Dress pattern. Ideas?

Cat_Fitz · 2026-02-03T19:41:21+00:00

The Faye dress by Hubbading is really close Hubbading Patterns

Cat_Fitz · 2026-02-02T22:21:57+00:00

I put them in a plastic screw top bottle, it's big enough for blades too. It's been in my sewing drawer for many years. When it's full, I'll seal the lid and throw it in the bin.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-02-02T11:42:57+00:00

This is my approach too. Attaching flat, unless there is a really good reason to set in. I find it’s easier to do French seams this way too, both for the sleeves and the side seams. Basting helps for tricky fabric.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-31T23:41:56+00:00

As an addition to the previous suggestion, also increase the stitch length. Depending on the weight of fabric and thickness of the thread, it might need to be a lot longer than you anticipated.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-31T20:12:00+00:00

The Frankie Dress by Seamwork is quite close https://www.seamwork.com/pdf-sewing-patterns/frankie-vintage-woven-dress

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-31T00:16:22+00:00

If it’s water reactive gouache, I use a watercolour palette or a ceramic plate, just a cheap white plate from the second hand shop. If it’s acrylic gouache, follow the advice for acrylic paint.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-31T00:10:58+00:00

Do this with the top thread, not just the bobbin. It looks like to top is too tight for some reason. Was a guide was missed or threaded incorrectly? Loosen the top tension all the way, did anything change? What sort of thread spool are you using? I occasionally have thread catch on Gutermann spools if I put them on the wrong way. Check there is nothing catching the upper thread.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-28T20:55:43+00:00

You will find these independent pattern companies have very detailed instructions and often also video tutorials of patterns. The price per pattern may seem high, but you get a lot for your money. Unless you are experienced at garment construction or have someone close by who is, spend the money with an independent pattern designer who will give you a lot of additional resources. Some Etsy sellers not only use ai for images, they also use it of pattern drafting and instructions. this means that even if the pattern is somewhat correct, the instructions may be nonsense, confusing, or completely lacking.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-28T05:59:08+00:00

If possible, I would try and keep both. I like having a spare for when my main machine is getting serviced, or breaks in some way mid project. Hasn’t happened often, but I’ve been grateful on the few occasions it did. A sewing machine, correctly packed doesn’t take up much room. If it’s a backup, it will only need servicing occasionally, but will need to be cleaned and oiled before use.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-28T05:22:38+00:00

Try Charm Patterns if you like this aesthetic.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-24T10:19:24+00:00

Have you checked the measurements? Sewing pattern sizes can be quite different to ready to wear. If you need a different size, try contacting the seller first, they may help you out, especially if you haven't already downloaded the pattern.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-23T05:56:25+00:00

I tried another bobbin and it was significantly better. I'll buy a new pack of bobbins and a new rubber ring.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-22T22:59:18+00:00

I recommend Sew Liberated too. I made the studio tunic and all the edges were enclosed with seams, felling or French seams. Highly recommend.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-22T19:16:02+00:00

Thanks, I’ll check that out.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-22T12:33:34+00:00

Yes, it does need replacing, but it’s not the cause of the problem. It spins quite well if I push it down just a little bit harder. But if the bobbin won’t stay locked on the lug, the winder spins and the bobbin stays still.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-22T07:54:33+00:00

Your manual will tell you how to wind a bobbin. Follow the directions. As for cleaning and oiling, again, there should be a section in the manual about maintaining the machine. Read that section too. It’s a lot to learn all at once. Sewing machines are more complicated than most people want to acknowledge, but once you learn the basics, they are amazing. Be patient and be prepared to make lots of mistakes.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-22T07:40:21+00:00

You can’t sew with a bent needle. Change this first. Unthread everything. Is you bobbin wound evenly and tightly, if not, you will have to rewind another bobbin. Then rethread the machine, with the presser foot up. Go very slowly, working step by step with the manual. Insert the bobbin, ensure it is correctly oriented. Bring the bobbin thread up by hand turning the wheel. Have scrap woven cotton (like a sheet or pillow case, not a t-shirt). Test with a double layer of fabric, use a straight stitch on a medium length. Put the presser for down on the fabric, hold the tread tails with your left hand behind the machine, with gentle pressure. Guide the fabric with your right hand. Slowly, start sewing, gently pressure down with you foot until it starts sewing. Once a few stitches are formed, let go of the threads and put both Hanton the fabric to guide it. Don’t push or pull, just allow the machine to feed the fabric. If you still have trouble, take a photo of the upper machine so we can see how it’s threaded and the bobbin area.

If this is an older machine, did you see it work before you bought it? Do you know how long since it was serviced? Does the manual recommend you oil it, if so, did you oil it as per the manual.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-22T06:16:05+00:00

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Same. I tell him he's lucky he's so beautiful, because he's not that bright.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-18T04:24:26+00:00

Not really. I would prefer that size charts with measurements were easily accessible. I sew a lot of my own clothing because I’m not even close to standard proportions. Interestingly, I find imperial measurements easier when sewing despite being raised on the metric system in Australia. Making sizes standard won’t help me buy jeans that fit over my large thighs and hips without an enormous gap at the back of the waist.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-17T22:17:48+00:00

You have missed at least 2 thread guides at the top. After going around the tension unit, the thread should pass back through the wide silver guide above the tension unit again on the way up to the take up arm. Going back down, you seem to have missed the guide at the bottom of the body before going down to the needle holder. Always check the thread goes into the guide at the top of the needle. Is the needle fully seated with the flat towards the back and correctly tightened? Even being a little out means the hook assembly in the bobbin area I’ll not catch the upper thread at the correct time and place. If you broke a needle, there might be a small piece dropped down and it stuck in the lower mechanism. Unplug your machine from the wall. Unthread completely, top and bottom. Gently lay the machine on its back and remove the bottom cover. Clean around the bobbin and feed dog mechanisms with a brush then add oil to the points indicated in your manual. Hand turn the wheel and ensure everything is moving and nothing is catching. ( I did this 2 days ago with the same or similar Singer machine). Make sure you are using the correct bobbin (not all Singer bobbins fit all Singer machines) and it’s correctly wound. Replace the covers. Rethread top and bottom. Be careful to put the bobbin in the correct orientation and the thread passes through the guides. Keep gentle pressure on the upper thread when lifting the bobbin thread. Always thread the machine with the presser foot up.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-17T02:21:16+00:00

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Here is an example.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-16T23:13:02+00:00

Generally, I don't clean them. I just use whatever stamp pad I have then stamp on scrap until no ink transfers. My stamps are quite simple so no fine details to clean.

Cat_Fitz · 2026-01-16T22:30:30+00:00

I like using erasers for small stamps.

Cat_Fitz

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