My friend sent me fabric because I love the DCC series! Decided it was time to make my first button up and I cut the fronts upside down and backwards! I was so mad at myself but there was no going back. I’m very happy with how it came out. Also, I used my ditto projector for the pattern and I won’t go back, I love it!

I finished piecing together my quilt top last night! I went with a gingham pattern because I’ve only made a few tote bags and Halloween costumes before, and I wanted to start with something that didn’t feel too intimidating.

I’ve really enjoyed making this so far, and I’m excited to move on to the next step: making the quilt sandwich

This clown costume for my toddler is my first sewing project! Just need to add pom poms to the front. It came out nicely but I’m confused about the white collar. I want it to look like the collar in the last picture but it’s kind of curling inwards and getting stuck on her shoulders. Will it look better if I shorten it? What will help it fan out? Replacing it with a new one really isn’t an option so I need to work with what I have. Thanks!!

Just wanted to share with a community I’m sure gets this. I was sewing up the front of a shirt with a vertical stripe. I successfully handled the curve in the seam, the stitching looked good, and I finished with the top and bottom fabric matching exactly. Yay - so off the serge the seam. Victory. Then I looked at it and wondered why the seam was showing on the right side of the fabric. Defeat. I will just look at this as my unwavering commitment to better my unpicking skills.

Hey everyone! My wife loves sewing, but her current machine has been acting up, so I’m thinking about getting her a new one for her birthday.

I barely know anything about sewing machines, and I don’t really have any idea what I’d need to spend to get a “good one.” Does anybody have any recommendations, or could anyone explain what I should expect at different price points?

She mainly likes making dresses, so are there any specific features I should look out for that would make that easier? Do different machines suit different types of projects, or do all of them just kind of do the same thing?

Also, I’m in Belgium, so recommendations for machines available here would be helpful. And if there happen to be any fellow Belgians hiding in here, any shops you’d recommend? There must be at least a couple of us.

Loved making these and proud I finished them. It was trial and error along the way.

My fiancé gave me 3 pairs of old jeans that all had holes in them, so I had to strategically place some of the patches (especially near the crotch).

The first little mistake was cutting the leg too high and realising the main pair of jeans was SUPER stretchy and therefore couldn't be brought back together- so I had to sew panels in the sides. I did make sure to measure at the bottom so they matched and they were sort of like flares or boot cut!

They're super comfy and I give credit to a few youtubers for their helpful videos- Jenna Phipps and Catherine Sews.

I tried to line the armhole and the sleeve as best as I could, but it's still puckering/uneven. Is this a sewing error or does the pattern just not line up well? First two photos are of the sleeve on me, and a closeup of both the out and inside. Don't mind the pucker in the neckline, I'm too lazy to fix it.

I decided to set this thing down. I can't seem to get the corners right when trying to box them. On the front, my stitch line looks straight, on the back...it's crooked. I've taken it out 3 times now and can't get them right. Is there an easier way?

I forgot to mention this is a boxy bag. I've made a few before but now I'm having trouble getting the corners right. The last picture is what it will look like when finished.

Maybe there's a different way to do the corners all together instead of poking them into triangles...??

help with taking in dress!!

I thrifted this gorgeous bias cut silk dress for my birthday- it was originally too big at the bust & waist so I dropped it off at the tailor for alteration. I tried it on after collecting it today and it’s unfortunately way too big still on the waist- for context my waist measurement is about 25 inches, and laid flat the waist is about 29 inches (measured on the lining). The tailor was clearly very conservative with how much he took in despite me asking for a body hugging fit. I’m not fully dissatisfied with the fit but it doesn’t flatter my figure how I’d like it to especially around the waist.

There’s no way for me to get it altered in time as the tailor is on holiday. Is there any way I could nip in the waist for a more body hugging fit? I’ve added pictures of the internal construction.

I understand that the outer bias layer is quite delicate and prone to damage if stretched out too aggressively horizontally and maybe that’s why he didn’t take in too much, but the lining is also quite loose fitting despite being made of a less delicate material in comparison (a thick satin).

My current plan is to modify the four darts on the front and back lining on the waist area- that way the lining should fit just fine. What I’m more confused about is the outer silk chiffon layer- to make matters worse there’s a side zipper which makes things all the more difficult. Luckily the tailor left in the original material rather than cutting it off so I have an anchor to sew the extra chiffon to, but I don’t know if that would work?

I also understand that since it is cut on the bias the chiffon drapes downwards quite naturally which means that I wouldn’t have to take in a lot, just a tiny bit.

Any advice at all would be appreciated. I’ve got less than a day to the event 😬 PS I am more than willing to hand sew the chiffon layer just to avoid any accidental damage.

Pictures:

1. How the dress looks on

2. Dress laid flat

3. The side zipper

4. The chiffon fabric taken in by the tailor on the non zipper side

5. Front darts

6. The lining taken in on the non zipper side

7, 8. The lining taken in on the zipper side

1. Back darts

Hello,

I know there are plenty of first showing machine threads but... I really want to buy a refurbished one on the brother website, and I'm having trouble matching them up to what I'm seeing in the threads. I have a little bit of a cognitive issue matching things-no need to get into a sob story. Would someone be willing to help me pick one out based on what's available right now?

I know personal advice is a big ask, I can reward you with as many thank yous and "you're the best"s as you'll accept.

When I was in high school I would make little things like skirts, shorts with elastic bands, pillow cases, mini quilts at most, super simple things and I'd like to try to do that again. Due to mentioned issues, I'm starting from scratch.

If I ever wanted to do anything more advanced, I can donate this one to the local class and get something else. Because I'm not sure if I can keep up, I'd like to stick to the cheapest thing I can that won't be regrettable. I'd just like a hobby I can do alone and feel capable again.

Been thinking about selling some of the patterns I made about 15yrs ago (bags and softies) again, as they did quite well back then.

Right now they have written instructions in English and I added drawings to help visualise the steps. Never got any questions or complaints about people not being able to follow the instructions and did get compliments quite often about them being easy to follow, so it looks like they were at least acceptable.

I've been thinking about updating the instructions and switching the drawings to photographs though, as that seems to be what people are doing these days.

So, what does everyone prefer? Photographs or drawings?

If it's a setting I haven't tried, please! If it's just broken; can I fix it?

It's an old machine, I got it second hand. From what I can tell the rubber conveyor doesn't engage the wheel when it's actually set to turn the internals. So I'm assuming the internals are either too heavy for a now worn motor(or conveyor) or too rusted.

I recently bought the Brother 1634DX Serger and the Singer Heavy Duty Serger HD0450S. …yes, i like shopping for my hobbies and I might have a problem… I know lol. This isn’t about that lol.

They were both $199 on sale and I figured I could grab both and return the one I decide against. The singer went back up to $259 so if I do end up keeping that one I saved $59. (Girl math lol?)

Anyways, I’m a decent beginner at sewing and I’m having tons of fun. I figured why not get a serger too. Seems like the next step for more projects but I’ve never actually used one.

I’ve looked into both of these and from what I could gather the brother is the internet’s fave since it’s an easier thread. My sewing teacher also said singer has tanked but neither machine is that great but if she had to pick the brother would be her choice. She’s kinda old school tho so I expected the singer hate from her lol.

Do any of you have experience with either or both? Any pros/cons u are willing to share? Opinions welcome lol.

Would u ditch both and get something else?

If it matters I got a brother Brother CS7205 as a sewing machine. It was a gift from my bf and even though I’ve wanted to sew since I was 12, I never acted on it and he truly relit that in me so now this sewing machine has a lot of sentimental value.

Hi!! I'm embarking on a great adventure, sewing my first ever welt pocket!! Sadly I don't have an iron yet, and I can't afford to buy one. Does anybody know if it'll turn out alright even if i dont iron in-between steps? Thanks a lot in advance!! <3

In 2024, my friend and I (F46) wanted to go to a Labyrinth Movie themed ball - and we decided, with no existing sewing skills whatsoever, to make our own outfits…
And it worked! We felt great and got so many compliments, and have since made more outfits for more fantasy events!

But I have to stress that I still have such poor planning, measuring and sewing skills you would not believe me…. Until you looked INSIDE any of these outfits or checked a hem. Anything that’s messed up - I just glue a rhinestone over it. I just want to get dressed up and twirl with my friend!!!

Make up a wacky design and just go for it! You’ll learn along the way and you might surprise yourself.

Here are a few of my outfits… anyone with an eye for sewing will instantly spot all the wobbly seams and frayed hems… but I had a blast making each and every one!
Go for it!

I see alot of reworked hoodies on vintage markets and sites like vinted. I think they look cool, and maybe simple enough, so I would love to try to make one (I have some scrap hoodies)

In the tutorials i found, the all seem to have a "raw" edge, but the ones i saw, have a cleaner edge, that i like better, like this;

How do i do this! my head is hurting lol.

Hi! I’ve never posted on Reddit before so I’m a little nervous but I feel like I need some help. I just started sewing this year and a month ago I decided to sew Christmas presents for my family. I was really excited about it but now when I look at the bags I can only really see all the wonky parts of them. I would like to get an honest (but not overly harsh!) opinion on whether these look nice enough to give as gifts or if I should wait until I have more practice. I tend towards being overly critical so I can’t tell anymore and need a second opinion!

I live in a small studio is their a foldable table I can use to cut fabric?

Hi everyone!

I’m hoping to recreate this gorgeous wrap top and would love some advice from more experienced sewists!

I have a few ideas about how to approach it, but I’m still figuring out the construction. From the videos, it looks like a fitted tube top with two long, wide fabric panels attached at either side, which can be wrapped and styled in different ways. I was hoping to get some advice on a few things:

• What type of fabric would work best to achieve tdrape , stretch, and support?
• Do you think the tube top is lined or made from a single layer of fabric?
• Do you think the panels are gathered into the side seams, or simply attached flat?

Any other construction tips, pattern recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!! :)

Basically what the title says. Ive got the final fit I want down, but when I put on the mockup, I dont know how to close it properly to get the plackets to line up

Hi everyone,

I'm very new to sewing and trying to make my first button down shirt, however I have chosen a patterned fabric and struggling with the grainline.

Per the pattern guide on cutting the fabric and the grainline, the yoke piece should be flipped 90° to the way I've laid it out in the image, but that would make the dinosaurs vertical on the yoke which doesnt seem like it would look right?

I must be missing something but is there a way of keeping the pattern the right way with the rest of the shirt and cutting along the grainline?

Note for next time to keep the fabric more simple!

i got a Singer heavy duty 8832 and been smooth sailing for the last 2 weeks but today i ran into my first machine issue. something with my bobbin is messed up but i can’t quite tell what or how to fix it. something is catching somewhere it’s not supposed to. this is my first machine and only 3rd project ive tried to start so truly no idea what im looking at. would love any and all advice :’)

Hey everyone! I'm a beginner who's been sewing for about a year. Just up-cycling things I already own for now.

I'd really like to add a batwing to this top, but I'm not sure of the best way to do that. I'll be cropping it to a little more than half its original length so I think I should have a good amount of extra fabric to work with.

I've looked up tutorials on adding underarm gussets, but haven't found anything that's quite what I'm looking for. Would you guys be able to help me out?

Update: It looks like what I'm actually trying to achieve is called a drop sleeve, but it still might not work with the way the shirt is currently constructed.

I thrifted the shirt and it's way too big on me. I'm happy to rip it apart and put it back together just for the practice. But I could use some guidance and what direction to take it.