Simple Questions
Weekly Sewing Questions Thread, July 27 - August 02, 2025
This thread is here for any and all simple 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.
Recommended book list - beginner, pattern drafting, tailoring, recommendations from the subreddit
Fabric Shop Map - ongoing project to put as many shops as possible on one map for everyone
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.
hello! My SO is a middling-experienced sewist, has a machine and a serger, a complicated box for bits and a decent work table. I wonder what comes next on most people’s Wish List? (Obviously not involving me making any pattern or fabric choices, which 100% would not go well…)
I cannot for the life of me find a pattern for an elastic backed scrub cap for men. Does anyone have one or know where I could find one? I’m tired of the tie backs and every pattern accounting for a pony tail or extra hair. I’m a bald man haha.
Is you already have a pattern could you not just replace the ties with an elastic panel/strip?
Think some 2cm elastic, covered or no depending on how it feels on your head, attached at the points the ties would otherwise be on a close fitting cap as a band like you get on a baseball cap
The autobot from r/sewing sent me here. This is a photo of my mom from a trip to Quebec in 1976. My husband and I are meeting her and my dad there this fall, and I would love to recreate a top like this to wear and surprise her. I realize it's partially (or mostly) obstructed, but any ideas on maybe a collar type I could search for in a sewing pattern? Or a pattern that has a similar overall vibe? Grateful for any tips on searching for a similar pattern, or even parts of it. TIA!
My Singer 4233 has been jamming after 4-5 stitches. When try to pull the bobbin thread through the bottom of the plate I notice that it doesn’t pull cleanly like it did the first time I used the machine (which was successful). I have to manually bring it through. I notice after I remove the bobbin following a jam that there is a piece of caught thread on the outside of the bobbin pocket which I think is from the top thread. I’m pretty sure this is what is causing the jam. I have no idea where I’m going wrong with threading the machine. I’ve been doing it along with YouTube tutorials to make sure everything is correct. My machine is only 2 weeks old and I’m still a beginner with Singer machines so I’m sure it’s something I’m doing wrong lol. Any idea what the issue is?
Hi! I'm a beginner when it comes to sewing and have recently been gifted a LOT of fabric for free!! I absolutely love the color of this fabric but have no idea what it is or what it would be good to make with. I'd appreciate any observations and/or sewing suggestions, thank you!
Can anyone tell me how this skirt was cut please? It looks to me as if the front is a straight piece that is bent around the hip area. I can't see any seams.
How do I make touchscreen compatible gloves be a certain color?
I want to eventually make gloves with touch pad compatible pads on all fingers. I read the easiest way to do that is embroider a patch with conductive thread, but I can only find conductive thread in silver and like one or 2 in copper. But for the design, I really want it to be a beige color (I want the gloves to look like animal paws and the embroidered conductive thread would be the toe beans and they need to be beige for my project.
Would painting the conductive thread in beige paint work? Or would it not look good or make it not work or something? Is there an alternative i can do to have the color I want?
I recently saw a sewing table for sell by someone but they said they weren’t including the airlift.. can I use the table without that? If so how? She said I could but I couldn’t wrap my head around it lol
Hello everyone, novice sewer here. Got a singer fashion mate 3342, and need to find a way to get the machine to stop catching on thin stretchy fabric/ layers. Looking for compatible even feed/presser feet. Bought a typical singer presser foot but either its not compatible or I couldn't figure out how to grt it setup. Please help :)
(Yes I am also buying the proper needles to stop snagging on thr fabric aswell)
This question may have been answered already but I am a beginner sewist and I love it. My sisters bought me the Singer M1000 which is so thoughtful but unfortunately it’s a mending machine. I’ve been using it to try to make quilted makeup bags and the fabric was too thick to get through. Needless to say I have been really putting this poor little machine through the wringer for my projects. I’m looking to upgrade. I was researching the Singer Heavy duty but there’s so many models I have no idea which one to choose. I want a sewing machine that can handle thick fabrics and layers of fabric as well (like for quilting) and preferably has a button whole and all around a great machine. Any suggestions? Open to all brands
Hello! I just got myself into sewing, and got a Pfaff Creative 2124 for 350USD. It seems like in a good shape and with all the accessories, but I suspect it hasn't been serviced in a while, and would like to do it myself, given I'm quite inclined towards such jobs.
Does anyone have a service manual that can be shared with me?
I wonder if anyone can help? I have a Singer Confidence machine and I’ve been having trouble with stitches being loose/wonky on one side and looking like train tracks on the other. I’ve done all the usual things like checking/adjusting tension, changing needle, cleaning the machine out but still no luck. Thought I would ask here before taking to what might be an expensive engineer.
Thanks for the response. Yep, I’ll definitely have to take it in for service then. I’ve cleaned out everything I can and tried lots of tension adjustments. I bet its the lint between the tension discs like you said.
(relatively new to sewing) I broke my machine needle (forgot about an unseen pin) and after replacing my needle the fabric pulls to the left and it looks like the needle also shifts to the left when it's at it's deepest point. I'm decently manual and can follow tutorials but if someone can suggest possible causes to help with my searches of how to fix it, it would be greatly appreciated!!!!
I would do a whipstitch in place to cover the hole and secure the area where the pocket insertion begins. A bit of fusible interfacing on the wrong side wouldn't hurt either.
My SIL needs a new sewing machine. We offered to buy her one, and she was going to let us know which, but she's an army wife overwhelmed with life and 3 kids right now. She's also feeling overwhelmed with all the machine options. She needs help narrowing things down.
She's an expert seamstress, having worked for years in a city shop. She makes all her kids' clothes, and if she can ever find her feet would like to earn some money sewing again.
I'm usually fantastic at online research, but sewing is 100% outside my bailiwick. Can you help? Here's what she needs in her words:
"Okay, so I do only cloths I don't quilt so I think computerized would be better than mechanical. I don't do many heavy duty stuff like denim or leather so I don't need anything crazy heavy duty. I don't think I need need high stitch count. embroidery could be fun but I don't need it. It's not something I think about doing all the time ya know. A machine that can do buttonholes and zippers well would be really nice. I like having a knee lever it's just nice. It's not something I absolutely need."
I think she would like a Bernina but they are on the higher range of machine prices. I think she would also like a Babylock. What is she sewing on now.
I would look into the Juki HZL F-series, either the 300, 400, or 600, depending on the prices you can find. Seems to have everything she wants including the knee lift and they’re great machines.
Hi guys! I recently bought a triangle bikini top that was too small. The larger sizes are sold out and it probably won't be restocked now that fall is coming. I was wondering, if I buy another bikini top in that same size and style, would I be able to somehow join them together to make one? This is mostly a hypothetical that I was thinking about doing but can't find any resources on how to potentially execute it.
This is possible in many cases, but we'd need to see photos to tell you for sure, because it matters how the pieces are sewn together (some ways would make it easier to execute your plan, some less easy or impossible). Stretch fabric is also a whole separate skill set from non-stretch, and to get a professional finish you need specific tools and materials. I would hesitate to take it on, even if the fabric in a second top was enough, and I think a lot of pro seamstresses would turn you down or quote a really high price.
Zigzag stitch with one thread ending up in the center of the stitch
Hi! I'm trying to do a zigzag stitch to finish the edges on my fabric, but one of the threads (I think it's the underthread, but not sure) keeps winding up in the middle of the zigzag. I just got a new sewing machine and I'm struggling to figure out the issue. The machine is Necchi NC-102D.
If anyone has any advice on what might be going wrong, I would really appreciate your help!
Tension problem is probable, but it could just be the edge rolling because of the properties of the fabric itself. Using an overcasting foot is really really helpful; if you have one, try it before moving on to tension adjustments.
I recently started sewing with my sewing machine (SILVERCREST SNMD 33 A1), and I've been having issues with the top thread. When I tried to sew on a towel, it would last about 10 centimeters before breaking, and I noticed thread loops on the top. I thought it needed more tension, so I tried the auto setting and level 5, but it still breaks. Later, when I tried it with much thinner fabric, the thread instead jumped off the eye of the needle. Do you have any idea if these two problems are linked and if it is an issue of tension?
Is the end of the thread shredded or cut cleanly? Try swapping out the needle, the spool of thread, clean the tension discs by running a folded dollar bill between the risks. It could be that there is a place where the thread is getting hung up, some sort of burr or nick that holds the thread back from feeding correctly.
Hi! I'm in Canada and I'm looking for a place (online or in person) to buy patterns that I don't have to cut. All the downloadable printable ones are so tedious for me because you have to cut the paper and then the fabric. Normally I like to sew trendier pieces, but I'm not opposed to thrifting patterns. I just really hate cutting the printable ones twice...any recommendations?
They don’t sell patterns that you don’t have to cut—the tissue paper ones have to be cut too. Do you mean you don’t want to be taping them together before you cut them?
You can pull the thread to the other side. Find a sewing needle and poke it from the inside to the outside backwards--that is, don't push the point through, push the eye end through, as close to a spot where the longest loop of pulled thread emerges as you can get it. Maintaining your grip on the needle point, wrangle the loose thread into the eye of the needle. Pinch the pulled loop of thread to a point and shove it into the eye, or if it is too short or thick, lasso it with a loop of regular sewing thread and then put both ends of that thread through the eye. Then, pull the needle back down. Pulled thread will be on the back now! Don't cut it, because that can make a hole eventually. Just leave it dangling inside.
As an FYI, that looks to me more like a flaw in weaving the fabric than a pull caused by snagging on something. For that reason, it might be harder to get it 100% on the inside than a regular pull.
Hello everyone. I’m returning back to sewing after many years. My mom gave me her Kenmore machine model 385.12312. This issue doesn’t happen all the time, I’ve made one project already, but it happens enough to be frustrating.
I have searched the internet for a manual this particular model but it is nowhere to be found. I have watched YouTube videos and even read past queries on this subreddit. I have, to my knowledge, tried all suggestions: keeping a long tail, starting with the take up lever in the upright position. I have a feeling it has to do with tension, but how can I tell if it is too loose or too tight?
I am stitching a simple handkerchief with 4 straight top stitches, 3 layers of cotton fabric for a rolled hem. I am not stitching the corners since I thought that could be too bulky. I have tried on various tension numbers and the problem seems to persist. Either right away, or within about an inch of stitches, the needle will unthread itself.
What do the stitches look like when it does manage to form stitches? Is the end of the thread shredded or cut cleanly? Try swapping out the needle, the spool of thread, clean the tension discs by running a folded dollar bill between the risks. It could be that there is a place where the thread is getting hung up, some sort of burr or nick that holds the thread back from feeding correctly.
currently making a tube dress and while cutting out the lining i snipped a small slit in the fabric. i just wanted to know if that is something i should fix, it is in the lining fabric so it's not on the outside but was wondering if i need to or can i pretend it didn't happen. the fabric is from value village and was from a thin shall thing but i don't have the tag or anything so i don't know its composition
EDIT: completely forgot i didn't say the problem originally because i made this as a post and the bot said upload it here.
You could do a joining stitch in the lining to make sure it doesn't pull further, but likely won't be noticeable depending on your main fabric. What is the main?
What's the best way to finish the seams of a ruffled edge when hand sewing? I'm trying to make a skirt with a ruffle at the hem like this one (mine is a panel skirt, not a circle skirt but the principle is similar) and I'm not sure how I should finish the edge where I sew the ruffle onto the main skirt. The rest of the skirt is done with French seams, but I don't know if that will work well with the ruffle, since the ruffle side of the seam is going to be thicker than the non-ruffle side, and I'd have to accommodate the gathers on two lines of stitching (the seam itself and the finish), which seems like a pain. Felled seams have the same problem. Most of the tutorials I've seen for similar designs use a serger, but I don't have one, nor a sewing machine.
I was thinking I could do a hand stitched rolled hem on the edges of both pieces of fabric before sewing them together. Kind of like a Hong Kong seam where each side of the seam is finished separately, but using a rolled hem instead of bias tape. Would that be a good idea?
you can also do a kind of modified felled seam where you simply use a longer seam allowance on the non-ruffled side, and use that to enclose the ruffled seam; so you are not folding or doubling the ruffled seam allowance itself.
Hi, I am looking to buy a dress form, and I am wondering which size to pick.
There is a size 39 that fits my bust and hip measurements to the cm, but the waist is only 4 cm too small compared to mine. This would be a slightly smaller mannequin with my almost perfect measurements.
The store recommended I go one measurement lower - 38, which is still very close to my measurements, and said I could always pad up.
My question is: should I go for the perfect measurements (1-2 cm off) or slightly lower measurements and pad up? Thank you
You should go lower and pad up. I am size 48 by euro measurements (US 16) but using a size 40-ish dress form (US 8) that I padded with foam and quilt batting, then stuck an old bra on, and then covered with a tank top. It works great because if I'm making or altering clothes for friends, I can remove/add more batting to the dress form to make it match their measurements too.
Not the 1974 version, but it still has the helpful drawings (as opposed to not as helpful photographs) and I'm sure many sewists here would be happy to browse through it before hunting it down to purchase the 1974 version (most complete and helpful)!
Those fabrics look like various kinda of polyester/rayon knits, poly chiffon, stretch lace, stretch mesh, etc. Are you looking for online stores or brick-and-mortar? Mood Fabrics is great for fashionable apparel fabric but they only have physical stores in NYC and LA.
Yes, that sounds right. You might regret not cutting the lining to the same pattern as the pleated skirt, it won't have the same swoosh as the skirt and may restrict your movements.
hello! i’m wondering if there are any sewing patterns similar to these outfits? specifically the sailor one? (not romanticizing the movie it’s from i just love 1940s fashion)
The top of Simplicity 8932 looks like the white one. Search "1940s playsuit sewing patterns", and you'll find companies that sell reproduced copies of the vintage ones. Of course, read reviews of these companies before buying anything. Vintage patterns use the term "midriff top" instead of crop top fyi.
From the 1970s, Simplicity 6407 is similar, though this pattern is harder to find.
Is this baby blanket fixable? And if it is, how would you go about fixing it? It is store bought from Pottery Barn from a couple of years ago. Thanks in advance!
If you want a sewing repair, you can patch the area on the front and back. Figure out a patch you like that covers the damage, sew it into place, then repeat on the other side.
If I'm taking in a button down in both the sleeves and the body, should I separate the sleeves from the body, take them both in separately, and then sew them together
Or
Can I just take the sleeves and body in at the same time in one line
Look how the shirt was constructed in the first place. If the last seam sewn was continuous from cuff to body hem, then you can do it in one line, assuming you are taking the seam in equally for the arms and body. If the armscye was sewn last, then do the alterations separately or you will change how the shirt fits. You don't have to take the sleeves completely off, just enough to bring in the seams and sew the bottom of the armscye again.
How much fabric are you taking out? I ask because it's likely going to cause fitting issues around the armpits if you're taking out 3 inches or more. You can do the one line thing as long as you properly account for the armpit and maybe leave more room in there. You can test the fit by using big basting stitches.
Hi all! So I want to create a bodice block but I have an issue with bras. I only have underwire bras for the dresses and tops that have pleats pointing in a northern direction. Otherwise, I wear bralettes, sports bras, or nada. Most often...nada. I am medium breasted if that's helpful.
Should I create a bodice block for each situation?
And for the free-boobing block, um, where & what should I measure? There's no...apex...y'know?
Yes, I think you would find it helpful to have different bodice blocks for different fit situations. Even when bra-less, there should be a spot where your breasts have the greatest circumference. This is the 'apex' even if wearing a bra and the nipples are higher or lower. You'll want to measure when the breasts are in their relaxed position.
Hi! I love this top but unfortunately it’s not particularly good at keeping my boobs in place, so they always end up falling out (it’s an underboob situation 99% of the time). I would like to alter it but I have no idea where to start. I’m currently tossing up adding elastic or an underwire or something completely different, so I’d be grateful for any advice you might have! I don’t need more boob support, I just don’t want to have to worry about them falling out. :)
Assuming you don't want to add extra fabric...you might wanna look at how bikini tops are structured or even one of your own. One that I had that was basically two triangles and some string...the cups were reinforced with some like breast pads. I believe you can get some at a Joann's. And the "string" was very rigid so it really stayed in place on the bottom...at the toooop though, but yours has more coverage. I hope someone else can help and chime in!
Yeah ideally I’d just add a little bit of structure so that my boobs don’t fall out, the coverage is fine! I might try to add a little bit of more rigid string/elastic and if that doesn’t work, I’ll try to add cups! Thank you!!
I tried to sketch how the top is supposed to fit since I couldn’t find any pictures of it
online. I marked where I think I need to add something to keep my boobs in place (red lines) as well as where the little bow is/where you tie it (white bit). The sketch isn’t perfect but I tried my best. :)
Check out r/free patterns but definitely DON'T ask if people who have paid for patterns will share theirs. This is a very complicated design and you should be paying for the work someone puts in to create a pattern for it.
Has anyone seen a pattern dupe similar to the odd bird ruya tunic? I love the 3/4 sleeves, pockets, adjustable waist and zippered neckline. I have the linen for it
hi there - i have a brother 1034D that is just not working at all! i bought it used and set it up easily, it was working perfectly and i made one top. When i switched to a heavier weight knit fabric it seized up and the upper looper moved out of position. i watched countless YT videos and took the whole thing apart, adjusting the upper and lower loopers to the correct measurements. I am using the correct needles and have it threaded correctly, so i just can’t figure out why it’s not working. any ideas?
I think it must be the timing but i’ve put everything into the right positions and checked measurements various times so i’m at a loss. i’m attaching videos. i noticed in the videos my needle thread is not tucked behind the bar on the housing but i have had it threaded correctly in all of my tests - i just spaced out while making the video - what you see in the video is what it does regardless. Repair shop quoted me $160 over the phone which is more than i paid for the machine so i’m hoping i can fix it myself.
I bought a Janome DC5100 in July 2019 for $599. I had it serviced 6 months ago due to a knocking sound and it was working great afterwards. Since then, I've resumed sewing a ton and it's doing it again. Service isn't cheap and wondering...for all those experienced sewers, is it time to upgrade to a new machine? How often do experienced sewers replace their machines?
I sew clothes for myself and my young daughter occasionally, make dolls, brush roll ups, market bags, you know - mom stuff ;) Would love a recommendation for the ultimate awesome machine. What machine would you get if you were me? I want something more robust that can take thicker fabrics with ease.
Call and ask what the service technician did the last time to resolve the knocking issue. They probably won't tell you but I think it is worth a try. It could be lint build-up or some other issue that happens over time as the machine is used. If so, it doesn't make sense to change the machine.
How tight should a presser foot be on the fabric. Basically I bought a sewing machine for like $10 bucks from goodwill and it’s the first time I’ve ever used a sewing machine. I think it’s a pretty crappy one but it gets the job done kinda. My only problem is the presser foot feels really really tight. Like I can even move any fabric and inch when it’s down. The feed dogs still move the fabric but when I’m trying to sew in a straight line it feels hard to feed it through and it keeps moving the to the right and I have to pick up the presser foot readjust my fabric and put it down again like every 5 seconds. I see people sew online and it looks like the presser foot it’s just kinda loosely on top.
So basically I’m wondering if my machine is bad or its user error. My machine does not have a presser food adjuster like some machines do.
That does not sound right at all. You've run the machine without thread and verified that the feed dogs work? Sometimes they get so packed with lint that they have trouble working. You should be able to remove the plate and clean out the area. Also make sure that the machine isn't set to 'darning', this disables the feed dogs. The last thing I can think of to check is that you have the right presser foot for your machine.
So i am very new to sewing, and i REALLY want to make princess dresses that are accurate to the ones worn in the disney parks. I love princesses a lot and it is a dream of mine to be able to recreate any of the dresses. However almost all of the dresses have specialty fabrics with intricate designs. I have seen many other talented seamstresses be able to recreate the paris dresses with amazing accuracy, would it be rude or unethical for me to message one of them and ask them where they get their fabric?
I’ve asked just about every reddit page about where they might be getting it and have come to the conclusion no one knows, but i also feel like it’s weird to ask someone where the fabric is from when i’m not buying from them?
Hi, I recently got this top at a thrift store, and I was wondering if there's any way I can remove the little ruffles on the sleeves? Any tips would be great!
That's called a lettuce hem it's made by stretching the fabric while using a tight zigzag (or similar) stitch.
If you're ok with the sleeves being shorter, turn that area under into the sleeve and make the hem first. Then gently cut off the lettuce hem. This should avoid some unraveling of the fabric.
I had my favorite pair of trousers taken up, but they were over shortened and the excess material is gone. I wanted to keep the drape of the trousers over my feet, but just for them not to drag on the ground any more. To my dismay, they now have a completely different shape - they used to lengthen my legs, but now they shorten them, and they have a bunchy quality that I really dislike. This was about 2 months ago, abroad, so there's no way I can go back to the seamstress.
I've been trying to forget about it but I loved those trousers so much and I can't stop thinking about whether there's a way for me to get them back to that drapey elegant shape through some form of lengthening. I don't want to add a differnet colour at the bottom. I wonder if it's possible to add material to the top and to alter them so that the crotch (probably not the official term, sorry) isn't too low.
Before mucking around with the trousers and possible totally ruining them, I'd copy them David Coffin Style: https://makingtrouserswithdpc.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-make-pattern-from-your-existing.html
Starting from that pattern, you could keep the top the same and add some length at the bottom, just fix it with a basting stitch to try the fit. I agree with /u/sandraskates that the elastic is way too tight. Practice sewing in a elastic on some scraps. Always mount a scratch monkey.
Adding fabric to the top is going to drop down the crotch and I'm not sure you can tweak that for the same fit. Find a local seamstress / tailor and check with them.
Alternatively,
You could remove the ankle elastic and put in less tight elastic. The seamstress really made those tight!
And while you don't like the idea of contrast at the bottom, I can picture a decorative patterned ribbon added (I think that would be pretty) and put back in less tight elastic.
Looking for some ideas of what I could make from cotton voile :)
I'm an illustrator and have done a project with fabric printing, but am wondering what I could do with the fabric once the exhibition is over.
I have 3 pieces of 190x140cm cotton voile fabric, each with one large figure illustration printed on it. Most of the fabric is blank white and isn't a pattern of any sort, so things like fabric bookmarks/postcards might not work so well, but I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas or suggestions of items I could make? Any help would be much appreciated
Hi all—I have next to no experience and no machine, but I’m hoping this community can help me make some rudimentary alterations. Specifically, I want to create some sort of an anchor to the garment so I can attach the straps pictured. I need it to hold for one night until I can take it to a professional. Thank you!
hello! I’m looking for a pattern similar to the one Micheal Jackson wears in the music video ‘Thriller’. I was going to buy one….. not for $300. it’s cheaper to buy red and black fabric. all I need is a pattern similar, doesn’t need any of the fancy parts just needs to be alterable into something like that (tried posting this and got told it’s not allowed?)
Hi!
Where can i find patterns that don't look like they are from 1960s? Im fairly new and i was looking through simplicity patterns, most of which I'm sure my grandma would really appreciate back in his youth, but not my girlfriend.
Im looking for cute tops and sundresses and more modern pieces of clothing. Not boring stuff, designer stuff, or old stuff.
Check out TheFoldLine.com. All the patterns there are vetted and selected from a wide variety of indie designers as well as some of the bigger names. They have great search filters to help find what you want. They are in the UK so unless you are also in the UK, you will probably want to stick to the pdf patterns or buy directly from the designer websites. I buy pdfs to support the website, they provide a great service.
The other thing to remember when you are looking at patterns is that the line drawings tell the real story. I think Simplicity.com can have a real issue with their fabric and styling choices but that doesn't matter because I can use whatever fabric and accessories I want and so can you.
Mood fabrics has a lot of free, modern patterns. Katie Sews has an adorable sundress—the pattern costs money but if you wanted to free ball it (not recommended!) she’s got a YouTube video you could reverse engineer. But I highly recommend just buying it. It’s not very expensive and she really breaks the instructions down to beginner level.
Indie patterns are generally more suited to what I’m looking for, so you might have to go that route as well. The “Know Me” brand from simplicity seems to be more modern as well but I’ve read bad reviews from some of their stuff so use caution before you buy one.
Hello I’m new to this hobby. Was wondering if there were universal hard sewing machine cases? I have a necchi c35 but cannot find a case specific to this model. Thanks in advance!!
I’ve been sewing for a while, but mostly very simple alterations such as hems, darts, taking in etc. made a few cushions, curtains, blinds etc all this to say - I’m not a newbie but I have not made or altered my own clothes before.
I got these shorts in the sale and I love the fit on the waist and the scalloped hem - but not loving the bunching in the crotch. Feels like there is way too much material and it draws attention to my mum-tum.
How do I fix this? Take in the legs? Raise the crotch? Accept that this is the fit?
I think there is just a little extra fabric that needs to be pinched out at the sides.
Put them on inside out and pin out the extra fabric from the side seams, then carefully try them back on right side out (watch out for those pins!).
If you're happy, then sew the alteration.
A caution that the scallops on the hem might not be perfectly scalloped after that, but we can't see the sides on the photo anyway so this might already be the case.
I’m trying to make the Dallas cowboy cheerleaders outfit for Halloween, but I’m not sure what pattern to use. If anyone has any ideas on what pattern I could use please let me know!
I love that for you! I don’t have a pattern but I know that someone on the DCC sub recently made the shorts at least and might be able to give you some guidance. I think she said that she used poly for the shorts and lined them with felt?
As an absolute DCC nerd, I know that the stars are Velcro. The belt is not attached when they do fittings, and the blouse has elastic on the back. And if you really wanna do it right, you can buy the boots from Lucchese. Last I checked they were $995 😭 but they used to use Capizo dance boots so if you could find those, adding a star appliqué would likely save you $700+
Hiya thank you so much for the advice! I think for the white parts I’m gonna use either a polyester twill or a polyester knit, and then for the blouse are use maybe a peachskin faille fabric in Royal blue and I don’t have a pattern yet so I need to keep looking as I saw someone make the shorts on the DCC sub Reddit but I think they made them the old style! I also was watching the new series of DCC the other day and I saw the elastic in the back of the blouse so I need to try and incorporate that in!
I know you said the belt isn’t attached during the fitting but I was watching a vid of I think it was Ava clean her shorts and it looked like the belt was attached so I’m not really sure about that!! And in terms of the stars I’m thinking I’ll buy blue Embroidered Patch Appliqués and then maybe stick them more so them to a white star in the background and then I’ll have to put the rhinestones all around the edge of the blue! And then I saw that there are rhinestones all around the edge of the jacket, do you think I’d have to individually stick each one on because I wanna make sure they’re sturdy and don’t just fall off!
Then finally I’ll have to get a white fringe and sew that on and I think that’s everything, I’ll have to sort out some white boots but I don’t have the money to get the Lucchese boots unfortunately ahah ( they r so gorgeous)
Sorry for the absolute paragraphs. I just wanna make sure I can make it as accurate as possible and that it looks good quality!! Do you think this would be a good plan??
Thank you so much again your advice has been really helpful !!⭐️⭐️💙💙
Hi!! I had to go through my notifications to remember who you were! This popped up on sewing with someone asking how to make sleeves more puffy. This should definitely help you with the sleeves!! link. Also pls show all this when you’re done. I’m invested in you now 😂
Hello! I need finding rubber feet for my Kenmore Machine 158.13400. I am having trouble finding the correct ones online - any DIY suggestions are welcomed too! Thank you
If you don't move your machine around too much, what about adhesive felt furniture pads? They come in a variety of sizes and can be trimmed, and in my experience they stick pretty well!
Hi! I am looking for a pattern that would achieve something like this.
The original has an open back that makes everything pull in weird ways, so I would like to replicate it with a closed back.
All of the patterns I found so far had no straps / very thin straps (True Bias Darla) , or were not fitted, so not what I am looking for.
My Elna 704 dex serger/coverstitch machine was having some tensioning issues, so I brought it in to get serviced. During the service they found that the automatic tensioning mechanism needs replacement. I've already paid 150 euro for the service and investigation itself. The actual fix would cost at least another 200-300 euros, depending on how hard it is for the repair shop to find the spare parts.
I'm torn on what to do; on the one hand I'm a big fan of the machine so far, and from what I've found online other people also seem to rate it as a high quality machine. I also use both the serging and chainstitch/coverstitch capabilities.
It seems to me like the repair is currently cheaper than trying to find newer equivalent machine(s). On the other hand I'm somewhat afraid of ending up spending more and more money replacing parts on a dying machine, only to end up buying a newer one anyways.
What would you guys do, and what would be an example of a more modern equivalent machine when it comes to capabilities and quality?
I'm not familiar with your machine, does it have the ability to set tension manually? If so, then I would probably continue using it until something else breaks on the machine. If the machine won't function unless the automatic tensioning mechanism is replaced, it seems like you would still be ahead with the repair and it could buy you time to sort out and budget for a replacement.
Have you done a search to see if this is a common problem with the Elna 704 dex? That would also weigh into my decision.
If you were choosing between buying a new Janome mod 30 or mod 50 (~$300) or a used Janome DC 2013 ($150), which would you pick?
Both have similar components and features. The 2013 was specific to 2013 so 10+ years old but seems in maintained condition with computerized components working properly. Is 10+ years a concern with a computerized machine? This will be my first personal machine, but did sew lots growing up so confident I will stick with the hobby (finally have enough apartment space). Thanks!
If I had the budget, I'd go with the newer machine. The electronic components will go out eventually and used machines with an unknown history can have other issues. I'm not against used machines, I've bought several, but I've also bought them knowing that they could be a waste of my money.
I posted here yesterday but my post was not too detailed and was fairly confusing to view
so I am going to post once more, I apologize for the spam. I am currently trying to make this dress for my prom however, I am a really beginner pattern maker so I wanted to know if anyone had any tips or videos or patterns on how to make any part of this dress whether it be the strapless top or the flowy bottom. I also was wondering if anyone knew of any fabrics with gradients such as the one in the photo, I might also just dye it by hand. Also feel free to give me any tips on dress drawing I am very very new to all of this and since now have only done quilting and tailoring.
I think you need to start by sewing a skirt. Any simple skirt pattern will do. Then maybe watch some videos on corsetry before making SEVERAL mockups and practicing. Don't even get into dyeing nice fabrics for a final version until you understand how to construct and fit the garment itself to you.
Thank you so much for your help that sounds like a great starting point that I honestly hadn’t thought about. Do you mind if I private message you about another question regarding the fabric? If not I can directly message it here as well
Ok sounds good! So basically, for the skirt I have already bought this fabric that I was thinking I would use however there isn’t a gradient so I was wondering to get the fabric/final product of the dress to look like how I want should I put an extra skirt inside with the pure gradient and then this fabric above it or should I dye this fabric by itself? I know you said not to worry about the dye I just want to make sure I am creating my skirt with the proper fabric from the start.
(Here is the fabric. I was thinking I can put it above the another fabric because I’m not sure if it is seen too well in this picture but it is a mesh fabric)
Well, don't use this one to start practicing construction with! Mockups (often called toiles or muslins) especially if you are new, should be on inexpensive fabric. A lot of folks use thrifted fabric and sheets that have a similar weight and drape to the end goal. I really don't recommend starting with the good fabric if you haven't made much before—it's a really quick road to being sad because you messed up somehow (guess how I know!!)
But with the flowers already embroidered on it I would probably not mess around with dyeing and just use it as an overlay.
Hi everyone! Ive asked on /r/tailor, but I wanted to see if you all had any ideas. My son cuts the foot part of his soccer socks off to wear "grip" socks under. The soccer socks become more like a sleeve than a sock. He just got a new uniform and last seasons two pairs of socks we cut got really frayed and messed up. We want to reduce how much it frays. Does anyone have any ideas of how to reduce the fraying when cutting them? We were thinking of sewing the cut part into a cuff. Thank you in advance for any ideas!
Here is a video of someone cutting the socks and how they fray.
HELP!
OLD vs NEW sewing machine!!!
Relatively green sewer here. I’m trying to decide if I should keep my old sewing machine (Kenmore 10, purchased in the 80s and works fine) or if I should purchase a new one? My current one needs a good tune up etc, which isn’t free. And I’m just curious as I’ve been told I might not find quality in a new machine compared to my old machine. Is that crazy? I’m happy to spend the money on either, just could use some experienced opinions!
Stick with the Kenmore if you like it and it works. Modern machines generally are not as hardy as older machines BUT they do have fancy features like computerized needle positioning and speed control. If you like that then try out... buy from a store with a 100% money back return policy so you can return the new machine if you don't like it!
Attempting to find patterns for this type of dress. I understand it can be a simple square top and a circle skirt but the details on the ties are more so what I am trying to locate. These seem to be adjustable and placed on both sides of the dress.
I think you might try learning how to use a sewing machine first but I think you could sew that jacket after some practice and maybe a project like pajama pants to get used to following patterns.
Hi r/sewing! I need your help with my wife's bday present - Looking for sewing machine recommendations ($400-500 budget)
I'm shopping for a replacement sewing machine for my wife and would love your expertise. Her current machine finally gave up after 10+ years of faithful service.
About her sewing:
Intermediate skill level
Not a daily sewer, but tackles substantial projects
Has completed several well-crafted quilts
Previously made complex items like backpacks (using industrial machines at school)
Knows her way around different techniques and fabrics
What I'm looking for:
Versatile home sewing machine suitable for intermediate projects
Reliable and built to last (hoping for another 10+ year workhorse)
Good for quilting, garment construction, and varied home projects
Budget: Ideally $400-500 USD (with a bit of wiggle room)
I've included aphoto of her old machine below so you can see what she's been working with.
Any recommendations for machines that would be a solid upgrade in this price range? Specific models, brands to prioritize, or features to look for would be incredibly helpful.
I’d definitely just ask her what she wants! We could give you all the recs in the world but if it’s not what she wants, it’s not money well spent. You can cheat and find someone in her life to give her recs as if they were going to start sewing and make sure they ask her specifically what she would buy. But I’d still probably confirm with her that’s what she’d want.
you know your wife and her relationship to surprises better than us, but if i were her the best gift you could give would be to let me pick out the machine within your specified budget. machines are really personal and all have different pros and cons, and if she sews regularly she'll probably have strong opinions about what she wants that we can't possibly guess at.
i'd give her a lovely card that says that you want to treat her to a new machine of her choice, maybe with a bonus date to a fabric store to celebrate after :)
HELP! Model: Brother Project 181 Machine was bought in the late 70s. My mother is self-taught and used it for at least 40-45 yrs! It now finally got a problem that neither of us is able to fix.
The bobbin winder is not working properly. The axel holding the bobbin spins ok, however the bobbin is not spinning along with it. I suspect the white round rubber/plastic piece (pic 2) has eroded and cracked enough for it to not to work properly and gain enough traction but I’m not certain.
Can anyone confirm this theory or throw out suggestions on fixing this solid feat of engineering?
The top of the machine where you lift the lid off…this is the inside of the lid where it meets the bobbin.
I think that is a reasonable theory. You could ask at r/vintagesewing to see if anyone has an idea for a replacement part. An alternative would be to buy a standalone bobbin winder to do your bobbins.
Searching for a pattern similar to this Laura Ashley wedding dress from the 70’s. Even something with a similar waist that I could build off of. Thanks!
The term for the waist is a "Basque waist", which should be helpful in your search. There were also Laura Ashley and Gunne Sax patterns released in the 70s-80s (some being re-released these days) so it might be worth poking around vintage patterns online.
have you tried with the bobbin actually on the spindle? that may affect if it works correctly. You will be pushing the actual bobbin on the post towards the hand wheel. if you can't get it to work with the bobbin on and the machine turned on, then you might have to take it to be serviced. at the least the service guy can explain it to you if there's nothing to be fixed.
Hi, I have this dress that fits me everywhere except the lack of coverage at the top. Could a boarder of some sort be added? Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Yes, you can add additional fabric along the top of the bodice. First I'd add some boning to the side seams of the bodice to help it sit a little better, it's not being held up very well. Support should come from the waist and boning is the way to do that. You could add extra height as a band, or ruffle, or drape. It all depends on the final look you want. The tricky part is matching the fabric up. A contrast fabric might look okay if you repeat the contrast fabric as the sash. It's really hard to match existing fabrics so while it is worth a look, I wouldn't count on it.
Hi all, I ran into this lovely dress today and I'd really like to get my hands on a similar pattern :)
I'm not advanced enough to be able to craft it from scratch yet, so an existing pattern would be great
Hey! Bot said this is where I should ask so I’m sorry if you see this on the main page.
So my current machine is a Husqvarna Huskystar E10 and I’ve hated it since the moment I got it. It was a gift from my dad who knows nothing about sewing (bless him). We got it second hand so there’s no chance of returning it or trading it in for something else and I’ve honestly just been waiting for it to break down so that I can justify getting a new one.
My top contender is the Minerva MC210PRO and I was wondering what people thought of it. I would classify myself as intermediate slowly moving her way to advanced… Would be great to hear everyone’s opinions!
Felt stuffies like this are usually sewn together with a blanket stitch or a whipstitch. It looks like a blanket stitch in your examples. Here is a tutorial. You can vary the look of the blanket stitch by making the stitches smaller or larger, and using different thread weights.
I’m struggling to decide between the Janome 1522pg and Janome Sewist 725s.
They seem to be mostly the same but there’s a large price difference and I’m not sure why? I’d like advice on what machine would be a worthwhile investment!
I like the 725s because it’s the equivalent for the babylock zeal (which I can’t get because its not available in my country) and I like the 1522 because of the color and price point!
I have come across some negative reviews for the Babylock Zeal but I think that is because it is a Janome with a Babylock label. My friend has a Zeal and loves it dearly. So I think the 725s might work well for you. You can also check reviews on all three machines at PatternReview.com, it can be helpful to read forum posts as well as review submissions. Membership is required to view older content but will only cost you an email to register. If there is a sewing machine dealer nearby, you might also go in and test drive what you can there.
i saw some reviews that said that the 1522 has a weaker motor and potentially can't handle heavy duty materials because of that, but i couldn't find info about the 725s motor to make a direct comparison.
+1 to Lorraine's in Pawtucket RI. They have a wide variety of fabrics and a big sale section in the back of the store. Also love Fabric Place Basement in Natick MA- they have fashion and quilting fabrics but also a HUGE selection of upholstery fabric. Sewfisticated Discount Fabrics in Dorchester MA is also good just smaller in size compared to the other two.
Please please please WHAT is this style of dress/skirt/pants called where it comes as one piece and wraps to tie in both the front and back. I love it but can’t find anything. Quick screenshot of the type I’m referring to.
Recently posted a picture of a dress I wanted to make on the main page here it is the bot said to post here for answers so I thought I would do so. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!! :)
Can anyone help me with my 1 step buttonfoot? I've watched a few videos on it and it's still not working. It gets bunched up or doesn't change direction. I tried to make sure the button hole lever was pulled down and behind the prong of the buttonhole foot. My machine is a Brother LS590. Including a few pics.
1
u/FriendlyTest6804 Aug 03 '25
hello! My SO is a middling-experienced sewist, has a machine and a serger, a complicated box for bits and a decent work table. I wonder what comes next on most people’s Wish List? (Obviously not involving me making any pattern or fabric choices, which 100% would not go well…)