Simply Sewing has a fresh, contemporary feel that resonates with modern sewists. How do you ensure the magazine stays current and inspiring while still catering to beginners?
We strike a balance by staying closely connected to trends in fashion, home décor, and fabric design, while always keeping our beginner audience in mind. Each issue includes a range of projects from simple; confidence-boosting makes to more challenging pieces so readers can grow their skills over time. We also listen to feedback from our vibrant sewing community (they’re an amazing bunch!), feature makers of all levels, and ensure our step-by-step instructions are clear and supportive. Our goal is to inspire creativity while making sewing accessible and enjoyable for everyone!
Sewing can be both a practical skill and a creative outlet. How does Simply Sewing aim to support and inspire readers to explore both aspects?
At Simply Sewing, we celebrate both the functional and artistic sides of sewing. Our projects often blend practicality with personality, whether it's a beautifully tailored garment or a handmade accessory with a twist. We offer patterns that teach core techniques while encouraging readers to customize with fabric choices, embellishments, and hacks. We’ve featured articles from sewists and designers telling their stories about sewing and mindfulness – one of my favourites being about sewing retreats set at venues in the beautiful British countryside! Each issue features maker stories, trend inspiration, and tips from professionals, all aimed at sparking creativity and building confidence. We want our readers to not only master the basics but also to feel empowered to express themselves through every stitch.
With such a wide range of projects from quirky toys to wearable garments, how do you curate which patterns and features make it into each issue?
It’s all about variety, inspiration, and balance. When planning each issue, we consider seasonality, reader feedback, trending styles, and skill progression. We aim to include something for everyone. From fun, quick makes like quirky toys and accessories to more involved garments for those wanting a challenge. We also mix practical basics with standout statement pieces to keep it fresh. Collaboration with talented designers and makers ensures a rich mix of ideas and aesthetics. Ultimately, every pattern and feature are chosen to inspire creativity and keep readers excited to turn the next page. It’s a whole team effort! We have so many (often too many!) ideas for patterns want to create over the course of the year (planning each up to six months in advance) so it’s a careful combination of forward planning, trend forecasting, and lots of moodboards!
The Great British Sewing Bee has really helped bring sewing into the mainstream again. Has the show influenced the kind of content or projects you include in Simply Sewing?
Definitely! The Great British Sewing Bee has had a fantastic impact on the sewing community, making the craft more visible and accessible. It’s inspired a new wave of sewists who are excited to try techniques they’ve seen on the show. We often reflect that energy in our content by including quick turnaround projects, refashioning ideas, and challenges that encourage creativity - much like those featured in the Bee. It’s also pushed us to include more skill-building tutorials and on-trend garments to support readers who want to push themselves. Ultimately, the show shares our goal: to make sewing fun, modern, and achievable for everyone. And we whole-heartedly support it!
What can subscribers expect from future issues, why subscribe?
Subscribers can look forward to an exciting mix of fresh patterns, inspiring features, and expert tips in every issue. Whether it’s stylish garments, fun accessories, home projects, or quirky makes, there’s always something new to try. Each issue comes with at least two paper patterns (sometimes three!) to use and keep in your collection, which we’re incredibly proud to say are in the market’s most inclusive size range - UK 6-30 (or up to 13 sizes if the pattern is gender-neutral). We’re constantly evolving to reflect current trends, seasonal ideas, and feedback from our amazing readers. Subscribing means you’ll never miss out on exclusive content, sewalongs, and high-quality printed patterns delivered to your door. Plus, it's a great way to stay motivated, build your skills, and be part of a vibrant, supportive sewing community.
Subscribe and save with a magazine subscription to Simply Sewing, with delivery included in the price PLUS two paper patterns with every issue! To celebrate the new series of The Great British Sewing Bee hitting our screens, UK readers can also get a bonus Sewing Bee book worth £30 – hurry though, stock is limited!
