ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Reddington

Garment technologist and product-development specialist sharing practical lessons from more than 40 years in the clothing industry.

Richard Reddington

Why I created Sew Smarter

Over a long career in clothing product development and garment technology, I have worked with fit, grading, construction, specifications, fabrics, manufacturing and the practical problem-solving that sits behind a successful garment.

Sew Smarter is my way of translating that technical experience into straightforward guidance for home sewists. I want to explain not only what to do, but why details such as ease, grading, fabric behaviour and construction sequence matter.

What I write about

The site focuses on sewing patterns, garment fit, sizing, grading, fabric selection, construction and useful tools. I also review selected resources where I believe they may genuinely help readers, with affiliate relationships disclosed clearly.

My approach

I do not believe every sewing problem can be solved by one universal rule. Garment type, fabric, body shape, intended fit and construction all interact. Where a number or recommendation depends on those variables, I will say so rather than present a convenient rule as an absolute.

Professional principle: good garment decisions are usually made before the first stitch — by understanding the pattern, the body, the fabric and the intended result.