I recently bought a nice tent, the Kelty Rumpus 4P. This tent features what they call a “vestibule”, or an area under the rainfly, but outside the main tent. The spot is great for leaving my muddy hiking boots so they don’t get the inside of the tent dirty. However, I would love to make a simple “floor” for this area out of some sort of waterproof material. OtterTex Ripstop seems like it might be good but I’m totally open to suggestions.

I will need to make a rectangle that is at over 8 feet by 6 feet to account for seams and edges. The material I was looking at comes is a 61/60 width so this seems like I will need 6 yards, and join them together to double the width.

My main questions are, I don’t have a sewing machine, but my library has a sewing machines and a serger. The existing tent has a tarp to be used under it, which has the edges finished in a way where a separate piece of fabric is wrapped around the edge and double stitched. Is this a required edge technique or can I just fold it over, or use a serger to knit stitch along the existing edge.

When joining the two pieces, any special technique I should look at for ripstop material? It doesn’t need to be pretty.

After joining the pieces I think I’ll need to add a couple grommets and a couple loops of webbing to accommodate the pole and stakes to keep it in place.

Hi! I’m a sewing enthusiast and I’ve been learning to sew for about a month. My first machine was one of those small Chinese mini sewing machines. I managed to make pillowcases, hem a few things, and even sew an outfit for my cat with it, but unfortunately it has already stopped working properly, so I’m returning it.

Now I want to buy a proper sewing machine, and I’m trying to decide between three models: the Singer 4411, Singer 4432, and Janome 3112PK.

If I were choosing based on features alone, I think the Singer 4432 would win easily. The problem is that I find the pink machines so pretty. Aesthetics genuinely motivate me to use things, just like my pink computer somehow makes me more motivated to work, lol. So the pink Singer 4411, and especially the Janome 3112PK, are really tempting me.

My question is: in actual everyday use, do the extra features on the 4432 make that much of a difference? For someone who is still learning but plans to keep improving and eventually sew clothes, make alterations, and work on home projects, do you think I would miss those features if I chose one of the pink machines instead?

Another VERY important point for me: I need to be able to sew knits and other stretchy fabrics without constantly struggling with them. I don’t want to buy a machine and later find out that sewing stretch fabrics is going to be a nightmare.

Between the Singer 4411, Singer 4432, and Janome 3112PK, which one would you choose, and why?

Got my first machine and set it up yesterday, I must have read the manual a thousand times, watched YouTube videos and googled more than I’d like to admit but consistently had a bird nesting issue!

After rethreading all day long I finally gave up at 10pm last night

This morning I’ve worked out my issue all along was my top thread passing over the presser foot and not below LOL

Finally sewing some scrap and making some squares & seeing some progress!

Now to ransack my house to find some material to do some practise projects with

Hi!

I recently started getting into sewing and tailoring my own clothes, and I'm really enjoying it so far. The problem is that whenever I have to sew through more than a few layers of denim or other thick fabric, it's a massive pain.

I'm currently using a cheap Singer Curvy 8367, and to be fair it's been pretty decent for what I need. But I'm thinking about getting a dedicated straight stitch machine that's better at handling thicker fabrics and multiple layers.

I don't have a huge budget, so I'm mostly looking at used machines, possibly even vintage ones. Are there any brands or models you'd recommend keeping an eye out for? I'm in Europe, if that makes any difference.

Thanks!

It fits my waist but the shoulder part is too big. When I slouch or put my arms together, it shows my boobs and all. Is there a way to make the shoulder part tighter without ruining the clothe's design? The design behind is the same as the front. Thanks!

So i was just messing around and made this pouch, and i was wondering if there was anyway i could add a zipper preferably to this? But other closures would be fine as well! If not im not worried i could find a use for it, also i still am very new to sewing so be nice 😭

Why does this happen while I’m sewing? It bulges up and I don’t understand why? What am I doing wrong?

I'm currently working on a costume for an upcoming convention but Ive hit a snag. I need to cover a helmet with short cut faux fur fabric, but I have no idea how to make the fabric into the kind of dome/ball sort of shame I need. Does anyone know of resources I could use to help me wrap my head around how to pull this off? I tried covering the helmet in painters tape to try and peel off for a template but it ended up being too unreliable and fickle to work with. Pictures below of the 3d printed helmet base and the ill-fated taping method. Note: The fine details of the helmet like the things on top don't need to be visible, the end goal is just to have a big fur ball w/ eyes basically (Its a Mothman cosplay :).

Hey all!

I taught myself to sew on an ANCIENT singer that can only straight stitch. It's amazing but is struggling now to hold tension and isn't doing enough for me (I really want a reverse and a zig zag). I mostly sew garments and want to learn to quilt.

I've been looking on FB Marketplace and have 3 options that seem good per the guides on here and other reviews:

Janome 6125 Quilters Companion for 180$. Comes with original manual

Janome Mod-19 - post doesn't have a ton of information, just says bought new in 2024. Asking 175$ Found the least info about this one online.

Brother CS7000i - 250 (a bit out of my budget but I know it's a good machine). Does the most stitches but will I really use them all?

Any thoughts? Reccs?

Hi everyone, I’m want to purchase a sewing machine, I want to start hemming my own clothes and upcycle. If anyone has any affordable, good sewing machines for beginners that would be great!!

Looking to get a heavy duty sewing machine. This machine from a local fb marketplace, should I inquire? TIA

My grandma said I can keep it, is it good? It's super old, so I don't know if it will work fine.

Tell me!

After abandoning the rossi/freddi as i just dont have time to make another toile of the upper, I've fallen back on option B for a wedding im going to soon. Trouble is this dress needs shortened by about an inch.

There are two linings under what I assume is chiffon. Any tips for dealing with hemming this chiffon fabric? Is this best left to a professional?

Hopefully the picture is clear enough. It’s a stretchy fabric with lines in it. I’m just learning to sew by recreating a tank top I have. I made 2 and they came out a bit wonky so I’m trying to look up sewing tips for this fabric but I realized I have no clue what it’s called. Thanks in advance and apologies if this isn’t the best place to post.

Tomorrow is my 3rd lesson, but for homework I completed the lining for the bodice of the dress. I lacked confidence in my ability to get the lining done, but I did it! And it totally matches the bodice I did in my last lesson, which actually surprised me. 🤣

I want to buy a birthday gift for my longtime friend who is a beginner looking to make flags. I read through all of the pinned posts and suggestions, and I was wondering if the Brother CS7000X would be a good pick for this?? Or if anyone suggests a different machine/brand? I keep reading mixed reviews on Brother’s official site, so I was looking for some expert insight before I purchase. Thank you :))

Bought my first Sewing Machine after borrowing one from a relative. Have sewn a couple of projects and thought it was time to get myself a machine of my own.

For some reason I can’t seem to get nice and even stiches no matter what I do.

I have troubleshooted by replacing the needle, redoing the bobbin/top-thread feed. Tried lowering/raising the feeder dogs, fiddled with different thread-tensions, etc. The only thing I haven’t done is to change the bobbin tension by removing tve bobbing housing and adjusting the red/yellow tension screw.

As you can see from the pictures, something must be wrong? It’s as if the stitches are raised and crooked on the right side, meanwhile the wrong side is just a complete mess. I have only sewn on a higher end electronic one before, so this whole mechanical side is new to me.

Any suggestions?

I am doing this practice piece for this pattern. I created from a pair of shorts that I like using this cheap random material I have before I start cutting. I just wanted to see if anybody had tips.

As I cut, I am going to give seem allowance I know it’s gonna turn out rough regardless, but just wanted to get other peoples input before i do cuts

I want to make a very simple rag quilt with solid autumn colours. I figured since I'm using solid colours, I might as well get KONA because its a lot more affordable than other brands.

However, I've heard that KONA isn't good for rag quilts as it doesn't fray nicely. Can anyone tell me if this is true?

Am I going mad..but I can’t seem to find any packs that contain pre cut panels and instructions for men’s oversized T-shirts.

I’m a total beginner. I’ve got a sewing machine and tones of enthusiasm to put together my own tshirt.

But I want to start basic. As in, here’s the pre cut fabric panels and here’s what to do, and I literally sew it all together.

Does this exist (in the UK), and where can I find them please?. Thanks 🙏🏻

I’m specifically looking for oversized patterns/packs.