Ages ago I saw a photo of the Gibbons slip dress in here and fell in love with it. I finally got round to giving it a go and I'm gutted that I don't think it's possible to make this version fit.

This is the pattern cut in a size D at the top and graded out to an F over the hips. The pattern comes in a B-cup version or a C-D cup version. Using my measurements and the pattern sizing I went with the B-cup. That was clearly my big mistake and is the thing that makes this unfixable.

The bust is just way too small - the underbust seam is sitting about 2cm on top of my bust and I presume it's also responsible for the way the front doesn't sit right.

The wrinkles were initially worse, but after some advice from the lovely people ok this sub I made them a bit better by reshaping the shoulders. I took 1cm off the arm side of the shoulder and 2cm off the neck side.

The back is sewn with the darts in - there's still a bit of excess fabric, but I think that's the style of the dress and it might not go over my head without it

All in all, I enjoyed sewing this - I've never used bias tape before so that was fun to learn. And I'm quite impressed that I don't think I've stretched any of the bias cut seams out.

Fabric is a viscose I've had for so long I don't remember where it came from - likely pound fabrics

And I think maybe it is wearable? I've minimised the fit issues as much as possible, so fingers crossed the next one is everything I hoped this one would be.

But if anyone sees any fit issues I haven't noticed, I'd be glad to hear them - especially if you've got a suggestion to fix them!

I got rid of most of my sewing supplies when I moved cross country, including my machine. I thrifted a good sturdy Kenmore and I've been really itching to make something lately, though. Since I work at a German restaurant and have found most mass-produced dirndls to be made of fabric I wouldn't want to wear to work, I decided to put my machine back to work in the last couple of days!

Pattern: Folkwear 123 Austrian Dirndl (XL graded to 2XL, bodice only)
Fabric: Canvas&Co Summer Plaid

I have a lot of work to do for the next iteration of this bodice, for example some minor fit issues that I'd want to deal with. I also really struggled with the facing and need to work a little harder on that next time.

Still need to do the skirt, apron, and blouse, but I'm pretty happy with having taken care of the most difficult bit of sewing for this outfit.

Anyways, I'd be happy for any tips or constructive criticism!

I recently needed to make a gift for two different friends so I decided to make them the same crossbody bag but with different fabrics, hardware, etc. and I'm so glad I made two at once! I might never make a single item at a time again. 😅 The initial set up was a little slower (more time ironing and cutting) but the process of sewing felt so much faster. When I was done, it really felt like a huge accomplishment to have both bags finished, but I think it was less effort overall. From now on, I'm making all of my accessory items in multiples! ✨ I'm hoping it'll have the added side effect of building up my "ready to gift items" collection. If you have a tip similar to "make two things at once" I'd love to know. 🧵

Construction and other details:

I watched a tutorial for this bag because I like it when instructions are spelled out for me, but overall I think it would have been an easy enough pattern to follow. I basically followed the pattern as written, but made two small changes. First, I wanted the ability to put the bag over the left or right shoulder, so I added a D-ring to both sides of the bottom of the bag. Second, the pattern calls for the strap to be sewn into the top, but I like removable straps so that I can make different straps people can switch out, so I didn't sew it into the bag.

Pattern: Mini Traveler Crossbody Pouch by Kandou Patterns

Bag 1 details (Sailor Moon fabric)--
*Main fabric: Alchemats, Sailor Moon motif
*Other fabrics: Generic dark green canvas; Misc. very old fabrics I can't track anymore (in the pockets)
*Hardware: Sailor Moon wand zipper pull from Alchemats; Star zipper pull from My Handmade Space (I think); Rainbow zipper tape from Sew Sweetness; Generic gunmetal hardware from various places
*Other materials: Woven label from Sarah Hearts; strap webbing from Georgia Girl Stitches

Bag 2 details (horse fabric)--
*Main fabric: Cotton + Steel, Wild & Free collection, I believe
*Other fabrics: Generic green canvas; Misc. very old fabrics I can't track anymore (in the pockets)
*Hardware: Unicorn zipper pull from Sew Sweetness; Coral zipper tape from My Handmade Space; Generic gunmetal hardware from various places
*Other materials: Woven label from Sarah Hearts; strap webbing from Georgia Girl Stitches

Apologies for any typos or mistakes in information. I'm a real person typing with real hands and not enough coffee.

2nd ever sewing project and I could not be more excited! Used 100% cotton fabric and crochet lace.

Haii, does anyone have any free pattern, or tips on how to make this kind of top? ive been searching for a very long time now and every pattern i find is too expensive for me

The pink seal on the left is sewn with a machine while the others were handsewn. I noticed that whenever I sew plushies by hand the end result appears smaller than the machine sewn ones and the seams are more wrinkly. Is this normal for handsewn projects or am I doing something wrong?

Pattern: Pocketsize seal plush by ChristmasLadyArt on Etsy

Fabric: minky

So happy with this sewing project! I’ve attended Wimbledon every year since moving to London, and this year, I decided to make a dress inspired by a Valentino piece (in image 3).

I got the idea during the tournament last year, and sent my friend an image of the dress photoshopped (image 4) in tennis ball green, with a white line along the princess seams. I posted in [r/sewingpatterns](r/sewingpatterns) asking if anyone had recommendations for patterns to hack to make this, and ended up pattern hacking Gracie Steel’s Blooming Bustier Dress, adding straps and little bows!

To make the “tennis ball lines”, I used some white 3/8 inch piping bias tape - on hindsight, I would have made the piping lines slightly larger just so the impact of the white lines are a little clearer, but I think the subtlety also works!

I’m also so glad that I managed to find a cotton fabric in the perfect shade of green! Shout out to Epra Fabrics in London :) 🎾

Here is a wrench wrap I made as my first from-scratch sewing project.

Details:
- pattern inspired by Sailrite's toolroll video
- fabric weight: 462 gr/m^2,
- thread: Serafil 30 Tex 90,
- handsewn with double backstitch,
- finished with 1:1 ratio of paraffin to beeswax,
- strap and tag materials from recycled old backpacks.

I learned A LOT from doing this.

I had asked about altering this waist as a newbie a couple weeks ago. One suggestion was adding ties at the waist, so I found bias tape, hand stitched the ties, turned them inside out (honestly the longest part of the process), and sewed them on the outside of my existing dress. Now I can tighten it up just a little! I feel lucky to find something that matched the fabric color so well. it’s not perfect, but close enough for me. I think my next project is going to be taking in the waistband of some jeans.

I had a Hoodie towel. It wasn't cutting it! I couldn't feed the baby in it and it left my lower legs cold.

So I made this! Snaps instead of buttons and extra pocket. Towelling fabric to soak up the pool water and keep me warm! Can't wait to wear it to and from the kids swimming lessons tomorrow.

Pattern from sewingmachina on Etsy. Combo package- Peter,Udo,Bill. Chose long shirt length, mid pant length (168cm).

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/4344382628/sewing-pattern-bundle-wide-leg-pants

Fabric 100% waffle cotton

Looking for any list of UV protective fabrics and materials, ideally what fibres naturally offer uv protection at different levels, and any specialized materials made for UV protection (or anything that can add additional protection)

Ongoing health issues, recent sun sensitivity with Sunscreen. Options for clothing with UV protection is limited in styles, and would need alterations anyways, so I’d like to see what would be possible for making my own clothes with additional protection)

Hello! I drafted a pair of wide-leg jeans and made a test version in unbleached cotton muslin. This is how it turned out. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong with the front and back pattern to make it fit like this. If anyone could help me identify the issue, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Me again, my apologies if you’re tired of seeing my projects. This is #3 - going back to the metallic purple material this time, as it proved so popular. It’s my hubby’s favorite too, although these trunks aren’t for him.

I used the same guide as before - straps and rear are exactly the same method, except this time my challenge was introducing a front middle seam to allow the creation of a front pouch for the trunks.

The cut I use for the trunks I make is an online template for men’s IFBB pro cut trunks. I use this video a lot to help me:

https://youtu.be/CS2dLsz1m4M

Material: metallic spandex.

hoping to make some camisoles/shirts/tanks with 100% cotton (i dont want spandex in it) and some cute terry hoodies (like the summer beach pool coverups material but on the lighter weight side, i dont need it dense for water absorbtion).

ive been researching through comments of past posts, seems like ISW / fabrics and fabrics will have natural fabrics, but idk if they've got knit fabrics or just naturals in plain weaves.

I found this old sewing machine from when I was little. It was my mother’s, and maybe her mother’s as well? I am not sure. I am trying to learn how to use it but I can’t find ANY kind of manual, YouTube video, or anything of the sort online. Is it really that old? I believe it is a “New Home model HF106”. Does anyone have this same machine or know anything that could help??

Anything would be greatly appreciated 🙏

I hand sewed a bag made of old jeans a while ago. However, I don’t like how floppy it is. I used to put a piece of cardboard on the bottom but that made the bottom too stiff and the sides too flimsy so it stuck awkwardly out from my body. Any idea how to make the bottom/walls just a little bit more sturdy so it holds its shape just a little more?

Hello,

I am making this crochet purse (I included a photo of what it is based off of) and am now ready to sew the liner in. I didn’t realize how much of a nightmare this is!

I did hand stitch (back stitch) one side but it looked so awful I ripped it out. I am using beige thread and therefore it is very noticeable inside the purse,on the white inside liner, which is OK with me, however, the line was all jagged and crooked, and looked terrible.

I am actually a decent hand stitcher, but it was impossible to see inside the purse to put my needle in so that I was creating a straight line.

I am looking for any help or suggestions on how to do this!!!

this is my first time making pants! I’ve been sewing for years, made corsets and done intricate pintucks and insertion lace, but pants always scared me. I think because it’s so hard to find pants that fit me (with a 25in waist and 44 inch hip, and being quite tall, I am too tall and too curvy for literally all pants). I finally decided to bite the bullet after I had the zipper break on two pairs of jeans in one day from trying to drag them over my hips, leaving me pantsless (one of those pairs I had JUST finished altering). Unfortunately it was just as difficult as I feared, almost entirely because of the crotch seam. I don’t think I’ve made so many fit adjustments on any other sewing project.
The fourth photo is what I made after following a pants drafting tutorial on YouTube, but that tutorial was not made for someone as curvy as me because it left me with a crotch seam WAY too long. Made some adjustments to the darts, and crotch, got it fitting better (photo 5). But I still had some ballooning in the front crotch area, which I’ve now learned is called “crotch curtains” (photo 6). I adjusted, seam ripped, took it in, let it out, brought in the inseam, but NOTHING was fixing it unless I made the pants so tight they dragged along my hips and pinched painfully into my crotch. I was about to give up and hire a tailor it fit them for me, but I finally found a fix after combining several people’s advice I got on here.

First I attempted to completely redraft the pattern by using the duct tape (or painters tape, since that’s what I had) method (Photo 7). However, I couldn’t figure out how to get the crotch seam to lay flat, so I taped all the dart closed again, and held the 3D shape over my pants (after seam ripping them apart) and traced the new curve (Photo 8). There was a pretty big difference! As someone had suggested, the crotch curve was too wide and not deep enough vertically. Now, the pants finally fit right…. But still pinched my crotch painfully went I sat down for extended periods of time (an issue many of my altered jeans in the past gave me as well).

So I made a gusset for the crotch, and finally!! They fit without hurting. I had to tweak the gusset from a diamond to a kite shape so it wasn’t visible from the front, but then I was done. I cut apart the final mock up (first three photos), and traced the mockup into paper to make my final pattern (last photo). I‘m so glad to be done! And finally tackled my biggest sewing fear of many years.

some questions if anyone has advice:

for some reason the back pants leg turned out slanted when traced into paper. Should I straighten it out? I like the way it fits as is so I’m scared to change it, but also the slant is bothering me when seeing it on paper.

should 5-6oz cotton/linen twill be thick enough for lightweight jeans and trousers? I live in a hot climate so I dont want heavy pants, but also want it to drape nice.

for trouser to wear to work at an office job, what type of pockets should I install? Inset pocket or in-seam pockets for the front? should I do a welted pocket or two in the back or leave it be? Would patch pockets in the back be too informal?

thanks to everyone who gave me advice on my previous posts!

I’m trying to redesign my baby’s oxygen cannula headband and would love some advice from people with experience sewing knits and using KAM snaps.

The current headband from Amazon is pretty thick, so it bunches above his ears and doesn’t sit as low as I’d like. I’m hoping to make a thinner, softer version that still securely holds his oxygen tubing. The photo is of the current one.

Materials:

200 GSM bamboo jersey (95% bamboo from bamboo viscose, 5% spandex) - Ordered

KAM snaps - still considering

Considering silicone-backed fold-over elastic (or another grippy material) for the tubing tabs instead of grosgrain ribbon. - still considering

My current plan is:

Sew a soft tube-style headband from the bamboo jersey.

Add two small snap tabs that wrap around the oxygen tubing (the tubing can’t be threaded through closed loops, so the tabs need to open and close).

Reinforce the snap locations since the bamboo jersey is stretchy.

My questions:

What’s the best way to reinforce KAM snap areas on bamboo jersey? Lightweight knit fusible interfacing? Woven cotton? Something else?

Would you reinforce just the snap area or the entire tab?

Is there a better material than ribbon for the tabs that would add a little grip on the tubing without being bulky or irritating?

Any suggestions for keeping the headband from stretching out over time while still staying soft enough for an infant?

If you’ve sewn baby accessories with bamboo jersey, are there any pitfalls or tips I should know before I start?

I’ve attached a photo of the current headband for reference. I’m not trying to change the function, just make it softer, thinner, and a better fit for my baby.

I finished this dress but my serger caught a tiny piece of this and it tore. Best way to fix?