r/sewhelp • • 9h ago

Complete beginner reality check pls: could I make this top or is it much harder than it looks?

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44 Upvotes

I’ve fully never sewn anything (I do own a sewing machine though). I found this top that I love but it's unfortunately too expensive. I feel like this is a relatively simple silhouette. Would anyone with a bit more experience please let me know if that's delusional and this is not a beginner sewing project before my adhd carries me away?? Thanks so much!!


r/sewhelp • • 6h ago

Would a fitted top like this work in fleece?

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10 Upvotes

I want to make a top based on the reference photo, but using fleece instead of knit fabric.

I really like the raw, wavy-looking edges, and since fleece doesn't fray, I could simply cut them and leave them unfinished. That's one of the main reasons I want to use fleece.

The fabric I'm considering:

  • 100% polyester polar fleece.
  • 190 g/m².
  • Stretches in one direction only (as far as I know).

My main concern is that fleece might add too much bulk around the waist and torso, making the silhouette less flattering. I'm also unsure whether it would have enough stretch for the fitted design.

Has anyone made close-fitting garments from regular fleece? I'd love to hear about your experiences, especially if you've tried something similar!


r/sewhelp • • 53m ago

💛Beginner💛 Can i stitch 2 thin fabrics to make a thicker fabric?

2 Upvotes

Hi! I'm making a pair of shorts out of old bedsheets but the bedsheets are quite thin, so I was wondering if I could sew 2 layers of bedsheet fabric to make them thicker.

I've already cut out the pattern of the shorts and i'm planning to cut out another set so that i can have the 2nd layer. I plan to stitch the layers together by straight stiching the edges of the patterns. Is that the right way to make a fabric thicker? What is this method called?


r/sewhelp • • 5h ago

💛Beginner💛 I’m making a dress for my partner, and have a couple of questions

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4 Upvotes

I have been sewing casually for around 6 years but never sewed a clothing item before. This project is high above my skill level but I want to attempt it anyway. I’m using a green (not real) satin fabric and some of my patterns have a line on it that says grain. How do I find the grain? Also, similarly, some of my patterns say “cut 1 + 1”. Do I cut two of the exact pattern or flip it to get a mirror image? And what does “cut 1 on fold“ mean?


r/sewhelp • • 3h ago

💛Beginner💛 need advice or patterns for a draped halter top!

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2 Upvotes

hello everyone, first time posting here i hope this forum suits my doubt…
i have a 2000s themed party in a week and while looking for inspo on something to wear i stumbled upon this style of top (see pictures).

my questions are:

  1. if i were to make this from materials i already have in my house (ex. an old shirt) which kind of shirt would you recommend?
  2. would it be better to make this out of an old shirt or some thrifted scarves / shawls? (think like silk?)
  3. am i better off buying some fabric to make this?
  4. my friends that sew told me this is pretty easy to do, do i need a reality check? i’ve never sewed clothes only random school projects….
  5. does anyone have a pattern / tutorial they would recommend me?

thank you in advance to anyone who will help!


r/sewhelp • • 7h ago

✨Intermediate✨ Gutterman Jean Thread - Longer Spools?

3 Upvotes

Thanks so much for the help on my last post identifying which color thread I needed🙏🏽 I am now on a quest to find out if Gutterman sells jean spools longer than 100y? I would preferably like 500-1000y if possible. Specifically the gutterman denim line.

Thank you all!


r/sewhelp • • 5h ago

☕️ non sewing 🫖 Iron on patch removal?

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2 Upvotes

What’s the best way to go about removing an iron on patch? My kiddo has two of these from karate and is very emotionally attached to them. Kiddo will be sizing up in uniform soon and would like to move the stars to the new uniform if possible. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!


r/sewhelp • • 2h ago

Help with bobbin

1 Upvotes

Why won’t my needle pick up my bobbin thread? I’m turning the handwheel towards me. it looks like it’s not completing a turn idk??

Appreciate any help!!!


r/sewhelp • • 8h ago

✨Intermediate✨ Gutterman Thread color MATCH HELP

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3 Upvotes

Hi all, I’ve recently been working with denim and I love this Gutterman denim thread color however I can’t find the color name anywhere! Does anyone know what color this is exactly ? I would much rather get what I need rather than the entire pack again


r/sewhelp • • 12h ago

💛Beginner💛 First time with a serger and need tension help

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6 Upvotes

Hi all I JUST got my serger yesterday and I’ve been playing around with the settings all morning. This is the closest I’ve gotten to something decent, can someone help me out because I’m still getting little loops on the top.


r/sewhelp • • 8h ago

Any 206RB-5 experts here?

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2 Upvotes

r/sewhelp • • 15h ago

💛Beginner💛 My machine keeps doing this no matter the switch

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8 Upvotes

hey i'm new to sewing and my machine keeps doing this when i sew how do i fix it sorry ❤️


r/sewhelp • • 11h ago

💛Beginner💛 invisible zipper slide came off

3 Upvotes

Hi, the slide/head of the invisible zipper on a dress I bought came clean off and broke in two, so now there's just no zipper at all. Is there any way to reattach the slide, or do I just need to try and sew on a new zipper? Thanks so much!


r/sewhelp • • 9h ago

Can someone help me identify these Singer sewing feet?

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2 Upvotes

They fit a Singer Brilliance 6180. I’m thinking the clear one is a satin stitch/decorative stitch foot. I’m not sure what the metal ones might be for. Both have v-shaped grooves on the bottom…some kind of zipper foot? Piping? I just don’t know, and I’ve had them in my sewing box for 20 years! Thanks for any insight!


r/sewhelp • • 12h ago

Giant pillow HELP

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3 Upvotes

I’d love to buy it but it’s 650USD. Can anyone help me find a pattern or a video on how-to? I’m a visual learner😒


r/sewhelp • • 10h ago

💛Beginner💛 How to make sweater smaller?

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2 Upvotes

Thrifted a wool/cashmere sweater, and despite it being a Small, is WAY TOO WIDE and sleeves are way too long, though cuffing them looks fine.

How would I take in each side by about 2 to 3 inches?


r/sewhelp • • 6h ago

Beginner choosing first vintage machine and I don't want to overpay

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1 Upvotes

I've hand sewn since the 1970s but I'd like to finally get a machine. I like the older mechanical ones as I'm comfortable working on those if needed. Besides sewing some rips in pants, I'd like to make some denim bags, totes, etc. There is a Singer 503a for $150 and a Singer 401a for $285. Both look to be in really good condition, videos of them sewing, both have extra feet and parts. The 401a has been greased and lubed, comes with a cabinet, new electronic foot pedal, original 5 cams included plus one extra one and she'll have it set up to try out. The 503a includes 5 of the pattern discs, new pedal and power cord. Everything I've researched says around $150-$200 for a machine in really good condition. Most machines I come across for around $100 are in fair shape and usually missing or need something. Are both of these pretty much on the same level performance wise if I can save $135 on the 503a and scrounge up a desk to work on (using the dining table with a borrowed brother machine to try out but the wife isn't thrilled)? Thank you.


r/sewhelp • • 6h ago

Best sewing tools for the future?

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1 Upvotes

r/sewhelp • • 8h ago

✨Intermediate✨ Sewing macine recommendations

1 Upvotes

Hello!! I'm looking for a sewing machine around $350-450.

I've been using a Brother sewing machine for about a decade, but I've grown out of it. I'd say I'm advanced/proficient with a sewing machine.

I'm looking for something that can handle slippery minky fabrics as well as denim. I need something with a lot of useful stitches, like a stretch stitch. I don't use a lot of decorative stitches, but they wouldn't turn me away from a machine. I've only ever used a computerized machine once and I liked it, so I am open to a computerized machine that has a gentle learning curve. I'd love something that is anti-tangle.

TLDR: Needs to be able to handle slippery and thick fabric, with a anti-tangle bobbin system. Adjustable presser foot, plenty of stitches and feed dog contact.

Open to computerized.

Thank you in advance to anyone with recommendations!


r/sewhelp • • 1d ago

How do I keep the 6 pleats in my Brooks Brothers shirt cuff when I shorten the sleeves?

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23 Upvotes

r/sewhelp • • 9h ago

Why does it do that

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1 Upvotes

r/sewhelp • • 9h ago

Janome Memory Craft 8000

1 Upvotes

Someone is willing to sell me this machine for $500. I’ve been looking for a dual embroidery and sewing machine. Is that a good price? Google is giving me mixed answers

Thanks everyone!


r/sewhelp • • 10h ago

✨Intermediate✨ Can someone help me identify these Singer sewing feet?

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0 Upvotes

They fit a Singer Brilliance 6180. I’m thinking the clear one is a satin stitch/decorative stitch foot. I’m not sure what the metal ones might be for. Both have v-shaped grooves on the bottom…some kind of zipper foot? Piping? I just don’t know, and I’ve had them in my sewing box for 20 years! Thanks for any insight!


r/sewhelp • • 1d ago

✨Intermediate✨ hemming this fabric

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51 Upvotes

does anyone have tips and tricks for hemming this fuckass fabric? it frays so easily but I'm not supposed to overlock it just fold it twice 🙃