Looking Handmade
25 commentsHow to Make a Toddler Apron From a Tea Towel
25 comments
Hypocrisy AKA Now I Own a Minivan
25 comments
Refashioned 90’s to 40’s
25 commentsClipping vs. Notching
25 comments
Preparation
25 comments
The Rainbow Dash Costume
25 comments
Hemmed Vintage Skirt
24 commentsEasy Pattern Grading – The “Quick & Dirty” Method
24 comments
15 Tips on Sewing With Rayon
24 comments
Virginia Is for Lovers…
23 comments
Recommended Reading: Beginner Sewing
23 comments
DIY: Alternate Method for Shortening a Long Dress
23 comments
The Short Issue
23 comments
Darling Ranges Sewalong | Rounded Neckline
22 comments
So Much Talk of Hems
22 comments
Ouma’s Quilt
22 comments
Tested: Ironing With Vinegar
22 commentsFrom the archive
Show me four more
Rediscover an old favourite
Veronika Now in Extended Sizes!
From 2020
How to Sew Leggings With a Yoga Waistband // A Virginia Leggings Tutorial
From 2019
Olive & Opal Maker Round Up Part 1
From 2020
Winterized
From 2012Veronika Now in Extended Sizes!
From 2020How to Sew Leggings With a Yoga Waistband // A Virginia Leggings Tutorial
From 2019Olive & Opal Maker Round Up Part 1
From 2020Winterized
From 2012
Christmas Pajamas 2020 Fail
From 2022Buying a Dress Form or Mannequin
From 2012
Eucalypt Dress & Top Now Available in Print & Extended Sizing!
From 201915 Tips on Sewing With Rayon
From 2016
How to Choose Between Durban and Durban Curve
From 2021
Sewing Community Project: Meet Roz!
From 2020
Buddy’s Everything Quilt
From 2015
Matilda Maker Roundup
From 2021Tutorial : Hand Sewn Hems
From 2013
T+C: Wedding Embroidery
From 2013
The Story of My $1 Opal Pants
From 2020
Matilda Sewalong: Skirt + Skirt Pockets
From 2017
How to Wash Clothing With Leather Patches // Revisited
From 2015
Mixing New and Old
From 2011
How To: Raising the Eucalypt Armscye
From 2013
Where to Buy SWIMWEAR Fabric
From 2019
Banksia Sewalong: Drafting Different Collars
From 2012
Durban Sewalong: Grading Between Sizes
From 2021
Olive Sewalong: Hack Idea – Shift Dress (With Pockets!)
From 2020
Matilda Curve Tester Round Up
From 2021
Veronika Sewalong: Waistband & Zipper
From 2020
Handmade Weekend Wardrobe
From 2012
Workroom Peeks: Shoot Prep
From 2013
The Virginia Leggings
From 2013
Quick Tip // Storing Receipts
From 2016
Tutorial // How to Gather Heavy Fabrics
From 2015
Banksia Sewalong: Staystitching & Placket Preparation for Version 2 & 3
From 2012
A Beginner Sews: Flint
From 2021
Gauzy Striped Olive Top From Offcuts
From 2020
How to Make Fabric Scrap Yarn
From 2015
Virginia Sewalong: Seams
From 2022
How to Finish the Sudley Keyhole & Neckline With a Bias Facing
From 2016
Save the Date! Children’s Patterns Will Be Here Soon!
From 2015
Thrifted Fabric
From 2011
How to Choose Between Virginia & Virginia Curve
From 2022
Introducing the Protea Capsule Wardrobe
From 2022
Cream Tie Jarrah + Straight Leg Dawn Jeans
From 2019
Kelly Curve Tester Round-Up
From 2022
The BIG List of Where to Buy Jeans Making Supplies!
From 2018
Let’s Talk About Mim
From 2012
Elna Lotus Beginner Sewing Machine Review
From 2019
The Perth Collection Sketches
From 2011
She Lives On
From 2013
Briar Variation: How to Draft Elbow-Length Sleeves
From 2013Watch & sew
All our videosSew along on YouTube
Free video tutorials, sewalongs and behind-the-scenes from the workroom - the newest uploads from our channel.
Sewing one of our patterns?
Every sewalong, step by step
Photo tutorials for every step, plus videos, fit help and hacks - each pattern's whole sewalong gathered in one place, always free.
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- fit tweaks, hacks & techniques
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