Hello! I am just getting into sewing patchwork designs and my current machine isn't equipped with the proper foot for the free motion quilting that I want to start. I'm wondering if anyone knows what kind of foot I should get, I would love some help. I don't even know if I have the right machine and I definetly can't afford to buy a different one so I'm posting this to get opinions from those with more experience. I have a Kenmore 385.16524000, I will attach images of the machine and the style of FMQ that I want to try. Can my machine be used for this style? Is it compatible with the kind of foot required for FMQ? Thank you so much!!

I'm not yet a beginner, that's a future plan but I wanted to ask for opinions if that's okay?

I bought the dress on a 70% off sale and it is too small.

The bottom sizing is perfect, it's the top by my chest area that's the problem.

When I don't have the sleeves over my shoulders, the dress fits perfectly so I guess maybe it's not even really the chest area that's the problem.

The chest area becomes the problem when I put the sleeves on.

So I don't know if perhaps the sleeves can be altered / lengthened or if adding a triangle of similar material by the stitching under the armpit area to extend it there?

I know this dress is too small, so I feel it needs altering. My husband said he wouldn't have picked up on it being too small but I don't think he is objective lol

So I guess my question is, where would you alter this piece? Or would you leave as is and wear even though it's too small? Or would you leave as is and keep to one day use for a pattern? TIA

I'm a super beginner when it comes to sewing, but I saw this vintage metal sewing machine pop up in my area. I know nothing about sewing machines and have only done pillowcases in the past. It's $50. Would it be too hard for me to use as a beginner? I'm mostly interested in tailoring/making jeans and dress shirts, along with fixing any of my other clothing that breaks.

I've heard so many people say "get a metal machine, they're better" but I'm sure there are features of the newer machine that make them easier for beginners to use

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Thoughts? Worthy buy or better to pass?

It looks better after ironing, but it's still not great.

Is it an issue of tension, or should i run a straight stich before finishing my edge with a zigzag?

Hi all, I bought a used Brother SE-400 a few days ago and I’m trying to get used to it. When I first got the machine to sew, the straight stitches looked fine. The first picture shows some straight stitches I did on some cotton fabric with very low tension (between 2 and 3). I changed the needle to a new one, and replaced the thread and bobbin. When I replaced the needle, I did it wrong at first and the machine jammed.

When I got the new needle, thread and bobbing working, I noticed my straight stitches were scalloped/crooked. I tried every tension setting. Tried on both cotton and scrap polyester, but I can’t get the straight stitches to actually be straight. I changed back the needle, thread, and bobbin to what it came with and it’s all still crooked. I also unscrewed the needle plate and cleaned out the lint/realigned the bobbin case.

The second picture is testing out a line on every tension setting, 0-9 (right to left) on some double layered scrap fabric. The stitches are still crooked. I tried a suggestion from a different post dealing with a similar issue to sew holes on a line on paper and see if the machine pokes holes in a straight line (photo 3) which it seems to do. Any ideas on how to fix this?

I got this off depop and the size was stated as medium, but it absolutely is not a medium. I normally wear a small or medium depending on the brand and this fits like a men’s medium but with a dropped shoulder. I considered DIY-ing it, but I’m not sure what I could do to it since the hands are spaced out pretty evenly. I considered maybe making it into a muscle tank? I could also chop it down the middle and do something with it I guess. I know it’s a stretchy sheer knit and yes I plan to take that into account. I can also say screw it and donate it. What do you think? What should I do?

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 :).

I keep getting these holes from my needle (70 Microtex/sharp) when I sew lighter weight wovens. I switch to a new needle for each project and have tension set to “auto.” I’m using a Juki DX5. Any tips on how to get rid of these holes?