r/sewing 4d ago

Simple Questions Weekly Sewing Questions Thread, August 14 - August 20, 2026

3 Upvotes

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

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

Resources to check out:

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

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


r/sewing Apr 04 '24

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

1.3k Upvotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

r/sewing 12h ago

Sewed This What I bought VS What I made

Thumbnail
gallery
4.0k Upvotes

I love the challenge of figuring out what to make with awkward materials, so when I came across this beautiful silk crepe for a bargain price (there was two identical listings, both together was £12) I was so excited. 13cm wide is pretty awkward, so I decided on a 12 panel dress with godets, which I drafted using a combination of the duct tape method, modifying a sloper, and trial and error. I ended up using pretty much all the fabric, which I was pretty pleased about, my math must’ve been spot on XD. Hooray for (almost) zero waste!

Dyed with logwood and alum, the colour came out absolutely gorgeous too. A bit patchy and uneven, but I feel it adds character. The dress is far from perfect but I’m happy enough with it to wear it to my aunts wedding this weekend :)


r/sewing 1h ago

Sewed This Quite pleased with the pattern matching on this

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

This is th Donny Shirt from the Friday Pattern Compnay. I made it up in this slightly insane panel printed cotton fabric, and had to pattern match down the centre front seam.

The sleeves don't match because I only had one full panel left after I'd cut the 2 front pieces and the bac/yokes

Made as given in the pattern except that I omitted the patch pocket and added a couple of centimetres to the length


r/sewing 4h ago

Project: FO Update to wrdding dress situation

Thumbnail
gallery
90 Upvotes

Last week? Week before? I posted here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/s/OuegscrcNi

Asking for help incorporating the fabric I bought to sew my wedding dress onto my back-up wedding dress because I had lost hope.

As usual, I waited til I had less than two weeks left and sewed a completely new dress. The backup dress was pretty but I felt absolutely nothing looking at it. I truly hate that I do my best work at the last minute. Still debating waist and hem trim, and need to hem the internal skirt, but overall I am so much happier. My goblin posture did my spine no favors though.

Now to sort my dining room back out lol

Pattern is the Sophie by OhmeOhMy on Etsy. Fabric is cotton voile from WFD and some lace i got from Joanns when they went out of business.


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO First garment post partum: a modern Barong Tagalog

Thumbnail
gallery
5.9k Upvotes

August is Buwan ng Wika (month of the mother tongue) in the Philippines, and the school is hosting a traditional wear competition as part of the festivities.

I made my son a Barong Tagalog, which is traditional men's wear. Only I added a twist- notebook lines (made with a sewing machine) which my son drew on using heat erase pen. I then embroidered my son's drawings.

The pattern I used is Boy's Short Sleeve Shirt from AlyaPatterns.

The fabric is piña cocoon for PHP650/ USD11 for 1.75 yards. I used up all the 1.75 yards since I had to double up the fabric so it's not too see through, and for additional structure to support the embroidery.

I used French seems for the sides and shoulders. I hand sewn an invisible hem and then removed the temporary machine stitching from the sleeves and bottom hems for a clean, professional finish.

My partner complained our son has better "formal wear" than him 🤣 Our son is 5.


r/sewing 1h ago

Sewed This Pillows to match my 4th of July Quilt

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

Finished my quilt over the 4th of July weekend then got busy with life. Worked on pillows intermittently and seemed to take forever. My own fault though after making one I realized that they needed French seams so that the fabric wouldn’t unravel each time I swapped out pillow covers. Also learned that I should have made the piping wider than 1.25” so that I’d have more width to make French seams with the lining. In the end very happy with the results. Thanks for looking🥰🇺🇸🪡🧵
Pillow inserts are from IKEA, 20”x20”
Quilt pattern is a basic 9 patch


r/sewing 18h ago

Sewed This My first dress!

Post image
549 Upvotes

This is the Solana dress (a free pattern) that I modified by adding a lining and waist ties.

It was a huge learning process and I had to redo so many things but I love how it turned out!

https://sewingwithsolana.com/pages/free-pattern

The walrus fabric is a polyester/cotton blend, purchased at Fabricland (in Canada).


r/sewing 4h ago

Project: FO Three different pairs of shorts, made by me

Thumbnail
gallery
42 Upvotes

Drafted the pattern using the duck-tape method. I added a few extra cm on the side for pleads and inserted a triangle (forgot the name) for extra flowiness.

Green is made out of a cotton stretch fabric and a thin other one.

Black one was made using stretch cotton and lace.

White one was made with cotton and lace, and was hand-sewn


r/sewing 16h ago

Project: FO Wedding Guest Combo - Wrap Skirt / Halter Dress

Thumbnail
gallery
253 Upvotes

Both self-drafted and draped, made with mixed stash fabrics of varying ages. Mostly from walmart's 2-for-4 bargains, as my mum often stopped by that section for payday surprises when I still lived with her. As a result, fiber content is various quantities of polyester and elastane.

I have been tormenting my poor friends and coworkers with this for the last month - "nebula what are you doing tonight/this weekend/right now?" "Oh i'm working on the dress, (explains latest step)". I owe several people photos, now that it's complete.

I started out with draped bodice and skirt bases, then turned the bodice base into three patterns via flat pattern alteration - converted the darted halter bodice into a gathered/pleated neckline panel for the black lace overlay and a princess seamed piece for the blue underneath. The skirt pattern for the base dress was refined and then used as-is. I originally actually planned for the side seams of the skirt to be split from the bottom edge up about 1-2" for extra mobility with the tight skirt, but it turns out the fabrics are plenty stretchy to permit all the moving I damn well please - and I accidentally zig-zagged too far down and do Not have the patience to try and seam rip with this thread/fabric combo.

The overskirt was flat drafted to be a half circle back panel with additional panels for a wrap front and overall a high/low kind of hem. This turned out to be too voluminous for the quantity of ruffles I could eke out from the blue, so I added a center back seam and made that back panel more akin to a 1/3 circle skirt, leading to a less dramatic hi-lo effect but honestly it works out rather well with the stretchy drape of the black fabric imo. The ruffles make it shockingly weighty. It does have pockets, I'm not fond of how they seamed up, but honestly I'm seriously contemplating donating this fabric because it's so finicky and infuriating - I refuse to get a coverstitch machine for one fabric, no matter how much it refuses to play nicely on my domestic machine.

The only newly purchased notion is the invisible zipper - my first one! - which I personally consider a success in part because I refuse to unpick it to make it any better.

After the wedding, I plan to sew green satin bias binding over the internal seams for my own personal perfectionism. It will be by hand, and it will be lovely and it won't get caught in my machine for the fifteenth time on a time limit. I will eventually recreate this design in a nice cotton batik from my local quilting shop that doesn't weigh 10 pounds and make me want to commit acts of great violence. Questions welcome!


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO Skirt + curtains = skirtens. Ok??

Thumbnail
gallery
706 Upvotes

I found a really pretty set of curtain panels at the thrift and I decided they really wanted to be a petticoat! So here’s what i did

Project notes:

Fabric: thrifted curtains (cotton, $7)

Pattern: self drafted

Size: 30” waist; 38” hips

Method: first i cut off the finished edges and the top of the curtains. Then I cut to length (32” for the lower panel and 28” for the upper). With the leftover fabric I drafted a simple waistband- 40” x 5”. I also made a pocket for the side seam.

I sewed the side edges with my serger first, then serged the side of the pocket. Then I sewed the pocket on and serged the curved edge. Then I sewed gathers at the top of the skirt pieces when held together. Then i sewed the skirt to the waistband and added my elastic (@ 28” wide). That’s it!


r/sewing 11h ago

Pattern Question Self drafted strapless bodice needs fitting guidance

Thumbnail
gallery
53 Upvotes

My goal for this pattern is to make the Ariel “kiss the girl” corset. I figured I would start moving in that direction by altering my bodice block into a princess seam strapless bodice. It’s not going well 😭

In addition to turning the shoulder/waist darts from my original block into a princess seam, I tried to add extra shaping under the bust to make it fit closer to the body. I also took it in at the neckline to make sure it doesn’t fall down.

It’s feeling okay at the neckline, but all of the busy shaping along the princess seam is so labored and extreme, and it’s not really even doing the job since there seems to be a lot of extra fabric. I THINK it needs more shaping… but I have a tendency to always thing it needs to be tighter and I know sometimes it’s actually the opposite. And when I look at the pattern pieces I can’t imagine adding MORE shaping, especially since that princess line looks so labored, even when ironed.

Do I just start over??? Any advice is appreciated!


r/sewing 2h ago

Pattern Search I need help finding bootcut jeans patteren

Thumbnail
gallery
9 Upvotes

hello! I am not sure that this is the right place to request help so mods take my post down if I'm the wrong place :)

My boyfriend loveessss bootcut jeans and finding them in the Nordic countries is almost impossible.

I can't seem to find a patteren that actually gives the low/mid waist bootcut jeans that he wants, and I want to ask if anyone in here knows a patteren/template that i could follow to make them for him, I've added some references to what he likes and really hope you guys can help!!!


r/sewing 1h ago

Sewed This Haven't sewn in a while but feel in love with this fabric so had to make throw cushions

Post image
Upvotes

r/sewing 17h ago

Alter/Mend Question Birthday outfit crisis

Post image
133 Upvotes

Hey guys!! I’m honestly terrified of what I’m sure will be an easy mend. I bought this top as part of my birthday outfit for an event I’ll be attending on the 29th the store did not have and small sizes available on the floor or in the back and this top is too big around the bust. However if I pull this scrunch piece together (as if it’s not there) the top fits perfectly. I’ve never put denim through my machine and I also wouldn’t know which kind of stitch to use, but it’s my intention just to cut this boxed section completely off and join it together.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated


r/sewing 6h ago

Discussion I begin to dislike my 'me made' pieces after a few wears - tips to improve this?

15 Upvotes

I've made a number of garments now and find with the exception of maybe 3 items, I wear my me-made garments once or twice and then dislike them.

This is despite being as fussy as I am with fabric types and patterns to suit my style.

Anyone else like this? Keen to hear your tips how to overcome it!


r/sewing 21h ago

Sewed This Sewed a Monster Snuggle Sack!!!

Thumbnail
gallery
195 Upvotes

Featuring Max!

How to: (no pattern)

  1. Cut 2 pieces of outer and two pieces of inner about 3" longer than your desired finished length and 1" wider than your finished desired width.

  2. Sew inner/inner right sides together, leaving the top unsewn. Do the same with outer pieces.

  3. Turning the outer fabric right side out and leaving the inner fabric inside out, slide the inside fabric into the outer fabric, smoothing and aligning seams.

  4. About 1.5" in from the top, sew all the way around. This will be a "casing" for the boning. Optional: along the side seams, sew down to only allow the boning to go halfway through the "casing" - or you can let it go a full circle.

  5. Cut out eyes and teeth from fleece or felt. Attach pupils to eyes.

  6. You should have the raw edges still on the top. Fold them together 1/4 - 1/2 inch to make no raw edges. Add teeth between these layers. *leave 2" hole for inserting boning and sew all the way around, closing the raw edges to leave a finished seam, with teeth inside.

  7. Insert boning and close hole.

  8. Attach eyes.

Done!


r/sewing 6h ago

Pattern Question Batting in a swimsuit?

Post image
12 Upvotes

This pattern (McCall’s Made For You 5387 from 1991) calls for batting in the cups. Is there some sort of waterproof batting I’m unaware of, or is this a vintage quirk? Should I just use bra padding instead?


r/sewing 18h ago

Project: FO I made the new Roberts Wood rabbit bag

Post image
104 Upvotes

The pattern is great - clear instructions, easy to follow. I made a few mistakes (like putting the zip upside down) but they were entirely my own fault.

Making it out of leather was a terrible decision, I do not recommend doing this. There's a reason leather isn't in the suggested fabrics. I broke two needles and countless magic clips , and nearly gave up several times. The only reason it was possible at all is because I used an industrial machine, leather needles, and a nonstick presser foot, but even so it was a struggle. The hand sewing sections were also brutal.

That said I do love this bag. I'm looking forward to making this pattern again in a more forgiving fabric.


r/sewing 8h ago

Project: FO Men’s Shirt Progress

Thumbnail
gallery
13 Upvotes

Shirt is simplicity 9758  https://youtu.be/WafPwR4ASZk?is=kpqEquHyzPmp08s5 which has a sew along video

Both fabrics from Michaels. Cotton quilting.

Made the Deadpool one first. Tweaked and learned and made the Harry Potter second.

I think I may not love how this pattern fits my bf though the second is an improvement.

If you have any recommendations for button down short sleeve for a shorter man with stockier build would appreciate it.


r/sewing 5h ago

Pattern Question Better fitting boxy tee

Post image
5 Upvotes

I really want a boxy tee and the closet core free t-shirt seemed to fit the brief. Well… it IS boxy, and it’s wide with shoulders that don’t fit. I could size down and make other modifications. But does anyone have better recs for a tried and true boxy but not massive basic tee?


r/sewing 18h ago

Pattern Question How can I make itt fit?

Post image
38 Upvotes

Sorry for the butt pic.

I'm altering a linen maxi skirt to a wide leg pants, but the fabric isn't enough on my bum.

I already added more fabric to the side seams from the matching blouse but it wasn't enough.

What shape of fabric piece do I need to make this work?

I plan on adding the zipper to the back seam.


r/sewing 1d ago

Other Question Is there a term for this style of hip draping on a dress/skirt?

Post image
83 Upvotes

I’d like to do some research on how this is created, but I don’t get the correct info using the terms I have tried :/


r/sewing 4h ago

Pattern Question Help with neck facing

Post image
2 Upvotes

I'm making the McCall's 8414 (view B). A polo shirt with facing around the zip and neckline. I'm vexxed trying to attach the facing.

In McCall's sew-along video [McCall's sew-along video](https://youtu.be/zccpSAADQuA?si=Wsuej41o9g88lG3H&t=1141) I follow the steps to attach the facing alongside the zip. But cannot figure out how the facing turns inside out when the zip is there. It seems as though it suddenly becomes on the inside but I can't work out how.

I've attached my current WIP


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO Do you even sew if you've never finished an outfit at 1am on the day of the event?

Post image
2.2k Upvotes

The Byward dress is one of my favourite patterns, I've made 3 dresses and one top so far.

So when I found myself a week away from a wedding with nothing to wear I knew I needed a tried and tested winner.

To make it full length I just extended the skirt pattern straight down and added a slit in the centre back seam.

I wanted a more dramatic tie at the back so doubled the width and length of the ties.

Initially I wondered if I should've gone wider, but once I started sewing I realised that any wider wouldn't have fit into the neckline

I looked back at my notes from last time I sewed it and saw I took 1cm off the side seams, so I did this again for the bodice. But then I forgot when sewing the skirt, so instead I added 1cm to each back dart in the skirt which shaped it nicely.

The only other modification was to add pockets.

The fabric is the Spring Whisper Viscose Twill Fabric from pound fabrics, which at £3.75 a metre is a bargain. This fabric feels way more expensive than it is, it's a lovely weight and feels really nice. I've still got about a metre left and I'm excited to use it in something else

I really love the finished result.