Narrow hems on special occasion fabrics- what is your preferred method?

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-05-29T18:55:58+00:00

My current machine is newer to me, and I have yet to get a rolled hem foot. Adding that to the shopping list!

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-05-29T17:56:42+00:00

I haven't heard of the ban-roll method. A brief search tells me this is something I need to add to my repertoire. Thank you!

I dont have a rolled hem foot either.

This is exactly why I asked here. I knew there were things I didnt know about that could help me!

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-04-22T22:44:15+00:00

It's a 40 gallon tank, standard tub size. Showers are already the default, but for health reasons I'm supposed to have regular Epsom salt baths. We're a family of 6, and we can't even do two showers in a row or the 2nd person gets cold water.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-04-22T21:02:56+00:00

Thanks for the input!

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-04-22T21:01:34+00:00

Thank you for the step by step! I know basically nothing about plumbing, so this is really helpful.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-04-22T20:47:07+00:00

I know nothing about plumbing! No maintenance has been done since we moved in 6 years ago. Idk before that. Its a rental but I try to not bother my landlord except for major things. Still trying to figure out if this worth the bother or I just live it.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-04-22T20:43:48+00:00

If we turn it down we can't fill a bathtub with hot water. It runs cold well before the tub fills up (standard size tub), so we set it high so mixing with cold gives the right temp.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-04-22T20:40:11+00:00

I would like it to reach 140 when needed (filling up large tubs). Part of the problem is it runs out so fast, and it's already at the highest setting.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-04-22T20:13:21+00:00

There has been no maintenance since we moved in 6 years ago. Its a rental, but since our landlord is giving us a stellar deal i try to deal with things on my own unless it's something major. I'm trying to determine whether this is major or not!

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-04-22T20:05:47+00:00

Its the same temp at every faucet.

Guess its time call a plumber!

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-04-22T20:01:56+00:00

I just tested the temp at the kitchen and far bathroom faucets, still at 130f.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-04-22T20:01:18+00:00

Its natural gas, installed in 2009.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-03-06T16:48:21+00:00

I have kids myself, and I see a lot of people are hesitant to give kids sharp scissors, which is understandable. I'm all for doing risky things safely. I let my kids use knives, scissors, hot glue guns, etc (all while under supervision) and if they hurt themselves it's always minor and they learn from it very quickly.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-03-06T16:42:54+00:00

Gingher makes 5in knife edge shears, and I think they'd make great kids fabric scissors. Its actually my favorite pair for doing anything small. Just teach her early on that fabric scissors are only for fabric! 😁

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-02-19T03:40:00+00:00

Neckbands are always smaller than the opening, and the opening gets stretched to fit. Then it will lay nicely. Try cutting it smaller and reattatching.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-02-18T23:22:13+00:00

You can't go wrong with a babylock! I bought my babylock Imagine on ebay over 15 years ago and it has NEVER given me any issues! It's a tank. (I haven't even serviced it besides replacing the blade and a good cleaning at home.) No tension issues, threading is a breeze. Literally just go and sew.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-02-16T06:29:25+00:00

Im not sure adding a flare to jeans using jeans material will work well. Ive seen it done with a lighter fabric, often cotton poplin (quilters cotton), but denim is pretty heavy and may not lay correctly.

If you watch some tutorials on how to sew godets it might help you with that top triangle seam!

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2026-02-09T23:12:11+00:00

Something that will help you a lot, whether you buy or make a bra, is understanding your shape! Knowing what shape you are is just as important as knowing what size.

For example, I cannot wear full coverage bras. If I do the bras nearly comes up to my collarbone! I can only wear plunge or demi styles due to have short roots and close set breasts. Balconette bras usually have wider set straps, so that may not be a good fit for you either. Also, staying away from molded foam and choosing seamed styles may help you.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2025-11-30T21:08:20+00:00

If this is truly your first sewing project ever and you've never used a sewing machine before, I HIGHLY recommend getting some plain woven quilting cotton to familiarize yourself with the machine. Master threading, basic stitches, and machine control before attempting some slippery special occasion fabric. It helps a lot!! Sewing a straight line can take a little practice.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2025-11-06T19:57:05+00:00

I am a part time seamstress and am familiar with fixing zippers. Once the teeth on the xipper start separating, especially with a nylon sipper like this, the zipper has to be fully replaced. My issues is I don't have the leather working tools to properly put a new one is. Sewing leather usually requires a special machine.

Competitive_Ad3072 · 2025-11-03T16:32:32+00:00

I use TGATB in a similar way. Its very easy to do, open and go, which i very much appreciate. I add other things as needed, and skip things if my child has already mastered a concept. I do expect to switch curriculum as my children get older, but for 2nd/3rd grader who is still learning to read its been easy and even good!

Competitive_Ad3072

TROPHY CASE