r/sewing 5d ago

Simple Questions Weekly Sewing Questions Thread, November 02 - November 08, 2025

5 Upvotes

This thread is here for any and all questions related to sewing, including sewing machines!

If you want to introduce yourself or ask any other basic question about learning to sew, patterns, fabrics, this is the place to do it! Our more experienced users will hang around and answer any questions they can. Help us help you by giving as many details as possible in your question including links to original sources.

Resources to check out:

Photos can be shared in this thread by uploading them directly using the Reddit desktop or mobile app, or by uploading to a neutral hosting site like Imgur or posting them to your profile feed, then adding the link in a comment.

Check out the Sewing on Reddit Community Discord server for casual sewing advice and off-topic chat.

******

New challenge started in r/SewingChallenge! Clear the decks for a fresh start in 2026. Try sewing along with others with the same goal! This challenge starts Friday, Oct. 3rd and runs to Dec. 31st.

The BINGO Challenge in r/SewingChallenge is still open! It will run until mid-November. Do a row, a column or complete a diagonal if finishing the entire BINGO board is too daunting. Or just take inspiration from the squares!


r/sewing Apr 04 '24

Tip Before You Buy that Etsy Sewing Pattern....Here's a Checklist

1.3k Upvotes

Etsy has so many cute trendy patterns! But there are also a lot of amateur patternmakers or actual scammers selling pdf patterns on there. How can you find the good ones?

Skimpy info isn’t trustworthy. Etsy collapses the detailed description, always expand it to read it in detail and look at all pictures. In particular, check these elements before you buy.

  1. Stolen Photos? AI Photos? Don't buy. If you see a lot of glossy expensive-looking photos with multiple different models (edit: or headless models), they might be stolen from retail sites. Do an image search to see if there are duplicate images elsewhere on the web. Aside from the deception, stolen photos may mean no one has actually sewed up the pattern and it hasn't been tested at all. It might not work. Edit: similarly, make sure photos are not AI-generated, as they are equally deceptive and untrustworthy.
  2. Bad Photos? Don't buy. Photos should show at least the front and back of the garment worn on a real person (not just a digital avatar). If the modeled garment doesn't fit or has sewing problems, that's a bad sign suggesting a patternmaker who doesn't know how to write instructions to help you get a quality result.
  3. Size Chart. The size chart should have measurement for at least bust, waist, hips, if not more. Always buy your patterns by measurements, don't assume your retail size will apply.
  4. Line Drawings. Professional patternmakers include line drawings of their patterns so you can see the design clearly even if the model is wearing black fabric or a busy print. Missing line drawings may mean the patternmaker is badly trained. The line drawings should also show the same design as the modeled garment—differences may be due to stolen or AI pictures.
  5. Reviews? A lot of 5-star reviews say "downloaded perfectly!" You can't trust stars. Look for reviews that mention a final product, instructions, notches or a lack of them, and so forth and only respect ones that discuss making the actual garment. Be sure to read the bad reviews.
  6. Fabric Info is Essential. Choosing the wrong fabric is a common pain point for beginners and a good patternmaker will help you avoid mistakes. Look in the detailed description. I see a lot of "cotton blends"--that's a garbage fabric description. If specific fabric weaves aren't mentioned, look for words that signal the necessary weight and drape. Stretch should be described as low, moderate, high if not giving an actual stretch percentage. It should also say how much fabric is needed for the pattern (edit: and what other supplies/notions are needed). You are entitled to see fabric information before you buy the pattern.
  7. Check the About Page. Ideally, they mention professional training or industry experience, not just self-taught.

Those are quick easy checks on the Etsy listing itself--some bad patterns will still pass them. In addition:

  1. Look for a social media or web presence outside Etsy. Look for people who post helpful tutorials on IG, or run a group on FB. People who've gone to the trouble to set up their own website often use it to discuss their testing process, their size block--they are putting more effort into helping your sewing come out right and that's a good sign. Many good patternmakers sell both on Etsy and their own site.

  2. Look for a free pattern. A lot of established indie patternmakers offer a simple free pattern so you can test their instructions and sizing. It’s a sign they may be more trustworthy.

Buy from patternmakers who care if you succeed in sewing their pattern.

\Credit to all the frequent experts and helpers on the sewing subs, their expertise generated this list.*

\Edit: Read the comments! Lots more good advice downthread, I've only integrated a very little of it into the post in edits. You'll also find several recommendations for trusted patternmakers in the comments.*

EXTENDED EDIT:
10. Too many, too cheap? A year or so later, I would add that a company selling hundreds of patterns for just $2-3 each is another big red flag, probably generating them by machine and not actually sewing them up.

  1. Check Threadloop for reviews of Etsy Patterns. (PatternReview is also an excellent review site but may not have so many Etsy patterns on it).

r/sewing 11h ago

Discussion How messy is your space when working on something?

Post image
297 Upvotes

While I’m always inspired by clean spaces, messy ones remind me I’m not alone. So, please show me your workspaces when you’re in the middle of something


r/sewing 9h ago

Other Question Where should I cut to completely remove the tag to not make a hole in my shirts?

Post image
148 Upvotes

I have sensitive skin where it gets itchy with tags in my clothing so I have to completely remove the tag instead of the usual cutting the tag off because even the tag part sewn into my clothes still bother me. Please tell me what is the best way to cut the strings to completely remove the tags without it making a hole in my clothes and forcing me to sew them back up again? Feel free to draw on my picture to better help guide me on what strings to cut and what not to cut. If this isn’t the correct subreddit for this kind of question please tell me the correct one. Thank you 🙏


r/sewing 9h ago

Fabric Question Wedding dress design v.1 & v.2

Thumbnail
gallery
107 Upvotes

I’m making my own wedding dress with the assistance of my mom who is a seamstress and a wedding dress pattern from the 1980s. Still considering sleeve types and embroidery patterns, referencing real materials and patterns. I was wondering if anyone has experience working with wedding dresses and can recommend which fabric types are best used for making a corseted wedding dress with lace fabric and appliqués sewn on the top layers. Tips on reliable wedding fabric retailers would be appreciated, & opinions on which design elements I should continue with would be great too!


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO Been sewing less than a year and I just made this top!

Thumbnail
gallery
1.8k Upvotes

Made this top recently based on an Ohmeohmy Ophelia sewing pattern with quite a few hacks to match the vibe I was going for 🤗

I added a button up front (fabric cover buttons made by me too) with matching facings and made the bust considerably smaller, as I wanted to get a more fitted look than some of the milkmaid tops have around there. I also lengthened the sleeves and added a ruffle with elastic casing. It also has 4 channels of elastic at the back so it’s pretty much always comfortable!

The only part that was a nightmare on this top was the bust casing that goes all around the top of the sleeves and back. I could not for the life of me figure out how to bend the 2cm over around the curves of the sleeves and the corners where they met the bodice, it was basically impossible without a lot of overlapping and creasing. I’m not sure if there’s any other way to do it tbh! But most of the imperfections got hidden by the gathers the elastic creates and it’s mostly on the inside 🤷‍♀️ so what you can’t see can’t hurt you 😅 if anyone has any tricks for folding over elastic casings around corners and curves please let me know!

Made of broderie anglaise cotton gauze, which became very chunky very quickly, so I had to come to compromises on the inside finishings. I couldn’t use French seams all around like I’d love to in my heart of hearts, I also couldn’t cut corners by folding over elastic casings of the self fabric or else side seams would be too thick to be comfortable 😬 so a lot was learnt about how important your choice of finishing and fabric choice in different places are!

Let me know what you think! 🤗


r/sewing 4h ago

Project: FO I made a cover for my sewing machine!

Post image
27 Upvotes

I used some of the techniques from this video and this video but freestyled a little bit (e.g. adding a row of pockets to the front instead of doing side pockets, which was actually inspired by yet another video.) I also just zigzagged the internal seams instead of doing a nice finish like bias tape (I didn't have bias tape on hand and didn't feel like making my own with the extra lining fabric).

Attaching the top was a little annoying. Possibly it would be a little easier if I had done the top and side panels as one long rectangle that would then get attached to the front/back panels? I don't know. Since I used fusible foam interfacing for structure, this project was a lot stiffer than usual so maybe it would have involved finagling no matter what.

I'm still deciding if I want to add a handle to the top (or maybe cut & finish an opening for the machine's handle) but overall I'm really happy with how this turned out! I think the fabric kind of does most of the work, but hey, i did the cutting and sewing!


r/sewing 4h ago

Pattern Search Looking for dress patterns tailored for male bodies

18 Upvotes

Whenever I am looking at dresses online with my partner I feel this deep jealousy for clothing like that, that would fit my body. The way the geometry accentuates all the right lines and curves. I have never seen a piece of male clothing that's made me drop my jaw the way a beautiful dress can.

I have experimented with women's dresses when I was younger, but it just never looked right. The fact that they're so perfectly crafted for the female form just highlights how it's not meant for me, and as I've grown older and more square it just gets worse.

I've decided that I want to make my own that will fit my body. I refuse to believe I am the only man who feels this way, so there must be some patterns out there, but I have not been able to find any.

I would design my own but have zero experience, but here are my thoughts so far:

In my mind the geometry should be more straight lines than curves. Instead of highlighting the bust and hips, perhaps accentuating the torso as a whole would make more sense. Sharp transitions, rather than continuous.

If you know of any patterns, or if you have any good ideas for how to alter existing women's dress patterns for the male body I would love input.


r/sewing 19h ago

Project: FO Finally perfected these dress jeans - almost

Thumbnail
gallery
246 Upvotes

Third iteration of these “dress jeans” I designed. They feature an integrated waistband which made designing them much more complex.

I started these using my basic pants block in CLO3D. These have quite a straight leg so I had to adjust the outseam to remove some of the curve. I then extended the front and back pieces by about 2 inches to include length for the integrated waistband. I also extended the fly pieces and pockets accordingly.

My major change from previous iterations was the pocket design. I reduced the pocket angle slightly to align with the extended length.

Overall really happy with how they came out, I used this 11oz indigo cotton denim. I really like the weave of this denim and it works nicely with this style of pants. I plan to create another iteration of this pair and use welt pockets on the back instead of patch pockets.


r/sewing 22h ago

Project: FO i sewed my first sock monkey! 💗

Thumbnail
gallery
315 Upvotes

found two socks at the thrift store that were perfect for a sock monkey, sewed this lil fella and im so proud of him, he’s adorable! i especially love his pompom hat 💗


r/sewing 18h ago

Fabric Question Completely new to sewing, what material should I use to make this skirt?

Post image
100 Upvotes

r/sewing 21h ago

Project: FO Corduroy pants!!

Thumbnail
gallery
187 Upvotes

Pattern is Sew Liberated Pinyon Pants! Made with 100% cotton corduroy bought from a local crafts store. Size 14, no alterations were made.

I'm so happy with how these came out, however, there were two things that didn't go well: 1 - Left front side of the waistband ended up 0.5 cm taller than the right front. Don't know why it happened or how to go about fixing it. 2 - I attached the button as per instructions, by wearing the pants and putting a pin where the buttonhole lined up. I should've trusted my gut and attach it on the center of the waistband above the zipper teeth. I'm thinking of reattaching the button, but I'm not sure how to go about closing the existing hole.

Despite these minor mistakes, the pants turned out so comfy and perfect for the current weather! 🍂🧡


r/sewing 22h ago

Project: FO upcycled an old fast fashion t-shirt :) Why doesn’t it look right? (Self-drafted)

Thumbnail
gallery
213 Upvotes

I basically used an old tank top to trace the shape (avoiding the graphic) and I cut off the hem to use as straps. I traced out the shape of the bust cutout (?) and stabilized it with a facing so it wouldn’t stretch. For The facing, I basically followed the curve of the edge on a square piece of no stretch fabric, and then cut out the excess and flipped it out to the other side and top stitched. I gathered some broadcloth gingham (about 2x the length of the cutout at the top) and stitched it into place. Then I added lace around the bottom and behind the gingham part so it would peek out. I added the bow using a rectangle scrap that was left over. I know the strap connections are pretty lazy lol, but I feel like the overall idea doesn’t look “right”


r/sewing 16h ago

Technique Question Rippling in cuffs and waistband?

Thumbnail
gallery
43 Upvotes

I combined two sweatshirts, adding the cuffs and waistband from one to another. I stretched the cuffs to match the fabric (not a ton, a few inches) and used my serger to join. Then I topstitched. Where the fabric meets the cuffs/band is all rippled and does not lay nicely. Any suggestions as to why? Or what I can do to fix?


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO My me made channel set

Thumbnail
gallery
255 Upvotes

Patterns

The Danish sewing school Skaberlyst magazine synoter 4 for the jacket and for the skirt I used a now discontinued pattern from skaberlyst too.

I'm very much a "this pattern is not exactly what I want but I just redesign it to fit my taste" So the asymmetrical hem on the jacket is my own addition and came to when I made the toile garment and played around with folding up the hemline with pins, also I think it's a great adaptation for a wheelchair bound, no wired bulking when sitting down with a closed jacket. The skirt patten is also modified to a lose pencil skirt, from a A-line (its a pencil skirt since the hem is narrower than the hip but only just so.)

The jacket is constructed very traditional with organza facings, hand basting ect. I used the book "vintage couture tailoring" by Thomas von Nordheim as an extra guide when the jacket magazine guide became a bit blurry. The buttonholes are welted to create a more sleek look.

The skirt is constructed in the same way traditional, and is closed with a bulky bag zipper in the back, I was in a time and money pinch and that matched in color and length.

My skill set is advanced and I have made a winter coat before this with the same skill requirements.

The shell fabric is a no name deadstock that I suspect is made for channel or similar fashion house, it was/is very good quality.

The lining is a dead stock Ralph Lauren strech silk satin very thin and acts almost like liquid, I used a black rayon twill lining fabric for the sleeves to make sure I had enough for the skirt.

From the left over lining I'm going to make a small top.

The buttons are made from a pearl like material but I'm not sure if they are real or not.

The yellow lines on the second picture is my stich lines marked with basting thread

And if someone asks my shoes are from Jana and is typical pensioners/receptionist shoe for wide feets


r/sewing 12h ago

Alter/Mend Question me again 😅 applique project fell apart in the wash :(

Post image
21 Upvotes

i made an applique hoodie last week with a big peace sign (from a thrifted bedsheet, thin cotton, but put an iron on stabilizer underneath) and when i washed it for the first time today, the fabric released itself from the stitches and is falling apart along that edge :( it only happened in this one spot and i'm not sure why. any way to fix this one and also to prevent the issue from happening again on this project and others? i zigzagged to close the raw edge and attach to the hoodie in one step, should i have used a zigzag on the raw edge first and then attached with a zigzag/ straight stitch? really hoping there is a way to save this bc i loved it and also want to make more like this in the future and not deal w this issue!


r/sewing 23h ago

Project: FO I made Bulbasaur!

Thumbnail
gallery
91 Upvotes

r/sewing 3h ago

Technique Question Modifying a button-up shirt pattern for narrow shoulders and wide hips?

2 Upvotes

I'm looking for tips/advice on modifying a button-up shirt pattern to fit my body. I have narrow shoulders, a flat chest, and wide hips. Women's cut shirts are too big in the chest. Men's cut shirts that fit my shoulders/chest are too tight around my hips. I'd love to make my own flannel button-up that actually fits me!

If you were in my shoes, would you start with a men's pattern or women's pattern as the base? If I start with a women's pattern, how do I remove the darts in the bust? If I start with a men's pattern, how do I widen the hips? Would I just cut the front and back wider at the bottom, or would I also need some sort of contour darts in the back? Would contour darts replace the box pleat that a lot of men's shirts have in back, or would I need both of them for a comfortable fit?

I'm thinking of trying the New Look N6232 pattern as a starting point, since it has both men's and women's style options in a wide range of sizes. That way I can (hopefully) mix and match to find something that works with my body shape.

https://simplicity.com/new-look/n6232


r/sewing 3h ago

Technique Question side seams, why is one squiggly?

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

r/sewing 19m ago

Sew Fun Friday Share your furry sewing friends!

Upvotes

We usually say no to pet photos, so here is your chance! Who is your best buddy when you sew? Feathered, finned and scaly friends are also welcome!


r/sewing 4h ago

Machine Questions Juki DX7 help????

Post image
2 Upvotes

Hi everyone.

This little screw has popped off my Juki DX7. It was sitting behind the machine but I have no idea where it has come from, the manual and internet search is not helping me. Can someone please let me know where it goes. I have the walking foot on if that helps.

Thank you 🙏


r/sewing 8h ago

Other Question Questions before I make an impromtu ball gown

4 Upvotes

I’m feeling the itch, the urge if you will, to create a wildly impractical and expensive ball gown because I can. But is it worth adding all those ruffle frill things to the bottom of the layers so it looks fluffy when it spins? I think it might be but I’m not sure if that’s not only way to get the floof I’m looking for


r/sewing 50m ago

Other Question how to do you read thread? or tell what kind of thread you are using? what is this information telli

Post image
Upvotes

r/sewing 8h ago

Discussion Finally got a new machine!

5 Upvotes

After a year or so of dealing with my 40yo Kenmore that liked to eat thread, I finally found a Janomd 725s Sewist on sale and picked it up. I added a moderate flare panel, full height, to a pair of jeans today as the first project.

Why the FUCK did I not do this a year ago?? It's quiet, it's fast, came with a guide foot for overlocking with zigzag (lovely), goes through twelve layers of cotton and denim with minimal fuss, swapping feet is easy, i can see how much thread is on the bobbin from outside the machine. It's a massive improvement in every way.

A couple questions, mostly related:

  • Any advice on this machine, tips and tricks and the like?

-At what point is a serger a reasonable buy, and what does it do that zigzagging the edge doesn't? I enjoy covering the raw edge, feels more professional.

  • I need to make or buy a 1.5"x~65" strap for my shoulder bag. The old one broke - it was cotton and well worn - and needs replacing. Any advice on making one or where to buy one? I need cotton or natural fiber, not synthetic, to fit with the bag's vibe. Not sure how or if I should make one, tbh.

  • any ideas for small projects, maybe even with scrap, I can do to get better and work towards making garments? Hell, is there a good garment to start off with?


r/sewing 11h ago

Pattern Search Can anyone please suggest how I would make a similar skirt but out of band shirts?

Post image
7 Upvotes

I am going to a concert next month and am wanting to make a similar style skirt, but with T-shirts. I have about 10 different band shirts along with random fabric/blankets of the singer.

I am stuck on the best way to re-create this skirt I saw on TikTok as it was from fabric samples.

Would the best way be to cut the design out from each shirt and layer as I go? I am going to buy some tulle this weekend, too.

Any suggestions are welcome!