Stitching Tales
The inside scoop on sewing your own clothes and running a sewing business. By the authors of Fit for Knits, Malena Hjerpe and Johanna Lundström. Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitching Tales on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator. https://www.thelaststitch.com About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns. https://hazelhenpatterns.com
Should we join Project Runway? #78
What would happen if Johanna and Malena joined the chaos of Project Runway? In this episode, they discuss how to deal with impossible challenges, fabric-shopping drama, and hard-hitting criticism from the judges.
Would they accept feedback with grace, get defensive or even start crying? Johanna would definitely shed some tears, that's for sure.
And would Malena’s wearable designs gain the approval from the judges—or sent off with an Auf Wiederschein?
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Stitching Tales on Instagram
...
Malena's new sewing space & woven fabric wisdom #77
Malena’s taking her sewing to new heights—literally—by moving onto a stage as her new sewing space! Johanna’s first reaction? Total shock… quickly followed by excitement. Luckily, Johanna is also getting a studio update, albeit not quite as glamorous.
After their catch-up, the conversation shifts to woven fabrics. Malena provides the ultimate guide to the three main categories of woven fabrics. Then Johanna tries to make Malena pick a favourite, but she ends up picking one for herself instead (hint, it starts with a T and ends with Will.)
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Denim your way: Why sewing jeans is worth it #76
What if your favourite pair of jeans wasn’t something you bought, but something you made yourself? In this episode, Johanna and Malena explore why sewing your own denim is not only empowering but also incredibly fun.
Johanna, who’s never found a perfectly fitting pair of jeans in stores, shares her latest denim project and how she’s adapted industrial techniques for home sewing.
Plus, she gives a sneak peek at the exciting updates to her jeans sewing course, Denim Mastery.Johanna's jeans sewing course
...Navigating the "thinness trend" and how sewing can help #75
Johanna and Malena have noticed a recent decline in body diversity, both on the runway and among celebrities (hello, Ozempic). Was body inclusivity just a passing trend? And how does this shift make us feel about our own bodies?
Navigating society’s beauty standards is definitely complicated. And as sewing influencers, Malena and Johanna also want to present themselves, and in particular their creations, in the best light– quite literally.
So being non-judgmental toward ourselves is often easier said than done. On the flip side, sewing can actually help ease...
How to cut sewing patterns: Our best tips #74
Malena enjoys cutting out the pattern pieces. Johanna does not. But they agree on one thing: how you cut can really make or break a sewing project. So, they dig into practical strategies for cutting pattern pieces, including how to prep, align, mark, and cut.
Plus some great advice on how to deal with those tricky fabrics (Johanna has three words for you: single-layer cutting).
P.S. Malena had some light sound issues in this episode.
Fit for Knits Bookhttps://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Episodes mentioned:
Trace, cut or chalk? Ways to m...
Organising your sewing space: From chaos to calm: #73
Is your sewing table buried under mountains of fabric? Do seam rippers actually have legs? And why can't we ever find the right sewing machine needle? Keeping organised during sewing is hard, and we have all been there.
Malena and Johanna share their messy sewing space confessions and give some simple tips on how to improve your sewing space. Or as the French chefs say it – mise en place. Mais oui.
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Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
http...
Tariffs’ effect on sewing & Malena's pattern launch challenges #72
Johanna puts on her reporter's hat (she used to be a journalist) and explains how tariffs work and their impact on both sewing businesses and the customers. Hopefully, this will clarify the confusion surrounding the current situation and explain why many sewing companies have ceased shipping to the US.
Malena has finally launched her Bilberry top (yay!), but not without last-minute hiccups.
Listen for a candid conversation about what it’s really like to run a solo sewing business when outside factors keep throwing new wrenches your way!
Email us at...
Grow your sewing skills: From beginner to pro #71
Have you looked at a sewing pattern and thought, I could never make that? Or maybe you’ve mastered the basics, but the idea of sewing a zipper or adding collars to a garment intimidates you?
In this episode, Johanna and Malena share the best methods for transitioning from a sewing novice to feeling more like a pro.
Plus, they address mindset challenges such as frustration with underwhelming results, the fear of “ruining” good fabric, and the hesitation that comes with trying something new. Topics covered:
Picking the right sewing machineSew the fall 2025 fashion trends #70
Malena and Johanna put their style forecaster hats on and list the key trends for fall 2025 and, most importantly, how to sew them.
They talk genie pants, draped coats, power suits and midi-skirts. And what about embracing fashion comebacks? Well, Malena still struggles with revisiting 90s fashion, and Johanna is so not ready for 80s shoulder pads.
As Stitching Tales' resident music fanatic, Johanna also has some interesting style notes from the "Swedish Coachella" music festival (hint: we all need a pleated kilt skirt).
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com...
Sewing revelations & new beginnings #69
Malena has found the perfect solution to bring back her sewing mojo: invite a friend and sew together over a glass of cava.
Johanna is currently a sweaty, toothless mess. But she has also done some sewing this summer that reminded her of an important principle: KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!)
They also talk day-job updates, and on air, they impulsively make a bold declaration that will challenge them both. Listen to find out!
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Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://w...
Johanna's HUGE decision & Malena's new pattern #68
Johanna recently made a big decision regarding the future of The Last Stitch and her well-being. And Malena is finally finishing her next sewing pattern, the Bilberry Top. It's a busy summer, and all the hard work will hopefully pan out in the fall!
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatterns
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get
Trace, cut or chalk? Ways to mark your fabric #67
How do you transfer notches and lines from paper to fabric accurately? Without ruining the fabric or having it rub off before you even start sewing?
Malena and Johanna dive into an often overlooked, but essential, step in sewing: marking your fabric.
From tracing wheels to tailor’s chalk, snips to washable pens, they’ll explore the pros, cons, and best-use methods for the many marking tools that we have at our disposal.
Fit for Knits Bookhttps://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www...
No pockets? No problem: How to add pockets to patterns #66
Ever found the perfect sewing pattern…only to discover it has no pockets? Don’t worry, in this episode, Malena and Johanna talk about how to take matters into your own hands (literally) and add pockets to just about any sewing pattern.
They’ll explain why so many designers leave out pockets, the best way to draft and sew them, and what to watch out for along the way.
Tutorials to get you started:
Slanted pockets
https://www.thelaststitch.com/sewing-beautiful-pants-pockets-the-easy-way
In-sea...
Sewing into summer: Our favourite fabrics and makes #65
In this sun-soaked episode, Johanna and Malena dive into the joys of summer sewing. In particular, how to choose the right fabrics and styles for hot weather.
They also give tips on the best way to hack a pants sewing pattern into shorts, and why Johanna relies on breezy shirts rather than sunscreen on most summer days.
Malena's tutorials for hacking pants into shorts
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com/post/hacking-the-fieldfare-joggers-into-shorts-a-step-by-step-guide
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com/post/pattern-hack-shorts
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Stitching Tales on Instagram
Knit vs woven: The battle of fabrics #64
What makes knit and woven fabrics so different, and why does it matter for your sewing project? Plus, can you use a sewing pattern designed for woven on knits, and vice versa?
Malena and Johanna dive headfirst into the ultimate fabric showdown: stretchy vs structured, forgiving vs well-fitted, comfy tees vs slim-fit shirts. The battle is on!
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen P...
From hobby to hustle: Turning sewing into a business #63
Ever dreamed of turning your passion for sewing into a full-fledged business? Johanna and Malena pull back the curtain on what it really takes to leap, from pricing and mindset shifts to setting up the business correctly and asking for support.
And is it even a good idea to turn your beloved hobby into a business? Listen to find out!
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Ma...
Understanding seam allowances (and why they matter) #62
What's the ultimate seam allowance? (hint: it depends) And should sewing patterns come with seam allowances, or not?
Johanna and Malena delve into the world of seam allowances and share some pro tips that you may not have heard before.
Plus, Malena talks about how seam allowances are done in the garment industry, which is quite different from what you'll find in most sewing patterns.
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Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitch...
What 70 years of sewing taught us #61
Johanna and Malena have sewn for over 70 years. Not individually (they are not that old!). But together, that's how many years it adds up to.
So have they learned something after all these years? Well, quite a lot, it turns out, including some important mindset stuff. Listen to find out!
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book auth...
Sewing projects we won't touch #60
Johanna and Malena love sewing. But not every type of sewing. Some projects are just plain nope! In this episode, we spill the tea on garments and fabrics that we avoid like the plague.
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatterns
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free Malva t-shirt pattern)
About Johanna Lundström: Sewin
Making Malena's pattern launch a success #59
Malena is releasing a new Hazelhen pattern for the first time in years (yay!). But she recently had a revelation that made her rethink the launch process. So now she has to come up with a whole new game plan, and Johanna is here to help.
Plus, there is an update on Johanna's situation, which left her in dire straits (which she talked about in last week's episode). Hint: Things are looking up!
Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on...
Fixing Johanna's business struggles #58
Johanna has hit a low point after weeks of a stubborn flu combined with a return to her day job. A lack of direction and overwhelm have made her feel like she's treading water with the sewing business. Luckily, Malena has some great advice on where Johanna should put her main focus to make the business grow.
Have suggestions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book autho...
Sewing sleeves, stay-stitching, projector patterns: Q&A 57
Should you stay-stitch knits? How do we eliminate puckers when sewing set-in sleeves with ease? Plus, have Johanna and Malena jumped on the projector file bandwagon? Listen to find out!
In this episode, we open the listener's mailbox and answer your pressing sewing questions.
Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or write to us on our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www...
Sew faster: Speedy tips to try #56
Lured by the idea of sewing faster? Johanna and Malena have some practical tips on how to sew more efficiently AND make fewer mistakes.
Plus, we address the elephant in the room: Is faster sewing something we should even strive towards?
Time-saving tips for sewing jeans
https://www.thelaststitch.com/7-time-saving-tips-for-sewing-jeans
Fastest way to assemble pdf-patterns
https://youtu.be/yxNObYiJSL4
Our book Fit for Knits
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www...
Knit fabrics explained: How to pick the right one #55
Picking the wrong type of knit fabric for a project is a recipe for disappointment, so listen to this episode before you make your next knit garment.Malena and Johanna talk about different knit fabrics and their properties. What's the difference between a single knit and a double knit? And why are sweatshirt fabrics often flossy on the inside? Listen to find out!
Then the discussion takes a detour down memory lane when we reminisce about those iconic velour tracksuits from the early 00s.
Our book Fit for Knitshttps://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book...
New sewing pattern, day job return & more updates #54
Malena is getting close to launching a new sewing pattern, but will she make her (self-imposed) deadline? Johanna has returned to her day job after a six-month-long break, and this new reality brings out mixed emotions.
They also discuss alternative career plans, especially if you have a passion project that takes up a lot of brain space. Perhaps Johanna's next career move is to become a tram driver?
Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or write to us on our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
...
Exposing our personal lives #53
Building a personal brand means showing yourself. But how much is too much? Malena and Johanna have a candid talk about navigating their online presence, and the possible pitfalls.
Johanna opens up about sharing her divorce online and what it's like dating as a semi-public figure. Plus she has an exciting update on her relationship status! Malena wonders if she should show herself more on Instagram, and if so, what would people want to see?
Chat with us on our socials
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingt...
Financial independence, fabric shopping tips & hand-sewing: Q&A #52
Would Malena and Johanna still run their sewing business if they became financially independent? And how can we shop smarter when buying fabric online? These and other great questions from the podcast listeners are answered in this fun Q&A episode.
Plus we get to find out when Malena last sewed a garment for herself, that wasn't a work project (the answer might shock you!)
Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or write to us on our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
...
Avoid these sewing machine mistakes #51
Too busy sewing to read the sewing machine manual? No worries; we have all been there! In this episode, Malena and Johanna confess their own sewing machine mistakes and share tips on how to avoid making them.
Plus Malena has been making patterns for a very cool design collab, and Johanna is feeling thorn that her day job leave is coming to an end.
Have questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod...
Interfacing: Our Best Tips #50
Interfacing can make (or break) a garment. So how do we pick the right type? And should we interface stretchy knit garments? Malena and Johanna do a deep dive into the world of interfacing and share some valuable tips you might not have heard before!
Interfacing stretchy knits
https://www.thelaststitch.com/using-fusible-interfacing-knits/
Stabilising shoulder seams on knit tops
https://www.thelaststitch.com/how-to-stabilise-shoulder-seams-on-knit-tops/
Interfacing tailored garments (video)
https://youtu.be/SNys7qh9oW8
Shipping drama, sewing second guessing & other updates #49
Johanna is back from an amazing mini-holiday in Lisbon and is ready to tackle the next project – hers and Malena's new sewing book. She also had some shipping drama that made her want to run and hide and almost quit her business.
Malena has been home alone and spent her "free" time sewing the photo samples for her upcoming pattern Yes, Malena will release a second pattern this year!
Johanna's new jeans sewing course
https://courses.thelaststitch.com
Stitching Tales on Instagram
...The secret ingredient to sewing success (fibres!) #48
Is rayon a natural fibre and are synthetic materials always bad? Plus, why are some fabrics rubbish while others hold up for decades, even though the fibre content is the same?
Our resident fiber expert Malena goes deep into this important, and underrated, topic for us sewists. Johanna is in awe and has several new revelations in this episode. Enjoy!
Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@Stit...
Sewing sweaterknits, luxury knits, patterns for men: Q&A #47
Are sewing sweaterknits doomed to fail and are fine wool knits worth going broke for? Plus: Where are all the good menswear patterns? Johanna and Malena open their mailbox and answer more questions from our lovely listeners and viewers.
Have more questions? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com
Or contact us at our socials:
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
Lyrical fabrics
https://lyricalfabrics.com
Johanna's favourite wool knit supplier:
https://www.a-h.se/webshop
<...
Johanna's new sewing course & Malena's next pattern! #46
Johanna has secretly launched her jeans sewing course, and you are among the first to find out! As a loyal podcast listener, get 20% off Denim Mastery before it officially launches on February 20.
Grab your offer: https://courses.thelaststitch.com/denim-mastery?coupon=DENIMTALES
(or use codeDENIMTALES at checkout). The sale ends February 20 11.30 PM (Central European Time)
Meanwhile, Malena is ready to start sewing the photo samples of her next pattern release. Yes, she too is on a roll!
Fit for Knits Book
https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://ww...
Serger techniques for hemming knits #45
Hemming with a serger is both fast and easy. Yet most of us don't do it. To change that, Malena and Johanna talk about four ways to hem knits using just a serger. Plus they get into coverstitching a bit too, and share valuable tips for making your coverstitching look professional. Get 20% off Coverstitch Success Use code POD20 or this link: https://courses.thelaststitch.com/?coupon=POD20 Hemming and securing threads on a coverstitch https://youtu.be/Md0AUk0h7oE Johanna's free guide for fixing coverstitch problems https://www.thelaststitch.com/coverstitch-troubleshooting-guide Have questions for another Q&A episode? Email...
Sew Trendy 2025: Making Sewing and Fashion Predictions #44
Will AI be able to construct a sewing pattern using just an image, a prompt and your measurements? And will sewists jump on the latest trend; hot pants as the new mini skirt? Johanna and Malena bring out the crystal ball and make some bold predictions.
This somehow brings us into a heated discussion about unethical, unsustainable and downright dangerous practices that some clothes companies use. We are truly on fire in this episode! Tauko Magazine https://www.taukomagazine.com/shop/issue-14 Subscribe to Johanna's newsletter
https://www.thelaststitch.com/newsletter
Have que...
Hemming knits: Our top tips and tricks #43
Hemming stretchy knits is tricky – something Malena and Johanna know all too well. Luckily they have figured out some really cool tricks that will make it so much easier, even if you only have a regular sewing machine. Tauko Magazine https://www.taukomagazine.com/shop/issue-14 Subscribe to Johanna's newsletter https://www.thelaststitch.com/newsletter Blind-hem tutorial https://www.thelaststitch.com/vide-sew-along-invisible-hemming/ Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Twin-needle tutorial https://www.thelaststitch.com/complete-guide-to-sewing-knits-with-a-twin-needle Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitching Tales on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns. https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatte...
Sewing tricky knits, careers in sewing & pocket fabrics: Q&A #42
How to fix growing necklines, dealing with difficult knit fabrics and what's the story behind Johanna's sewing career? We answer these and many other listener questions in this Q&A episode. Have questions for another Q&A episode? Email us at stitchingtalespod@gmail.com Fit for Knits Book https://www.thelaststitch.com/fit-for-knits-book Stitching Tales on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod Stitching Tales on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns. https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatterns https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free t-shirt pattern) About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pattern designer and sewing content creator. https://www.thelaststitch.com https://www.instagram.com/laststitch
Our goals for 2025 #41
Malena can finally reveal her secret project! Plus she has big plans for 2025 (hint: two new sewing patterns).
Meanwhile, Johanna is burning the midnight oil trying to finish her jeans video course. And she is waiting for a very exciting delivery that gives her clout among the young people in her life.
Looks like we are off to a strong start!
Pre-order Tauko Magazine
https://www.taukomagazine.com/shop/issue-14
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod...
2024 Recap: Triumphs & Hiccups #40
Malena and Johanna had some grand plans for 2024. So how did it all go? Plus Malena reveals a professional pivot that she has never talked publicly about before! And a huge thank you to all of you that tuned in this year to listen to our podcast! Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://www.instagram.com/hazelhenpatterns
https://www.hazelhenpatterns.com (get your free t-shirt pattern)
About Johanna Lundström: Sewing book author, pat...
Sewing gift guide: For every budget #39
Looking for the ultimate gift to give your sewing friend (or yourself)? Then look no further. We share our best picks for sewing holiday gifts, from essential sewing tools to inspiring books, something for every budget level.
Stitching Tales Gift Guide
https://www.thelaststitch.com/giftguide
Stitching Tales on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stitchingtalespod
Stitching Tales on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@StitchingTalesPod
About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of Hazelhen Patterns.
https://ww...
