Carolena opens with her own sewing story and the inspiration behind the Folkwear FCBD® Style pattern, then walks you through everything you'll need to get started. You'll learn the all-important difference between your fabric scissors (your prized possessions that nobody else gets to touch) and your paper scissors, plus the marking tools, pins, pattern weights, snips, pinking shears, and other helpful implements that make the work easier.

She also breaks down woven versus knit fabrics and explains exactly why a simple, washable quilting cotton is the smartest choice for your first choli. Spoiler: you do not need a fancy iron or a fancy machine. A basic straight stitch is all it takes.

You can purchase your folkwear pattern here:

PDF pattern direct from Folkwear

Paper pattern direct from Folkwear

Paper pattern from Carolena’s Etsy shop