A tailor's dress form with a white cotton calico toile pinned to one half of the bodice, demonstrating the garment fitting process in a fashion design studio.

Fashion Designer Tip: Sewing a Toile Is Not a Waste of Time

Sewing a toile might feel like an unnecessary extra step, but this physical prototype can actually save you time, fabric, and money in the long run. Discover why using an economical fabric like cotton calico to test and refine your garments is an essential step in the design process.

A tailor's dress form with a white cotton calico toile pinned to one half of the bodice, demonstrating the garment fitting process in a fashion design studio.

Fashion Designer Tip: Sewing a Toile Is Not a Waste of Time

Sewing a toile might feel like an unnecessary extra step, but this physical prototype can actually save you time, fabric, and money in the long run. Discover why using an economical fabric like cotton calico to test and refine your garments is an essential step in the design process.

Sewing Machine Needles Explained — Types, Sizes & Which to Use

Sewing Machine Needles Explained — Types, Sizes & Which to Use

beginner-friendly

Not sure which sewing machine needle to use? This complete guide covers every needle type for home sewing machines, overlockers, and industrial machines — including Schmetz, Organ, and Singer — with a full needle size chart, fabric compatibility guide, and FAQ. Written by Lye Nai Shiong, Singapore’s trusted haberdashery since 1975.