I've been wanting to try sewing something practical, so I made these cushion covers using animal-print fabric. I went with a simple envelope closure at the back, using plain black fabric for the reverse.

The envelope closure was surprisingly satisfying to figure out, and I love how the contrast between the cream printed fabric and black backing turned out. The animal placement is a little chaotic in places, and the corners could definitely use some work, but I'm counting it as a win for my first attempt!

I'd love to hear any tips for getting sharper corners, a neater finish, and a more polished shape next time.

Also, any beginner-friendly sewing projects you'd recommend tackling next?

Princess Auto currently has self-healing cutting mats on sale at absurdly low prices.

For example, the 24" x 36" size is $14.99 CAD.

Even at full price, the mats are cheaper than anywhere else I've seen.

2 days ago i asked for opinions about what happened to my machine. and now i want to share my first project for my daughter!! 🥹🥰 im so happy for this that's why i just want to share it here!! 🥹🫶🏼🫶🏼

im trying to make dress for her for my next project! any tips?

I got this machine free from my boufriends gpa for free im wpmdering if its good

Found this amazing vintage leather coat. Seems to be from the 70's. 6" tear on the seam at the elbow. Lining throughout.

Any tips helpful!

i have this pined but idk how to start without it looking tacky. also this is hand stitching

I've worked with others on sewing projects before, either as extra hands/emotional support or sitting with my grandma while we pieced together a prom dress. I finally built up enough momentum and motivation to tackle something by myself. It's definitely not finished, but I'm going to a renaissance festival tomorrow and have gotten it to a good place! I need to add buttons to the front of the apron and want to finish the base dress's neckline tonight, but I plan to add trim and finish all the edges in time for Halloween. I'm pretty happy with the results so far, and I'm excited to see what else I can do with less deadlines looming over me.

Asking as someone who has no clue on sewing other than fixing a button or an open seam. What's the best option for reinforcing these areas in a colourful way and maintaining the chequered pattern?

I’m gonna do a passion project where I’m making plushies based on the Lords in Black dolls from the Hatchetfield series by Team Starkid Productions. I’m designing the plushies and pattern myself, the first image is my first prototype sketch and the second image is my main inspiration (which are the official dolls seen on stage). Is this a solid first attempt? I’m struggling to find similar patterns, if anyone has any references that would be amazing :))

I came across a singer model 347 and was wondering if it’s worth it at all to restore or just leave as a showpiece or is it just a bin job..

Sorry if this isn't the right place to post this -

I got this jean jacket for cheap. Looks great on me, so I'd like to keep it, but it's a bit tight in the arms. Like, arms hanging it's fine, but lifting up the arms starts to pinch a little at the biceps - Just not the most comfortable.

Is there something I can do about this? I had a jean jacket prior which had sleeves that were too baggy. It was easy enough to slice along the seam and strategically pull them in, but on this one where things are a bit too tight, I dunno... I am the most amateur of amateurs - Like, literally a guy with a needle and thread who's terrified of actual sewing machines - but I've got access to a thimble... Ha.

Thnx.

Hello everyone

TL/DR: I’m a chunky blind male with mild competence (and incompetence) in sewing. Please recommend a long wool overcoat pattern (pdf A0) that might be workable for me.

This is my first post in this group!!

I’m a mid-40’s male, mildly frustrated that the internet mostly ignores male sewers. I’m registered blind and use my little remaining vision as much as I can, whilst I still have it. I’m thankful of magnifying lamps etc.

I have a Pfaff hobbylock 2.0 and a lower end brother sewing machine.

I’ve made T-shirts and jumpers on my overlocker. Just had it serviced and repaired as it was always a bit iffy. It was an eBay purchase so always a punt.

I made my partner some trousers recently. The waistband isn’t great. You can fit 3 people in them lol

I’m now jumping back onto the overlocker and making a tshirt today. Building up to a track jacket (with wool jersey body, a quilted knit arm, and YLL bronze zips).

What I’d like to do is create myself a woolen overcoat for the winter. I walk a fair bit with my guide dog so need to wrap up, and they’re predicting a very cold blast in London!!

I have had some sewing lessons, made a jumper and everyday trousers. I can do pockets (slowly). I can do button holes.

An overcoat is a stretch, but if I go slow, and the pattern isn’t absurdly complex, I can do it. I hope.

Can anyone recommend a pattern? I get my patterns printed by CLC in Essex so a pdf pattern in A0 is preferable. I don’t think I’d cope with paper patterns as the lines aren’t easily visible.

I’m currently not slim. Had some injuries and had to stop treadmill running so I’ve gained weight. Some patterns don’t go up to a 48” chest, or that’s the top of the size chart.

I found this, but it’s not exactly what I want! https://www.sewessential.co.uk/products/tn34-parka-jacket-merchant-and-mills-sewing-pattern

I’d appreciate a signposting to something that might work! I’m happy to watch YouTube videos to learn new skills as I go. If the pattern has an accompanying video, that’s even better.

I’m struggling to find anything.

I prefer long to keep legs warm. I want to use some wool.

Historically I’ve bought unlined Hugo Boss wool overcoats, as well as lined ones. I find the lining gets ripe quickly as I wear them daily.

I hope I’ve not bored you to death with my overtly verbose post!

Thanks in anticipation for any reply!

I’ve been sewing for a couple years and am looking into getting my first serger/overlock. The fabrics I use range from 12 oz. heavy wax duck canvas, 14 oz. canvas, occasional tech fabrics, random upholstery bolts.

I primarily make thicker bags with my sailrite LSZ (WorkerBee servo motor) and find myself topping out on walking foot clearance often with all the bias binding and hems used to cover raw edges. Hoping a serger will help with this! I’d also like to make and alter some shirts and pants with said serger.

If my terminology is all wrong it’s because I’m stubbornly self-taught and generally confused! Ideally looking to spend under or around $1,000 USD. Am open to slightly more expensive recommendations as I don’t mind waiting around for a deal and marketplace in my area is active. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

This is a new issue that I️ have yet to come across. What would be the reason why some random stitches are longer than others?
I’m consistently feeding the fabric through without tugging or pulling. I️ have not touched any of my settings either.
There is appropriate tension with the fabric, it’s just that some random ones are longer than others.

Hey guys! I got this dress second hand for my rehearsal dinner and it fits nicely other than it being too long, I’d like to make the shoulder straps shorter. What tips do you have to alter a garment with multiple layers like this?

This is my first time sewing a skirt (the pattern is Simplicity's S9267), and I'm struggling with the pockets. They look to be sewn properly from the outside, but when I try it on the skirt of jutting out at the pockets. They're sewn to lay flat towards the front of the skirt.

Is there any way to fix this?are the pockets even what's causing the issue? Will I have to completely seam-rip and redo the sides and waistband? Any help is appreciated!

(Edit to add that I haven't attached any of the buttons yet except the top one. I wanted to wait and see if I could fix this first before going through the effort to make the button holes)

i'm new to sewing machines and not sure why this is happening, i'm sewing on cotton fabric and the second i start sewing and backtrack to begin the seam, my top thread comes undone. i've re threaded the machine many times, but it keeps happening. if i don't backstitch this doesn't happen, but that's not something i can just avoid. please let me know why this is happening. this is not my first piece, i previously made a garment with no such issues.

Disregarding the lack of peripherals, i cannot find any manuals for my 'janome memory craft 6500 home' anywhere, or any information really.

Ive looked everywhere and have determined that it is likely a regional offshoot for the 6000 or something. There are plenty of manuals for that and its likely that they work the same, but it would be nice to have one for my machine.

If anyone is better at looking for manuals than i am i would be ecstatic to have one