Every year around this time we get questions on what to get the sewist in their lives. It can be tricky to get a sewing gift if you’ve not sewn yourself and sewing tools can really range in price.

If you haven’t yet I would start out by checking out our sewing essentials blog post.

Those tools tend to be things that an experienced sewist already has as they are all starter sewing tools so if you’re looking for more unique sewing gifts we’ve got you covered too.

Sewing patterns can be a tricky thing to buy for someone as someone’s style can range as well as their skill set. Not all sewing patterns are created equal as well. Lots can have poor instructions, ill fitting sizes, or even missing pattern pieces. 

Which is exactly why we started developing our own sewing patterns! We have used our knowledge from teaching and pattern drafting for beginner sewists to develop commercial patterns.

The sling tote pattern and the dropped shoulder hoodie sewing pattern both come with a full video tutorial instructed by Laurie, the founder and creative director of La Movida.

You can purchase the pattern as well as the tools and fabrics all in our online shop.

The Dropped Shoulder Hoodie sewing kit

The Dropped Shoulder Hoodie is a classic pattern and it is probably our most used pattern in our studio. No matter who you are you could always use another hoodie and it is a beginner friendly project that seems hard so it is a real confidence booster. 

1. The Pattern

We have it both in digital and paper, if you plan on buying the fabric from us we recommend you get the paper pattern for convenience. For the hoodie pattern you’ll need an estimation of what size your loved one is. If you know a rough estimate you can always reach out to us and we can point you in the right direction of size, the hoodie is an oversized style so it’ll turn out fine if you’re a size off. BUT if you are really nervous about sizing, I would opt for the sling tote pattern instead.

2.  The Fabric

You’ll need both sweatshirt fleece and ribbing. The amount depends on size and you can view the size chart on our pattern page. 

There are both Cotton and Bamboo cotton options. I would say the bamboo cotton blend is lighter weight and more stretchy so I would choose that one for someone who is a bit more experienced in sewing.

The other thing to note for the sweatshirt is that there is cotton terry back and cotton fleeceback, both are suitable but the fleece is brushed to be fluffy & soft and the terryback has loops and is a bit better for absorbency, so for the sweaty or active person that is better.

For the most part our website photos are true to colour but sometimes the color settings on your device can mess with it. If you are really specific on colour you can view more photos of our colours on our Instagram . We share videos and photos of us unboxing and working with the fabric. 

Sweatshirt fleece

Sweatshirt Fleece & French Terry

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Rib Knit

3. Thread

The last thing needed for this project is matching thread! On each of the fabric listings is a tagged thread colour so you can buy the perfect match! I would buy 2 spools just to be safe. You should be able to make it with just one but mistakes happen and if anything has to be redone their may be risk of running out of thread.

Thread

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The Sling Tote sewing kit

This pattern was originally developed for our adult intro to sewing workshop where we teach the basics of how to sew! Students who take the class often end up wanting to make a couple more on their own to both reinforce and apply what they learned but also because it’s a great sewing project that makes a great gift. This is definitely a pattern that you can come back to over and over again and there are tons of ways to hack it and customize it. 

1. The Pattern

There is a paper and a digital option and I would suggest ordering the paper version if you are purchasing the tools and materials from us! 

2. The Fabric

You can use lots of different fabrics for this project. We have used canvas, denim, twill, quilters cotton, and even pleather to make these bags before. In our online shop we have tons of canvas and twill to choose from. You can also opt for a different fabric for the lining of the bag which is suggested as it makes the bag easier to wipe down if it gets dirty. Of course you can always machine wash it. 

You will need ½ meter for the outside and ½ meter for the inside, so a total of 1 meter if you opt to use the same fabric for the inside and outside. 

Canvas, twills, and denims

Denim, Cotton Twill & Canvas

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Nylon bag lining

If you don’t find a colour you like here you can always opt to use all of the outer bag fabric or visit us in person in our Kitsilano sewing studio to view more options. 

Nylon Bag Lining

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3. Buckles

This bag does need a buckle and rectangle ring. You’ll need one set per bag so if you think they will make more than one it’s good to buy a few of each

Buckles & Fasteners

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4. Thread

There are thread matches on each of the fabric listings so just choose the thread that matches the outside fabric you chose. You should be fine with one spool.

Thread

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Here at La Movida Sewing & Design studio our mission is to teach as many people as possible the skill of sewing. We believe that it is a essential and versatile skill that promotes dexterity, patience, and confidence and our aim is to make sewing as straightforward as possible.

The aim of our pattern line is to bring these patterns that we have specially designed to be easy to understand and put together to everyone! So if you can’t make it here to our Vancouver sewing classes we can come to you at your home and you can still learn with us. Sewing can be stressful and discouraging if you have a bad pattern and we are trying to break down those barriers.

Even if you have sewn with us at the studio these patterns will be familiar and the virtual sewing instruction will continue to help guide you as you learn all the components of how to sew.

As always, if you’re looking to stay connected you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep updated on our latest classes and pattern releases.

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• https://www.tiktok.com/@lamovidasewinganddesign
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