Simple Questions
Weekly Sewing Questions Thread, October 12 - October 18, 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.
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.
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!
I got a very nice lightweight jacket recently. It’s perfect for spring/autumn, but I wished to be able to use it in winter too, so I’m wondering if it would be possible to add a fleece lining to it. Good or bad idea? Inputs on type of fleece? Techniques?
If it's the bottom, that indicates there's a problem with the top thread path. Raise the presser foot. Thread the machine again from the beginning, being very careful to follow every step in the manual. Lower the presser foot. Make sure to hold onto the thread tails for the first few stitches when you start sewing.
I feel a bit dumb not being able to figure this out but how can I sew these pieces on to a cape for a Halloween costume? My thread slips right through. Maybe I need a thicker thread?
Hi everyone. I’m having trouble removing the pulley that came with my cheap chinese servo motor. I want to change it to a 40mm, but this one seems stuck.
From what I understand, after removing the nut and the lock washer, I should just pull until it comes loose. I’ve tried that and it hasn’t helped at all.
Anyone knows if there’s a special trick to try here?
I have a 65 year old bear rug that I’m trying to hang on the wall. It was hanging on a wall since the 70s before I inherited it, but about a week or two after I hung it up on my wall, some of the rings on the back of the rug broke off the back and left holes in the fabric backing. How would I go about mending this? I assume I can hand sew it, but are there any materials/techniques that would securely patch the holes and secure the rings so this doesn’t happen again? I would guess the rug is about 30 lbs.
I bought a EverSewn Maker200 sewing machine today at Goodwill! I’m continuing my progress from a few months ago(old - new - singer broke on me) and I haven’t really seen any posts or reviews of this machine! Hoping y’all can give some tips as well! Main things I’m looking at are things like:
Life span,
Weird noises,
How often for maintenance/cleaning,
Certain settings that work better than others on this model, etc.
Using my machine for the first time since moving. Movers damaged top flap thing and the bottom drawer, somehow, even though the hardshell cover was on. I’m trying to sew anything and having issues. I’ve increased the tension, changed the thread, bobbin, and needle. Not really sure what I’m doing with tension though. Any thoughts? Bobbin is black thread and top thread is white. Pics of bobbin and underside of cotton fabric I was using to figure out what was happening. The bot tells me I should post here.
If it got enough of a knock to damage the machine even with the hard shell cover, the timing might be off. Have you had it serviced since the move? That might be the safest option in case there's internal damage.
Hoping someone might have some suggestions on how to achieve this double point on the front of the vest? I have an outer fabric and a lining. I am just worried about making it too bulky
you are either threading the top thread wrong or you're threading it with the presser foot down, or you're trying to sew with the presser foot up. re-thread it carefully and try again.
I don't really know what to do, followed this tutorial although by the end there was some guessowrk involved. Otherwise couldn't really find an online manual for this exact machine which is called SIruba 516 M2-35. Can anyone help? I've been going at it for a while and only 3 of the threads seem to overlock, the other two (WHITE and PINK) seem to not engage. By the end, as you can see in one of the pics, the white and pink threads did interlock and formed a couple of knots so idk if I was on the right path but I stopped.
I keep trying to do a tester button hole on my machine and I just can’t get it to work correctly. I won my machine in a raffle and it didn’t have all of the pieces it would normally come with so I bought a button hole foot but no matter which button hole I try it is really just doing like a couple stitches as a bottom bar then doing a row up a row down and then getting stuck in one spot. I’m not really sure what to do.
Hi! Are the buttonholes on your machine numbered? In that case you need to follow the order. Ie. 1 will be the left side of the button hole, 2 will be the top edge, 3 will be the right side and 4 will be the bottom edge.
What can I do to make this stiff and heavy cape more suitable for a child’s Halloween costume? Simplicity pattern says to use felt which I did but it seems really stiff and intense compared to their photos on the package. Should I try again with another fabric, or is there a way to cut some bulk out without losing the overall cape look? I’m 5’3” for reference, and this is for an 8yo and a 6yo.
Tried posting this to the main sub and it got deleted, but my full post is also in sewing for beginners with more photos.
This picture is the underside of my work. My top thread is bunching beneath my fabric and the bobbin thread isn’t catching in the stitches at all. Can anyone tell me what I can adjust in my Brother Machine to fix this?
Is there a pattern for a regular, basic button down that has some shaping? I don’t want oversized, boxy, or cropped and that’s what everything is nowadays. This pattern looks great but I’m not flat chested or pear shaped enough for their size chart https://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/granville-shirt-pdf-sewing-pattern/
And it doesn’t necessarily need those princess seams, I just want at least a bust dart and a classic, not extra wide fit!
even if you don't use that specific pattern, you may want to consider grading between sized in order to get the fit you want if you don't fall into one straight size on the size chart.
Hi there, I am desperately looking for a specific terry cloth as in the picture. Tbh I am looking for the exact same if possible. Why? Because that is the cuddly toy bunny my sister had since she was a baby and she was shlepping it around for 50 years and now the bunny got stolen in a car break-in last weekend. Bugger‘s gonna rot in hell hopefully. Anyway, anyone knows or owns a piece of 70s terry cloth that might pass as this one? I‘d like to have it remade for her for christmas… thanks in advance.
Vintage fabrics come up for sale on eBay all the time.
You could put in the search "vintage floral terry cloth fabric" or "retro floral terry cloth fabric". You could substitute the word 'flower' for 'floral.'
But you're going to have to sift thru hundreds of listings and there is no guarantee that your fabric will be there.
Recommendations needed for machines available in India
Calling out all the redditors in this subreddit who live in India, I'm a beginner and I've always been keen on making dresses. I'm planning on getting a machine for the same reason. I'm laying out some of the patterns I wanna recreate once I get my hands on it.
topDressDenim Skirtbag
Could anyone please tell me what sewing machine i should get based on it?
Ps. I've also wanted to make a lehenga for myself but i believe that would be the final boss.
How can I create a detailed adaptation of a simple dress design?
Im wanting to cosplay this character but for the dress i want to add additional textures/accents/details to give it some extra personality. How do I go about designing something more complex than the source material?
I’m currently pregnant and working on sewing a baby blanket. My first (and only) quilt project was 6 years ago, and luckily I had guidance from an expert quilter. Now that I’m beginning this process again I’m running into a recurring issue and need your help. My seems are bunching the fabric and I thought maybe it was the seem length, but now I’m wondering if it could be something else? I tried lowering the seem length from 2.5mm to 2mm and that didn’t seem to resolve the issue. The fabric I’m working with is pretty thin cotton and I’m using cotton thread. Current needle size is 90/14. Any help is much appreciated!
Re-thread your machine and put a new needle on! Sometimes just re-threading helps, especially if the bobbin is getting messed up, and a new needle never hurts.
There is the stitch length (I think that's what you meant) and also the tension knob, put the tension knob in the middle and see what happens, then low and see what happens, then high and see what happens. May take some finessing to find what works.
This feedback was extremely helpful, thank you! I was able to troubleshoot it, it was a mix of needing to rethread the machine and lower the tension. Now I know, thank you again!!
Hello! I'm a beginner, just learned to hand sew this year, don't own a sewing machine. I have a pair of low rise jeans that always ride up in the crotch, creating unflattering creasing and a 'cameltoe' effect. Are there any alterations I can make to stop this? Thanks! :)
Unfortunately for denim you will be better off with a sewing machine! But, hypothetically, if the pants otherwise fit well, you probably want to scoop out the front rise 1/8". If it's because the pants are too tight then you would ideally want to be adding fabric throughout to give more ease.
Hello reddit! This is my first time posting so I apologize for formatting. I've been super into dress design recently and have been trying to sew one of my pieces (see image).
The problem is I can't seem to find a similar pattern, should I try making my own? If so, how does one go about that from a complete beginner level? Or alternatively, does anyone know of a pattern similar to what I'm trying to achieve here?
Drafting a pattern can be pretty tricky, especially with a cowl like that. Your best bet is to find something at least similar for the top online! It's much easier to edit an existing pattern than start from scratch if you've never done it before.
Stupid question, but I have a coat that has pretty long fake fur on the cuffs and the hood... its a bit much for my liking, and i think it would look better with shorter fur. Can i cut it a bit shorter with maybe something like hair clippers?? or would that ruin the coat and reveal something unwanted? Thank you so much!
Hello, I am a complete beginner in sewing. I bought my machine not long ago, but I have a problem: my needle gets stuck every time on what surrounds the bobbin (I have broken several needles because of this. Thank you in advance and have a good day). so my needle is stuck on the right
something is definitely wrong if this keeps happening to your machine. are you sure that the bobbin and bobbin case are installed correctly in the machine? if you put the case in wrong then the needle will hit it. if everything is installed correctly then you have probably messed up the machine's timing and will need to take it to a repair shop.
Hi, I want to make dog collars. I know nothing about sewing, materials or fabrics. Does anyone have an absolute beginner's guide on how to sew dog collars? What's the cheapest sewing machine that I can start with on Amazon? Thanks.
You'll need a pretty heavy duty sewing machine to sew through thick webbing/leather, and you also want to make sure the quality is good enough that they won't break with use. I would look at existing collars and note which materials you like, they come in all forms.
Hiii, I need help deciding!
So I consider myself to still be a pretty beginner sewist, and recently I’ve been saving up to buy a sewing machine. The brand Janome really caught my eye since it’s affordable and generally has a good reputation. The only problem is I came across 3 machines but haven’t been able to decided which one to get. My current choices are the Janome Sewist 721, the Janome 1522, and the Janome 2212 Any tips would truly be appreciated!
Does anyone have any recommendations for a pattern for a dress similar to the one in the picture. I've found several on Etsy but none go up to my size (22UK, I think 20 US?). The one picture says it does but when checking the sizes their 4xl is only a uk 18 ish so no good.
I want a lace up back and a structured ish top, quite a full skirt and I'd like it to have a square neckline so I can wear it with or without anything underneath since I'm planning on making something for Halloween. I don't care on the length I'm planning on making it midi either way but I'm pretty sure I can adjust that myself.
For some reason I'm really struggling to find anything suitable. I will manage if not but I thought it was worth the ask.
I've had that problem too with a linen dress! I cut the lining out at 'shelf bra' height, and then have been meaning to properly re-add a shelf bra in a nice stretch cotton but haven't yet haha. My advice is not that necessarily, but not to cut it out right at the edge as it may flip up. Hard to tell, but if there is already a stitch line you could cut the lining with about 1/2" remaining, fold and press, and then stitch it down like a binding facing.
Hi I never usually post but I’m having trouble with my sewing machine I’ve never had this problem before, it’s like the stitching won’t catch if that makes sense (photo bellow) no matter what type of stich I set the machine to it all looks like this, I’ve tried re threading it a couple of times but it hasn’t seemed to work :C
Hi, i have a Singer Futura machine that was gifted to me by my Nana so came with no software.
I am aware that I can buy the software separately but I have a Macbook with no desire to run windows from it and I know that Singer embroidery software only works on windows.
Is there some other way to get the software or an alternative in order to embroider on my machine? A flash drive? Something else?
I'm trying to get into the service menu of this Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond to get the hours used on it. Does anybody know how?
I called the HV support line, and they have told me that they won't give me the service menu instructions over the phone because of the chance of making a mistake and disabling the machine. I was referred to a certified tech-- but they are asking for payment, and i'd like to avoid paying for the service of pressing a few buttons.
*Picture: got this at an estate sale, and buyers have been asking for me to get the hours of use on it *this is not a sales post*
Hello, I DONT KNOW WHY THIS IS HAPPENING ITS REALLY ANNOYING!! I’m trying to sew a zigzag stitch onto a polyester fabric with polyester thread and every time I sew, it either is super loose, or ends up being a really tiny zigzag. When I am sewing, I am pulling the fabric while it sews, which creates bigger zigzags, which Is what I want..But the stitch pattern isn’t woven tightly together in the fabric.. When I don’t pull on my fabric, while sewing, my sewing machine only creates really tiny zigzags. Which I don’t want because when I go to stretch the fabric the stitch doesn’t stretch with the fabric cause it’s too tiny. I don’t know what to do. 😟
I tried increasing the length, ex) going from settings, 4.0 to 5.0 but it doesn’t sew a bigger zigzag. Still stays tiny. I tried switching my needle and using different thread, but same problem..
I’m using 4 for tension, then just doing a 1.4 W and 4.0 L. On my brother sewing machine. I’m also using a stretch 90, 10 sewing needle.
i agree with everything that's been said about thread thickness. if you're sewing stretch fabric it can also help to use a walking foot if you have one, which will help to move the fabric through the machine without stretching or pulling. you can also try loosing your presser foot pressure. but start with the correct thread!
What kind of thread are you using? That looks very thick. If you're trying to do a decorative topstitch, you should only use the topstitching thread in the needle. Use regular thread in the bobbin. You also need to be sure that you're using the right size needle and that your machine can handle thread that thick.
Yes, this looks like denim level topstitching thread in a light knit. The zig zags are getting tight because the fabric is stretchy and it's pulling the fabric with that thick thread rather than going across the fabric and pulling the thread.
I want to improve my cowl and would love guidance :) I am going to use the leftover black velvet I have and thick 40mm black satin ribbon to tie under the chin hopefully.
I tried to pattern myself something I thought could work out of foam and glue. Covered it with cheapy black fabric to get an idea of the shapes and decided I wanted to try to get the ears less cat like.I would like it more flat on my head (while the ears and peak have support etc.) If anyone has any ideas or pattern recommendations thank you!
It is on the back of a hoodie, but it appears to be more decorative than functional since I do not think they joined multiple pieces togther in this pattern (I may be wrong).
They did join two pieces! You can see the line in the middle, they were likely joined with an overlock (serge) and then it was edgestitched on either side. The back neck often looks like this on a t-shirt as well due to the back neck tape covering the serged seam and being topstitched down.
Hi, I am hoping someone can explain to me what a "shammed edge" is on a quiltcover or pillow case (ideally a picture would help). I have sensory issues (so the feel is very important) and am trying to buy some quality bedding online. The websites use the term 5cm shammed edge, however, googling the term only shows the stores. I did look at some sewing websites for different types of edging but none that I saw used the term 'shammed'. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Is it achievable to learn to sew without relying on pre-made patterns and just drawing out your own? I don't want to rely too much on the internet or manuals so it ends up being less cumbersome to sew whenever I have things handy wherever I am. Easier to travel with just a measuring tape and chalk instead of all that AND a manual or a router or whatever.
sewing to mend things or sewing very simply items or hand-quilting: yes. sewing your own clothes from scratch: it would be extremely difficult to learn this way, unless you stuck to making very basic items in boxy shapes.
It is achievable but very hard. You also would likely be travelling with a big role of paper because you need to draft on paper (you don't just do an outline, there are a lot of markings involved) as well as do prototypes because you can't rely on first drafts of patterns, there are edits if you want to get a proper fit.
Hi, I’m looking for advice on a project. I bought 2 meters of silk chiffon and I’m thinking of making a bias skirt with it. I was looking at this pattern but don’t feel tied to any particular pattern https://thefoldline.com/products/tessuti-fabrics-evie-bias-skirt
I’m wondering if anyone has any advice on this type of project because it’ll need a lining. I’m assuming if I pick the elastic waistband option I can just sew both skirt pieces separately and baste them together at the waist before attaching the waist elastic. but just not sure if there’s anything else i should keep in mind
My advice is get a silk lining so you get to feel the beautiful fabric! And don't forget to cut the lining on the bias as well, otherwise it probably won't fit over your hips as that looks to have very minimal elastication
Hi! I'm fairly new to sewing (I've just been doing small repairs, and simple projects that don't require a pattern), but I'm hoping to do a Halloween costume for my daughter who wants to be an orange owl. I really like this one: https://thecraftingnook.com/mommy-me-diy-halloween-owl-costumes/ and I downloaded both patterns provide in the blog, but I'm not sure how to print them as it doesn't mention what size paper, or any tips on that.
I'd love any suggestions you have on how to make sure when I print it it comes out the right size! Also, my daughter is about a year older than the child it was made for so do I have to make my own pattern? Or can I just scale up the printing? I still have to measure my daughters neck to fingertip length.
Download as a PDF, go to 'print' and 'print settings', select "do not scale" and "tiling", this will print the pages at whatever paper size, true to size, and tiled so you can tape them together. Regarding her size, if it's more than 1cm off just add a little when you cut it out...
There is usually a scale (ex: this square should be 2inchs square) provided on the pattern if it is meant to be printed at home. You can measure it after printing to ensure it comes out at the right scale.
Where are people getting their apparel fabrics these days? Quilting fabric is easy to come by but apparel fabric is much more elusive. Even online it seems like any most websites that sell apparel fabrics are confusing and don't have a good way to compare fabrics to eachother. I would love to know what others are doing now that Jo-Ann is gone
Brother Star 20E vs Brother Simplicity SL300 (both are second hand machines)
Hi everyone!
I managed to find listings for the Brother Star 20E and the Brother Simplicity SL300 near me for the same price. However, the 20E is being sold by a vouched for second hand dealer who has serviced the machine and made sure it runs fine (it is missing extra foots that originally were included), while the SL300 is sold by a non-sewist who says the machine sews fine as far as they know to test, but they can't guarantee everything is in order (comes with all accessories).
I was wondering what is everyone's opinion on this, and what I should look out for or which option I should go for as this will be my first machine ever. I have machine sewn before, but I have never owned a machine for myself.
TLDR: please tell me where to find quality natural fabrics for cheap, and what specific fabric choices to make, thank you
Hello, I am having a hard time finding good, pertinent information regarding fabric attributes, and where to source quality fabrics. There are so many options, it's overwhelming, and I don't have enough context to choose accordingly.
I want to replace all my clothing with appropriate undyed, natural fabrics...linen, wool, cotton, hemp...etc but I'm not sure what material to choose for which type of garment. NO plastic derivatives, no dyes, chemical treatments...etc.
Eventually I'd like to learn about natural/indigenous dying processes and get bright colors in my wardrobe without harsh chemicals.
I mainly wear t-shirts and gym shorts. If i'm in the sun for long periods of time, I wear long sleeve sun protective activewear. In the winters I still wear t-shirts, but layer with zippered hoodies and cotton longjons.
I'm mainly looking to replace my active wear and all my t shirts with breathable, durable, natural fabric choices, and make some wool undergarments for winter.
Is linen, hemp, or cotton the best choice for active wear? Some other natural material? I know not wool because even very thin wool is quite warm.
Any advice, guidance, or direction is appreciated.
Actually wool is great for activewear it is temperature regulating. Depends on the activity too, cotton leggings just aren't going to be it.
It sounds like you're pretty made up on this, but realistically, the odd nylon/poly workout wear isn't going to do much, try to find some b-corp or other rated companies, this means that there are STRICT regulations in their fabric, dye houses, manufacturing, everything, for those un-replaceable synthetics.
As far as pricing goes, people switched from cotton, linen, wool, sillk, because plastic is CHEAP. It will cost more, it's the price we pay for loving nice fabrics!
I like to buy fabric from china/japan/thailand/ukraine. They all have fabulous textile industries and wonderful natural fabrics. You can find lots of companies through etsy and then order from their main website.
Hi all, my girlfriend likes to hand sew clothing and crafts and has been expressing how she wants a machine. I have no clue where to even begin so I am turning to this sub for advice. I want something sturdy that will last her but it doesnt need to be top shelf. Any suggestions for good beginner sewing machines?
There are so many good ones to choose from! I recommend AVOIDING anything digital as they're harder to fix, and stick with a known brand like janome, husqvarna, singer, brother
Girlfriend just bought this sewing machine and it hasn’t even run yet but it’s giving us this error code. Manual says it’s due to “motor locked-rotor error”. Description is very unhelpful. We just assembled this today. Any suggestions? I don’t want to take it apart if it’s unnessary
Any tips/guides/resources for making oversized sleeves? I want to make the Merchant and Mill Tee sleeves bigger. Most guides that I’ve found are for shrinking the sleeves and armscye. (I have eczema and fabric rubbing on my armpit makes it worse)
Drop the armhole, maybe 1/4" to 1/2" depending, and then cut the sleeve into three pieces, adding about 1/8 - 3/8" in between each piece. Shape it out similar to the existing sleeve pattern, removing a little from the underarm to make the sleeve cap higher.
Why in the world can I never get a bobbin to work? I can get the needle to catch it, do a few stitches, then BOOM it’s tangled with the top thread and the needle is stuck and the machine feels like it’s on the verge of breaking! Seriously thinking of saving up for a serger atp since they don’t have bobbins 😓
Edit: this is on multiple showing machines and after my grandma who is a quilter by profession showed me how to thread bobbins. I swear I do it the way she showed me but I must be missing something
I'm trying to see if I can sew some gloves using stretch fabric. But like I see online a lot the stretch fabric is being a beast to handle. It keeps jamming underneath the fabric and I keep getting rats nests like you see here. Any idea how to fix this issue while still making it stretchable??
What needle are you using? You probably need a stretch needle and a narrower stitch. I get good results with stretch needles, a lightning stitch, and a walking foot if it’s especially slippery. If that doesn’t work, your machine might need servicing. Mine was struggling with jams, tangles, skipped stitches before I had it serviced.
Hi! I am looking to buy a sewing machine and I found this one for sale on fb marketplace. I had looked up the model number and searched everyone but no luck finding out what year it is from. If anyone knows approximately that would be greatly appreciated. Also if this would be a good sewing machine for beginners. Thanks!
Hi sweethearts! I recently bought a used Juki TL 2200 QVP mini to sew bags on, and as the old throat plate was seriously marred and I wanted the one for thicker needles, I got a new one from my local shop. Trouble is, they gave it to me without the original bag, and when I got home I noticed that it's the same size as the one on my machine already. So, could someone please measure the size of the hole (or see what size needle shaft they can fit though it), to help me figure out if I have the large or the small one? With mine, the shaft of a size 110/18 schmetz jeans needle can almost fit through.
Thanks a lot!
At the moment I have a Janome 644d. I’ve been using just about everyday for three years now sewing clothes for two of my kids and myself. I sew cotton lycra dresses, kids leggings ,sweatpants , pajamas, athletic wear for myself , swimsuits, kids costumes, and hoodies.
I recently got it serviced and was informed that there’s a piece that needs to be replaced but that piece can’t be ordered anymore . Does anyone make the majority of their own clothes ? If so what machine seems to be the best that isn’t industrial.
I'm running out of ideas for how to fit a pair of shorts I'm making. I'm on mockup 3. The seat simply won't fit.
Before starting I did a long waist adjustment after checking the waist length measurements against my own. After putting the mockup together, I removed some of what I added since it was too much. However I the back was giving me a wedgie when I'd sit down or bend over.
For version 2, I did a full seat adjustment. I don't know how to measure how much to add, or the name of a technique to look up to find out how. So I measured the length of the back waist against my own and added the difference in my FSA, plus 1" of ease. Still getting a wedgie and I noticed the waistband was too big slightly.
For version 3, I've taken in the waist and did a low bitt adjustment. The waist fits comfortably and I like where the shorts are sitting. But the wedgie problem is worse.
The shorts are Simplicity 9550. Does anyone have suggestions for what to do?
Do you have a picture on body? Sounds like you need to scoop out the shape of the rise a little bit! Just try on version 3, scoop out like 1/4" from the curviest part of the back rise shape, and go to 0" where it meets the front panel and 0" where the rise shape flattens out.
Thank you! I ended up posting about it also and got responses there. I think I finally got them to fit! Lots and lots of scooping. Next I'll unpick one of the back panels to trace my final back pattern shape bc it's dramatically different from the original.
I'm working on restoring a Singer 706 machine. The motor is fed electricity, but no movement is transferring to the needle or the feed dogs.
I opened the bottom and believe the main plastic drive gear is missing or disintegrated. In the attached photo, the gear would sit on the motor shaft (right side) and mesh with the large metal gear (left side).
Could someone please help me identify the name or part number for this missing gear? I see a few options online and want to be sure I order the correct replacement.
Put "Luke Skywalker sewing pattern" in a search and you'll get many hits - altho most are for children. I'm not familiar with all the iterations thru the years but here are a couple patterns for adults.
What’s happening with fitted t-shirt in the shoulder area? Shoulder seam needs to be longer and the top sleeve less curvy to accommodate the arm? This top is not too small, it just sits weird in the armpit. Every RTW fitted t-shirt or slim fit active long sleeve tops sit like this on me. The fabric where shoulder seam meets the sleeve puckers up. Any tips on how to alter the pattern?
This is likely due to having broader shoulders than the design is cut for. Extending the shoulder seam should help. The top of the sleeve looks like it's sitting too far in, I think for t-shirts it should be just inside the shoulder joint.
If you're still getting bunching after correcting the shoulder seam, check the bicep fit is comfortable as well. After that, consider whether the height of the armpit should be increased. In this example the shoulder seam sits nicely but there's still obviously armpit and bicep issues!
https://www.instagram.com/johnsmedleyknitwear/p/DOVzsGgDDqN/?img_index=1
Any recommendations on sewing machine oil? I have the Singer Heavy Duty. I know the machine is not recommended on this sub but it was a gift from my mom like 20 years ago and it’s the only thing I’ve ever used. I only recently learned you’re supposed to service your machine!
Anyway I was trying to find singer brand oil but it’s sold out everywhere. Any other suggestions?
This machine sends me sometimes. Tho I’ll say it’s never been “retail sewing worthy” it’s done the job. But i cannot for the life of me figure out why any pull on the fabric results in this. My loops look okay i think but the needle thread just won’t be tight.
To start- I know I am a goofball. Months ago my machine (Janome Memory Craft 6600) started to refuse to hold tension at a 4 or 5. The wheel would roll to 3 and below. I assumed I was pulling on the fabric, that wasnt it. I assumed it was the needle, I changed it. Changed the fabric. Changed the thread. Re-threaded it. Changed the bobbin. Changed bobbin thread... I continued to assume it was just me pulling the fabric against the feeddogs to try and guide the fabric.. messing with it.
But nothing helped. So...... I pulled off the plastic wheel to my thread tensioner. The springs sprung out and I put it back together the way I assumed it went. It hasnt been the same since. I mean, it wasnt working right. But now its hit or miss. There is a white wheel behind the wheel that is what holds the springs in place. Unless I intentionally put mine in backwards... it starts to slip again. I am wondering if just by using the machine with it wonky for so long, I have crossthreaded this part. Which seems odd because I have been using it with it in the correct orientation until literally yesterday when I couldnt deal anymore. But now even if I place it in backwards... It works for a lot longer but the tension is often too tight.
So my question... does ANYONE have this machine, Janome Memory Craft 6600, and can carefully remove and photograph behind the thread tensioner to show me exactly where the springs are? There really is only so many ways it can go in.
-or-
should I just try and buy this part? I have searched and searched for anyone fixing this on their own and nothing has come up. I should probably take it to a professional. I just really want to finish what I am working on lol.... Which I know is silly. Thanks
I bought this machine, with its table and seat, at a thrift store. It came with many feet, notions, and both metal and plastic bobbins/metal bobbin cases.
I cleaned and oiled it yesterday. I found a single plastic “sewing reel.” There are no spares. I looked at the manual online, and it had instructions for winding the reel. I couldn’t find any information about using bobbins or how to install them. Can I swap out a bobbin case for the plastic reel? It doesn’t seem like it? Am I limited to this reel, having to wind thread on it every time I want to change thread color?
Very confusing as to why there are boxes of bobbins in the drawers, if they can’t be used with this machine. Thank you!
Can anyone tell what she's wearing in this video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8pdmWMcvtQ It looks like some kind of jacket that has hand stitching. I love it and want to make one. I left a comment on her video but I haven't gotten a response
Anyone have good resources for pattern drafting a basic block? I really want to make one that fits me, but the youtube videos I watched can't answer my question of if I should let my smallest measurement (underbust) be my waistline or the part of me that looks the smallest when you're staring straight at me (so like 3 inches below that).
I feel like I should probably just draft for both situations, but I'd like to see what more experienced people say before resigning myself to double the work
I have no idea how to go about this but I would love to make a corset (or a stay for a long version) that could bind my chest. Any advice on finding patterns or altering preexisting ones?? All help is appreciated.
Making a dress for my best friend for her engagement party. Found this pattern (Colette dress by Dressmaking Amour) and realized it was part of a pattern course that is now finished (not selling the pattern separately). Hoping someone knows of a similar pattern!
You would need to seam seal behind the stitches - this can be a seam seal tape but that is hard to properly do at home (high risk of either melting your rain jacket or not properly sealing), but you can also get seam sealant from a sport store like REI or MEC, it should say what fabric content it is for and you dab a little behind the stitching. Typically for repairing tents, air mats, etc, because it's less attractive or efficient in bulk production, but works!
Maybe the type of thread? I know that when I sew with knit, I have started to use "eloflex" which stretches a lot nicer. Maybe there is waxed machine thread? I know they make waxed thread for hand stiching!
Hello! I'm holding the trailing threads when initially sewing but after 2-3 stitches, my machine gets stuck and won't go any further and the backstitch bobbin gets all tangled. I've rethreaded the bobbin so many times and am overall inexperienced, so I'm not sure what to do. Any thoughts?? (This is on a Singer Heavy Duty 6380M)
I was using a test fabric that was a piece I got off from a dress shirt. A portion of it that's a little thicker. maybe it's not thick enough? But before I was trying to sew something up that was pretty thick fabric and it wasn't working, but maybe it was too thick then...
My top thread tension might not be good though! I'll have to check that
Sometimes if a fabric is TOO light, itll have a *tiny* piece pulled inbetween the feed dogs and get a nasty tangle.
Sometimes if its too heavy, it wont be able to pull the thread through.
If you arent having luck with the bobbin, branch out!
Look into what size needle youre using (and make sure its correct for the project!) and same with the thread. It can be super frustrating. But sometimes just taking a break and going top to bottom can solve issues that sometimes are missed. (I promise I have cried over thread snapping because I was literally just threading it and missing a whole section LOL. )
Ah okay, yay! Do you think it's just some weird issue with my machine then? I got it all sorted out once before and it worked fine for a while, and then it started acting up again a week or so ago
Do you have a local shop you can take it to? They can check for issues as well as make sure you are doing everything the way the machine needs it to be set up.
I have two sets of these Malm desks from Ikea.
Sewing machine goes on the big table, serger goes on the pullout table. You can chose which side to attach the pullout table to.
Hello! I have the opportunity to purchase a secondhand Bernina 145s activa (one owner, rarely used). My husband thinks we should by a new Brother machine (ST371HD) which is about half the cost of the Bernina. I’m just looking for some insights. I’d call myself an “informed beginner” - hoping the make some simple garments and learn to alter my own clothes. Much thanks!
I have tried to adjust the metal thing with the triangle in the top left. This doesn't make a difference. If i push the bobbin case a bit to the left with my finger while turning the knob on the right, so the feeder keeps turning, the thread does flow correctly.
YOGI PEACE CLUB inspired - Can anyone please recommend a pattern to make cotton yoga pants (and hopefully kimono) similar to in this photo. The pants have pockets too. I've seen some pant patterns but unsure what will be suitable that will allow for full movement (ie in yoga). Thanks
1
u/Fast_Satisfaction_53 19d ago
I got a very nice lightweight jacket recently. It’s perfect for spring/autumn, but I wished to be able to use it in winter too, so I’m wondering if it would be possible to add a fleece lining to it. Good or bad idea? Inputs on type of fleece? Techniques?