Wicked Fabrics

Wicked Fabrics Curated collection of premium European knit and woven essential fabrics. Mission to help 100,000 individuals connect with their artist energy ⚡

A little rainbow of cotton elastane jersey, packed up for a customer 🌈One of the things I love about having a range of c...
30/09/2026

A little rainbow of cotton elastane jersey, packed up for a customer 🌈

One of the things I love about having a range of colours is seeing them all together. It’s amazing how much inspiration can come from simply laying a few colours side by side and seeing what works.

It’s also a handy way to plan your next project, especially if you’re wanting to use up those smaller offcuts. That little piece you weren’t sure what to do with might be just the colour you need to bring another fabric together. Think cuffs, neckbands, colour blocking or even a fun little contrast detail.

Having a selection of colours to play with makes it easier to experiment, mix things up and get more out of the fabric you already have.

And if you love a good colour collection, you can build your own little rainbow stash too 😉

Are you a sewist who likes to have a bit of every colour on hand, or do you tend to stick to your favourite shades?

Slowly but surely, the shelves at Wicked HQ are filling up again!Although, much like the Sydney weather lately, I never ...
28/09/2026

Slowly but surely, the shelves at Wicked HQ are filling up again!

Although, much like the Sydney weather lately, I never quite know what I am going to get and when.

Miss A had a two day football camp over the weekend. Day 1 was a scorcher, with synthetic fields making the heat feel even more intense. Day 2 was cold and raining.

Thankfully, I had packed the raincoat, spare towel and all the essentials.

My fabric deliveries have been following a similar pattern lately. I don't always know exactly what is arriving when, so every box is a little surprise!

Today's mini restock is our 100% Cotton Double Gauze.

Back in stock:

• Berry
• Moss Green
• Mustard
• Navy Blue
• White

A few of these colours have been running low for a while, so they were the ones I prioritised.

Double Gauze is such a versatile fabric base. Pyjamas, lightweight tops, dresses, kids wear and even something a little more dressed up. So much depends on the pattern you choose and what you feel like creating.

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I am prioritising restocks rather than trying to keep every colour available all the time. Shipping costs are still a big consideration for a small business importing a curated collection, so I am working through the restock list based on what needs attention first.

One delivery at a time!

If Double Gauze has been on your sewing list, a few of those low stock colours are back.

28/09/2026



Is sewing your own clothes actually cheaper?

Sometimes. Sometimes it really isn’t. 😂

I think this is one of those sewing questions where the answer depends on what you’re comparing.

It’s easy to look at $40 of fabric and think, "Well, that’s cheaper than buying a $100 shirt."

But that $40 of fabric might also need thread, interfacing, buttons, a zip, a pattern, shipping and maybe a toile or two while you work out the fit.

So if saving money is one of your reasons for sewing, I think the better question is:

"What would I pay for this garment if I bought it ready made?"

A $60 handmade shirt made from $40 of fabric doesn’t look like much of a saving.

But if a similar quality shirt would cost you $150 in a shop, the numbers start to look very different.

And then there’s the part that gets left out of the maths quite often.

Your skills.

Your first fitted jacket might cost more than buying one from the shops because you’ve made three toiles, adjusted the pattern, unpicked things and learnt a whole lot along the way.

But the fifth one?

You already know the pattern. You know how it fits you. You know which fabrics work and which ones are going to make you question every sewing decision you’ve ever made. 😂

That’s when sewing can become really good value.

Find a pattern that fits beautifully and use it again. Make the trousers in linen, then wool. Make the top in different jersey bases. Once you know a pattern works for you, you can build on that knowledge instead of starting from scratch every time.

And I don't think the goal needs to be making the cheapest possible garment anyway.

It’s making something you actually want to wear.

A $30 handmade top that sits unworn in your wardrobe isn’t particularly good value.

A $100 handmade garment that you wear 50 times? Is.

That’s the part of sewing I love.

You’re not just making a garment. You’re building skills, learning what works for your body and your lifestyle, choosing fabrics you love and creating a wardrobe that actually gets worn.

So yes, sewing can save you money.

But sometimes the real value is in the fit, the fabric, the quality and knowing that you made something that works for you.

And when you find that combination, the cost per wear starts looking good.

When you sew, is saving money part of the reason you do it, or is it more about the fit, the fabric and making something that’s exactly what you want?

25/09/2026



Do you really need to prewash every fabric?

I think most of us were taught at some point that prewashing is simply part of sewing. Fabric comes home, fabric goes straight into the washing machine. 😂

But over the years, I’ve changed the way I look at it.

For me, it’s less about following a sewing rule and more about thinking about what the finished garment is going to be exposed to once it leaves my sewing room.

If I’m making a cotton dress that’s going to be washed regularly, you can bet I’m prewashing it. I don’t want to spend hours getting the fit right, only for the first wash to change the size or shape.

And let’s be honest, that first wash is a much nicer surprise when you know exactly what your fabric is going to do.

But not every fabric needs to be treated the same way.

I look at the fibre content, the fabric itself and how I expect the finished garment to be cared for. Cotton, linen, rayon, bamboo blends and wool can all behave differently once water and heat get involved.

If I’m unsure, I’ll test a small piece first.

Measure it before washing, wash it, then measure it again. Has it shrunk? Twisted? Changed texture? Released colour?

That little bit of information can be very useful before you cut into three metres of fabric.

There are also fabrics where you need to think twice before throwing them in the washing machine. Water repellent fabrics, waxed canvas, coated fabrics and some bonded fabrics can have finishes that you don’t want to remove, so always check the care recommendations first.

And don’t forget about colour.

Dark denim and strong colours can release excess dye during their first few washes. A quick test with a damp white cloth can save you from discovering that your beautiful cream fabric and indigo fabric were never meant to become friends. 😂

The same applies to everything else going into your garment.

If you’re prewashing the outer fabric, think about your lining, interfacing, trims and anything else that will become part of the finished piece. You don’t want one component shrinking while everything around it stays exactly the same.

So, do you need to prewash?

Sometimes yes.

Sometimes no.

And sometimes a little test is all you need to work it out.

For me, it comes down to one simple question:

How is this fabric going to behave once it becomes something I actually wear and wash?

And full disclosure, probably 95% of the things I sew get prewashed anyway. 😂

I just don’t think we need to treat it as a blanket rule for every single fabric that comes through the sewing room.

A few minutes of preparation before you cut can save a whole lot of frustration later.

Because there’s nothing quite like pulling your beautiful handmade garment out of the wash and thinking, "Well, that wasn't what I had planned." 😂

So tell me, are you a prewash everything sewist, or do you decide based on the fabric and the project?

A little fabric drought has finally come to an end!It has been a few weeks since I've posted about restocks because I ha...
24/09/2026

A little fabric drought has finally come to an end!

It has been a few weeks since I've posted about restocks because I haven't had a single drop of fabric or haberdashery arrive. The shelves at Wicked HQ have been looking a little sad!

I managed to negotiate one shipment when shipping prices dipped a little and that arrived a couple of days ago, giving us a much needed stock boost while I wait for the next shipment.

I've replenished a whole bunch of our solid Cotton Elastane Jersey colourways:

• Black
• Bottle Green
• Cocoa Brown
• Copper Clay
• Cream
• Dark Brown
• Galactic Blue
• Lavender Lilac
• Mango Yellow
• Peacock Blue
• Royal Purple
• Ruby Maroon
• Stone Blue
• Taupe
• W**e Purple

Our 220gsm European Cotton Elastane Jersey is such a versatile knit for everyday sewing, kids wear and handmade wardrobe staples.

A little heads up though. Shipping costs are still elevated, so I am having to be more strategic with restocks. Once these colours sell through, please allow around 6 weeks for some colourways to return.

Not trying to create FOMO, just giving you the information so you can plan your sewing projects accordingly.

And remember, fabric swatches are available if you need to check a particular colour before ordering your metreage.

If you've been waiting for one of these colours, they're back!

23/09/2026



Do you actually need to press every seam when working with wovens?

Yes. 😂

I know. You’ve just sewn a beautiful seam, you’re in the sewing groove and the last thing you want to do is stop, get up, walk over to the ironing board and interrupt the whole process.

But pressing as you sew is one of those small habits that can make a really noticeable difference to the finished garment.

And pressing isn't the same as ironing.

You’re not just getting rid of wrinkles. You’re shaping the fabric and helping those seams settle into place as you build the garment.

Sew a seam, give it a quick press and you’ll usually find the next step becomes easier. The seam sits flatter, the seam allowance behaves itself and your next pattern piece has a much better chance of lining up properly.

That’s why I like the simple rule: sew a seam, press a seam.

Leave all the pressing until the end and you’ve suddenly got a whole garment to wrestle with, trying to get the iron into sleeves, collars, facings and all those awkward little areas.

A couple of little things can make pressing easier too.

Rather than dragging the iron across the fabric, place it where you need it, press and lift. Dragging can stretch some fabrics, particularly around curves and bias edges.

When you’ve just sewn a seam, press it closed first before opening it or pressing it to one side. It helps settle the stitches and gives you a cleaner finish.

For curved seams and darts, a pressing ham or seam roll can make life much easier because you can press the shape without flattening everything around it.

And always pay attention to the fabric you’re working with.

Not every fabric wants the same temperature. Cotton can handle a very different setting to rayon or some synthetics, so if you’re unsure, test a scrap first. A few seconds of testing is much better than discovering a shiny iron mark across the front of your finished garment. 😬

If the fabric is prone to marking, use a pressing cloth.

And when you’re dealing with bulky areas like collars, waistbands and facings, grading the seam allowances before pressing can reduce some of that bulk and help everything sit much more neatly.

Once you’ve pressed something, give it a moment to cool before moving it around. You’ve just shaped the fabric, so give it a chance to settle.

None of this means sewing needs to become some perfectly organised production line.

It’s simply about making pressing part of your sewing rhythm rather than saving one giant ironing session for the end.

Because a few seconds with the iron now can save a fair bit of fixing later.

That slightly wonky seam is easier to correct now.

That neckline that isn’t sitting quite right is easier to spot before you’ve added three more seams.

And sometimes a garment that looks a little rough around the edges simply needs a good press to bring everything together.

So yes, pressing might not be the most exciting part of sewing, but it is one of those small habits that can make your finished garment look and feel so much better.

Sew a seam. Press a seam. Keep going.

Your future self will be pretty happy when you put that finished garment on. 😍

Are you a press as you go sewist, or do you leave the ironing until the very end?

21/09/2026



Do you actually hate tracing patterns?

Or do you just hate the way you’ve been doing it? 😂

I think tracing patterns gets a pretty bad rap. You’ve found the pattern you love, you’re ready to start sewing, and then you remember there’s a whole sheet of lines to trace before you can even touch the fabric.

It can feel like the boring bit standing between you and the fun bit.

But before deciding that you hate tracing, it’s worth looking at what’s actually making it frustrating.

For me, having enough space makes a huge difference. Trying to trace on a tiny section of the dining table while the pattern is folding, the paper is moving and everything else is in the way is enough to make anyone question their life choices. 😂

A good tracing tool helps too. You want something that gives you a clear line without having to press so hard that your hand is aching before you’ve finished.

And please label your pieces.

I know it feels like an extra job when you just want to get sewing, but writing down the pattern, size, view, grainline and any other important information will save you later.

There is nothing like pulling out a traced pattern six months later and wondering which size you traced. 😂

I also find that breaking the process into smaller jobs makes it feel much more manageable.

Trace the pattern.

Make your adjustments.

Label everything.

Done.

You don't need to tackle the whole thing at once while trying to grade between sizes and work out which pieces you actually need.

And here’s something worth trying if you’re convinced tracing takes forever.

Time yourself.

Not to turn sewing into a race, but because sometimes the job we’ve been avoiding for days takes 20 minutes once we actually sit down and do it.

That little bit of information can change how you approach it next time.

Once you find a setup that works, stick with it. Same space, same tools, same way of marking your notches and grainlines. The less you have to think about the process, the easier it becomes to get it done and move onto the part you actually enjoy.

And maybe tracing will never become your favourite sewing task.

That’s okay.

We don't have to love every part of sewing. Sometimes it’s enough to find a way of doing something that feels straightforward, accurate and manageable.

Because tracing isn't the project.

It’s one of the steps between finding a pattern you love and eventually wearing something you’ve made yourself.

What sewing job do you regularly put off even though you know it really doesn't take that long?

18/09/2026



Rotary cutter or scissors? I say both. 😂

There seems to be a bit of a debate in the sewing world about which one is better, but I’ve never really seen the need to choose.

I use both, depending on what I’m cutting and what will make the job easier.

For straight lines, long strips and repeated pieces, my rotary cutter is usually the first thing I reach for. With a cutting mat and ruler, you can get through a lot of cutting quickly and keep everything nice and accurate.

But when it comes to complex curves and smaller sections, I’ll often reach for my fabric scissors. They give me a little more control, especially when the fabric has a mind of its own and doesn’t want to sit still.

Because there is nothing worse than getting almost to the end of cutting and realising your fabric has shifted and that beautiful pattern piece is now slightly wonky.

Ask me how I know. 😂

The condition of your tools matters too. If your rotary cutter is struggling, check the blade before you start pushing harder. It may simply need replacing. And keep those good fabric scissors away from paper. Pattern paper will dull them much faster than fabric.

One of my favourite cutting shortcuts is simply reducing how much I move the fabric. A larger cutting mat, pattern weights or a non slip ruler can make a surprisingly big difference. If you’re cutting lots of the same pieces, batch them together too. Once everything is set up, you can get into a rhythm and save yourself constantly starting over.

So I don't think it’s really about whether a rotary cutter or scissors is better.

It’s about having the right tool for the job.

Rotary cutter for straight lines, repeated pieces, quick cutting and easy curves.

Scissors for complex curves, smaller details and fabrics where you want a little more control.

They each have their place, and having both within reach can make cutting a whole lot easier.

Which one do you reach for first?

Plenty of ribbing heading to new homes this week! ✂️
18/09/2026

Plenty of ribbing heading to new homes this week! ✂️

A few dollars spent on a swatch can save you a whole lot of time, money and frustration later.So if you’re sitting there...
18/09/2026

A few dollars spent on a swatch can save you a whole lot of time, money and frustration later.

So if you’re sitting there thinking, "I'm not sure..."

Swatch it.

If you're wondering whether the colour will work or close enough...

Swatch it.

If you've never sewn with that fabric before...

Swatch it.

When in doubt, swatch.

Your future sewing self will thank you for it ❤️

Address

PO BOX 321
Sydney, NSW
2141

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wicked Fabrics posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category