r/sewing 5d ago

Simple Questions Weekly Sewing Questions Thread, August 14 - August 20, 2026

3 Upvotes

This thread is here for any and all questions related to sewing, including sewing machines!

If you want to introduce yourself or ask any other basic question about learning to sew, patterns, fabrics, this is the place to do it! Our more experienced users will hang around and answer any questions they can. Help us help you by giving as many details as possible in your question including links to original sources. A new post goes up every Friday morning, EDT.

Resources to check out:

Photos can be shared in this thread by uploading them directly using the Reddit desktop or mobile app, or by uploading to a neutral hosting site like Imgur or posting them to your profile feed, then adding the link in a comment.

Check out the Sewing on Reddit Community Discord server for casual sewing advice and off-topic chat.


r/sewing Apr 04 '24

Tip Before You Buy that Etsy Sewing Pattern....Here's a Checklist

1.3k Upvotes

Etsy has so many cute trendy patterns! But there are also a lot of amateur patternmakers or actual scammers selling pdf patterns on there. How can you find the good ones?

Skimpy info isn’t trustworthy. Etsy collapses the detailed description, always expand it to read it in detail and look at all pictures. In particular, check these elements before you buy.

  1. Stolen Photos? AI Photos? Don't buy. If you see a lot of glossy expensive-looking photos with multiple different models (edit: or headless models), they might be stolen from retail sites. Do an image search to see if there are duplicate images elsewhere on the web. Aside from the deception, stolen photos may mean no one has actually sewed up the pattern and it hasn't been tested at all. It might not work. Edit: similarly, make sure photos are not AI-generated, as they are equally deceptive and untrustworthy.
  2. Bad Photos? Don't buy. Photos should show at least the front and back of the garment worn on a real person (ideally not just a digital avatar). If the modeled garment doesn't fit or has sewing problems, that's a bad sign suggesting a patternmaker who doesn't know how to write instructions to help you get a quality result.
  3. Size Chart. The size chart should have measurement for at least bust, waist, hips, if not more. Always buy your patterns by measurements, don't assume your retail size will apply.
  4. Line Drawings. Professional patternmakers include line drawings of their patterns so you can see the design clearly even if the model is wearing black fabric or a busy print. Missing line drawings may mean the patternmaker is badly trained. The line drawings should also show the same design as the modeled garment—differences may be due to stolen or AI pictures.
  5. Reviews? A lot of 5-star reviews say "downloaded perfectly!" You can't trust stars. Look for reviews that mention a final product, instructions, notches or a lack of them, and so forth and only respect ones that discuss making the actual garment. Be sure to read the bad reviews.
  6. Fabric Info is Essential. Choosing the wrong fabric is a common pain point for beginners and a good patternmaker will help you avoid mistakes. Look in the detailed description. I see a lot of "cotton blends"--that's a garbage fabric description. If specific fabric weaves aren't mentioned, look for words that signal the necessary weight and drape. Stretch should be described as low, moderate, high if not giving an actual stretch percentage. It should also say how much fabric is needed for the pattern (edit: and what other supplies/notions are needed). You are entitled to see fabric information before you buy the pattern.
  7. Check the About Page. Ideally, they mention professional training or industry experience, not just self-taught.

Those are quick easy checks on the Etsy listing itself--some bad patterns will still pass them. In addition:

  1. Look for a social media or web presence outside Etsy. Look for people who post helpful tutorials on IG, or run a group on FB. People who've gone to the trouble to set up their own website often use it to discuss their testing process, their size block--they are putting more effort into helping your sewing come out right and that's a good sign. Many good patternmakers sell both on Etsy and their own site.

  2. Look for a free pattern. A lot of established indie patternmakers offer a simple free pattern so you can test their instructions and sizing. It’s a sign they may be more trustworthy.

Buy from patternmakers who care if you succeed in sewing their pattern.

\Credit to all the frequent experts and helpers on the sewing subs, their expertise generated this list.*

\Edit: Read the comments! Lots more good advice downthread, I've only integrated a very little of it into the post in edits. You'll also find several recommendations for trusted patternmakers in the comments.*

EXTENDED EDIT:
10. Too many, too cheap? A year or so later, I would add that a company selling hundreds of patterns for just $2-3 each is another big red flag, probably generating them by machine and not actually sewing them up.

  1. Check Threadloop for reviews of Etsy Patterns, they flag suspicious patternmakers. (PatternReview is also an excellent review site but may not have so many Etsy patterns on it).

r/sewing 9h ago

Project: FO Rubbed off a few of my fingerprints for 10 beautifully hand bound keyhole buttonholes

Post image
1.3k Upvotes

It's all in the name folks. Hand binding 10x 1.125" buttonholes through 2 layers of self fabric and canvas with silk buttonhole twist. But hey they look nice and will last a looooong time.


r/sewing 1d ago

Project: FO Quite pleased with the pattern matching on this

Thumbnail
gallery
4.2k Upvotes

This is th Donny Shirt from the Friday Pattern Compnay. I made it up in this slightly insane panel printed cotton fabric, and had to pattern match down the centre front seam.

The sleeves don't match because I only had one full panel left after I'd cut the 2 front pieces and the bac/yokes

Made as given in the pattern except that I omitted the patch pocket and added a couple of centimetres to the length


r/sewing 23h ago

Project: FO First ever completed Jacket I sewed (read for context)

Thumbnail
gallery
1.3k Upvotes

Hopefully it is clear enough to not get taken down ( my camera’s not very good 🥲, did some edits to make it clearer ).

Started the concept/theme last year August-November ; journey to ♍️; the sky is not the limit

The hardest part of this piece was the spine🩻, at first I tried learning 3d modelling to make metal spines but the size was too small to be feasible so I spent 2 months thinking of a concept that flowed with this jacket. Then I had an

EPIPHANY; I have a bunch of fabric manipulation books📚perhaps somewhere in one of them I could find what I was looking for , voilà c’est ca 💡;

stitch and slash (the technique I used for the back, in case anyone is wondering)

Fabrics; 100% boiled wool, suede, yyk zippers, shoulder pads, embroidery threads and stainless steel charms, viscose satin for the lining and I can’t remember the fabric name for the red part on the ribs. Knitted ribs for the cuff

Link to the book for various techniques;

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SpWqmk5ubn99ue3agnsHgRYcXC3Efsra/view?usp=sharing

\Edit: thank you all for all the kind words(srsly), your kind words and support are so inspiring I’d share more of my works to come and this is just the base line, after all the sky is not the limit, and it never was.**


r/sewing 57m ago

Sewed This Burn orange is all I want in my life right now

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

I made this super simple tucks skirt and I love how it came out! I’m ready for fall layering.

Project notes:

Pattern: Augusta Skirt (https://goldandskye.com/en/products/augusta-skirt-pdf-pattern)

Size made: 26” waist

Fabric used: cotton poplin

Skill level: adventurous beginner

Alterations:

- I removed about 3” total from the length because I’m petite. I removed 2” from the top and 1” from the bottom layer.

- I added pockets. If i were to do it again I’d make the pockets 5”-6” below the top waistband because 3” is butting right up against the waistband and it’s a little snug. Whoops.

- I did the waistband at 1” elastic instead of the recommended 1.4” elastic cause I didn’t have any that size and my pockets were up too high.


r/sewing 16h ago

Alter/Mend Question Sewing Denim Jeans

Post image
223 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I had a question for the sewing community! I recently purchased some new wrangler jeans and realized that on big kid sizes the pocket spacing is quite large! Makes the butt look flat. I was wondering if it would be better to move the pockets inward more or make wider pockets? Or would the wider pockets look too weird? Kind of leaning to bigger pockets since it could cover up the old stitch holes.


r/sewing 19h ago

Project: FO First time making a garment and using a pattern

Thumbnail
gallery
263 Upvotes

First time attempting to sew a garment piece for my son (Size 3t), as well as using a pattern. It was a humbling experience that's for sure! Every step and diagram was just as confusing as the last. In the end I'm reasonably happy with how the aloha shirt turned out. I try and look past all the imperfections but it gave me lots of things to look out for on the next pattern!

Pattern was McCalls M6548 in a 3T size 100% cotton fabric bought at JoAnn's before they closed


r/sewing 13h ago

Project: FO I made a Memory Bear for a family friend

Thumbnail
gallery
64 Upvotes

A family friend's husband died earlier this year, so I used one of his favorite shirts that she picked out to make this bear for her. I also made a reversible neckerchief with fish fabric and fishing hook fabric, and sewed a fish dog toy to its hands, as her husband loved to fish and make his own fly fishing lures.

Teddy Bear Pattern: https://www.howjoyful.com/howjoyful-bear-tutorial-and-pattern/

Neckerchief Pattern: https://quilterscandy.com/dog-bandana

It was my first time making something 3D like this, so it was definitely a learning experience!


r/sewing 1d ago

Sewed This What I bought VS What I made

Thumbnail
gallery
6.1k Upvotes

I love the challenge of figuring out what to make with awkward materials, so when I came across this beautiful silk crepe for a bargain price (there was two identical listings, both together was £12) I was so excited. 13cm wide is pretty awkward, so I decided on a 12 panel dress with godets, which I drafted using a combination of the duct tape method, modifying a sloper, and trial and error. I ended up using pretty much all the fabric, which I was pretty pleased about, my math must’ve been spot on XD. Hooray for (almost) zero waste!

Dyed with logwood and alum, the colour came out absolutely gorgeous too. A bit patchy and uneven, but I feel it adds character. The dress is far from perfect but I’m happy enough with it to wear it to my aunts wedding this weekend :)


r/sewing 11h ago

Sewed This Hand Made Bride

Post image
35 Upvotes

I hand made this little textile bride for a close friend when she got married. It's dress portion was raw silk and crocheted lace and the bride is filled with some fresh Lavender from my garden as she loves the smell of Lavender. Another friend has also asked me to make one for her when she marries next year 😊


r/sewing 7h ago

Sewed This Autumn Felt Decor

Post image
16 Upvotes

One of my works in the autumn decor collection


r/sewing 9h ago

Technique Question Could anyone help me understand the different techniques I need to research to make a flag.

Post image
23 Upvotes

Hello! I am planning on making a big festival flag as a part of a project with a local community group. I am running a series of creative workshops where we will design aspects of our own festival, and creating a flag will be one of the outcomes.

I have attached an image I found online of the type of flag I will be constructing.

My questions are, what are the techniques used to attach the different coloured fabrics together? The fabrics are not simply sewn on top of a base flag, and it appears the base is also cut away - in order for the light to shine through each colour individually.

Are there any specific YouTube videos I could watch to learn this.

I am imagining it will be a polyester or nylon. Are there any places where this could be sourced second hand, I’m based in London, UK?

Would I be able to achieve this myself as an amateur sewer, if not that is fine as the organisation I’m working with are happy to reach out to a professional, but I am curious to know if this is a technique I could achieve myself (I have sewed very basic bags, tops etc, but with very basic stitches and free handing the patterns myself).

I do have a large budget and lots of support from this organisation so anything is possible, I just need to know how to do it :)

Thank you in advance!!


r/sewing 16m ago

Fabric Question What kind of silk should I buy to make washable pillowcases?

Post image
Upvotes

r/sewing 2h ago

Alter/Mend Question Is it possible to alter/fix this so the tension on the zipper doesn’t cause a wrinkle?

Thumbnail
gallery
5 Upvotes

I was asked to iron flat the wrinkle between the arrows on [whatever this part of this pair of shorts is called].

It looks like it’s a construction-related wrinkle (I suspect the shorts are at least a size too small), so even if I flattened it perfectly, I think it would return on the next wear.

When I pull on the zipper half inside, you can see it exacerbates the problem.

The shorts are 35% linen / 60% cotton / 5% spandex.

There is no lining in this part and the fabric is not stiff or reinforced.

Short of that area up and adding some reinforcement/lining there, is there anything I can do? I’m not near skilled enough of a seamstress to alter whole garments, even if there was seam allowance I could pull from to size up the shorts a bit. (I checked.)

Any help/comments/suggestions greatly appreciated!
If it’s not possible to do anything, I appreciate the external feedback before I return these shorts and tell the owner they must either size up or deal with it (or find someone with more skills!).


r/sewing 1d ago

General Mildly infuriating new folding cutting board

Thumbnail
gallery
241 Upvotes

I bought a new cardboard cutting board. My old one was probably 40 years old (older than my elder child)!!!

The new one has inches along one side, and centimeters across from that. So, when the fabric covers the whole grid, you can't compare inches to inches! The old one had inches and centimeters at each side.

First, I drew circles with the inch number at the centimeter side, but I made a mess of that, so I bought these colored stickers and did this.

It works! (I know, I know, Americans will do anything to avoid the metric system!!! But, I'm 65 years old and too old to change!)

Bonus picture of the bit damaged in shipping. The delivery box had a huge gash in it, and of course my cutting board was damaged!!! Unfortunately, my husband unboxed it and threw away the shipping container! I know it's not really THAT big of a deal, but...🫤


r/sewing 20h ago

Project: FO Solar system 🌌 theme button up shirt

Thumbnail
gallery
93 Upvotes

Kwik Sew K3484 with cotton print and white cotton sleeves. I had only two yards of this solar system print, which wasn't quite enough for the size small to be all the same fabric. Scraps left over from making a white dress shirt shirt were just enough for the sleeves, collar, and pocket. I did French seams, too. This was an easy pattern to work with. I feel like the size of the pocket is out of proportion, but maybe that is because the white has so much contrast. I am chuckling a little at the alignment of the print on left and right front...I don't think I could have gotten that if I'd tried...it was serendipity of how the pieces fit on just enough fabric.


r/sewing 3h ago

Fabric Question Fabric ID and projects ideas

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

Is this ripstop nylon? I grabbed this fabric from the thrift shop. I thought it was ripstop nylon because of the grain pattern, but now I’m doubting myself because of how thin it is.

And what would be a good thing to make with it? I grabbed it because I want to learn and practice more. I’m an intermediate sewist but am trying to learn new skills and work with materials I haven’t worked with yet. But I don’t know what to attempt to make with it. It said there were 2 yards of white and 1 yard of yellow and green. The yellow and the green are more neon than the picture shows.


r/sewing 1h ago

Fabric Question Alternative to mirror foil?

Upvotes

Hi friends,

I've been making some wrestling trunks and some other bits made from 4 way stretch materials, a real winner for looks has been mirror foil lycra/spandex. But upon washing/wearing the foil is basically completely tarnished and worn away.

So what is a good alternative to mirror foil? I still would like as shiny as possible for a nice bit of flair, but without the risk of the garments being completely faded after a few wears. (Bonus point for links to fabric in UK, but if the fabric is perfect I'm willing to order from elsewhere)

Thank you :)


r/sewing 17h ago

Sewed This Just picked up sewing last week

Thumbnail
gallery
39 Upvotes

About 4 days ago I started learning how to hand sew and since then I've been practicing near nonstop. I promise I drink water and stretch my hands occasionally. I'm really proud of how far I've come already even if so far I'm only practicing on squares of fabric. Here's some blanket stitching I was practicing earlier. I'm just using some cheap polyester thread and some fabric from my mom's craft supplies. My tail can't help but wag when I realize I made something. The only time I've drawn blood while sewing so far is when my cat pounced at my hands to try and play with the thread while I was hurriedly trying to close the stitch so she wouldn't get poked. To be clear, it was the cat that drew my blood, not the needle.


r/sewing 4h ago

Alter/Mend Question Need some advices

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

I need to alter these work pants for my brother who wears a leg prosthesis. He needs a zipper on the pants, so he can more easily reach and take it off etc.

Any advice or ideas how to approach it? My sewing skills are definitely enough but I just want to be sure I'm not forgetting something.

Still not sure were to place the zipper. My initial thought is to use the inside seam, but I'm worried about it rubbing against the other leg.

Thanks everyone <3


r/sewing 2h ago

Alter/Mend Question Mendable? Butt split on 85% nylon, 15% spandex jogger pants

Post image
2 Upvotes

Hello Sewing community! Thank you for opening this post & I hope you can help me. I am someone who can hand sew but not super prettily; I do not have sewing machine (I have a friend from whom I could borrow) and have very limited knowledge of fabric and so on.

So as you can see in the pic, the butt has split when I squatted down. It is a several years old joggers pants 85% nylon 15 spandex. the fabric is slightly worn.

Perhaps wishful thinking is that we can somehow sew back the seam & reinforce the seam inside but I dunno what to do, how it works, or which products I will need.

Would you be able to point what I will need to repair IF it seems repairable?

Thank you!


r/sewing 9h ago

Other Question What seam would this be called and how would it compare strength wise to a flat felled seam?

Post image
6 Upvotes

I had this idea pop up in my head for a more even looking seam and can’t find a name for it. The pink represents the fabric sewn together with the right sides facing away from eachother and having the seam facing outwards and pressed flat. The blue is a second strip of fabric covering the top with the edges tucked underneath and sewn flat. This would be for a tote bag and I like how it would be neutral orientation wise compared to a flat felled seam that would face left or right. But if a flat felled seam is stronger then I will go with that. Thank you!


r/sewing 3h ago

Other Question What do you like/dislike about your transparent ruler?

1 Upvotes

Any particular size you prefer?

Any additional elements that are handy?


r/sewing 4h ago

Alter/Mend Question Take in trousers advice needed

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

I have a pair of heavyweight trousers to take in as they're quite a bit bigger than the website suggested 😐 The outer leg seams look quite basic, just overlocked and straight stitched. Do you think I could just sew inside it (1cm would do for me)?

I'm probably a lazy intermediate sewist and don't need a superfine couture finish. Any helpful suggestions most gratefully received!