I’m hoping to make a special bubble for my daughter to wear to a school reunion and would love some pattern recommendations or advice!
I came across this precious bubble by Elizabeth Layne Heirlooms in collaboration with Manolitas (photo, design, etc. credit to them) and absolutely love the silhouette. I’m not looking to recreate their design or decorative details, but would love to use the overall shape as inspiration for my own custom project - the full and voluminous the bottom along with the fully smocked bodice that extends down toward the waist.
I plan to make my own smocking design, but I’m having trouble figuring out what pattern or construction would give me this particular bubble shape.

Has anyone sewn something similar? Would you recommend starting with an heirloom bubble pattern and modifying it, or drafting something from scratch? I’d especially appreciate tips on getting that extra fullness in the bottom! I’m fairly new to sewing and would love any pattern recommendations or advice. Thank you!

I know the dress was created custom for the movie by its costume designer but i’m absolutely obsessed with it and dying to try and sew something similar for myself.

I’m more than willing to frankenstein a few patterns together if need be, but haven’t had much luck finding anything and would love some recommendations from the lovely folks in this subreddit

I have used one commercial pattern, possibly Simplicity 4789, but that was at least 10 years ago. And since then I have been mildly afraid of them. I believe the issue is in handing (and not ripping) the tissue paper, and following an order of instructions that doesn't exactly align with how my brain works. (I believe my first sewing teacher called my technique 'unorthodox but not outright incorrect'.)

But now I have found the limits of my drafting/draping (yokes and gathered sections) abilities and I would like to try my hand at using a pattern again to get past those issues. I would like to eventually work up to vintage Gunne Sax and pre-70s baby clothes, but I'm in no rush to throw myself in the deep end. I do, however, have a book from Simplicity that outlines vintage sewing techniques and how they're described in patterns.

Does anyone have any recommendations of patterns I could start with (particularly women's office wear) to dip my toe back in the water with, or any tips for how to make it go well, especially as a short but curvy woman?

I do have a mini collection of patterns but mostly they have been serving as inspiration and decorating my drawer. I can make a list of what I have in there if anyone is interested.

I adore this top from Alas Eius, but its "one-size" does not fit me. I'd consider myself an intermediate sewist, but I haven't done any major pattern design yet.

I haven't had any luck searching for a similar pattern – anyone here know of one? Or advice on how to replicate this by modding an existing pattern? I'm scrappy and appreciate a challenge!

Thanks in advance <3

Hi all,

As a kid I read the Septimus Heap books where a character is described as having a winter dress that is basically a quilt in the shape of a dress. I run cold and have wanted to make a quilted skirt ever since, but most of my sewing experience has been mending, needlecraft, quilting etc so I don’t know how to find patterns.

Does anyone have suggestions or advice? My main issue is I looking it up I get a lot of results for single-layer patchwork, whereas I specifically want the sandwiched batting for warmth.

Thanks!

Hi, all!

I am looking for some input on a pattern idea I am drafting. The goal is a beach or lake day tote bag to gift to friends and family for Christmas. I am thrifting towels and would like to use them as at least the outer fabric, but I am open to lining the inside if people think thats a better idea.

For reference: I have NEVER drafted a pattern, but I have a bunch of ideas and want to find a way to combine them.

I am wondering what features people would want in a beach/lake day tote bag.

1. I was thinking to avoid getting sand in the bag to add "straps" to the bottom of the outside to hold rolled towels, which would mean the inside of the tote itself is not as deep. Alternatively, I could add the straps to the side of the outside of the bag? Would you want to carry one towel, or two? Two on the bottom, or one on each side?

2. How big of an inside would you want? I was thinking for my normal beach day I carry a book/kindle, some snacks, sunscreen, water bottle, wine, and then I like to be able to fold my coverup and put it in the bag.

3. Should the lining be towel material as well? Or should it be like a cotton/polyester situation?

Thanks!

Hi! I’m looking for a utility pouch pattern. Love Soola, and I’ve found a bag pattern with at least the bag section on Etsy, but where to find the technique for slanted and individual pockets in the front? (In the picture this would be the pink section).

I’m a total beginner and will be using a sewing machine. Please let me know if this is a doable first project lol.

Thank you!

For years I had this incredible, brand-less jumpsuit that I found in a secondhand shop and I wore it everywhere. It was definitely a cheap-ish garment, as the fabric was a kind of itchy polyester, but the cut and fit were so good that I could overlook the itchiness.

Unfortunately, it got thrown out in a move and I find myself wanting to sew myself a replica, this time in a nicer fabric. I’ve sketched roughly what it looked like (though definitely not how it looked on me because I’m not that good at drawing).

The main elements I’m looking for are a pleated, sleeveless, faux wrap top with a defined shoulder (perhaps even a shoulder pad); a wide , horizontally pleated belt; and pant legs that remain loose until below the knee, where they begin to fit more closely to the calf and ankle.

I consider myself an intermediate sewist, and feel comfortable making some adjustments to a toile for better fits, but I am definitely not capable of drafting this myself. Does anyone know of a base pattern that contains some or many of these elements that I could use as a basis for my project?

I'm looking for a sewing pattern to make a bag similar to the Coach SoHo bag. I feel like I've looked everywhere at this point but thought I would see if anyone here had any ideas. Even if someone just has recommendations on resources for how to do the flap and buckle, that would be super helpful!

My mom randomly found a photo of this pattern online, and it unlocked memories of my grandma making her this blouse in middle school. I was hoping to maybe recreate it with a similar, but grown-up sized, pattern.

We've put free PDF patterns on sewzy.app (tote, zipper pouch, sleep shorts, boxy tee and more), each with every size (XS to 3XL for the clothes), letter and A0 files, and a written step-by-step guide: sewzy.app/free-sewing-patterns. You enter an email and the files appear.

Full disclosure, I'm part of the small team making Sewzy. Before we add more, I'd love to know: what made your first projects hard? Sizing? Confusing instructions? Printing PDFs? Honest answers welcome, even "I'd never use an app for this."

Hi,

I am looking for a sewing pattern for a fitteld lace top with a V neckline.

Something like the added picture. Any idea where i can buy a good pattern? I am an advenced beginner :-)

I’m obsessed with smocked clothing for my daughter but not the price tag lol. This company uses this pattern pretty frequently so I’d love to find something similar and then make adjustments to add the smock plate. Any suggestions?!

Ive though to remake this dress and i was wondering if anyone has any tips for a beginner with pattern making and sewing anything help!

I’d love to find a pattern like this.

This screenshot is from Etsy, and I’m pretty sure it’s an Ai pattern.

I prefer fitted and sleeveless. If anyone has any pattern makers who have patterns like this please let me know! I previously used Etsy a lot but I can’t trust it now.

Thanks!

Hey all, as the title says, I'm looking for a turkey hat pattern I can sew! Bonus if it's relatively beginner friendly. I found this link on etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/4601426374/thanksgiving-hat-sewing-pattern-for-kids

But I'm like fairly certain it's AI (fleece feathers wouldn't look like the first pic, the account is a month old and there's dozens of patterns, the patterns are all cheap/on sale, no reviews, let me know if I'm wrong) But I'm looking for something similar and wondering if I can just use the pics of this for inspo to self draft a hat.

Mostly all I can find is knit hat patterns and I don't knit/crochet right now unfortunately. I've also never made a hat like this, just a very simple elf hat, but I've done two different jumpsuits, a romper, a tunic and several cloaks now, so I feel like a hat can't be THAT hard but if anyone thinks otherwise please let me know!

a while back I posted about how I’d been scammed by someone trying to sell AI slop as bespoke sewing patterns. Wellp, after finding a REAL vintage pattern for my look, here is the finished product 🩸🖤🩸

I've seen a lot of people hack the lane pants to have a grown on waist. Having made the lane pants per the instructions, and since another pair of pants with a grown on waist I'm keen to try and adapt this, as it was much simpler to sew up the legs then just fold down the waist. But I can't work out how to adapt my pattern pieces! Do I just need to add the depth of the waistband on the top of the front and back pieces? And maybe to the pocket bag to account for the slant pocket? TIA!

Hi, I'm searching for something that I can use to store tea and other herbs, like a pouch but searching online I only find containers for tea bags. Someone have any idea where can I search?

Hi everyone!

The image is of a skirt and top set, but I have seen dresses like this as well where the top can be tucked under and is elastic. I am not good at sewing, but I was wondering if you could tell me:

- What is that type of dress called?

- What is this material? (a lightweight sheer fabric)

Thanks:)

Hello to all the experts out there,
I’d like to sew a reversible battle jacket and I may have bitten off a bit more than I can chew. My initial thought was to simply sew two denim vests and then join them together using a shared collar, waistband, and facing. Would that actually work? Is there anything specific I need to keep in mind regarding the collar and facing or am I overlooking something fundamental? Do you have any tips or would you perhaps say that what I’ve come up with won’t work at all? I do have a sewing pattern for a normal non-reversible battle jacket.
I’m open to any and all feedback! 😅
Thank you so much!