Get sewing with running stitch!
The best thing about sewing? It’s so easy! You can start designing and customising your clothes with just a few, simple skills.
Thread a needle, grab some fabric, and follow this vid to learn BASIC RUNNING STITCH.
In no time, you’ll be off AND RUNNING (see what we did there?)
SWISH TIPs
Not sure how to tie a knot? 
Threading a Needle
If you find the thread keeps slipping out of your needle as you sew, trying doubling up the thread.
Gathering
Running stitch is a great way to sew seams or hems. It’s also a nifty way to ‘gather’ fabric, which is handy when making bags or skirts. Check out this quick vid to gather more info (I know, we’re hilarious!)
MAKE A SIMPLE SKIRT WITH RUNNING STITCH
Find some funky fabric Recycle an old duvet cover or pillowcase? Whisk away a summer tablecloth!
Cut the fabric to your DESIRED FLAVOUR of skirt length (flaunt your ankles? Show off your knees? Surprise your thighs!) Then use your running stitch to create a hem at the bottom, and nice gathers at the top.
To make a waistband, fold over a strip of fabric a couple of times to make a band that fits snugly around your waist. ‘Stick’ it together round the with back with some HEAVY DUTY Velcro (the starter sewer’s friend!). Or stitch your gathered skirt on to a MEGA WIDE strip of elastic (cut the elastic to fit your waist, then stitch it together at the back). Skirt-tastic!
Get sewing with running stitch
The best thing about sewing? It’s so easy! You can start designing and customising your clothes with just a few, simple skills.
Thread a needle, grab some fabric, and follow this vid to learn BASIC RUNNING STITCH.
In no time, you’ll be off AND RUNNING (see what we did there?)
Swish Tips
The best thing about sewing? It’s so easy! You can start designing and customising your clothes with just a few, simple skills.
Thread a needle, grab some fabric, and follow this vid to learn BASIC RUNNING STITCH.
In no time, you’ll be off AND RUNNING (see what we did there?)
Not sure how to tie a knot?
Threading a Needle
If you find the thread keeps slipping out of your needle as you sew, trying doubling up the thread.
Gathering
Running stitch is a great way to sew seams or hems. It’s also a nifty way to ‘gather’ fabric, which is handy when making bags or skirts. Check out this quick vid to gather more info (I know, we’re hilarious!)
MAKE A SIMPLE SKIRT WITH RUNNING STITCH
Find some funky fabric Recycle an old duvet cover or pillowcase? Whisk away a summer tablecloth!
Cut the fabric to your DESIRED FLAVOUR of skirt length (flaunt your ankles? Show off your knees? Surprise your thighs!) Then use your running stitch to create a hem at the bottom, and nice gathers at the top.
To make a waistband, fold over a strip of fabric a couple of times to make a band that fits snugly around your waist. ‘Stick’ it together round the with back with some HEAVY DUTY Velcro (the starter sewer’s friend!). Or stitch your gathered skirt on to a MEGA WIDE strip of elastic (cut the elastic to fit your waist, then stitch it together at the back). Skirt-tastic!
"The Swish is properly interesting. A teen novel about creativity, confidence and upcycling clothes. About time!" Dawn French
Schoolgirl Kat Parker is a ‘thrift shop Cinderella’ - she can turn old clothes into gorgeous new outfits with the flash of her needle! But when disaster threatens, can she craft her own happy ending? Dare Kat take on the bullies, and make her own gown for the school ball?
" Great book – a lovely read for teens"
LORRAINE CANDY, SUNDAY TIMES bestseller and parenting expert
" Tash’s book is very timely - its upbeat, practical message will go a long way to inspiring young people"
EMMA SCOTT, ORGANISER OF RETHINK FASHION DORSET
" Such a great read! Witty and warm, with a brilliant message - my tween loved this book. I'm now hoping it will help wean her off Primark"
" Lovely story. My daughter was so inspired to thrift and upcycle she has started sewing away, creating beautiful outfits."
" A super fun read - ‘Geek Girl’ meets the ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’! Ideal book to get your teenagers off their phones/screens & inspired about sustainable fashion."
" A gripping, funny story about the importance of friends and family, and being resilient. Great read!"
"The Swish is properly interesting. A teen novel about creativity, confidence and upcycling clothes. About time!" Dawn French
Schoolgirl Kat Parker is a ‘thrift shop Cinderella’ - she can turn old clothes into gorgeous new outfits with the flash of her needle! But when disaster threatens, can she craft her own happy ending? Dare Kat take on the bullies, and make her own gown for the school ball?
" Great book – a lovely read for teens"
LORRAINE CANDY, SUNDAY TIMES bestseller and parenting expert
" Tash’s book is very timely - its upbeat, practical message will go a long way to inspiring young people"
EMMA SCOTT, ORGANISER OF RETHINK FASHION DORSET
" Such a great read! Witty and warm, with a brilliant message - my tween loved this book. I'm now hoping it will help wean her off Primark"
" Lovely story. My daughter was so inspired to thrift and upcycle she has started sewing away, creating beautiful outfits."
" A super fun read - ‘Geek Girl’ meets the ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’! Ideal book to get your teenagers off their phones/screens & inspired about sustainable fashion."
" A gripping, funny story about the importance of friends and family, and being resilient. Great read!"
LISTEN HERE"The Swish is properly interesting. A teen novel about creativity, confidence and upcycling clothes. About time!"
Dawn French
Schoolgirl Kat Parker is a ‘thrift shop Cinderella’ - she can turn old clothes into gorgeous new outfits with the flash of her needle! But when disaster threatens, can she craft her own happy ending? Dare Kat take on the bullies, and make her own gown for the school ball?
" Great book – a lovely read for teens"
LORRAINE CANDY, SUNDAY TIMES bestseller and parenting expert
" Tash’s book is very timely - its upbeat, practical message will go a long way to inspiring young people
"
EMMA SCOTT, ORGANISER OF RETHINK FASHION DORSET
" Such a great read! Witty and warm, with a brilliant message - my tween loved this book. I'm now hoping it will help wean her off Primark
"
" Lovely story. My daughter was so inspired to thrift and upcycle she has started sewing away, creating beautiful outfits.
"
" A super fun read - ‘Geek Girl’ meets the ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’! Ideal book to get your teenagers off their phones/screens & inspired about sustainable fashion.
"
" A gripping, funny story about the importance of friends and family, and being resilient. Great read!
"
