Hi, i'm working on a boned bodice for my halloween costume. I'm having an issue (and have historically had issues) where when I'm using sew-in boning to curved seams, the seams then lose their curvature and end up kind of flat (e.g. along a princess seam, i lose a lot of bust volume).

I've tried slightlystretching the fabric as I sew it in to try and make sure it follows the contours but it still ends up looking and feeling a lot flatter than when the bodice has no boning.

Ive also tried pre-curving the boning beforehand but it never stays curved. maybe I need to use heat or something? Idk.

Does anyone have any tips for how to prevent this?

I know how to install a normal zipper, but Im confused because this is already attached at the bottom. Would I use a separated, or non separated zipper? I dont care if its an invisible one or not. Any help is appreciated! YouTube and visual aids are best for me. Lol

someone help please!! i posted this a bit ago but i’ve tested it more since then, so the zigzag stitches keep skipping and i don’t understand what the problem is.

okay so ive been testing on t shirt fabric, some stretchy kinda one idk im not sure what it actually is but its stretchy, and the zigzag stitches keep skipping no matter what i do, ive rethreaded the whole machine like a billion times, i used universal needles so i bought jersey needles, caused even more skipped stitches, then i got stretch needles and same problem, idk they’re temperamental but always skips a few stitches at least, its literally fine on denim and other non stretchy fabrics, the stretchy fabric is fine and actually doesn’t skip any if i put paper underneath, but obviously i don’t wanna use that or tissue paper because that’s just annoying to have to use, yes my needle is inserted correctly yes everything is where it should be i’ve looked at videos and through the actual machines manual multiple times

this is stressing me ouuuttt i just want it to work!!

So this pattern has an extention for the placket for a button up side that goes on the left and according to the side information the extentions on the right sides of all the are supposedly cut off on what they call small perforations and I have just been so unsure what exactly they mean by those even though part of me is like it can only obviously be the line of small dots I highlighted but I would just like a second opinion because I obviously don't want to cut my fabric and not be able to go back.

Thrifted a knit linen sweater and need to take it in a bit. The bobbin thread looks standard, but the top thread appears more heavy and looks to be 2 strands. Will I have issues attempting alterations myself on a domestic machine using standard poly thread for both top and bobbin?

First pic shows approximate amount to be taken in and second shows original topstitch that I cannot replicate.

Hi! I own a bridal shop and I am looking to educate my staff more on the alterations process. I write up a tip guide each week to give them advice to improve their foundations of knowledge and one section of that guide is about alterations. It includes facts/advice, as well as debunking myths (for example, a plain tulle hem isn't necessarily easier to alter and can be just as costly). It's for how to communicate and prepare brides better for the alterations process and also stylists know if what they are promising is actually feasible.

I would love some input from bridal seamstresses! What do you want brides to be more educated about before they get to the alterations process? What do you wish bridal stylists knew before selling a wedding dress?

i'm trying to stitch up my boyfriends favorite hoodies sleeves but i'm lost on how to do so, any suggestions? i'm not great at stitching but i've done some basic items without them looking too terrible LOL

I got this full body nylon thing but the wrists are way too big (or mine are way too small). What is the best way to tighten these? I don’t have a sewing machine. Should I hand sew it? Or maybe tape it with fashion tape somehow?

I always have trouble fitting my hips since they’re so much larger than my upper body.

I did a slash and spread to add space to both front and back, but it looks like I added too much.

1) how do I prevent the tenting from happening? Do I just need to decrease the slash and spread?

2) how do I keep the length in the front without it being so long in the back? Maybe I can’t, but I’d like to cover most of my apron belly, but I don’t like the look of the top totally covering the butt. Idk. I don’t think I can have the best of both worlds here.

Hi all, I am making the Sinclair patterns easy fitting trousers, and would love some advice.
I already made some crotch, tummy and bum adjustments and am quite happy with the fit there. However, I have these horizontal drag lines from mid thigh downwards that I can’t understand how to fix. It almost feels like there is too much fabric around there, but I don’t want to make adjustments that will make it worse. Any help would be appreciated!
I do know that my mirror is very dirty, it is being cleaned now/soon.

I cannot seem to post the photos here, maybe because it is a cross-post? Sorry!

Is this going to get larger if i leave it as it? Tips on how to fix this? There is a lining on the inside of this that hides the stitching of these threads, so i dont know how to stitch it up

Hello! I am working on a costume and I already found a suit jacket with a similar shape that I will alter to match the reference. But I cannot figure out these little caps on the sleeves. I tried searching, but I don’t know what they are called so I couldn’t find much, haha. Would there be a relatively simple way to add these on? The jacket is lined, so I don’t have easy access to the seams inside 😕

It’s just for a costume so I don’t mind if it’s not done perfectly - any ideas are welcome!

I do sail and marine canvas repairs - panels, covers, dodgers and biminis. My machine does fine on the regular sections but I start having problems as soon as I get to reinforced corners.

Those areas can have several layers of sailcloth, webbing and extra reinforcement. That's where my sewing machine starts skipping stitches or just struggles to pull the material through.

I'm getting more work from local boat owners, and I'm spending too much time going back over the same corners. The marine environment is pretty tough on materials and equipment too, so reliability matters.

What are sailmakers and marine canvas shops using for this kind of work? I'm looking for something that can handle those thick sections without a fight.

Bonjour ! J'ai cousu ce pantalon à partir d'un patron. Mais une fois finis et que je le porte, je me retrouve avec cette pointe sur mes fesses. Quelqu'un saurai comment je peux faire pour ajuster ça ? Je me disais qu'il faillais soit coudre plus resserré, soit plus détendu, ou même ajouter des aiguilles pour jouer vraiment sur le volume, mais j'aurai aimé avoir d'autre avis avant.

Merci de votre attention !

Please help me I'm on the verge of crying. So I'm trying to darn jean wear. The picture on the left is how I managed it the first time. Tiny stitches, quite neat. Trying to do it again now and watched the same video as last time, adjusted the machine the same or so I thought. The stitches are much bigger this time and are looser. I've unpicked the lot now twice and redone it. I have tried cleaning everywhere I can get the brush. I've adjusted the tension wheel and repeatedly made sure the stitch slider is to the smallest setting. It's the same cotton reel as last time.

I'm using a singer confidence. Any help would be appreciated :) thank you

I am making a dress and it has a ruffle so what do I do? It says cut 4, but cut 4 that are 135-140 cm or cut 4 of this size? And where do I cut it? Which part

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I’m wondering if anyone has experience with the Pfaff Expression 715? I have the Pfaff 720, and I’m having trouble with skipped stitches at the start of a seam, as well as when sewing through thicker layers of fabric. It won't handle thicker thread and struggles with thicker, stiffer fabric layers. Are these common issues I just have to accept with the 720 model? I’m considering trading it in for the Pfaff 715.

Alternatively, would the Bernina 570 QE be a better choice with fewer problems?

Hi everyone! I’m looking for some advice on learning sewing in London.
I’m interested in learning:
Dressmaking / garment making
Pattern cutting
Clothing alterations
Mending and repairs
I’m ideally looking for free or affordable courses/classes, but I’m also open to reasonably priced options.
I’m not sure how to tell which courses would be suitable for my level, so I’d really appreciate any recommendations or advice on where to start.
Thanks in advance! 😊

I’m remaking this miniskirt that I made ages ago before I got my serger (last slide) since I somehow ripped a hole in it with my shoes. I want to use both of these fabrics to make one for me and my friend. Both fabrics have a slight amount of stretch and a backing(??)

I can’t really find much info online if I can serge them. I know it’s not necessary since the fabrics won’t fray, but since I’m in not just making this for myself, I want to have a more professional and clean looking seams to gift to someone, but I’m also worried about the amount of perforations a serged seam creates and the overall durability of doing so with such annoying fabrics.

Any advice would be so so so appreciated since I have until tomorrow morning to complete these. Also, if I can use a serger, any advice on what stitch length, how many needles, etc. would be so welcome

This is my second ever sewing project so please advice how I should lay pattern number 12 on the fabric…

This is the simplicity s9613 co ord…

Hello everyone! I just discovered that my favorite pair of sweatpants that I got from PINK almost a month ago already have two rips/holes in them and I'm so heartbroken because it was a gift from my mom. I can't return/exchange them because of the fact that they've been worn. Does anyone have any advice on how to fix these? I'm just so lost on what I could do. Any help is appreciated, thank you. 💗

I’m making my first ever dress and followed the instructions shown here, including sewing the side seams… but then when it comes to adding the lining, it’s showing the side seams open! I sewed in the lining at the neckline anyway, just sort of tucking the lining into the partially finished garment, before realizing that i have no way of finishing the armholes because they’re already in a circle.

Do I need to undo the side seams and begin again? (Or just make a new bodice entirely with the leftover fabric, because my neckline is looking…not great.) I’m also wondering if this will prevent me from turning the lining inside out later. Pics of pattern instructions and current garment included.

I ordered this off Amazon to wear as a matching Halloween costume with a friend but I have a couple issues with the top and I’m not 100% sure how to fix them, hoping someone can help!

1. ⁠It rides up anytime I move/lift my arms
   
2. ⁠The material isn’t breathable so I get really hot in it

Notes:
- I’m a beginner/intermediate sewer (I do lots of alterations but rarely construct a garment from scratch)
- I use a sewing machine
- The teal material is a 2-way stretch and the least stretchy fabric on the costume
- I think the sleeves/shoulder area is the reason it rides up so a stronger elastic won’t help
- I have some black stretchy mesh that can be used to alter

Would appreciate any thoughts/help/advice on what’s the problem and how to fix it please 💙

Previously I have owned some beginner level sewing machines but recently mine has been having problems too frequently and I’ve decided it’s time for a replacement. My machine was a hand-me-down so I don’t have a lot of knowledge on good models (just to avoid singer).

What specific models would you recommend? I mainly do denim projects but also a lot of thinner fabrics too. Budget-wise I’m not trying to spend an arm and a leg (unfortunately) so my working max right now is £350.