The Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts.

Send us feedback about this episode!
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 be throwing a fit. In this episode, we break down the most common sewing machine problems, why they happen, and how to troubleshoot them without panic. You’ll learn how to think like a sewing machine, spot simple fixes fast, and know when it’s time to stop troubleshooting and call for service. If you’ve ever blamed yourself for a machine misbehaving, this episode is your reminder: most problems are normal, fixable, and not your fault. Plus, grab the printable troubleshooting checklist to keep by your machine for the next “What just happened?” moment.
Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! [email protected]

Send us feedback about this episode!
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 work for us? and 3) Is it possible to balance creative pursuits with small children at home? A bonus question answers how much fabric to buy for a particular project. (Hint: The answer is not "All of it!") Pour a cup of your favorite beverage and settle in. 
Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! [email protected]

Send us feedback about this episode!
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 fitting and couture sewing techniques. He is also a contributing editor to Threads magazine. Kenneth is the author of a number of books on garment design and drafting, as well as the books Doll Couture and Doll Couture: Red Carpet Edition. Kenneth shares the inspiration behind these books—rooted in a childhood love of making clothing for Barbie dolls—and encourages all of us to chase our dreams because we never know where they will take us. 
Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! [email protected]

Send us feedback about this episode!
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 last year and what is in the works for 2026. 
Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! [email protected]

Send us feedback about this episode!
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. You’ll learn which beginner projects work best, how to build skills without overthinking, and what tools you actually need to begin. This episode is all about confidence, creativity, and starting where you are. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to quilt, this is it. Your first quilt starts here.
Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! [email protected]