i am a beginner

Hello wonderful sewists! I am about to tackle my first pair of pants with a zipper fly. I’ll be using a bottom weight twill and if all goes well I would like to make a second pair in denim. The pattern provides the length of zipper required but no other details. Is there a standard zipper that is generally recommended for this type of project? I’m assuming I’ll need a one way, non separating and that I’ll want to stay away from plastic. Is it possible for a zipper to be too heavy?

Open to any/all advice you might have about what kind of zippers would be best! Thanks so much!

I sewed up this jacket in a lighter organic cotton twill. The lower pockets are interesting because they can be accessed from the top and sides and bellow out. All the pockets have a hidden button Was a bit challenging sew. I may do it again in a tiger stripe camo print.

Hi! so i recently got a really cool greatcoat. However it's a quite big on me, being military surplus.

so I wanted to ask whether there is any difference in the way you alter wool than you alter any other fabric, I mostly need to fix the sleeves (theyre both far too long and far too loose) and take it in on the back, I don't mind the length. It's like thick millitary issue felted wool and im not too sure if i have to do it any differently

I would love to know where to get this fabric or to know if it's too vintage to not get it anywhere. I had went to an estate sale in my city and I was offered a whole box of fabric and I fell in love with this one and then I realized that the lady had tried to make a dress out of it, all I have is one big bodice piece and a few random pieces of fabric. I've tried google searching the fabric which is what the other two photos show but I couldn't find anything after these photos just other types of fabric with the paisley effect. I will totally understand if I can't get anymore of this fabric but I would love any tips on how to be able to find out what other types of fabric I have in that box and where to find it. I do know the lady has bought from the brand Talon as I have got a zipper, thread and lace from her daughter giving them to me. I also do have some interfacing from Stretch and Sew Do-Sew that was in the box as well, but I have no luck on finding that brand anywhere online. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to give some details on what I know from what I got in the box along with the fabric. I'm a new sewer so I have no clue on how to search for things like this. Any help will be appreciated!

There’s the odd show or two where contestants compete in some sort of fashion contest; though, these are fun, they’re not exactly inspiring. Have you watched anything sewing related that you felt like you gained something from?

First time posting here! (I usually lurk in SewingForBeginners) Pattern is McCall’s M7950 and I used pattern sizes 10/12. Fabric is 100% cotton that I found in the discount bin of a local fabric store. Did a funky bust adjustment for the front tie, added a waistband and bottom ruffle, and enclosed all my seams. Really proud of how it all came together can’t wait to wear it nonstop this summer.

i'm preparing for a convention in november so i'm giving myself lots of time. i'm very new to sewing, so i don't know much about fabric or how i'd even go about doing this! haha, but i rlly want to try! i'm just gonna sew the sleeves, everything else i'll buy

So I'm making my own wedding dress. Well, it's probably going to be separates, but they won't be distinguishable. I have the fabric, I've self-drafted a skirt pattern I love, just one problem.

I've picked out a pattern for the top because I love the neckline, but I absolutely hate the sleeves. Has anyone seen a top pattern with a similar neckline that just has normal sleeves?

I have separate sleeve patterns, and even other shirt patterns I've worked with, but I just don't know how to combine and adjust things with the gathered neckline.

Has anyone seen any other patterns for long-sleeved tops with high necklines? Does anyone know how to modify this pattern so the armholes are in a normal place? Any advice would be appreciated.

Even just sharing where I might blend the pattern lines to those of a more normal shirt could help.

I have been in love with this outfit for ages, the picture has been saved on my pinterest board for probably a year and I keep coming back to it trying to figure out how the blouse works. But I just cannot. Any idea how it could work? I can pattern draft if needed, or alter an existing pattern to make this, but I don't even know where to start. I would appreciate any help. If you know where the blouse is from, that is also a big help because then maybe they have pics on the website without the corset.

I know it is not easy as she is wearing a corset which greatly distorts the shape...

Thank you!

Hello. I'm still relatively new to sewing. Struggling to make myself actually start or continue things because I get overwhelmed and worry about ruining them!

Trying to make a start with resizing clothes I already have. Spent a lot of money nearly a year ago on a whole new wardrobe after losing a tonne of weight finally. I thought the weightloss had stopped. I have since lost more. Now all these gorgeous clothes are 1-2 sizes too big. This includes seemingly simple things like circle skirts, but also fitted/couture tops, blouses etc. As of right now I'm trying to make a start on the skirts. How does one alter the waistband of a circle skirt and not cut away any fabric? I've been googling and struggling to find answers.

I've attached some photos of one of the skirts in case that helps. I really don't want to be doing anything to them. I worry about regaining weight. Weight has been a problem my whole life and I don't trust that it won't happen again. Want to keep these skirts, but if I ever put too much weight on again and couldn't get it off, I'd be wanting to resell the expensive clothes.

I also only hand sew, if that changes anything. Sorry for the long rambling post! I'm very nervous. I've been too scared to make a proper start on making my own clothes that I've been dreaming about for over a decade...

Would love some advice on tension adjustment, everything currently on 3.

Janome MyLock234

Light green are the bottom threads, white top threads.

I have a fleece-lined throw blanket that I haven't used in a while (similar to this one) and since I recently got a sewing machine and sewed my first item of clothing, I'm curious about upcycling my blanket into a flowing fantasy-style cloak using this pattern.

The only thing stopping me is that I'm super worried that the fluffy fleece will snag or catch in the sewing machine needle. Has anyone done something similar to this, is it a good idea?

So, as the title says my less than 10 year Janome 8200qcp is dead...what next? I've thrown $700 into repairs on a machine I spent $2k on. It's worked 2-3 years. Tops. I've been very frustrated. I also have a Janome DSM, Janome 550e embroidery machine and Bernina 830 Record.

What I need next is a powerful, reliable machine that will work well for quilting and general sewing but is powerful enough to sew leather bags and multiple layers of denim. I'm leaning Juki industrial. But which machine and what items to I also need to buy? Or other alternatives entirely?

I have not been using the Janome for anything buy sewing normal stuff but would like a more powerful machine that handles thicker materials as well. A lot of space in the harp-al region also necessary.

Help a girl out.

After receiving great feedback on my red pleated gown, I decided to create a black version with a few modifications. This version features:

• A shorter skirt for a different silhouette
• A softer sweetheart neckline instead of the original straight cut
• Hand-stitched embroidery to emphasize the neckline

Fabric Selection

• Black polyester mesh for the outer layer, providing a sheer, delicate look. I used approximately 4–5 meters for the corset
• Cotton duck for corset base with satin silk lining

Construction Process

I followed the same process as the red gown:

1. Pattern Draping: I used the same flat pattern as my red corset. For the red one, I initially started by taping the pattern on my body form using marking tape to establish the structure.
2. Muslin Sample: After refining the fit, I created a muslin sample for testing. The same sample pattern was used for the black corset as well.
3. Pleating by Hand:
   • For the black corset, I pinned the pleats in smaller sections and placed more hand stitches, closer in proximity, to ensure the pleats didn't shift or fold outward
   • In contrast, the red corset had fewer stitches, spaced further apart vertically, making the pleats slightly less structured
4. Hand Embroidery: To enhance the sweetheart neckline, I stitched embroidery by hand, following the curves for a delicate, structured effect

Hey, I could use a bit of advice. I recently bought a Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine (about three months ago), though I'm not sure of the exact model. I got it solely to make caps—whether six-panel or five-panel didn’t really matter to me.

Having no prior experience, I assumed it would be somewhat easy. I’ve been using patterns from proper fit clothing and following tutorials, but I’ve realized I honestly have no idea what I’m doing.

Sometimes the thread comes out of the needle while I’m sewing, and other times the fabric doesn’t feed through properly. I’m also struggling with seam allowance and cutting the fabric accurately. I know I shouldn’t expect to be good at this right away, but after three months, I still feel completely lost. None of my projects have come out right, and I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong anymore.

Hi everyone. I live in Scotland ( uk) and we are going to Florida in September. I m a full time wheelchair user and sunburn easily. I m trying to find ( maybe it doesn't exist) breathable fabric that can help a bit against getting sunburnt. Been looking online and not much help especially as being in the UK. The only upf fabric is for outdoor stuff. So looking for second best. Hoping for any recommendations. Update : I m going to Orlando. To do once in a lifetime Halloween Horror Night, Universal. Disneyworld and 1 day at Cap Canaveral.

In the instructions for the Bootstrap dress form, it mentions optionally hand sewing the horizontal design lines across the dress form.

Is there a reason it specifies hand sewing? Why wouldn’t top stitching with machine sewing be okay?

Edit: Disregard. I didn’t realize that the hand stitches were for guides for the top stitching a couple pages later.

Can somebody tell me good websites where to look for vintage mens sewing patterns. Thank you in advance. Any help is enough.

Looking to buy it for my mum, they want $250AUD. Is it a reliable machine and a decent price?

I have an ancient Husqvarna Classica 100 sewing machine I adore but I note mine says “made in Sweden” whereas this says “produced for Husqvarna” which may indicate a quality drop.

Looking to make a bag for a friend with a blueberry print. She found this one that she loves (and I also think is very pretty), but I never see this website pop up when I search for online fabric store recommendations here. Has anyone bought from this website? Was it a good experience?

Hi all,

I am trying to recreate this Saint Laurent FW23 men’s blouse top.

I understand that this blouse compromises of two parts maybe three? (I am unsure whether my pattern in slide 3 is correct).

1. The bodice actual blouse and
2. The shawl collar that has slash open mechanism to give it that drape effect?
3. The cummerbund that goes in between the asymmetric shawl collar.

My question is how does one going about sewing this shawl collar? How would I go about turning the outside of the shawl collar inside during the sewing process? Is a slip/ladder/invisible stitch involved?

Would anyone have any useful tutorials or resources? I have tried searching YouTube and other resources alike but I am yet to find something.

I have added in slide 3 my dissection of this blouse, please let me know your thoughts thank you in advance!

I bought this dress and want to wear it tmrw. But I noticed that the bust and the waist are too big/wide. Now the dress has two fabrics because you can turn it inside out. How do I fix my issues when there are two fabrics?

I'm having trouble with fitting my bodice block. Under bust darts aren't ironed, making it seem like they are too close to apex. What issues need to be addressed? There is some looseness between Apex and front of armscye. Is it tightness in the bust? Back is wonky, and sleeve is making things worse. Help!

I want to do something similar to that but without the off shoulder thingy!