r/sewing 8h ago

Project: FO This was a good reintroduction to garment sewing

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259 Upvotes

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!


r/sewing 11h ago

Project: FO Sewing two items at once is my new hack!

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351 Upvotes

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. šŸ˜… 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.


r/sewing 6h ago

Project: FO One day I will learn to make a toile - until then I'll just cry every time a dress doesn't fit

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246 Upvotes

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!


r/sewing 20h ago

Project: FO My wedding dress!

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4.1k Upvotes

r/sewing 14h ago

Project: FO I Can Believe it’s Butter shirt

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1.2k Upvotes

r/sewing 4h ago

Sewed This Sewed a traditional salwar kameez for my toddler for summer

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110 Upvotes

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


r/sewing 2h ago

Sewed This I made multiple little dresses for my beanie buddies!

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48 Upvotes

They're made from 100% cotton fabric and all designed by me, this is my first time making little clothes before! I usually only sew plushies


r/sewing 10h ago

Pattern Search Front tie top pattern

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111 Upvotes

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


r/sewing 15h ago

Sewed This Why do my hand-sewn plushies appear smaller?

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226 Upvotes

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


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO Made a Tennis Ball dress for Wimbledon!

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3.3k Upvotes

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 ā€œtennis ball linesā€, 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 :) šŸŽ¾


r/sewing 19h ago

Project: FO My first from-scratch sewing project!

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226 Upvotes

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.


r/sewing 17h ago

Project: FO Follow up on altering the waist - I made & added ties!

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61 Upvotes

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.


r/sewing 5h ago

Sewed This Need help fitting my wide leg jeans

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5 Upvotes

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!


r/sewing 22m ago

Other Question How do I stop my fabric from scrunching like this?

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• Upvotes

Hi guys!!! So i’ve been sewing stretchy on stretchy fabric recently and i’ve encountered this problem of it gathering like this and i’m not pulling it or anything!! I’ve changed to a stretch needle, zig zag stitch but yet it still hasn’t changed anything. I can still stretch the two fabrics sewed together, so I thought it’s not tension? but I’m probably wrongg, what should I do or use?
(I use a PFAFF creative 1471 sewing machine)


r/sewing 7h ago

Fabric Question UV protection fabrics? (natural protection and fabric options with additional UV protection)

8 Upvotes

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)


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO Next level Wearable towel!

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221 Upvotes

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


r/sewing 4h ago

Fabric Question where to find terry and jersey in LA fabric district?

3 Upvotes

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.


r/sewing 4h ago

Machine Questions HELP FROM THE SEWING COMMUNITY ā€¼ļøā€¼ļø

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3 Upvotes

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 ā€œNew Home model HF106ā€. Does anyone have this same machine or know anything that could help??

Anything would be greatly appreciated šŸ™


r/sewing 8h ago

Technique Question Looking for help on how to sew a liner into a purse.

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5 Upvotes

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!!!


r/sewing 1d ago

Sewed This Bodybuilder trunks in metallic spandex

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480 Upvotes

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.


r/sewing 3h ago

Other Question Hunting for a YKK #8 Vislon Separating Zipper in Burgundy/Wine — Help!

2 Upvotes

I have an LL Bean Women's Mountain Classic Parka Downtek in burgundy (XS Reg) that needs a zipper replacement. The zipper is a YKK #8 Vislon separating, approximately 30".

I've contacted Zipper Stop, searched Amazon, eBay, Etsy, FBMP zipper bundles, and multiple zipper websites with no luck. Zipper Stop only carries black and white in this style.

Has anyone found a good source for YKK #8 Vislon in burgundy or wine or have any brilliant ideas on replacing this zipper with the same color? Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated!

I did see that the coat is for sale on a few secondhand sites, but the measurements are smaller than the XXS. I didn't see a coat with similar or slightly larger measurements.


r/sewing 56m ago

Machine Questions I Have ✨ Tension ✨

• Upvotes

I love my machine. It's a Janome Sewist 721 and it's been very reliable. I can generally keep my upper tension at 3.5-4 and not touch it unless I'm working with very delicate or very heavy fabric. UNTIL TODAY. Something is wonky and I cannot get my tension to balance. I've adjusted the top tension and even played around with the bobbin tension and nothing is helping. Cleaned, rethreaded, new needle...still weird. Anyone have any ideas or do I just need to bring her in?


r/sewing 18h ago

Project: FO Janta Ray bag!! {creds to janie for the pattern}

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25 Upvotes

r/sewing 1h ago

Machine Questions Issue with Juki 18qvp

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• Upvotes

Hi everyone, I just got a new juki and was really loving it. The way it came the tension was perfect, it worked beautifully. This weekend I was in my sewing room and my 2 yo came in and wanted to look at the machine, touch some buttons etc (I was sitting with her). At some point she must have messed something up (I have no idea what). Since then the tension is messed up and I am too new to this machine to figure it out. I have attached photos of the machine and how the stitchss look. Thank you for any help.


r/sewing 8h ago

Alter/Mend Question Help! how can I fix this gap?

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3 Upvotes

I made the bathrust top and it has a big gap on my back, do you know how I can fix it? I would like to redo as little as possible. Thank you!

Edit: I still haven'd done the bottom that's why it looks irregular.

pattern link for context:Ā The Bathurst Top — Stitch Witch Patterns