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
126 episodes
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...
Become a Mad (Garment) Scientist
Have you ever wished you could combine the neckline of one design with the sleeves of another design to create the perfect blouse pattern? Or add the pockets from one pants pattern to another? Frankenpatterning is such a useful skill! In ...
Wear Your Quilts
Quilted coats and jackets are everywhere right now—and for good reason. They combine the creativity of quilting with the practicality of garment sewing and give makers an opportunity to show off their skills. In this episode, we explore the gro...
A Week in the Life of a Sewing Teacher
I'm getting ready for Sew Expo in Puyallup, Washington. Join me for a chat as I talk about how I prepare for my classes, particularly ones I haven't taught before. I'll discuss the difficulties of hunting down accurate information in this age o...
PatternCon: A Party for Those Who Love Patternmaking
In this episode, we're joined by Tricia Camacho, the guiding force behind PatternCon—the conference where patternmaking nerds can find their tribe. We talk about how PatternCon came to life and what sets it apart from traditional sewing events....
A Journey Towards Circularity
In this episode, we're joined by Justin Barry, owner of Fdes (Functional Design) in Whitefish, Montana, to talk about designing and making with recycled textiles—and why constraints can be a powerful creative tool. Justin shares how a summer jo...
When Your Sewing Machine Suddenly Hates You
Have you ever sat down to sew and thought, “What is wrong with my sewing machine?” Skipped stitches, bird’s nests, weird noises—it can feel like your machine has turned against you. The tool that worked perfectly yesterday now seems to...
Where to Shop Now and Other Questions
Janet is on the road again, so today is a listener question episode. Today's requests include: 1) Where can we get sewing supplies now that Joanns is out of business? 2) Can we talk about indie pattern companies and how to find patterns that wo...
Where Do Your Dreams Take You?
Today’s guest is Kenneth D. King, sewing and couture expert and an adjunct instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan. He teaches at his studio in New York City and travels extensively in the United States, teaching fi...
Chasing Goals in 2026
The turn of a new year seems to be a great time to set sewing goals and make resolutions. Does it work? We're only a few days into 2026 and Janet's plans have already taken a detour. Listen to a recap of the projects she finished at the end of ...
Your First Quilt Starts Here
In response to listener feedback, this episode focuses on quilting as a beginner. Learning to quilt doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We'll share simple, approachable ways to get started with quilting—even if you’ve never sewn a quilt before. Yo...
Getting Professional (Sewing) Help When You Need It
Sometimes, it's important to know when to ask for help with a project, and where to go to get that help. Garment fitting is particularly tricky to do solo. In this episode, Janet talks about her recent visit to the Sewing and Design School in T...
A Crisis of Confidence and the Importance of Community
Today we are joined by a listener with an important story to share. Laura Wilson relates how the change to a challenging new job—as well as other unexpected life events—led to the loss of her sew-jo for almost an entire year. Can you relate? Ha...
Women Weaving Their Stories with Nicole Nehrig
In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Nehrig—psychologist, maker, and author of Women Weaving Their Stories—to explore the deep connections between craft, identity, and how those connections have been expressed by women's textiles t...
Travel Recap and a Broken Machine!
Our next 100 episodes begin with a recap of Janet's recent travel and the sad story of a broken machine. (Spoiler alert: The machine has been fixed and is working beautifully again!) Come along to hear about some beautiful Hugo Boss deadstock f...