---

2021

Draft-a-Long: How to Reverse Draft a Sleeveless Top

Reverse Pattern Drafting is the process of extracting out a 2D pattern from an already sewn 3D garment. This is a great way to learn basic guidelines in garment drafting, and you get exposed to what pattern shapes look like.

Client Feature: Javia Leung

Welcome to a new series where we feature our amazing clients! This month I sat down with Javia Leung. We chat about inspiration, past designs, and her advice to new designers.
​

How To: Creating Patchwork Fabric

Use up your fabric scraps by incorporating patchwork techniques into your next design. We will share our process for creating patchwork fabric and tips for sewing with patchwork fabric.
​

Draft & Sew-a-long: Fabric Suspenders

Fabric suspenders are so easy to construct. Here is a tutorial on how to measure, draft and stitch up your very own fabric suspenders.
​

How To: Cutting Faux Fur Fabric

If you have ever cut into faux fur you have probably experienced fur fibers flying in the air. I will dive in-depth into how to cut out faux fur without creating a fuzzy mess.

Latest Design: Quilted Heart Bag

Spreading love with our latest design! Taking inspiration from a local mural in Vancouver, we dive into the world of quilting. Providing you tips on incorporating self quilting into your next design.

Latest Design: Tie-Dye Tailored Shirt

I have absolutely no recollection of tie-dyeing anything as a youth. I have always wanted to stitch up a complex design and chuck it in a dye bath. So let's do it!

Comfy DIY Ear Elastic for Face Masks

If you have ever worn a face mask for a full day, you know the importance of a very comfortable ear elastic. I dug into my large pile of knit jersey fabric scraps to create an easy tutorial for you.

---

2020

Upcycled Design: 90’s Retro Blazer Set

After a movie marathon of 90’s cult classics, “Clueless” and “The Craft”, our Marketing Coordinator Natasha got inspired to create a preppy-grunge outfit. Her latest upcycled design takes a thrifted jacket and trousers and turns them into a 90’s inspired retro set.

​Latest Design: Ombre Slip Top

We made an ombre slip top to add to our slip top collection! Over the years, we have created a variety of slip tops using the same basic silhouette, with the most recent changing up the design elements the most.

Latest Design: Retro Upcycled T-Shirt

Ever said the phrase “I have nothing to wear” while staring at your clothes-filled closet? Upcycling is the best solution to this age-old fashion dilemma, & it’s kinder on our planet too! In this upcycle blog post, I turn 2 thrifted t-shirts into 1!

Latest Design: White Sweatshirt Project

This was an experiment to see how each member of our team would want to dye a blank canvas. Rules: use the same white knit fabric and utilize what you either have at home or what you could order-in to dye the fabric or garment with.

Latest Design: Beach Vibes Tailored Shirt

Our latest design received the named “Beach Vibes Tailored Shirt” and rightfully so since it was inspired by a beach towel! A reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere.
​

Latest Design: Blue Lace Dress

Reverse pattern drafting is one of the BEST entry ways into understanding pattern drafting basics. It is the technique of extracting a pattern off an already made garment. It’s exactly what I did for our latest dress design while teaching a client.
​

Sew-a-Long: Crossback Apron (Part 2 of 2)

Welcome to part 2 of 2 on creating a reversible crossback apron. In this blog post, we give you the step-by-step instructions on constructing your very own reversible crossback apron with adjustable button straps!
​

Draft-a-Long: Crossback Apron (Part 1 of 2)

Time for another draft and sew-a-long with me, Sheila Wong! This month we are making a reversible crossback apron!  Welcome to part one, the draft-a-long.
​

Latest Design: Couture Striped Jacket

We made a couture cropped jacket featuring contrasting stripes. This design might look familiar and that's because we used the same pattern as our denim jacket series. Only this time, we went full-couture (almost)!

Latest Design: Block Print Coats

Two for one for you! Original concept for this 'one' coat was let's make it long, let's play around with mixing similar prints like color blocking (print blocking). 

Latest Design: Knit Floral Dress

 Our latest design was reverse drafted from a dress I borrowed from a dear friend. Typically black is my go-to color of choice, but my heart gravitated towards floral right now.

Sew-a-Long: Tie Knot Bag (Part 2 of 2)

Welcome to part 2 of 2 on creating a tie knot bag. In our previous blog post "Draft-a-Long: Tie Knot Bag", we taught you how to draft the pattern for this design. In this blog post, we give you the step-by-step instructions on sewing your very own tie knot bag!

Draft-a-Long: Tie Knot Bag (Part 1 of 2)

The tie knot bag is a small open tote that is meant to be carried over your wrist. In this two-part blog series, we will share the step-by-step pattern drafting and sewing instructions to help you create your own tie knot bag. 

Latest Design: Jellyfish Tailored Shirt

Our latest design has the cutest name— Jellyfish Tailored Shirt. The name was inspired by my favorite design element on this shirt, the high side seam slits with ties!

Latest Design: Rainbow Faces Tailored Shirt

Color is not my go-to but for some reason the color and faces on this print were just too stunning to walk away from. In this case, the fabric was the main inspiration!

Latest Design: Color Block Denim Jacket

Does this jacket have good jeans or what?!  In this blog post, we will share the bold details of our latest design— Color Block Denim Jacket.

Latest Design: Plaid Button-up Dress

We combined two designs into this hybrid dress. Remember the tailored tear-away jumpsuit and the plaid button up skirt? We combined the bodice of the jumpsuit and the skirt to make this dress.

Latest Design: Patch Pocket Blazer

Some trends never die, and the blazer is definitely one of them.  This tailored trend inspired us to design our own, but with a twist— Over-sized doubled patch pockets.

Latest Design: V-Neck Knit Crop Top

Basic t-shirts are just that- basic! So we decided to change a few elements to our basic t-shirt pattern. In this blog post, we will share our insights into the make up of our V-Neck Crop Top and several things to keep in mind.

---

2019

​Latest Design: Plaid Button-Up Skirt

We recently visited Atex Designer Fabrics in Gastown. They are our go-to for plaids, wools and all things warm and fuzzy. This is one of many plaid fabrics we picked up.

Latest Design: Tear-Away Jumpsuit

This design had us feeling extra nostalgic, so we named it— Tailored Tear-Away Jumpsuit. Although the buttons don’t literally “tear-away”, this jumpsuit still gave us major Spice Girls vibes.

Latest Couture Design: Organza Haori

A haori is a traditional Japanese hip or thigh-length kimono style jacket. In this blog post, we explore the traditional pattern shapes to better understand Japanese philosophy behind avoiding fabric waste in haori construction.

Field Trip: Nick Cave Exhibit

Lately I've been finding myself drawn back to my hometown of Calgary, Alberta. Glenbow Museum has been showing such inspirational exhibits this year! First Dior, and recently Nick Cave.

Latest Design: Denim Jacket Series

What do you call a denim expert? A jeanius! Autumn is finally here, so it’s time to button up on our latest denim jacket series.

Sew-a-Long: Bubble Tea Tote

This tote has us feeling all bubbly inside! Our latest sew-along will take you through the step-by-step process for creating your own bubble tea tote. Perfect for busy boba lovers!

Sew-a-Long: Scrunchies

A great way to recycle excess fabric and reduce waste. This sew-a-long will take you through the step-by-step process for creating your own scrunchie.

Latest Design: Pleated Jumpsuit

​Jumpsuits are so popular right now and pleats can be found popping up in the most interesting areas of garments.
​

Latest Design: Black Slip Skirt

Our latest demi-couture design is a bit of a tongue twister- Silk Slip Skirt! Inspired by vintage slip skirts, this features silk charmeuse fabric and Japanese trim. 

Latest Design: Black Oreo Coat

This coat is made up of over 25 pattern pieces and features scrumptious materials from Kyoto and Tokyo. The silhouette is even inspired from the streets of Tokyo.

Sew-a-Long: Draw-String Backpack

​​Time to stitch with us in our latest sew-a-long! We received a ton of requests for a tutorial on our drawstring backpack, so here it is.

Latest Design: Basic White Knit T-Shirt

The basic white t-shirt is an iconic and essential garment in almost everyone's wardrobe. We played around with designing the perfect white t-shirt.

​Latest Design: Tailored Culottes

Our latest design pushes the limits on how "wide" wide pant legs can be. Do you think there is such a thing as too wide? We believe that if you can imagine it, you can make it.

---

2018

Mending a Vintage Dress

Manipulating an already made garment is an art form on its own. This blog post will show you how we made this 1950's inspired vintage dress fit perfectly through a variety of hand and machine sewn manipulation techniques.
​

Latest Design: Cat Leather Bag

Hey Kitty Cats! This post ​will give you an insider view on our latest bag design. From the outside, it looks pretty simple. BUT if you know us well, simple is not our forte.
​

Latest Couture Design: Blue Linen Dress

It's still a little sunny outside, so we squeezed out one last summer dress before it starts to rain! We went back to basics with our latest design. It is a fully hand sewn dress, made of a double sided linen with silk charmeuse lining.

Latest Design: Military Culottes

Zipping up our latest design! Military inspired high waisted culottes for ya. For this design, we experimented with button holes, volume and our love for pockets.
​

Latest Design: Couture 70's Vintage Dress

Six months ago, we busted out this beautiful vintage Oscar de la Renta pattern by Vogue. We just just tied the knot on the last bit of top stitching and couldn't wait to share! This pattern is from 1973.

Latest Design: Long Tunic Series

Heading into Fall, it only makes sense to explore more tailoring techniques and shirt-making. This series highlights two of our long tailored tunic designs- Tiny Bubbles Tunic and Dot Tunic.

Sew-a-Long: 3D Zip Organizer

This tutorial is a step by step guide to creating a 3D zip organizer bag in ANY dimension you desire. We will provide the detailed drafting and construction steps below.

Latest Design: Couture Vintage Bow Blouse

We're showing off our latest vintage pattern make- couture bow blouse. This was made using a vintage pattern from the 1950's.

Sew-A-Long: Reversible Coaster

​It is time for a quick and easy sew-a-long! Every year our scrap fabric pile hits a level that we gotta do something about it. So this year we are making reversible coasters.

Latest Design: Couture Split P Skirt

This skirts name is Split Personality Skirt (AKA- Split P Skirt). With designing this skirt, we wanted to create the illusion of 'are those pants or is that a skirt'?

---

2017

Latest Design: Button-up Crop Shirt

In this post, I will share with you one of the patterns we are perfecting.  It is a button-up shirt with stand collar, cuffed sleeve, asymmetrical hem and patch pocket. 
​
​

Latest Design: White Linen Jacket

I love a good white jacket, it reminds me kinda like a lab coat. We used our mad scientist skills to tame complex in-set corners, in-set sleeves and non traditional lining. 
​

Insights into a Fashion Start-up

This is Deanna, your instructor for the beginners in the studio. Some of you might know this, but I am also a co-founder of the newly launched fashion brand, Moonstruck!
​
​

Silk Museum: Yokohama, Japan

Welcome to the final blog post in a 3 part series featuring all things textiles in Japan. Well, not all things textiles in Japan, just what I saw in Japan this year.
​

Fabric Shopping Guide: Tokyo, Japan

This is part two of a three part blog series featuring my travel experiences this year in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Yokohama, Japan.
​

Fabric Shopping Guide: Kyoto, Japan

This is part one of a three part blog series featuring my travel experiences this year in Kyoto, Tokyo and Yokohama.
​

Sewing & Pattern Drafting Life Hacks

Designing can be challenging, but an arsenal of helpful tricks can make the process more efficient.

Maiwa 2017 Workshop Review

Maiwa is one of the studio's favorite clients. ​Between the months of January to June, one can find me (Sheila) instructing a variety of group workshops at Maiwa School of Textiles on Granville Island. 

Reverse Pattern Drafting: Linen Dress

Not all designs are loud and complex at first glance. In fact, some of the best ones are subtle in design - as you explore their construction, you discover the complexities ​unfolding right in front of you, much like a good book.

[Video Tutorial] How to Sew a French Seam

The first time I ever saw a French seam was at a young age. Inside a pillow case my grandmother sewed, I inspected with awe at how the raw edges seemed to be magically hidden away.

Latest Project: Bamboo Knit Pullover

Oh hey, look! Our latest design that's not in black or grey. We promised you more colour in 2017, and here it begins.

[Video Tutorial] How to Pick Thread Colours

Choosing the correct thread colour can be a daunting task, so we created a tutorial to ease that process. 

---

2016

Louis Vuitton Restoration Project

In our studio, we are big advocates for re-working what you currently have before purchasing new. And even then, we'd rather create a new design before buying a mass-produced piece.

Japan Travel Diaries 2016

There were so many things about Japan that I was able to relate to during my time there. Prior to the trip, each person who I chatted to said: "You will definitely love it!"

[Video Tutorial] How to Use Pressing Tools

Our latest video will show you how to press seams open without ruining your fabric.

[Video Tutorial] Taking Measurements 101

Learn how to take the 3 most important measurements before designing or sewing any garment.

Latest Project: Floral Sleeveless Top

Just because summer's over doesn't mean that we have to stop designing pretty, floral things.

Latest Project: Suede Crop Top

This top might look a bit familiar, because it is. This original design was not easy to construct. Read on as I discuss my challenges.

Latest Project: Laser Cut Top

Summer is here, but y'all know how much I love designing with black. At least this design is sleeveless and has laser cut holes to keep me cool.

Latest Project: Raglan Sweater

Bamboo or not, these raglan sweaters can hug it out and show some love regardless which mill they where born from.

---

2015

Loop Turner Tutorial

I don't know what it is about the sewing industry, but it seems there is a tool for everything.  Why cant we just use what is around us for certain techniques instead of purchasing the next cool sewing toy. 

Little Black Knit Dress Tutorial

Summer is blazing and I just want to wear easy items. In this tutorial I will show you how to sew a little black knit dress for summer using only a serger and cover-stitch machine. 

​Latest Project: Draped Camisole

Trying out some draping techniques on a simple, yet elegant sleeveless camisole.

Latest Project: Faux Fur Vest

Designing a fur vest has been on my To Do list for over a year now.  Well, I got cold enough to make it happen. So here is an insider look into the design elements and where my biggest challenges lay.

Latest Project: Lace Silk Top

Fabric, thread, wax, a hand sewing needle, and my hands. These are items used to create my latest design.  No machines used here! 

---

2014

DIY Needle Book Tutorial

Holiday season is approaching and as usual I try to create most of my gifts. This particular gift is perfect for anyone who hand sews. It uses materials that can be found at home or in my case the studio.

Latest Project: Color Block Coat

 Luxurious Italian wool, lining and several hand sewn details. These are what make up my latest design. Introducing: the colour block coat for Fall 2014. 

Latest Project: Quilted Dolman Sweater

Lets face it Vancouver, it is cold! So I recently decided my fall 2014 mission would be to design warm clothes. I began my journey with a dolman quilted top.

[Video Tutorial] How to Sew a Thread Bar

Inspired by my latest silk lace design, here is a video tutorial on how to sew a threaded bar loop that pairs with a button as a garment closure.

Latest Project: Blue Split-Back Top

Feeling inspired by my last split-back top design and the heat, it was only natural this top would be created. 

DIY Garment Bag Tutorial

In this tutorial I will show you how to make an easy and good looking garment bag that can be custom fit to any garment.

Latest Project: Pleated Peplum Top

August makes me conjure up thoughts of falling leaves, layering, and finally more textural fabrics to be worn. 

DIY Press Cloth

A press cloth acts as a guard between a hot iron and a your beautiful design through the construction steps of a garment. Here you will learn how to make your own press cloth.

DIY Sewing Wall Organizer

A sewing/design area needs an organized space. The best way in my opinion, is to create a wall organizer to keep things in their proper places. This really should not surprise you, but I am fairly handy in my wood working skills. 

Latest Project: Reversible Split-Back Top

My home girl Lena doesn't know it yet, but this top is for her. Get an insider look at my latest design from creating the pattern to putting together this 2 in 1 top. PS- I totally made one for myself. 

Latest Project: Blush Rose Silk Top

Creation of my latest design started a year ago. Read on why the silk top took so long and get an inside view on the construction details.

How to Sew Fabric Covered Snaps

Elevate the quality of a garment with fabric covered snaps. Often seen on pricier apparel, these snaps only take a few minutes to sew. But, can change the look dramatically.

Latest Project: Two Toned Waistcoat

Here is my version of a top Winter 2014 trend- a long waistcoat. A waistcoat can be defined as a sleeveless garment covering the top half of a body with a center front opening. 

How to Sew a Cuffed Hem

Rolled up pants are everywhere right now. For a more permanent and tailored version, create your own cuffed hem.

Latest Project: Skater Skirt

I have been waiting for the perfect fabric to design a skater skirt. So the moment I found a thick boiled wool fabric, it was time.  A skater skirt is a high waisted skirt that has dramatic flare. 

How to Gather Fabric: Sewing Tutorial

Excess fabric can be worked into different design elements such as darts, pleats and gathers. Gathering fabric is a simple way to remove excess fabric, and it adds to the style of a garment. 

How to Sew a Self Bound Seam Finish

A self bound seam finish is a variation on a bound seam finish. 

Winter 2014 Fashion Trends to Sew

Winter has technically arrived according to the calendar, even if snow decided to come earlier. As each new season approaches, I customarily peruse through designer collections...

---

2013

Pinning & Cutting Fabric Techniques

Speak to anyone who sews, and they will let you know that all the steps leading up to sewing take longer than the actual sewing itself. 

How to Sew a Mitered Corner

Corners in sewing are tricky, they can look clean and professional if you put the effort into them. Here is a step by step sewing tutorial on how to sew a mitered corner. 

Latest Project: Structured Crop Top

My latest design is a structured crop top made from a Cotton blend fabric. I wanted to give you an inside view into my design process, so I have documented with photos along the way.

Fashion Elements: Skirts

If you know me, you know skirts are truly a staple in my closet. In this post, get to know the proper terminology for some of the most fashionable skirts out there.

Sewing Tutorial: Gathered Skirt

Sew your own high-waisted gathered skirt with this step by step tutorial. I have been meaning to post this for a while now as its one of the easiest and quickest skirts you will ever sew!

Latest Project: Holiday Party Skirt

My latest sewing project is a holiday party skirt. What makes it holiday? Definitely the fabulous fabric. What makes it a party skirt? Every skirt is worthy of a good party in my eyes.

How to Sew a Poinsettia

Now, I will admit I had no clue what a poinsettia was, but they are big during the holiday season. I was so inspired that I started to think where else could these fabric poinsettias could be placed. 

How to Sew a Bound Seam Finish

A bound seam finish is not often seen in mass produced garments. Its a beautiful way to finish off raw edges inside of a garment. 

Beginner Sewing Terms {Part 2}

Part 2 of beginner sewing terms is focused more on the basic tools used for sewing. 

Beginner Sewing Terms {PART 1}

This one is for the virgin sewers out there. My beginner clients receive a list of sewing terms... I thought it would be nice to share a few with you.

How to Sew a Pin Cushion

A great way to use up scrap fabric, sew your own mini pin cushion. Here is a step by step sewing tutorial on how to sew one.

How to Sew a Flat Felled Seam

You may have never heard of a flat felled seam, but guaranteed you have worn one in the last few days. 

Fashion Elements: Prints

Prints are massive in Fashion right now, but do you know the proper names for some of the top print trends?

How to Sew a Narrow French Seam

Part 2 of a 3 part series in sewing French seams, say hello to the narrow French seam. 

How to Pick the Right Thread Colour

Sometimes, this can be the most daunting task.  Here are a few of my tips on how to flawlessly pick the best thread color for your next garment.

How to Sew a Faux French Seam

Welcome to part 3 of how to sew a French Seam. This tutorial will show you how to sew a Faux French Seam, also known as a False French Seam.

Fashion Elements: Pants

Essential for Fall and Winter, pants keep us warm. But they can also be an extension of our personality through colour, fabric choice and silhouettes created when worn.

How to Sew a French Seam

There are a few variations of a French seam: regular, narrow and faux. 

How to Sew a Headphone Cord Organizer

Practical and simple to make, here is your step by step tutorial on how to sew a headphone cord organizer.

Fashion Elements: Lapels

This one is for the boys! All men should know the top three types of lapels commonly found of blazers and jackets. If not, then continue reading.

Sewing Tutorial: How to Make Hair Ties

OK, first off I want to apologize for lying to you in the title, there is absolutely no sewing involved in this tutorial.

[Sewing Tutorial] Faux Fur Stole

I kept warm with my faux fur stole this Valentines. Here are the step by step instructions on how to sew one.

Sewing Tutorial: Men's Square Pocket

In the midst of bridal season one of my good friends...

Fabric Terminology

It can be extremely fun hitting up the fabric store to pick up new fabric. 

Fashion Elements: Silhouettes

Having an understanding of industry terms and fashion elements is pretty important alongside solid sewing skills.

Fashion Elements: Sleeves

Heading into Fall season, sleeves are... well everywhere! There is more than just your basic short and long sleeves out there. 

Modern Swaddle Blanket

Every so often it seems I am having to sew baby items for expecting mom’s in my life. So, I thought I would share my latest – the swaddle.

How to Sew a Corded Seam

A corded seam can add that special detail to your next sewn garment. Here is a quick step by step on how to sew one. Its easy!

[Sewing Tutorial] Chiffon Flower

Cherry blossom inspired flowers. Perfect for any bridesmaid dress.

Fashion Elements: Necklines

Necklines can be used to our advantage. We can make ourselves appear taller or frame our face.

How to Sew a Piped Seam

Used typically for decorative purposes either with the same fabric or contrasting fabric. 

Fashion Elements: Pockets

We all love pockets so lets learn a little about the different types of pockets out there.

Sewing with Silk

Some fabrics are just plain difficult to work with, silk being one of them. This post I will show you my simple tricks I use when designing with silk.

[Sewing Tutorial] Kimono Inspired Top

This tutorial is inspired by my silk chiffon Propaganda top recently photographed by Desmond Cheng. 

Basic Pressing Techniques

I always tell my clients that taking the time to press a garment along the ways of construction is essential. 

All blog posts created & written by Sheila Wong Fashion Design Studio Ltd.