Portia Lawrie
Sewing designer
Essex maker, blogger and creator of The Refashioners, Portia sews, knits and has been a regular contributor to Simply Sewing magazine since it launched in 20015. She’s been writing her blog Makery (formerly Miss P) since 2009 and founded The Refashioners challenge, calling on bloggers to refashion a garment to highlight how cool, creative and ecologically sound refashioning old garments actually is. Portia’s sewing super power is creating easy-to-sew, accessible-for-all garments for Simply Sewing magazine, often with no pattern needed so the maker can draft them to their own measurements. She lists family, hazelnut lattes, Indian food and singing into hairbrushes as her loves. Find her on Instagram @portialawrie.
Recent articles by Portia Lawrie
How to sew a button-up midi skirt
Make a stylish button-up midi skirt with this guide from Portia Lawrie – no pattern required!
DIY circle cape
Stitch up your own swishy circle cape with this tweed cape tutorial by Portia Lawrie. We'll show you how to make your own cape sewing pattern – perfect for practising sewing with wool-weight fabrics.
Master the art of shirring with our shirred dress pattern
Make beautiful gatherings in your clothing with shirring! Learn how to sew shirring and make your own gorgeous shirred dress.
Get cosy with this snuggly sweatpants pattern
Put your feet up for a well-earned rest while wearing your own DIY sweatpants! Learn how to make sweatpants with our easy step-by-step guide.
How to sew a winter coat
Sew an effortlessly chic long coat pattern with this free project from Portia Lawrie
Evening dress pattern
This evening dress pattern from Portia Lawrie is the very definition of glamour! Add a touch of luxe to your party wear with this project
Peplum top pattern
Remember those ‘jeans and a nice top’ events? Meet your new fave go-to for easy style with Portia Lawrie’s patternless peplum top.
Maxi dress pattern
Get ready for the summer by making Portia Lawrie's beautiful maxi dress pattern
Learn how to sew your own stylish trousers
Learn how to sew pants at home with Portia Lawrie's easy tutorial! Try a new twist on classic tailoring with her paperbag-waist trouser pattern hack.
Make your own pencil skirt – here's how
Cosy up in cashmere on chilly days in Portia Lawrie’s super-soft pencil skirt pattern made from a man’s sweater
How to sew your own bomber jacket
Add a burst of florals to your everyday wardrobe with Portia Lawrie's sweater-to-bomber-jacket pattern hack.
How to sew an infinity dress
Twist it, drape it, tie it... make one infinity dress, then enjoy countless ways to wear it! Portia Lawrie shows you how to sew a convertible infinity dress
Turn a sarong into a sun top
Whip up a wear-with-anything top with Portia Lawrie’s speedy, simple and super-stylish sarong refashion. You'll be making this gorgeous sun top pattern all summer!
DIY Wrap dress pattern: How to make a wrap dress in a day
Learn how to make a custom-fit, multi-way wrap around dress with Portia Lawrie’s DIY wrap dress pattern tutorial
Upcycled sweater project
Do you have an old sweater that you can't bear to throw away? Learn how to make this stylish upcycled sweater with Portia's expert advice.
How to make a circle skirt
Make Portia Lawrie's swishy circle skirt from buttery-soft faux leather in a rich berry shade for a luxe party look
DIY maxi skirt
Portia Lawrie puts a luxe twist on festival-inspired style with this paisley-print skirt made to your exact measurements. Read on to find out how to make a maxi skirt.
Refashion a shirt into a cami top
Why buy fabric when you can reuse pre-loved garments that you already have at home? Follow our simple step-by-step for transforming a men's shirt into a gathered cami top – no pattern cutting needed!
Easy tulle skirt refashion
Transform tulle fabric or a pair of voile curtains into Portia Lawrie’s pleated midi skirt for maximum pirouette potential.
Free cardigan sewing pattern for beginners
This free step-by-step tutorial shows you how to sew a cardigan, step by step, with no pattern needed as you'll make it to fit your measurements.
Sew your own maxi dress
Want to know how to make your own maxi dress? We're here for you. Portia Lawrie's step-by-step jersey maxi project is all you'll want to wear this spring.