Announcing! The Re-launch of the Lou Box Top pattern

Hi sew-friends! Today I’m very happy to announce the re-launch of the Lou Box Top pattern. I first released this pattern in 2015 and it has been steadily popular ever since. All the things that made the pattern great remain the same. This is just a bit of a makeover.

The biggest change is to the sizing. The original pattern contained only four sizes while this new pattern has 17 sizes. The armhole opening is a little bigger and the length of the top is 2 inches longer than the original as Sew DIY has decided to start drafting for a height of 5’10”. (We’re going all in on #sewingtall and couldn’t be happier with the decision. As always, the pattern has lengthen/shorten lines to make it just the right length for your personal measurements and preference.) In addition, the pattern booklet has had a redesign and small tweaks have been made to the instructions for the sake of clarity.

Below is a video recapping the changes and why we made them, plus a few of our sample garments so that you can see some versions in motion.

What if you’ve already purchased the pattern?

There’s no need to repurchase the pattern. I really appreciate the love that people have shown the LBT over the years and want everyone to enjoy this new version.

If you purchased the pattern directly from Sew DIY, expect an email in the next week or so with a link to the pattern. If you purchased from another retailer, email sewdiyblog@gmail.com with your order confirmation and we will send you a copy of the new pattern. If you don’t receive an email with the new pattern, email us and we’ll send you the link.

Lou Box Top PDF Pattern

$14.00

What’s next?

First off, you can expect blog posts and videos about how to select your size, how to make an FBA adjustment to the top and a few tutorials about construction methods. There is already a sewalong for this pattern with lots of info but to supplement and fill in a few holes, we’ll be doing a few additional tutorials.

You can also expect more pattern updates. Next, we’re planning to update the Baseball Skirt pattern and then the Lou Box Dresses patterns. For now, I encourage you to check out the #louboxtop hashtag on Instagram and stay tuned for the tester roundup post tomorrow. And, if you do not already own this pattern, it is currently $2 off until midnight Sunday, May 12, 2019. No code required.

Thank you so much for your support. I truly appreciate it.

Tips for How to Use a Twin Needle - VIDEO TUTORIAL

View fullsize

One of the best ways to finish off your knit projects is to use a twin needle to stitch the hem. The great thing about a twin needle is that it can be used on any conventional sewing machine (as long as the needle plate can accommodate the width of the two needles) but sometimes it can be challenging to use.

In today’s video, I’ll give you some tips that you can use to trouble shoot your twin needle stitching.

1) Use wooly nylon thread

2) Use wash away adhesive sewing tape

3) Adjust the bobbin tension (I’m a little reluctant to recommend this and have never actually done it so PROCEED WITH CAUTION. I suspect it could work because a lot of the issues around twin needles is that the bobbin thread is too tight. But, it could be challenging to change the tension back. So, research it. On my Brother CS6000i, the only way to get it to work with elastic thread in the bobbin is to adjust the bobbin tension and it was recommended to buy a second bobbin case expressly for that purpose.)

4) If your machine has it, use the twin needle setting. (I’m using a Janome Memory Craft in this example and it makes a noticeable difference when I use the twin needle setting.)

5) Thread the machine according to your machine’s manual. (And thread each thread separately, not both at the same time.)

6) If you’re still having problems, do a google search for your specific machine. Other people might have posted about it.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this video. I have a whole series of YouTube videos planned focused on tips and tutorials for sewing with knits. In case you missed it, make sure to check out last week’s video “How to Adjust Serger Tension". And if you haven’t done so already, I’d be so grateful if you subscribe to my channel on YouTube.