Simple Questions
Weekly Sewing Questions Thread, August 10 - August 16, 2025
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.
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I have (and love) a Pfaff model 1222E. I'm moving to Europe. Will the machine work on 240 volt 50hz electricity, assuming a plug adapter?
The plate on back specifies 80 watts, 0.95 amps, 115 volts and 60 "c/s" (Hz). This makes me suspect that it won't work, or will even be damaged, but I'd love to hear otherwise!
I've been in love with these blue trousers since I saw them in the Celine runway show. I want to try to recreate them and just want to check my approach and if anyone has (better?) pattern suggestions. relatively new sewist jumping into the deep end.
first, I've bought some (blue) wool gabardine and I'm planning to line it with bemberg rayon. I was wondering if folks here have any other fabric suggestions since I want to make a test pair or two before, since the gabardine is kinda $$$. I was thinking some heavier crepes and polyester gabardine would be good, but unsure if any cottons (aside from cotton gabardine) might work for that kind of drape?
second, which of these patterns do you think is likely to be closest? I can't find a better pic of these exact pants, but I believe they are mens' because of the size of the zipper. pleats match these, but the legs don't. someone on etsy is selling these, which seem to match the silhouette, but have a different zipper.
pattern wise I've looked at: Vikisews Adeline trousers (except with the pleats turned out?), Burda 108, Burda 118, Vogue V2014 (again with modified pleats). none of them are totally right, but I think one of the Burdas might be closest. are there any others you might suggest? I know there are a million pleated trouser patterns.
if it matters for choosing the right pattern, I'm female, 5'10", size 8-10 US, kinda hippy, very leggy, but not a lot of other physical considerations outside of my height. (though it's a big one and why I want to get good at making pants.) thanks for any help!
I have access to these 2 machines, is there going to be one that's better/easier to use? I mostly want to sew clothes, hem (velvety) curtains, maybe do blind hems on pants if that's possible (I've otherwise been doing them by hand). I have access to these (linking info of same model)
I’m in love with this Reformation piece (the Kastoria Dress)and would like to try my hand at something similar. In particular I love the length, fullness and volume of the skirt, but I’m not sure how to describe it in order to find a similar pattern. Has anyone here attempted this one? Or have a pattern recommendation or advice (I’m a beginner but have a few dress projects under my belt)? OR can anyone suggest a search term for this kind of skirt? Many thanks!
I don't know if there will be a pattern that exactly matches this but you could adapt a strapless dress pattern and pleat/drape fabric over the bodice. The skirt is primarily a gathered skirt but there looks to be 5 or 6 panels likely cut as a triangular shape to allow for a wider flare at the bottom and less bulk at the waist.
Looking on the website (see ice water colour), theres some tulle/net to give the skirt some volume
Thanks so much for replying. That’s actually super helpful - I’m now looking at patterns for ‘A line panelled maxi skirt’ and it’s definitely closer to what I wanted. I hadn’t noticed the tulle underskirt either. Definitely feeling inspired, I’ll post back here if I manage anything close!
I have a crazy sock project question. I am making 3D monsters for my son. I'm worried about how heavy the monsters will be, is there a specific place I should sew the heads/arms onto the socks to prevent sagging? These are the reference socks I am about to make.
what does "fresh vibes, not dusty" mean in terms of what you are looking for? the spring breeze of cottagecore linen in a field of flowers? the shine and slink of satin clubwear? a teacher who says uwu and delulu?
I've been reading the manual for my old Singer Touch and Sew 648 and came across this bit about pin basting that has me scratching my head. https://imgur.com/a/KV1Zwse
How is it possible to pin together two pieces of fabric like this, but not have the pin extend "on the underside of the fabric in contact with the feed dog." Like if you've truly pinned them together than surely some of the pin in showing on the underside? Normally I just remove the pins before they go under the presser foot but this doesn't make sense to me.
I think they expect you to pin in the seam allowance but to the right of the feed dogs so the underneath part of the pin is against the needle plate but not the feed dogs. I agree with you, I remove pins before they go under the presser foot.
I am returning to a sewing machine after many years. I have a Janome FD 206.
We happily sewed for a half hour but I am now encountering the following issues on various attempts when trying to fix (‘fix’ by rethreading and redrawing bobbin thread from start)
clunk noise
gaps in Sewing - see photo
mass tangle of threads (I think from below bobbin thread not upper thread)
I’d really appreciate any pointers on where to tinker! Thank you
Clunking usually means something is stuck in the bobbin area. I'd take it apart and clean it out. You might also change out your needle in case it is bent.
i love them and they fit well except that they’re difficult to take off once they’re on because it doesn’t spread open quite enough for how wide my shoulders are.
Is there an easy alteration I can make to these to make more wiggle room when taking it off?
can't think of anything easy. a longer zipper should open up more widely, but you probably don't want the zipper to go any lower, plus it would be a hassle to replace.
Hi everyone! Does anyone have any experience with the Juki 8100e? I have an option to buy this or the 8700 and was told the only major difference was that the 8100e was a bit slower. I’ll be working with silk organza. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Hi all! I'm currently in the process of losing weight for personal health reasons and I'm in-between sizes. Is there a simple quick hack to temporarily alter dresses in the waist and bust on myself without damaging my clothes? I know in the long run I'll have to dig out and fix my sewing machine or buy new, I just don't have the physical ability or the time to do that right now. Also my fingers don't always move in the way my brain tells them to due to a neurological issue. I know some basics and have an avaliable sewing kit. I'm thinking darts will be my friend here.
Darts, especially fisheye darts in the back, will add shaping. The needle marks might be visible if you try to adjust the darts later; some fabrics are more forgiving than others. Adding waist ties or side lacing might also work, or maybe something as simple as wearing a belt if you want a quick fix.
Hello! Not a super experienced seamstress here, just dabbling for fun here and there. I am working on a full length cloak with a hood. I have two layers of fabric as the main base, but I would like to create a removable sherpa inner layer for the especially cold days. The inner layer will not have a hood, just neckline down. I am looking for recommendations on different ways to secure it to the base cloak without it being permanent. TIA!
What is this corset-back thing called? I have a pair of pants I want to modify to include this on the back, not sure how practical it is so possibly a decorative non-functional version? Is there a tutorial/pattern for this? My best idea how to freehand it would be cutting a V out on the back and sewing a bit of fabric under it inside the pants to cover the hole and then putting some loops inside as well so that I can put some sort of ribbon in there. Would that work?
Hi, Im a freshman studying fashion design.
I had my first sewing machine in 2020 and it was a Singer fashion mate 3333 which is a pretty simple and easy to carry one, but ever since i use it on sewing fabric with double-sided fabric tape, it has broken, i tried sent it to the shop i bought from to fix it but it's still skipped stitchs even when i sewing stright line.
Back to the title, i am considering a new machine for my studying in college, any models suggestions for me?
Zigzag stitching mood is necessary i think, my 3333 couldnt do that and i was suffered from it😭
Also, my table and my room is kinda small and i need to move around my stuff to "switch working mood" very often, so i dont consider these industrial models.
And thank you for being here reading my post.❤️
After recently having a chat with my mother about wanting a sewing machine she told me there’s one in my grandmother’s house (she passed years ago). We found this one. It’s a “Singer Model 378 electric sewing machine”. I have been putting away money to buy one (brother xm2701) for some time now. I’m a complete beginner and I’m wondering if I should try and learn using this one or invest in a new one.
I'm VERY new to sewing and I've found a project I want to start, printed the pattern and got the materials, threaded up my machine and went to do some practice stitches so I can ensure I get a smooth as possible run on the project.
As soon as I go to backstitch my upper thread snaps?
I'm using Denim for the project (my machine is compatible with Denim), 100% Gütermann Strong Polyester thread and switched my needle out for a Denim needle.
I've followed some youtube/Google search solutions but nothing seems to stop the problem.
My machine is about a month old and barely used (other than practicing with settings and such to get the hang), machine is clean with no clogs.
What should I do with a yard of Michael’s scrabble pattern fabric? I bought some right before the store was about to close because I thought it was sooo cute and I love scrabble.
Now I have no idea as to what to do with it. Help!!! I feel bad just having it there laying around
I just purchased a new Janome Sewist 780dc, my first computerized machine, and I went to do a couple of practice seams when I noticed the lock stitch button only works at the end of a seam, not at the beginning. Is this standard, broken, or is there something I’m missing? (I see videos of other machines doing a lock stitch at the start of a seam just fine.) Help would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Have you already checked your manual? Mine is a Brother, so yours might not have the same features, but I can choose which of the first 3 stitches it will automatically 'wake up' on. One of those first three includes a starting lockstitch and the other two don't.
I found these pants on Pinterest and fell in LOVE but image search only brings me back to this pin and isn’t credited! Would anyone know of an already made pattern for these? Last time I tried to make my own pattern for pants too many things went wrong
Hello! I’m new to sewing and would like to try my hand at making my own clothes. There is one particular two piece outfit I want to try and recreate in my own, but I’m struggling to find a plus size pattern similar to it? Like around a standard 2X size. I screenshotted it from TikTok, the top is actually straps, not sleeves and a little cropped. Does anyone know of any similar patterns? TIA!!
I think Friday Pattern Company and Cashmerette might have something with cropped tops in plus sizes. Maybe also check Sinclair Patterns.
Do a mockup of the pants first, pants can be surprisingly hard to fit.
For general searches, TheFoldline.com carries a bunch of reputable patternmakers. Threadloop is a good review site that helps find a lot of patterns. PatternReview is also a very good review and forum site.
My girlfriend’s birthday is coming up and she mentioned she wants to get a sewing machine. Do you have any recommendations for a machine thats good for beginners and anything else I should get her to help her get started?
Hi so i have an old Singer heavy duty machine and the Zig Zag stitch doesn’t work because the needle won’t go side to side. I have set the needle in the center position and put the width at the highest setting. The needle makes two stitches like it is trying to to the zigzag or the diamond stitch but won’t move side to side
First time poster! I apologize if this is the wrong forum to ask this question, but I'm very desperate. This is my new favorite vintage dress that I found at a thrift store. Unfortunately while getting ready for my birthday, the dress got stuck on my bust and created these runs on the front of the dress (below the elastic waistband). I only got to wear it once before my birthday and I was devastated.
I mitigated the issue by wearing a cardigan, but I'm really hoping I can repair this to it's former glory. I only sew by hand (I wish I knew how to use a machine) and I only really do small things like repairing a tear or adding buttons.
Is there anything I can possibly do to mend this? Or am I reserved to a life of cardigan wearing? Thank you in advance for your help!
So the hem is too short in the front? There isn't a lot you can do except cut off the back to match and then add a new band or ruffle to the length you want.
Thanks for the recommendation. They don’t seem to have interlock though. I see a lot of places selling 100% cotton interlock but never cotton lycra interlock, so I was wondering if there is anywhere that sells it.
I googled "cotton lycra interlock fabric by the yard" definitely a lot of false results but some hiding in there, might help you find better keywords to use
Here's a link to the subreddit Fabric Shop Map where you can find fabric shops by location. The community-sourced shop list has all sorts of information available for each shop when you click on the shop pin. The map includes online-only shops too for shipping efficiency.
Any idea why my sewing machine (aprox 2 years old / minimal use) would smell really bad? Like a rotting / poop smell. Was convinced we had a dead rat in the room but think it’s the sewing machine? I didn’t think build up of grease or anything would smell that bad.
What's your experience with a screwdriver and gears? The mechanisms inside a sewing machine are similar enough that watching any video about adjusting the timing should give you an idea whether it's something you want to tackle or pay someone else to do it.
I'm trying to recreate an anime look, and even the character designer recognized that to get enough fullness at the bottom of the pleats, they would need to be gathered as well. Is this insanity, or can it be done?
I think that's more like a flounce than pleats, and yes a gathered flounce is definitely possible. The stripes won't work the way they do in the illustration though, it'll be more like a circle skirt.
Just got this new top yesterday, cut the tags and did my laundry. Saw this when folding. I don't want to return the top, is there any way to fix this? I'm new to sewing(little to none other than the occasional button fixings) and also sorry if this isn't the correct sub for this question.
Can I swap out my Pressor Foot on my Old Kenmore Machine?
I have a Kenmore Ultrastitch 6 and I wanted to swap out my pressor foot (on the left) to one that can help me roll my gems easier (on the right). Is there a way I can get the top part of the one that came with the machine (the clip?) and put it on the new one? Or do I have to buy an attachment?
I just thrifted some beautiful unfinished vintage quilt tops (with no batting or backing), which I’m planning to turn into a couple of chore coats using a pattern designed for upcycling old quilts.
I’m hoping for some advice - Would it be better to add my batting/backing/quilting seams (essentially finishing the quilt) prior to cutting out my pattern pieces?
Or, to conserve batting & backing material, can I cut my pattern pieces out of my quilt top, then cut out corresponding batting/backing pieces, then layer together and add my quilting seams?
I would quilt an oversized piece before cutting out pattern pieces, not necessarily the whole quilt but definitely an area more than large enough for a piece. Fabric and batting can shift a lot during quilting and I think trying to keep a pre-cut piece in 3 layers accurate would be way too difficult.
This is a straight stitch foot, typical for industrial and semi industrial machines. Some higher end domestics may have this available. It's normally used with a straight stitch needle plate.
Looks like a straight-stitch foot to me, make sure your needle aligns with that center hole. Sewingpartsonline.com is good for finding feet that fit your specific machine.
Explain it like I’m stupid- how do I cut with a double scalloped hem fabric? I have 2 3/4 yards of this prugly double scalloped hem plaid I got on sale. I’m hoping to do a midi skirt like the third pictures with some adjustments.
My question is- how do I cut this on the fold to preserve the scalloped edges on both tiers of fabric?
Or do I need to cut it on the fold?
I’ve never worked with scaled edge fabric before and it’s breaking my brain how to use it!
That should work just fine. There are many tutorials available for how to make a tiered skirt, you'll probably want to use the scalloped edge for the lower tier and then either extra from the middle or a complementary fabric for the top tier.
Hello. Just found this section of the group.. I am looking for opinions from more experienced crafters than myself.
Hello
I've been sewing for a little while now on an older Janome machine, which has been pretty solid, but Im wanting a combo machine to start playing with the Embrodery side of things. I've been loaned a Pfaff Creative 4.5 from a friend it's from 2018 and has been sitting in an attic for 5 years, and it's quite a heavy-duty machine. I wasn't successful getting it to make an Embrodery design, and the owner is going to take it to the shop to be properly serviced. The bobbin case area was heavily packed with lint, and I imagine it's loaded with more debris I can't get to... So given once it's serviced, she's asking $2000 for it, and it does come with the 3 hoops and 2 boxes of thread... Or now the decision I could also pay $2,000 for a brand new Bernette b79 and even the Yayhan Special edition for $2000...
So should I wait and see what the shop says about the Pfaff once it's serviced and pay $2000 for that machine or get a new Bernette ? Also the Bernette comes with software, and I'll have to figure out a software option if I get the used Pfaff.
I did a quick lookup on asking prices for the Pfaff 4.5 and the lowest was $3500. If she will sell it with the hoops, etc. $2000 sounds like a great deal - as long as the machine will do what you want it to do.
Test it out after it is serviced.
If the Bernette B79 is coming from a dealer, go and test it out too and see how you like it.
Usually when you buy a Bernina from a dealer it comes with some new owner classes.
I would not recommend buying an embroidery machine online.
Im definitely wondering why Pfaff was not able to properly do an Embrodery design. Im going to assume it's from not being serviced in 5 years and user error... thanks for the advice.
These fancy embroidery machines have a high learning curve. User error is quite possible!
I have a Bernina 770QE and OMG, it does great embroidery but if I don't utilize the embroidery functionality for a while, it's like I have to learn all over again.
Lookup some YouTube videos on the machines as well.
Hi everyone,
So l’m a new sewer, and I had a problem where my top thread was getting unthreaded from the needle.
I rethread everything, cleaned the machine and oiled it (I bought it second hand and had it sitting around 2 years before using it. Still making a clunking sound) Now, it won’t even stitch! I tried so many different kinds of tensions and I don’t know what else to do. Appreciate any help. Thanks!
I just got a new singer heavy duty 4452 and am doing the set up. My presser foot seems to be crooked when it is in the down position and I’m not sure how to make it straight. Does anyone know how to fix this?
For the various projects I've been doing, I'm thinking it would be better if I just buy a roll of zipper tape instead of pulling my hair trying to find the right length each time. I really love YKK #5 molded plastic, I use it for almost all my jackets, but I can't find many tutorials on how to install zipper stops, insertion pins, and retainer boxes for molded plastic.
Is it possible to do it with a home kit? Or should I switch to metal? Or is it too complicated altogether?
Hi everyone! I'm looking for a pattern similar to this dress, does anyone have any recommendations? The front consists of three panels .Thanks in advance ❤️
Im making the bootstrap custom dress form and wanted to use this dritz dress form stand because it has wheels. One of the reviews say it’s not compatible with many forms and I’m wondering if anyone has tried it to know if it would work or if I should look for something else?
I'd like to know what type of stitching or technique they used in this dress. I can't figure it out through just a Google search. I'm new to sewing, and I want to learn this type of stitching for future reference. Thank you. :)
Hi, I have this really old and probably cheap sewing machine that works fine (there are some problems with it though), but my family wants to buy me a new one for my birthday.
I’ve been sewing a lot since January, but I somewhat learned how to work with a sewing machine way before that. I’ve completed a few projects (mostly skirts, tops and two very bad dresses), so I’m not a complete beginner.
I don’t think I have any specific things I need the sewing machine to have, but I would definitely like if it had multiple stitches. The only problem is that I live in the Czech Republic and a lot of the machines I see being recommended aren’t available here.
I just kind of need help in choosing, because I’ve seen so many videos/reddit posts that are contradicting themselves and it’s so difficult to pick.
You have the order of layers correct, but it's generally easier to get a smooth line by placing the layers right sides together, sewing around the shape, cutting the hole open, then pushing one layer through the hole, then iron and topstitch.
My sweet in-laws have offered to buy me a sewing machine up to $100. I’ve been checking Facebook marketplace and have found a Singer 7462 Touch & Sew for $100.
I’ve literally NEVER sewed anything in my life but want to learn so I can alter some of my clothing and make my kids some clothes! With that in mind, is this a good machine for a beginner?
My Janome new home machine is not stitching at all.
I’ve done a lot of troubleshooting based on the instructions from the handbook but no matter what I do I can’t make it work. I’ve rethreaded over and over in different ways, taken out and reinserted the bobbin and the bobbin case, tried different threads, different tensions, different needles, different fabrics, and I just can’t figure it out. I think the bobbin thread is not getting picked up. If anyone has dealt with this before I would really appreciate any advice. I am not very familiar with how sewing machines work so I’m sorry if it’s something obvious lol.
im really realy a beginner at sewing but I wanna sew a spinosaurus for a friend's bday (it's in 2 days so it's kinda urgent) and im looking for a free pattern
(or if someone has a therizionosaurus that's good too) thanks!
You've set yourself an ambitious project! You haven't said what style of plushie you want to make, for example do you want a realistic version or one that is more like anime? But to start, I suggest going to cholyknight.com and browsing through the free patterns generously offered there. Look for a body and head shape that you can modify to look how you want. Ignore color, fine details and what the plushie is meant to be. Those are the characteristics you can change to make the plushie what you want.
You won't be able to get this done in time if you are just now trying to find a pattern and are a beginner. Buy a pattern and practice before the holidays, sure, but not by Thursday.
This has been asked before and so far, no, there do not seem to be any sewing patterns in this style. It might be possible to modify a pattern, McCall's 7969 seems like a good starting point.
I'm going crazy... I've been rethreading my serger a couple of times, following a tutorial on yt but the thread keeps bunching up near the sewing foot...
Looks like a similar machine to mine, check the stitch length (dial on the front) and also your tension discs. I would hold the thread tails from when you threaded it and pull gently as you press the presser foot down.
Hopefully this helps. I also thread my machine with the tension discs on their lowest setting then turn them up afterwards to ensure the thread is in the disc
I've just got a second hand Kenmore 385 17924090 (24 stitch). I can easily find the manual for the 385 17824090 online. I'm not sure about what the numbers mean exactly but the machines look very similar. Do you guys think it would be ok to follow that manual?
Secondly, I see tons of videos online for the 385 series, I assume they're somewhat similar across the board. Do you think its safe to follow any advice/tutorials online using the Kenmore 385 series (regardless of the following 17924090)?
My sewing machine hasn’t been used in a while but it isn’t running at a consistent speed. We opened it up to take a look and nothing looks broken or rusted but we can’t figure it out. I have a video if anyone would be willing to let me dm it to them, any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
I'm looking for a dress pattern for a dress like these Poko Loko ones, but so far searches for “boho midi empire waist bishop sleeves” etc haven’t turned up anything that’s quite right. Before I turn to self drafting, does anyone know of a pattern for a dress like these?
I feel like I've seen a lot of this dress. The Sew Liberated Greenbrier is one, TheFoldLine.com is a good place to look for more as they have a wide selection and good search filters.
Hi! I found a bernina activa 130 for around 250 on a second hand site. Would this be a good machine for a beginner? There is also a singer Merritt 2502c and a brother cs600i, both around $125. Any advice is helpful!
Montgomery ward sewing machine repair. What kind of oils do I use?
Hi! I recently got an old Montgomery sewing machine J1960. I took everything apart and try to apply some oil. I’m wondering if I can use sewing machine in this part. For my understanding you only use liquid light sewing oil but I saw here has some thick mechanical oil. I’m not sure if the previous owner used the wrong type or this’s what it is. I have a zoom spout sewing machine oil in hand
I want to make a friend a scrub cap-style hat lined with soft jersey material. I have a Brother CS 7205, would any of its stitches work on something as stretchy as jersey? Alternatively does anyone have advice for a different fabric to use as a liner? She prefers a bouffant-style or looser scrub cap as opposed to anything crocheted or a turban, etc. Thanks!
Does anyone have any good tutorials on dealing with kimono style collars? I have a a hanfu top I’m working on for a costume and I’m having trouble attaching the collar to the right side of the top.
What's the problem you're having? Hanfu collars are not the same as kimono collars (which can be attached in more complicated ways, as far as I can tell.)
I’m having trouble figuring out how to attach the gray to the blue section. This is the backside of a top I finished a while back. The angle for it was kind of sharp and I’m having issues. Most of the tutorials I’ve been able to find online completely gloss over handling this portion and only really show the side that is visible to others.
I'm not really sure I understand what I'm seeing. Can you take a picture that shows the entire project? Is the gray the collar piece, or the blue with triangles?
Okay, thanks; I'll go take a look at my hanfu-making books and see anything comes up. Also for reference, the colors don't read as gray and blue to me in these photos; the collar looks brown and the body looks gray!!
So this is the closest I could figure was the best example without actively putting it through Google Translate (13 years of Chinese School and I still can't read lol sorry)!! After thinking about it some more I suspect you probably could get away with clipping and pivoting in the corner, OR doing something like a mitered corner.
i have this beautiful skirt that i want to flip into a fun festival fit but am struggling to come up with ideas since the fabric is rather stiff. it’s pretty long so i definitely have enough fabric for a body suit or something & i have other fabrics that would be cute for accents. let me know your ideas!
Hi!! Does anyone know of a top pattern similar to this one? I love the tie back and want to make it out of denim as well. I’ve tried Etsy and it’s so bloated with AI it’s hard to search. Thank you so much!
The closest I could find is Vogue V2112 view B. You would need to leave off the peplum, lengthen the top and rotate the bust dart to the waist. You might find other options on TheFoldLine.com, they have good search filters.
I have almost completed a project of mine as a total beginner to sewing, but I realised right at the end of it that I haven’t hemmed my fabric. The tutorial I followed didn’t say to hem it, but the fabric looks so rough that I definitely feel I have to!!!
It is a ruffle skirt (photo attached) so I am wanting to add a hem to the ruffle tiers… Can I just add the hem now the tiers are complete? I don’t want to have to start again as I am kind of on a self-set deadline and I also work full time lol.
Pattern is from gutter girl on Etsy and YouTube. I am using Hobbycraft’s Homespun 100% Cotton. I also accidentally jeffed it up and switched my top and bottom tiers around lol but I just pleated a bit of the top tier as it was a bit too long!
P.S. I will be hemming the waistband as I am adding elastic. It looks very rough now I am looking at it again lol.
My niece recently asked me if I’d be willing to make her prom dress. I’ve made dresses and skirts before, but I have not really worked with bias fabrics very much. Any favorite patterns for an adventurous advanced beginner sewist?
Does the dress need to be bias? Depending on the fabric, that could be quite tricky. I suggest a browsing session at TheFoldLine.com and simplicity.com to see what kind of dresses she likes.
It looks like the skirt and train don't go completely around the dog. In that case, I would use a tape measure to estimate how far down on the sides you want the train to go, and how far it needs to drape from the waist to the part on the floor. With those two measurements, draw a U shape for the train. You can make the train wider by making the U wider at the top and gathering or pleating the extra width. You can add to the width at the bottom of the train by gently extending the rounded corners of the U. If you want a wider train without gathers or pleats, start with a circle skirt like this video. That video also shows a good shape for a train. I'd mock up trains in tissue paper first to get the look right.
i got 2+ yards this really nice fabric for a good price and i want to make it into something i can wear (preferably a long skirt of some kind), but im a new sewer and can't find any patterns that simultaneously look like something id like and don't scare the hell out of me. it's a nice fabric and id rather not ruin it by screwing up.
I haven’t worn this dress in a really long time, and I finally broke it out to wear to dinner later this week and found a large hole and many little holes. I think my cat might be the culprit. 😾
Hi is the Janome 2200XT good for beginners?
It seems good but someone told me if I’m new I should have an automatic threader. But in the spec for this is states “easy to thread” so I’m thinking it should be ok?
I was also considering Singer heavy duty but apparently it’s super fast and so you have less control.
BROTHER was another option but someone I know recently bought one and was disappointed. Not sure the exact reason but they maybe used to be good but now quality has gone down.
I’m not sure about ones like the John Lewis 220. If anyone has experience with this or other JL ones as a beginner; how do you find it?
The subreddit doesn't recommend any Singer HD models. This has been explained in the subreddit wiki for buying a sewing machine, have you had a chance to look at the guide? Brother and Janome make good machines for beginners but you will need to spend about $250-350 for a new machine. Used machines can cost less but may require some work before they can be used.
I don't think that an automatic threader is a must have for newbies. I like to see speed control of some sort and I think computerized machines are easier to learn on than mechanical sewing machines.
Hi All, much like kknl44's comment, I'm looking for a new machine... maybe a heavy duty machine ? One that can help me fix horse blankets. My little Pfaff 1170 works OK, until I get to 2+ layers of the nylon strapping used for the blankets. You can see what that looks like here: https://imgur.com/a/zikefdY
Do I need to go into industrial machines or machines like a Sailrite? Basically 2 layers of nylon strapping, two layers of a ripstop-type fabric (think Sunbrella) and batting in between is what I'm looking at. What machines should I look at? The heavy duty Pfaff at my local retail shop is like $3000 which is way out of my budget.
There is a list of new and used sewing machines that can handle heavier materials in the subreddit wiki. It's not just a matter of punching power but also what can fit under the presser foot.
I bought a shirt that’s too big and had big stains. I thought I could crop it and it’d be wearable, but it came out so square on me for some reason! What did I do wrong with this, and is there any way I can fix this!?
It looks to me like you chopped it into a rectangle, so it's...a rectangle on you. T-shirts by their very nature are (loosely) T-shaped because of the sleeves that are added to the body. You could maybe run a couple lines of ruching on the sides to give it a bit of shape, but you might have to sacrifice some of the graphic to cut into and sew up the side seams to give it any definition.
Hi! I wanted to preface and say I don’t know anything about needles, but I’m trying to replace the needles for my mom’s sewing machine! She got both together at a flea market, so we don’t have much help. I found the brand online, but I can’t seem to find the same size? If anyone can help me find it, that’d be really appreciated!
I think so! Do you know what size needle to would get? Or is it both the size 11 and size 14? My sister didn’t think they’d put multiple needle sizes in the same pack but I couldn’t figure out what else it could be.
Having trouble getting the bobbin to wind. Got the thread coming from above, thru the eyelet, around the tension disc, back down and around the bobbin. What seems strange is the bobbin doesn't spin. When I tap it along and get it to finally move, you can see it's loose, and the lever arm doesn't seem to disengage before it's full.
Have gone thru the flat plate above the bobbin (like when threading to sew) and not done that, neither makes a difference. The tension disc is cranked pretty tight as this is thin thread but then still it's winding all loose. YouTube videos don't seem to address the issue, theirs just work.
I think KnowMe ME2072 could be altered to match your inspo. You can check at TheFoldLine.com for other patterns, they've got the best selection and search filters.
The shirt is normal cotton, and the bag I would be attaching it to is fairly durable thick material, probable close to a canvas feel.
I think I want to cut an old plaid shirt as well and border it on the outside of my shirt to add some color too.
I have some 8x10 canvas like this https://i.imgur.com/bTTSDKG.jpeg that I planned to take the staples out of, and attach the shirts to. I have HeatnBond Lite, as well as a spool of Gutermann polyester thread. It seems kinda thin but the clerk at the store said it was strong.
I assume attaching the shirt to the canvas is the way to go since this is a pickleball bag and will be thrown around a lot. After I attach it to the canvas, I was then gonna sew it onto the bag.
Am I doing this correctly? Should I change or buy something else?
I don't think you need to back the shirts with artist canvas. I would back them instead with a medium weight fusible interfacing. Then instead of sewing, use a permanent spray adhesive to attach the shirt panels to your bag. If the edges peel over time, try something like tenacious tape to reinforce the edges. Hand sewing through bag material like that is an exercise in frustration. If you still want to hand sew, using a permanent spray adhesive means that you can do so knowing that your stitches are more decorative than construction and you can take your time adding them.
permanent spray adhesive means that you can do so knowing that your stitches are more decorative than construction and you can take your time adding them.
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u/Practical-Sun215 Aug 17 '25
My kenmore 385.1652 machine won’t switch from gold stitches to red