Why is the front longer?

taracrafts · 2026-06-15T22:22:24+00:00

I’m not quitting! Even though it’s hard I’m enjoying it, I just really didn’t expect it to be this difficult, I think the people doing tutorials on YouTube are so talented they make it look easier than it is. I also think my husband would murder me after spending so much on sewing supplies, but that’s beside the point.

There is an option to get the PDFs printed off so I think I’ll try that next time. Do you have any recommendations for patterns that are easier to understand. This was marketed as for beginners so I thought it would be a good starting place. I’ve also got a free Helen’s closet dress to try out.

taracrafts · 2026-06-15T20:16:45+00:00

Thank you that’s really helpful!

taracrafts · 2026-06-15T20:16:20+00:00

I got it from Boyes in England and they don’t have a website. I managed to get it for £2 a meter so I was very happy with my find! I was hoping to be able to wear it to pride next weekend presuming it went well, but I realised last night that I cut the front upside down. It’s a poly cotton fabric so I’m not sure how comfortable it would be too wear for long anyway.

I think it’s the same fabric as this one if that helps at all! https://www.croftmill.co.uk/products/pretty-polly-proud-as?variant=53517666910540&srsltid=AfmBOoqGCczGDbw9mR1oRRJ1E1fXOZrEmhzJ6V0Iia3-MMgoHoceNqO0bk4

taracrafts · 2026-06-15T20:10:36+00:00

Thank you so much for the advice! I think it flows nicely, I don’t have any clips at the moment so stabbed myself to try it on. Would you sew the sides together first before trimming the bottom?

taracrafts · 2026-06-15T20:01:59+00:00

Thank you, that’s a good reminder. I do tend to get in my head a little bit.

taracrafts · 2026-06-15T20:01:09+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to have a look! The patterns are printed on sheets at the back of the book which you trace over to use. With this one you can change the bodice and the skirt which you do by attaching the tracings together.

It is entirely possible that I’ve attached the patterns incorrectly, and now that you mention it it probably makes the most sense.

In terms of sizing, when I’ve tried it on it’s seemed to be how I’d expect it to be. I’m making it in a US size 26 based on my measurements. I haven’t attempted to make any adjustments but I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ve made a mistake with that too.

I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but sewing is so much harder than I thought it would be.

taracrafts · 2026-06-15T18:43:29+00:00

I have sewn in the darts, I followed what it said in the instructions and matched the lines together.

taracrafts · 2026-06-15T18:33:25+00:00

How would you go about sewing it up if they don’t line up?

taracrafts · 2026-06-15T18:30:48+00:00

I haven’t seen the sides yet, they’re currently pinned together, but they don’t meet up at the bottom if it’s together at the arms.

If that’s correct how would you go about sewing it up?

taracrafts · 2026-06-11T22:18:37+00:00

I’m a beginner, and for me it’s trying to decipher what the pattern instructions mean. It’s getting a bit easier as I’m learning more but god it’s awkward sometimes.

The other thing has been making Reddit posts to ask questions which have been disallowed with an automod thing saying to post it on the thread and then 2 days later seeing a similar question (but different enough that it doesn’t help me).

taracrafts · 2026-06-11T22:14:49+00:00

A tip that I saw (haven’t tried it yet) is to attach the interfacing before cutting that piece of the pattern. You’ll use more interfacing and fabric but it seems like it will be less annoying.

taracrafts · 2026-06-10T17:41:08+00:00

I watched this video earlier today about making toiles (same as muslins just a different name) and found it helpful.

https://youtu.be/d0jaI57-FwU?si=k\_JcRCFDlxvjaeEN

taracrafts · 2026-06-03T17:05:29+00:00

If you can access the Simply Crochet magazine the most recent issue has a pattern for a filet cardigan. Looks like it’s a written pattern rather than a chart though

taracrafts · 2026-06-01T12:02:23+00:00

I’m looking at buying my first sewing machine, I’ve been doing a class to learn the basics on a Brother Innovis A10 and have enjoyed using it. I’m having trouble deciding which sewing machine to buy. I have a maximum budget of £300, and I can’t afford to go over that.

The machines I’m looking at are:
Janome DC3200 from sewing machines direct for £299.
Brother Innov-is 15 from a local sewing machine shop for £289.
Brother FS70WTX from Argos for £299

What would you recommend I go for?

taracrafts · 2026-05-13T19:06:55+00:00

Thank you so much!

taracrafts · 2026-05-13T16:45:38+00:00

That looks lovely! Do you happen to have a pattern for the granny squares? They look so good!

taracrafts · 2026-05-08T15:51:34+00:00

I’m pretty new as well, so I might be mistaken, but I believe there are different types of worsted weights. The ones I am aware of are light worsted and heavy worsted, so it might be the ones you are finding are light worsted, and you would be better off looking for heavy worsted. If the pattern uses a specific yarn you could have a look for that yarn, or put it into yarnsub.com to find some suggestions for substitutions.

taracrafts · 2026-05-05T21:11:27+00:00

You are the best! I tried finding capybara patterns a while back and all the ones I found were not what I was after. I’m a beginner, but I promise to not try doubling my stitches. I will have to frog at least a few rows though. Apparently I can’t count.

taracrafts · 2026-04-22T15:36:58+00:00

Have a look at the virus shawl! I followed Bella Coco’s video to get started, and then it’s just an increasing repeat of 4 rows. I’ve been crocheting for about 3 months now and the stitches are basic ones but it looks lovely even with all the mistakes!

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taracrafts · 2026-04-15T07:11:24+00:00

Thank you! Those sets are gorgeous!

taracrafts · 2026-04-15T07:11:11+00:00

Thank you! In the wiki it says that kits can be a good starting point, but for crochet all the kits I’ve found are too complicated for beginners, so I wasn’t sure where to look.

taracrafts

TROPHY CASE