The Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts
Hosted by Janet Szabo, The Straight Stitch explores sewing, quilting, and related fiber arts. Weekly episodes feature interviews with makers, highlight what is new and noteworthy in the world of sewing, and delve into what's on Janet's cutting table and under the needle.
Episodes
140 episodes
What's New in Machines
Every sewing machine brand seems to be releasing something new this year—but is any of it actually new, or just a new box for the same machine? We round up what's genuinely changed across sewing machines, sergers, and coverstitch machines from ...
Making Peace with Your Stash
Do you know exactly how much fabric you own? Would you tell anyone if you did? Between the guest-room closet, the bins under the bed, and "the good stuff" you're saving for someday, most of us carry more fabric guilt than we admit. Let's unpack...
Three States, Ten Stores
Janet scratched her itchy traveling foot recently with a twelve-day trip from Montana to Seattle to Cleveland and back, with a stop on the Olympic Peninsula and a teaching stint at a quilt store along the way. Curious to see how fabric and quil...
Life After Joann Fabrics: Where Do We Shop Now?
When JOANN Fabrics closed its doors, sewists lost more than a convenient place to buy fabric. We also lost easy access to patterns, thread, zippers, buttons, interfacing and all the other essentials needed to complete a project. In the 18 month...
Fit Happens: Taking the Fear Out of Garment Sewing
A flattering, well-fitting garment begins long before you sit down at the sewing machine. It starts with understanding your body, your personal style, and what you want your clothing to do for you. In this episode, we take our first forays into...
Finding Your Quilting True North
The Mariner’s Compass is a striking quilt block, but its sharp points and intricate construction can make even experienced quilters hesitate. Robin Long of Robin Ruth Design has found a better way. In this episode, Robin shares how her desire t...
Beat the Holiday Rush: Gifts to Sew Now
Have you ever waited too long to start making holiday gifts, only to run out of time? In this episode, we’ll explore quick gifts you can sew in short sessions using fabric left over from other projects. From potholders to infinity scarves, you’...
Developing Good Sewing Habits
Have you reviewed your sewing habits recently? Whether you're a newbie or an accomplished sewist, a periodic audit of your sewing practice can reveal opportunities for change and improvement. Maybe you need to level up your pressing skills. Per...
The Business of Wool
In today's episode, we broaden our focus with Kristen Buchanan, one of the founders of Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect. Along with co-founders Hannah Paquette and Jolene Quaintance, Kristen is helping build a "chamber of commerce" for the fiber...
Is Machine Embroidery Right for You?
Machine embroidery is one of those sewing skills that seems almost magical. You load a design, press start, and watch your project come to life—but behind every beautiful embroidered piece is a skilled maker who knows how to make the machine do...
Fabric Shopping in Oregon
Today’s episode is a recap of Janet’s recent trip to Oregon and the fabric she found while she was there. Beginning with an ill-advised foray into Seattle just as a World Cup game was letting out of the stadium—although the stop at Pacific Fabr...
What Is Your Project Trying to Tell You?
Why does a quilt block come out the wrong size? Why does a sleeve twist, a neckline gape, or a hem ripple? When something goes wrong in a sewing project, it's tempting to look for a quick fix. Sometimes, though, the visible symptoms aren't the ...
Rescuing History One Pattern at a Time
Our guest today is Heather Webster, founder of Pattern-Walk, a website dedicated to preserving and sharing vintage sewing patterns dating back to the 1940s and beyond. Raised in South Africa and taught to sew by her grandmother, Heather redisco...
Just Because You Sew, Doesn't Mean You Hem Pants
When people find out that you sew, chances are good that they will ask, "Can you hem my pants?" To many non-sewists, sewing is sewing, but those of us who spend time making garments (or quilts!) know that alterations are often an entirely diffe...
Costumes, Couture, and Custom Fit: A Conversation with Brooks Ann Camper
Today's guest is Brooks Ann Camper, custom garment expert, educator, and all-around joyful maker. Brooks Ann's path into sewing was anything but traditional. After discovering sewing (and irons!) as a senior in college, she went on to study cos...
Sew Smarter, Not Harder
What are the tips and tricks that streamline your sewing process and make it more enjoyable? We're not focusing on productivity in this episode; we're talking about eliminating bottlenecks, optimizing workflow, and eliminating decision fatigue....
Gadgets and Tools
Are you a sewing gadget collector or a minimalist? Are there favorite tools you would want if you were stranded on an island with only a sewing machine and fabric? In this episode, we’ll make a virtual visit to Janet’s sewing room and find out ...
An Unusual Connection Between Quilting and Electricity
Today’s guest is Christine Lewis—quilter, teacher, bagmaker, and electrician. Christine shares how her creative journey through quilting has unfolded alongside her career as a wireman for the city of Tacoma, Washington. A chance suggestion from...
The Fabric is the Project
Choosing fabric can feel overwhelming—but it’s also one of the most important skills a sewist can develop. This episode focuses on savvy fabric selection, from drape and structure to weight, recovery, and how a fabric actually behaves in real l...
A Long Line of Seamstresses
Today’s guest is nationally-known sewist, author, and educator Katrina Walker. In her own words, she “comes from a long line of seamstresses”—women who sewed not because they wanted to, but because they had to. Katrina has taken that legacy one...
Sewing the Spectrum: Basic Color Theory for Sewists
In this episode, we break down color theory into a practical, no-fluff guide specifically for sewing projects. Instead of getting lost in abstract design concepts, we focus on how real fabric choices come together in quilts, garments, and handm...
Your Sewing Skills Can Make Money
Would you like to turn your sewing skills into income? In this episode, we explore the many ways to earn money from sewing—whether you’re looking for a simple side hustle or dreaming of building a business that support your lifestyle. Fro...
Bagmaking as a Business, From Patterns to Production
Our guest today is Cristina Phaneuf, owner of Bumbleroot Design. Cristina shares her creative journey—from learning to sew by hand at a young age to discovering her passion for designing and making beautifully functional bags. Along the way, sh...
Listener Questions!
Today's episode is a compilation of listener questions about sewing shows, working with large-scale prints, and more. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and let's sit down for a chat.
Sergers and Coverstitch Machines: Functional and Fabulous
Your serger and coverstitch machine can do so much more than finish seams, and in this episode, we’re unlocking their full potential. From workhorse stitches that give your garments a professional finish to the decorative techniques that add te...