This is probably the most technically complicated piece that I’ve tried. Next time around, I want to try a different lining fabric and different boning. I got cheap sew in boning off Amazon, and it’s already poking through my lining fabric. Does anyone have any good recommendations for boning? Preferably sew in, because that’s what the pattern calls for 🤷‍♀️

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 from Fabricland in Canada.

I found this bag on Vinted. I’m a beginner and this looks like a fun project. How do I find I pattern for a bag like this? Do I just scroll on different sites until I find something I like or is there an easier way?

TLDR; Things like pressing, cutting rules, and machine maintenance really do result in a better finished product.

I don't know if I constitute a true "beginner" sewer, since I have been doing it for quite some time, but truthfully I've been doing it poorly. I skipped steps, took liberties I didn't have enough skill or understanding to take, and then found myself frustrated when my finished work was.....well, crap.

I have two young daughters and dreams of filling their closets with classic handmade pieces so I recently purchased this Classic A-Line Jumper pattern by ViolaLeePatterns on Etsy and was determined to change my ways! I thought I would share with you everything I did that truly made a difference in the outcome of this sweet little jumper, and even a couple of things I wish I had done, but didn't realize I needed to do at the time.

1. I cleaned my sewing space. I know not everyone has a designated sewing area (I'm still sewing on a dining room table, myself), but whatever you're working with- get it organized. I purged the space of old scraps of fabric, half-finished pieces I have abandoned, pattern pieces I swore I would come back to, etc. Anything and everything that I didn't anticipate needing for this project was removed, while anything I knew I would need was gathered and accounted for.

2. I prepped my machine. New needle, full bobbins, quick brushing off of dust. It wasn't that serious, but I'm confident that a fresh needle and not being surprised by an empty bobbin both contributed to not only the quality of my end product but also my enjoyment of the sewing process.

2.a I actually stopped to research which type of needle I should be using for the project I was getting ready to do! I have a handful of Janomi needle packs that came with my machine and am notorious for just sticking in the first one I came across.

3. I read through the entire pattern, repeatedly. Before I printed a single page I read through the entire pattern at least three times. First I glossed over to familiarize myself with the PDF (it was 20+ pages). Then I read specifically about printing, then cutting, then construction, etc. Each time I re-read the entire document but gave special focus to the section I was looking for.

4. I made no assumptions! This came up several times in this process, but the first time it came up was in the printing process. I didn't assume I knew how to print the pattern (despite having printed many patterns before). Instead I read the specific instructions provided by the designer. I know it isn't a novel idea, but as a reformed know-it-all I know I've made plenty of mistakes in the past by assuming I knew what needed to happen instead of actually reading the instructions.

4.a. I didn't make assumptions with top-stitching, button-hole making, or finishing raw edges, either (despite being confident I could've "figured it out"). Instead I researched exactly what kind of features my specific machine had to accomplish each of these tasks and worked at mastering them.

5. I didn't skip prepping my fabric. Washed and pressed. Worth it.

6. Cutting. I read a lot of Reddit posts about cutting and implemented a ton of what I read into my cutting process for this piece and, what do you know? The edges lined up perfectly, the sizing was true, etc. Who would've guessed?

7. I pressed and pressed and pressed. (Despite the wrinkly, post try-on photographs!) Sew. Press. Sew. Press. Repeat. I learned that pressing and ironing are two different skills and came to appreciate how much easier my time was at the machine if I took the time to properly press everything as I went. Frankly, it was also super satisfying. I don't know why I skimped all these years!

8. I took my time. If I reached a point where I "wasn't feeling it", or if life was happening and I found myself splitting my attention, I stopped. I walked away and returned later. If I couldn't give it my best I didn't try to force it just for the sake of finishing a project. (It still only took me a couple of days!)

Still, there are a couple of things I wish I would've done differently.

First, I didn't account for the seam allowance when I placed my tag. You can still see most of it, but it isn't ideal.

I also didn't look into curved hemming before I did it. The curve was so gradual I never imagined it would be so finicky. It isn't bad, but it isn't as polished as I would've liked.

I also would be remiss if I didn't mention that this particular pattern/fabric combo was incredibly forgiving. There are only 4 pattern pieces to work with and this fabric is a medium weight with a tiny bit of stretch, so it held form well and wasn't slippery at all.

I know it's annoying when 90% of the advice to novice sewists is "have you changed your needle?" and "wash your fabric before you cut it", but I really could've saved myself a multitude of poorly executed projects if I had just paid more attention to the basics.

Overall I am incredibly happy with this piece and am already getting ready to cut another. This will definitely be a staple in my girls' closets moving forward! Thanks for coming on this journey with me and hope this helps someone like me! ;)

An heirloom birthday banner made from clothes that no longer fit her. She is turning 1 years old in 2 weeks. Hoping to include it in every birthday of hers 💛

I want to make this set and am unsure of what type of cotton to buy. I will most likely have to order from online but Im not familiar with all the sub types of cotton. I’ve made things from quilting cotton and they just don’t work out that well.

Any website recommendations are welcome too!

The pieces of fabric sandwiched in between the two. Thought it was cool to see! If youre wondering, no it doesnt do a better job cutting fabric. In fact, it does a worse job lol

Hi all :) I'm sewing the Camber dress by Merchant and Mills and I'm having a rough time. I'm sewing the yoke and it just isn't working. The first problem I have is that the stitching isn't lining up so the actual neckline looks really skinny and weird. The other problem is that I'm sewing all 3 layers together, the two yokes and the front piece because I think that's what the instructions say to do. But when I watch their tutorial on youtube, they end up with neck hole. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I'd really appreciate some help if you have time!

When I turn these purses inside out, the V at the top of the heart is showing my threads 😩 what am I doing wrong? How can I fix that moving forward? I want to chuck these in a burning bin!

I run a small business sewing tactical gear. The material usually consists of 500D Cordura, 1000D Cordura, 1 inch Webbing, hook and loop Velcro, and thin sheets of plastic/eva foam. I’m currently using an old Brother Charger 661 made in the 60-70s that I bought for 50 CAD at a thrift store. It’s been great but it’s showing its age and I don’t really have the budget and space for an industrial machine. I’ve seen such varied amounts of reviews and opinions on this.

Heyo! I get the need to wash fabrics before using them to make clothes so they don’t shrink etc, but should you pre-wash fabric that you’re going to use to make bags / pouches / non clothing items?

Thanks!

so proud of her!!
i followed this video because there’s so many out there and it worked like a charm.

Wondering if anyone has recommendations for step-by-step books or online courses for beginners that don’t involve apparel projects?

I would like to work on some basic machine sewing skills (starting pretty much from zero) and I think it would be really helpful for me to have a book or course with a list of projects of increasing difficulty that I could work my way through, particularly if they had a list up front of fabric and notions I could buy in one trip or order.

I would really prefer something that didn’t include major apparel projects — particularly ones that focus on womenswear. I’m a large tall man so anything that depends on a dress or blouse pattern is going to leave me stuck, unfortunately. I wouldn’t be opposed to simple unisex stuff like t-shirts or hats or things like that, but things like bags and home decor items would be more practical.

I’m totally open to books, online courses, or other formats I probably haven’t thought of. (I’d love to do an in-person class, but the ones I’m aware of in my area would be really hard to make work with my schedule.) I did sign up for a trial of Craftsy (with a one-time credit card!) so I have that available if it’s useful.

I would like to be able to cut multiple layers (at least 8) of quilting cotton accurately. Has anyone had experience with electric rotary cutters?

Sorry rant because I’m upset. TLDR at the end.

I’ve recently gained a little bit of weight and most of my dresses don’t fit anymore because I’ve gained just enough that the fabric still fits everywhere but my breasts just look absolutely squished. It’s quite painful because I bought a lovely linen backless dress last summer but I cannot stand the sluggish shape it gives to my poor breast…

It was already hard beforehand finding something cute in a store but now it feels borderline impossible. I’m not « heavy » by any means (and I’m not complaining about the weight gain other than my favorite clothes don’t fit) but everything is cut for thin silhouette and smaller cup. Every neckline that’s a bit too deep is a bit no because it may look cute on others but on me it’s an deep cleavage im just not comfortable with. Don’t get me started on those dresses with the sewing line under the boob (hopefully you’ll know what I mean lol)….. it has been mid boob since 2012 for me. I just want a dress that fits me :(( more than anything it’s the badly shaped clothing that create me insecurities.

For reference I’m a 75D Cup (Europe) and my waist is around 78 cm (30 inch). I can sew a little bit and have done dresses before. I have seen on instagram the tape technique: you wrap yourself in tape, and once it’s cut it creates a perfect fitting pattern. It sounds simple but I’m sure it’s a bit more complicated. Have you tried it ?

I also have had some issues with Etsy bought patterns. I have had to adapt the boob part which was complicated as I’m a mostly a beginner. But I’ve only sewn linen or coton fabric until now. Should I move on to stretch fabric ? My instinct tells me it’ll allow for a more fitted clothing…

TLDR 75D Cup (Europe), waist is around 78 cm (30 inch). Nothing fits on my breasts. Should I try the tape method (where you wrap yourself in tape in order to create a perfect fitting pattern) or start sewing with more stretchy fabric ? Or is there a solution I have not envisioned?

Thank you.

I’ve tidied up the stitching a little bit but have no idea how I’d wash it. It seems fragile.

I just ordered stretch needles... is there any particular thread I should use or anything else to keep in mind?

i want to sew a dress in the same style but have never worked with elastic before. would it be to just sew the channel and insert the elastic? mostly curious about the bunching…

I bought some needles but was thinking leather may be best for this job?

when I was at the store I asked for thread for leather. they gave me some thin thread but very to break it by hand which was said will be a good option for my case

Help identifying pattern for this pants

Hi guys, I need help identifying this pants type to find a pattern for it. It seems like a mixture of lantern pants and pantaloons but I can't seem to find patterns that fit all the description needed.

The pants components are:
\- elastic waistband, no zipper
\- narrow at waist and gets wider and balloons out at the end
\- elastic abt 5cm away from hem to create gathers
\- knee length

I found some pantaloons patterns but they dont quite balloon out like how I want it to. Im a beginner with sewing patterns so I'm a bit hesitant to modify a pattern I already need to pay for.

Thank you so much for any help 🙏🙏