About this episode

Johanna and Malena discuss summer sewing projects, the realities of running a sewing business, and share practical tips for sewing.

It's time for another catch-up episode, which means Johanna and Malena are chatting about everything from summer sewing projects to the not-so-glamorous realities of running a sewing business. Malena has been sewing a new boat-neck knit top and they swap some practical sewing tips, including a clever neckline trick, moving shoulder seams for a better fit, and ways to reduce bulk when sewing knits. The conversation then shifts from the sewing room to the business side of things. Johanna reflects on leaving her day job to focus on The Last Stitch full-time, while Malena shares what it's like balancing a part-time job at a bridal shop with freelance sewing. They also discuss pattern sales, Etsy, newsletters, AI, marketing, why visibility has become harder than ever, and what it really takes to make a living teaching sewing online. If you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at Stitching Tales, this episode is your backstage pass. Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠stitchingtalespod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or contact us at our socials: Stitching Tales on Instagram Stitching Tales on YouTube About Malena Hjerpe: Professional pattern maker, sewing book author and owner of…

People in this episode

Host: Johanna Lundström

Guest: Malena Hjerpe

Topics covered

• summer sewing projects
• sewing business realities
• practical sewing tips
• pattern sales
• freelance sewing
• teaching sewing online

Keywords

• sewing
• crafts
• business
• patterns
• freelance
• Etsy
• teaching

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Last Stitch, Hazelhen Patterns, Etsy, Instagram, YouTube, thelaststitch.com

Products: Malva t-shirt pattern

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• Getting elastic right: Why not all elastic is created equal #114 · June 29, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Make it last: Caring for your handmade wardrobe #113 · June 22, 2026 · 56 min
• Where do sewists hang out now? #112 · June 15, 2026 · 57 min

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