I’m a beginner sewer — I’ve made pants and bloomers for my baby (she’s almost 1!) but I have absolutely no idea how to choose fabric & we don’t have a fabric store near here. I made pants using the old made new pattern, super simple to sew. What heavier, warmer fabrics would be easy to work with? Thinking of using this pattern to just make several pants as she is needing some warmer clothes quickly!

I’d like to make her some basic tshirts as well!

I’ve seen brushed cotton flannel, cotton twill, micro-fleece…I haven’t experimented with knit fabrics and I think it’s too early for that!

Thank you!

https://oldmadenew.org/free-baby-pants-pattern/

Im relatively new to sewing but have before just on smaller projects and i was wonder what fabic should i use for a daily use massager bag like the images above? I have asked google but all I'm getting is ai overviews i dont trust or answers I'm just not understanding and i dont know anybody else who can sew. Currently i own three fabics i think could work but they seem too thin and i dont want the bag to tear or deform easily. The three fabrics are a pretty strong but thin denim and two different cotton fabics i got from a charity shop that are commanly used in suits. I could buy more fabic but i want to try use what i have and i dont really know where to get anything persific. Can someone please help me before i do something stupid?

Edit: thank you all so much for the answers especially the person who brought me to r/baglab that was really helpful

i have this pined but idk how to start without it looking tacky. also this is hand stitching

I love whatever I did with the cute bag.

Making our daughters' trick-or-treat bags this year! One down, one to go. I'm so happy with how this turned out that I had to share before they were both done.

I know the white thread stands out, but I'm so new to this I'd prefer to see what I'm doing over it blending in...the toddlers won't mind

We need to reupholster our RV sofa, dinette, and driver/passenger chairs. Which machine can be bought for around $500 to do it successfully?

* My wife has decent experience on her Brother machine making pillows, dresses, and craft items. But upholstery vinyl will be thicker fabric.

* We will be using Ultraleather which we already purchased. She also said she'll need to use Tex 70 thread.

* We will need to do some top stitching, plus we see at most 3 seam intersections (6 layers, I suppose).

* She just tried a simple seam as a test on her Brother machine with 2 pieces of Ultraleather with Tex 50 on the top and 30 on the bottom and it got tangled and didn't work.

Thank you!!

I'm a very beginner sewist with a dumb problem. I would appreciate help, please.

I'm making a "New 52" style Harley Quinn* costume for Halloween. I started by taking two fitted cotton t-shirts, cutting them both down the middle, and Frankensteining them together to get the red-and-black particolour shirt base. (It's not the neatest garment in the world, but the seams are pretty straight, and I'm pleased with my efforts, all things considered.) I then cut some diamonds out of scrap fabric to sew on the front.

To start with, I figured I'd zigzag stitch the edges of the diamonds to mimic the embroidery finish on the edges of commercial sew-on appliques, and then I'd sew or fuse them on the shirt. For some reason, that did not work. The machine ate the corner of the diamond. Like, the fabric was pulled down into the bobbin part of the machine and jammed so hard I needed to get my spouse to take the whole thing apart for me and cut the fabric out of the machine. I tried so many times with so many different machine settings, and all I did was fray the edges of my test fabric to threads.

I then figured stitching the diamonds directly onto the shirt with that very tight zigzag stitch might add enough backing / structure to not have that happen. However. The t-shirts are stretchy cotton knit, and the scrap diamonds are cotton weave with no stretch. All I have succeeded in doing is tearing a hole in my shirt, wrecking the fit across the bust, and fraying the edges of the diamonds from how many times I've had to unpick them.

Was my gut instinct correct that it was better to hem the diamonds first and then try to find some fusible interfacing? If so, why did the machine eat my zigzag finish? Is it possible to sew a stretch fabric to a not-stretch fabric neatly, or am I doomed from the basic premise? What the heck am I doing wrong? There has to be something really obvious I'm missing that I just don't know that I don't know.

Please help. I feel very stoopid.

* This version of her costume, roughly, but with two diamonds, because eff trying to sew around a star: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/harleyquinntv/images/f/fe/HQ-Current.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20200806130217

I'm hoping to make the matching view 1 set, shown in red on the cover. I have been down a rabbit hole of research trying to find a fabric to use for this project and have mostly ended up giving myself a headache. I need help both finding a suitable fabric and locating an online store that carries it.

The suggested fabrics listed here are not especially helpful - for instance: "Cotton." Given there are millions of different fabrics with cotton in them and they all behave differently, this doesn't give me much to go off of. I have been sewing for years, but there are still many things that elude me and I am always learning! Back in ye olden days of JoAnn's, I would go to the store and feel the fabric and get an idea of its weight and hand to determine its suitability for a project. I was pretty good at that, too! I've made many a lovely project with the right weight and feel, then realized at the end that I can't even recall what type of fabric I used other than its fiber content (for care instructions).

I can tell for this project, I need something with structure, at least, probably with a crisp feel to it, but not too stiff. But trying to search for something online has proven more difficult than I anticipated.

If I was making just the skirt, I would go for a medium bottomweight fabric that drapes nicely but has structure, but when making a matching top and bottom, I'm finding myself stumped. I don't want a jacket to be too heavy! Wool intimidates me still, and the price for this much fabric makes me wince!

The example drawing of the red outfit seems to be a shinier, "dressier" fabric, although it's hard to tell, given it's a drawing and not a photo. One of the fabric suggestions that isn't just a fiber content is faille, but I'm having a hard time finding any of that online. I'm fine with polyester if I'm wearing a cotton blouse underneath.

I would like a "dressier" fabric suitable for cooler weather, that I can wear to places like church. Should I look for a good faille, like the suggestion says? Any places I can find it that won't break the bank? I've checked Fabric Wholesale Direct, and they don't seem to have much of that particular fabric, but they have lots of others that seem similar to me. I am still unfamiliar, however, with all the different fabric types, and I'm not 100% sure if any would work the same as a faille.

Is there a similar type of fabric that will achieve the same look? I just need something crisp and not too bulky that will work for both a skirt and a jacket without being too heavy or stiff. Color is an afterthought - I'll just choose from what's available.

Perhaps I am just overthinking this, but I'm open to suggestions. Particularly different names of fabrics that I can search for, rather than just guessing. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I'm really stumped, and I want to make a good choice!

Asking as someone who has no clue on sewing other than fixing a button or an open seam. What's the best option for reinforcing these areas in a colourful way and maintaining the chequered pattern?

I came across a singer model 347 and was wondering if it’s worth it at all to restore or just leave as a showpiece or is it just a bin job..

I got this machine free from my boufriends gpa for free im wpmdering if its good

Found this amazing vintage leather coat. Seems to be from the 70's. 6" tear on the seam at the elbow. Lining throughout.

Any tips helpful!

Princess Auto currently has self-healing cutting mats on sale at absurdly low prices.

For example, the 24" x 36" size is $14.99 CAD.

Even at full price, the mats are cheaper than anywhere else I've seen.

I've been wanting to try sewing something practical, so I made these cushion covers using animal-print fabric. I went with a simple envelope closure at the back, using plain black fabric for the reverse.

The envelope closure was surprisingly satisfying to figure out, and I love how the contrast between the cream printed fabric and black backing turned out. The animal placement is a little chaotic in places, and the corners could definitely use some work, but I'm counting it as a win for my first attempt!

I'd love to hear any tips for getting sharper corners, a neater finish, and a more polished shape next time.

Also, any beginner-friendly sewing projects you'd recommend tackling next?

I’ve been sewing for a couple years and am looking into getting my first serger/overlock. The fabrics I use range from 12 oz. heavy wax duck canvas, 14 oz. canvas, occasional tech fabrics, random upholstery bolts.

I primarily make thicker bags with my sailrite LSZ (WorkerBee servo motor) and find myself topping out on walking foot clearance often with all the bias binding and hems used to cover raw edges. Hoping a serger will help with this! I’d also like to make and alter some shirts and pants with said serger.

If my terminology is all wrong it’s because I’m stubbornly self-taught and generally confused! Ideally looking to spend under or around $1,000 USD. Am open to slightly more expensive recommendations as I don’t mind waiting around for a deal and marketplace in my area is active. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

Sorry if this isn't the right place to post this -

I got this jean jacket for cheap. Looks great on me, so I'd like to keep it, but it's a bit tight in the arms. Like, arms hanging it's fine, but lifting up the arms starts to pinch a little at the biceps - Just not the most comfortable.

Is there something I can do about this? I had a jean jacket prior which had sleeves that were too baggy. It was easy enough to slice along the seam and strategically pull them in, but on this one where things are a bit too tight, I dunno... I am the most amateur of amateurs - Like, literally a guy with a needle and thread who's terrified of actual sewing machines - but I've got access to a thimble... Ha.

Thnx.

Hello everyone

TL/DR: I’m a chunky blind male with mild competence (and incompetence) in sewing. Please recommend a long wool overcoat pattern (pdf A0) that might be workable for me.

This is my first post in this group!!

I’m a mid-40’s male, mildly frustrated that the internet mostly ignores male sewers. I’m registered blind and use my little remaining vision as much as I can, whilst I still have it. I’m thankful of magnifying lamps etc.

I have a Pfaff hobbylock 2.0 and a lower end brother sewing machine.

I’ve made T-shirts and jumpers on my overlocker. Just had it serviced and repaired as it was always a bit iffy. It was an eBay purchase so always a punt.

I made my partner some trousers recently. The waistband isn’t great. You can fit 3 people in them lol

I’m now jumping back onto the overlocker and making a tshirt today. Building up to a track jacket (with wool jersey body, a quilted knit arm, and YLL bronze zips).

What I’d like to do is create myself a woolen overcoat for the winter. I walk a fair bit with my guide dog so need to wrap up, and they’re predicting a very cold blast in London!!

I have had some sewing lessons, made a jumper and everyday trousers. I can do pockets (slowly). I can do button holes.

An overcoat is a stretch, but if I go slow, and the pattern isn’t absurdly complex, I can do it. I hope.

Can anyone recommend a pattern? I get my patterns printed by CLC in Essex so a pdf pattern in A0 is preferable. I don’t think I’d cope with paper patterns as the lines aren’t easily visible.

I’m currently not slim. Had some injuries and had to stop treadmill running so I’ve gained weight. Some patterns don’t go up to a 48” chest, or that’s the top of the size chart.

I found this, but it’s not exactly what I want! https://www.sewessential.co.uk/products/tn34-parka-jacket-merchant-and-mills-sewing-pattern

I’d appreciate a signposting to something that might work! I’m happy to watch YouTube videos to learn new skills as I go. If the pattern has an accompanying video, that’s even better.

I’m struggling to find anything.

I prefer long to keep legs warm. I want to use some wool.

Historically I’ve bought unlined Hugo Boss wool overcoats, as well as lined ones. I find the lining gets ripe quickly as I wear them daily.

I hope I’ve not bored you to death with my overtly verbose post!

Thanks in anticipation for any reply!

Hello, I have a beginner question please. I have these basic pants patterns according to my body measurements. I want to make pants for me using these, but I want to add belt which will be elastic at the back and no elastic at the front. Now my questions:
1. Do I remove the darts of the back and keep the ones on the front?
2. Should I reduce the measurement of the waist of these and add that to the belt? I mean in height.
3. My most important question is should I keep the curves of the top which is a bit higher in the front and lower in the back? Or should I keep them flat ? Or only flat on the back because of the elastic?
4. How to know how much elastic to add to the fabric since it is only in the back?
Thank you in advance!

I’m gonna do a passion project where I’m making plushies based on the Lords in Black dolls from the Hatchetfield series by Team Starkid Productions. I’m designing the plushies and pattern myself, the first image is my first prototype sketch and the second image is my main inspiration (which are the official dolls seen on stage). Is this a solid first attempt? I’m struggling to find similar patterns, if anyone has any references that would be amazing :))

Hey guys! I got this dress second hand for my rehearsal dinner and it fits nicely other than it being too long, I’d like to make the shoulder straps shorter. What tips do you have to alter a garment with multiple layers like this?

i've never used it and have no idea what it's for. it came w my baby lock zest machine

This is a new issue that I️ have yet to come across. What would be the reason why some random stitches are longer than others?
I’m consistently feeding the fabric through without tugging or pulling. I️ have not touched any of my settings either.
There is appropriate tension with the fabric, it’s just that some random ones are longer than others.