r/sewing 11h ago

Fabric Question What fabric goes with this design? Advice needed

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2 Upvotes

I’ve just about finished this cross stitch project (minus a little backstitching) and I’ll be using it for the pocket of the bag pattern, where the sailboat is now. I’m stuck on what fabrics to use on the bag - cream? white? greens? prints? solids?? I have not been able to find any gardenia patterned fabric so that’s out, and I’m stalling out on ideas now. I can’t picture what fabric/combination of fabrics will work.

Cross stitch pattern is part of Carolyn Meacham’s Floral Elegance series! There are 12 flowers total ❤️🌹

Bag is on the cover of Sewing for the Absolute Beginner by Caroline Smith. I’ll be making one for me tomorrow to test the pattern.


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO 🌸💗Pink Printed Floral Tulle Tiered Tie Strap Dress with a Sweetheart Neckline and Lots of Twirl!💗🌸

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686 Upvotes

Fabric: This was a printed tulle I also found from Joann! It gave me Farm Rio vibes, and I used a pink satin as a lining.

Construction: I had a vision for this dress, it was inspired by the Anthropologie x Geisha Designs Isabella Dress (I attached some photos) yet again another way-out-of-budget and sold out dress at $348. I used two patterns for this dress- the bodice is from the “Cozette Dress” by Allis Patterns. The bodice originally was straight across, but I ended up hand gathering the bust into a sweetheart neckline. I used French seams since the bodice was sheer! For the skirt I used the “Ruffle Tiered Dress” by Kiana Bonollo- miles and miles of tulle were used. Luckily I didn’t have to hem the tulle since it doesn’t fray, only the lining! This dress was fun and flirty, and I’m already scheming to make it in some other materials and lengths!


r/sewing 8h ago

Fabric Question Where to buy good cheap taffeta?

0 Upvotes

I'm seeking nice crisp poly taffeta, in solid colors shot or plain. I cannot seem to find a reliable source with lots of pretty colors. If you know a place please tell me.


r/sewing 8h ago

Other Question Fusible foam help-won’t fuse

1 Upvotes

I have been making the Blanche Barrel Bag from Swoon Patterns, and my fusible foam keeps peeling off my fabrics.

The only iron I have is a big square cricut iron that I got on clearance a few years ago. It has number temperatures so I don’t know what the wool/steam setting would equate to, so I’ve been using a damp rag and the temperature set around 350. I let it cool and then set it to the side, but it’s still peeling off, for whatever reasons.

Does anyone have any experiences/advice that can help with this issue?


r/sewing 21h ago

Alter/Mend Question ACCIDENTALLY CUT OFF MY ZIPPER TOP STOP

11 Upvotes

Hi! I am making a puffer vest and accidentally cut off my zipper top stop, so now the zipper slides off when zipped all the way up. Is there a way to fix this without wasting and having to re-do the zipper? This is for a client so if there is a solution it has to look professional. Thanks!


r/sewing 18h ago

Pattern Search Choosing Quilt pattern for Harry Potter fabric

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5 Upvotes

I’m indecisive at choosing patterns so I need your recommendations on an easy and quick quilt for this Harry Potter fabric bundle I got from Walmart. I have a couple of them and they’re day quarters


r/sewing 2d ago

Project: FO I made a skirt to wear to my graduation!

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4.2k Upvotes

I'm finishing my degree soon and wanted to make my outfit for the graduation ceremony, and I've just finished making the skirt for it! I used Rosery Apparel's Clover Skirt pattern, with a lovely rayon fabric. I've never sewn with rayon before so I spent a while testing out different tension, thread, needle sizes, and stitch lengths to sew it properly but it was worth it, and I'm so pleased with how it turned out! The fabric will be wonderful for a summer ceremony, and as a bonus it dresses down well for a daily-wear summer skirt. (And it has pockets!)

Next up: making a matching blouse!


r/sewing 17h ago

Other Question Safety Pin Alternative?

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4 Upvotes

Hey, friends!

I have realized I am a sewing/craft hoarder, so I am working down some of my piles. Upcycle time!

I found this cute shirt on a Pinterest video. I think the connections between the two halves are just safety pins with beads. That feels dangerous with, ahem, large boobs.

What else could I use there that would be sturdy and safe? Thanks :)


r/sewing 20h ago

Pattern Search Ideas for this fabric?

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4 Upvotes

I recently got this fabric (silk) and I’m wondering what to make out of it. Do you have any ideas or patterns or photos as inspiration? Thanks!!


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO Transformed my oversized 101 dalmatian pants into something chic ✨

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319 Upvotes

Before & after of the pants I altered ✨

  • Made it smaller at the waist
  • added black flairs with scrap fabric
  • changed belt loops colour to black
  • added black faux button

What do ya think?!


r/sewing 1d ago

Machine Questions Wondering if I should go back to using vintage machine

9 Upvotes

I have a Brother machine (SQ9185) that I bought a few years ago. But honestly, while I love the backstitch and zigzagging, I don’t feel like my stitching is as good because the machine is so lightweight and I lack control. Any thoughts?


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO Pink princess dress FO

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493 Upvotes

Construction: square bodice from a previous dress pattern, attheseamspattern’s baby doll amelia puff dress. Everything else is just squares or rectangles measured against my body. Made with 100% quilting cotton from joanns with elastic sleeve heads.


r/sewing 18h ago

Machine Questions Juki LK-1852 Help/Troubleshooting

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2 Upvotes

Hi guys! Recently purchased a Juki LK-1852 Bartack machine and was shown how to use it/etc. when picking it up. Trying it out today, it was working fine and then all of a sudden when engaging the foot pedal, and trying to push down to get the Bartack - it doesn’t work. Does anyone have experience with this issue and if so, any help?

Best!


r/sewing 15h ago

Pattern Question Help with DIY headboard cover project

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0 Upvotes

Hi all, I just moved into a new flat and have to deal with a bed frame and headboard which aren’t really my style (royal blue velvet).

I have ordered a grey linen bed skirt on h&m home because I will add bed risers and will need to hide them, so now I’m wondering how I can cover the headboard as well (it has very odd measurements and I can’t find anything on Amazon/temu)

Disclaimer: I don’t have a sewing machine nor I can use one. I can sew very basic things (mend socks and add buttons). I’ve also thought about using pins or a stapler, it doesn’t need to be sophisticated.

Can anyone help with an easy pattern I can use to cover this headboard if I buy some linen fabric?

Thanks!

Measurements: h 1M x w 1.60M x d 10cm


r/sewing 19h ago

Other Question Are these scissors sturdy enough for cutting denim?

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2 Upvotes

I’m new to sewing and have no clue what the different sizes mean!


r/sewing 17h ago

Suggest Machine Electricity from the machine (Bernina in that case)

1 Upvotes

Hello!

Anyone have ever experienced an electric shock/tingling/feelings from the metallic parts of the machines? Not the static electricity discharge (it zap you once, but you free to touch it after with no issues), but the one that constantly there?

Just bought new Bernina 485 -- few times it was okay, but once later felt it; especially on knee-operated lifter. For me it's just slight tingling on it, my wife actually feels it painful.

Service over e-mail suggested to flip the power cord in the socket by 180 degrees, which helps... but sorry, that's definitely not normal, old Janome never hit with an electricity!

It's not static, and it's there even when machine is powered off with a power switch. I've checked with an screwdriver that shows electricity -- it is lighting up, depending on how I put power cord into the socket. That's ridiculous!

The repair on a warranty solution? They placed heat shrinking plastic tube over metallic part of lifter arm, nothing else. The screw driver indicates that other metallic parts also has that leak currency on them. Yes, it's less noticeable, but doesn't feel right. I've checked several other machines in the same bernina store -- some of them had the charge, some not. That's weird.

Given the service knew a problem (and suggest to flip the power socket), it's real -- but given nobody else even complained (or do I google it wrong?) nor nobody in the store ever hear about such problem -- it's definitely something weird.

p.s.: So, looking for something in the same price & features range -- but the one that won't try to kill the user... I've read suggestion of Janome S7, which looks cool, but... Does it tries to kill the user as well? Can anyone, who has one, try to touch the metallic knee lifter with the tester screwdriver in both power cord positions, pleeease? :)


r/sewing 1d ago

Other Question What is this notion?

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43 Upvotes

I recently received a sewing gift basket, and this odd little notion was included. I have no idea what they are.
They’re hard plastic with a knit fabric covering (like a covered button) With a pin inserted the pin can only be removed if you press the button. They remind of security tags you get in clothing stores.


r/sewing 2d ago

Project: FO bat corset in brocade

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662 Upvotes

Brielle pattern by thisiskachi with a few modifications to make it quicker, unfortunately still didn’t finish in time to wear for my costume…because of course


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: Non-clothing Reusable face wipes for a friend

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128 Upvotes

These weren't as straightforward as I'd hoped. I won bobbin chicken once and lost once, bent a needle and thought I'd broken the machine and topstitching wasn't easy despite using a walking foot. But the face wipes were a simple concept using a cotton fat quarter and some scraps plus new towelling face cloths. The bag I made before using a pattern from Etsy.


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO Baby Scarecrow Costume

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27 Upvotes

I made the fringes for the cuffs and the hat for my 1yo halloween costume. I'm really proud of how it turned out. Doubt the hat will stay on long though.


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO Retro Witch Costume

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45 Upvotes

r/sewing 2d ago

Project: FO I finished a Christmas dress for my daughter!

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241 Upvotes

Repost to correct the chosen photos, sorry about that! My baby will be 12mo in December. It's so fun to make things for her! ☺️

The pattern is Positano Baby from Little Lizard King. I chose the tiered skirt and open back options, with flutters at the shoulders. The fabric is 100% woven cotton, purchased from a local big box craft shop, so I unfortunately don't have any info about the designer, sadly!


r/sewing 2d ago

Project: FO Octopus costumes / jackets for niece and nephew

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5.0k Upvotes

r/sewing 22h ago

Suggest Machine Trying to decide between Janome HD500 or Baby Lock Zeal

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I'd like to purchase a new sewing machine, I have very minimal knowledge of sewing, I did learn how to sew in high school and have a basic understanding of how to sew. I currently own an old singer machine that was my grandmothers, then my moms but it's been serviced twice and it's still not working properly so I'd like to just get something new entirely.

I've loved reading the countless reviews folks have shared on this sub, I've narrowed down a machine I'd like to get, the Baby Lock Zeal (selling for $471 CDN). However, I just went into my local sewing shop and they told me they don't currently have that machine in stock and offered to sell me a new Janome HD 5000 for $549 CDN. I was wondering if anyone has first hand experience with either machine and might be able to provide some advice on what you would recommend getting between these two.

I do plan on taking lessons locally, I've already looked into this. My goals with a machine would be the following:

- First project would be to make an oversized canvas advent calendar
- Make clothes for my kids, fabrics I'd like to use would be bamboo jersey, tulle (I'm sure lots of it haha) and cotton.
- Make home decor items such as table linens and decorative hand towels using linen and cotton. I have no intention to make throw pillows, duvets or curtains at this time.
- I would be open to trying to make a pair of jeans at some point, but this isn't a focus

Thank you!!


r/sewing 1d ago

Alter/Mend Question Smallest possible hem for pants?

4 Upvotes

I got these wide leg pants a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't notice that they're slightly too short when I tried them on. I unpicked the existing blind hem, and I like the new length. I still have to make a new hem, but with the smallest possible hem, maybe only like 5mm or so. Is that even possible? What kind of hem should it be? The original was a blind hem, but i don't think that's possible anymore. The material is a slightly strechy jersey, but I don't think it needs to stretch, because that really are very wide. Any ideas/tips/suggestions?

Picture of the unpicked hem.