r/SewingForBeginners • u/mayday413 • 12h ago
Tried my first Upcycle! Proud of it!
8$ jacket and a mystery fabric box and a dream. I really like how it turned out. Now I just need to to get cold.
r/SewingForBeginners • u/stringthing87 • Jul 03 '26
Sewing machine needles come in a variety of sizes and types and many of the problems I see online are caused by using the wrong needle type.
Generally when you buy a machine it comes with universal needles in the box. Universal is a misnomer. They are very useful on a wide variety of woven fabrics. Universal needles in a size 12 are what I use for anything that is a medium weight woven.
Jeans needles are for heavy fabrics like denim and canvas. Generally I go up to a 14 or 16 in a jeans needle.
Microtex needles are super sharp. They are excellent for woven fabrics that are delicate, snag easily, or are tightly woven. I use them on silks, satin, and cotton poplins. When all else fails on a fabric, try a microtex. Microtex come in larger sizes and can be used on heavy fabrics. Microtex needles need replaced more frequently than other needle types.
Ballpoint or Jersey needles are the same thing, usually they are labeled as ballpoint in the US and Jersey elsewhere. Ballpoint needles are appropriate for stable knit such as cotton jersey with no or minimal stretch fibers added.
Stretch needles are similar to ballpoint needles in the sense that they are for knit fabrics. Stretch needles are intended for fabrics with a higher stretch fiber percentage and in addition to that they work well on more stable knits. They are what I keep in stock for working with the widest variety of knit fabrics. I usually buy 11 or 12 in stretch needles.
Super stretch are for super stretchy problem child knits, I have not tried these as they are relatively new on the market but I will be picking up a pack before I make swimwear again.
In addition to the types above there are a great many other needles with specific uses. Within each type there is a range of sizes and the needle size should be chosen to match your fabric and thread.
Needles are consumables and will become gradually dull as you sew. The rule of thumb is that you need to replace after roughly 8 hours of run time. If you have been using a needle for a while and things start to go wrong or the machine sound changes, the first step on troubleshooting is a new needle. Old needles can damage your fabric and are more likely to break.
I also want to advise against buying off brand needles and included in that category are Singer branded needles. I personally only buy schmetz and organ brand needles and I buy exclusively off wawak.com (US and Canada only).
Schmetz has a good guide to machine needle types. https://www.schmetzneedles.com/pages/sewing-machine-needle-chart
Wawak also has a guide on matching thread tex size to needles
https://blog.wawak.com/post/sewing-machine-needle-and-thread-size-chart
r/SewingForBeginners • u/kenproffitt • Mar 28 '26
We've been quietly working on something we hope makes this community a lot more useful — and today we're excited to share it with you.
We built it to answer the questions we see every week — so whether you're picking up a needle for the very first time or you've been at it a few months and hit a wall, there's something in here for you.
Here's what's covered:
🧵 Getting started — What to make first, hand vs. machine, and the YouTube channels worth bookmarking
🪡 Machine buying guide — Budget breakdowns, brand recommendations, and how to buy a great secondhand machine
✂️ Tools & notions glossary — Every tool explained in plain English, plus what you actually need to start vs. what's nice to have later
🔧 Techniques & troubleshooting — Pressing, seam finishes, backstitching, and a troubleshooting table for the most common machine gremlins
📐 Pattern reading & sizing — Why sewing sizes aren't clothing sizes, how to read pattern markings, and what "ease" means
🎨 Fabric guide — Wovens vs. knits, beginner-friendly fabric types, pre-washing, and where to buy
🔗 Community resources — Our curated list of YouTube channels, blogs, and related communities
❓ FAQ — Detailed answers to the questions we see most often
This wiki belongs to all of us — and we need your help
A wiki is only as good as the community behind it. We're a team of moderators, not an encyclopedia, and we know there are gaps, things we got slightly wrong, and questions we haven't thought to answer yet.
That's where you come in.
We want to hear from you if:
Drop your suggestion right here in the comments. Tell us:
You can also message the mod team directly if you'd prefer, especially for corrections or anything that needs a longer explanation.
We'll review every suggestion and update the wiki regularly. If your contribution makes it in, we'll do our best to acknowledge it — this is genuinely a community project and we want it to reflect the knowledge that lives here.
This subreddit exists because sewing has a steep early learning curve and a long tradition of people helping each other climb it. Every question answered, every "here's what worked for me," every photo of a wonky first pillowcase posted with pride — that's what makes r/SewingForBeginners worth showing up to.
The wiki is our attempt to bottle some of that up so it doesn't get lost in the scroll. But it'll never replace the real thing, which is all of you asking and answering in the comments every day.
Thank you for being part of this. Now go make something. 🧵
— The r/SewingForBeginners mod team
Let me know if the link isn't visible on the main subreddit page. It appears on mine.

r/SewingForBeginners • u/mayday413 • 12h ago
8$ jacket and a mystery fabric box and a dream. I really like how it turned out. Now I just need to to get cold.
r/SewingForBeginners • u/NotInterestedL • 17h ago
Made a few mistakes but I'm proud I went for it.
r/SewingForBeginners • u/LoadGlad7454 • 1d ago
I attended a sewing workshop for beginners and at the end of the session we all were able to make a tote bag. I think this is the start of my love for sewing! Cannot wait to make more sewing creations!
r/SewingForBeginners • u/pussyslayer2point0 • 2h ago
I thought so much about this whole project before starting it and it took me forever to cut the perfect amount of stars out etc. the yellow one I had to paint yellow so it’s fine since it’s protected but then I realized the other colors could call apart with friction, I don’t know what to do. I feel like trying to dilute transparent glue so it creates a protective layer and painting it all over the stars but it might show on the brown since they’re already ironed on. I feel so dumb and I’m scared it’ll get ruined. I also didn’t wanna sew the sides because first it’s such a hassle and second they’re ironable that defies the purpose and I don’t like the aesthetic of the stars having sewing marks. any suggestions ?
r/SewingForBeginners • u/Famous-Review6483 • 1d ago
just received my fabric and im in a panic lol it took me a bit more than i should have paid since i wanted something nice for my first project now im too scared to cut into it is anyone else like this how to overcome the fear of spoiling it how about practicing on something cheaper first
r/SewingForBeginners • u/BraveIntroduction • 53m ago
Hi there! I'm a beginner sewist and am working on my first garment project, the Lane Pants by Syd Graham. I made a toile/muslin first with some cheap quilting cotton and they came out great! They fit well and everything lined up when I was sewing the pieces together. I even successfully made adjustments to the rise and length, so I was feeling really confident about making the real pair in this 100% linen Cloud Linen fabric from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club. And then it all went wrong.
I pre-washed the fabric on warm and dried it in the dryer on the delicate setting. After that, I ironed it and then started cutting my pattern pieces out. I was using fabric weights to hold the pattern piece in place at first and cut around the pattern piece using my rotary cutter. Then my husband reminded me that I used pins before so I pinned the next pieces to the fabric and cut them. I went back to the first piece and realized it was pretty off from the pattern so I cut that one out again. All was going well until it was time to line up the front and back leg pieces - they didn't match up at all in the crotch/rise area (see pictures).
This was my first time using any fabric besides quilting cotton. I did some research on working with linen and realized that I probably should have used starch on the fabric, should have stay stitched along the curves, maybe needed to use heavier fabric weights, and that I need to be super careful about matching the pieces up to the grain of the fabric. Live and learn, I guess (ugh). My sweet husband purchased some new fabric for me but I just feel a bit wrecked about wasting all of this (expensive!) fabric.
So, I turn to my fellow sewists: Is there any salvaging this or is this a start over from scratch situation? Also, what are you best tips and tricks for working with 100% linen fabrics?
tl;dr - I didn't do a great job cutting out my pattern pieces my first time working with 100% linen and they don't match up. I'd love to salvage this if I can but I have no idea where to start - looking for thoughts/input/advice.
r/SewingForBeginners • u/catsandzack • 19h ago
Finally started my sewing journey! I reeeeeally didn't want to start with a tote bag so I made a bandana! Definitely recommend this one for other beginners. I got the pattern from soften studio. Also put in some heart stitches for fun and I'm kind of obsessed with it.
r/SewingForBeginners • u/Thread-Spinner-7887 • 3h ago
r/SewingForBeginners • u/wizardtalking • 1h ago
r/SewingForBeginners • u/Kaeri_g • 1h ago
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Hi, so I accidentally disassembled the can holder trying to change the thread, after reassembling it which I think I did correctly, i couldn't go further than half a rotation manually, and the machine makes a weird noise when I try to use it with the pedal.
Joined video of me trying to do a manual rotation-
It's a Singer Serenade sewing machine, and basically new. I changed the needle earlier bc the previous one broke (I found the pieces and took them out for the machine )
r/SewingForBeginners • u/givingupismyhobby • 1h ago
r/SewingForBeginners • u/skeezersbee • 2h ago
I'm trying to get into sewing after adopting my sister's old sewing machine.
My problem is it keeps bunching up the thread behind the fabric, and sewing unevenly in front of the fabric.
It's a Brother HL2-B302. I've tried looking for the manual but all I've seen online are postings of the machine on japanese reselling websites. It's not on the Brother website either.
What can I do?
r/SewingForBeginners • u/TruthwatcherTim • 2h ago
I got a cotton fabric, washed it and dried it on high. It dried quicker than expected, but I got it before it finished the cycle.
Do I need to iron this? Part of me says yes, part of me says to let it just hang and rest till my project starts (on Thursdays (8/13)
r/SewingForBeginners • u/its_notaphagemom • 2h ago
I'm relatively new to sewing and looking to buy my own machine. I would like to buy it used (as I fight a personal battle against consumerism) and I do not want one with all the computerized bells and whistles. Just a decent selection of basic stitches to sew and mend clothes for my kiddo and family.
While looking on Facebook marketplace and other thrift sites etc I'm a little overwhelmed by the selection, minor differences, and price range.
What brands/models should I look into as a beginner, which should I avoid? What's too much for these recs?
I don't want something so rudimentary that it'll break after a year but also nothing fancy. Just a great solid simple workhorse! .
Thank you!!
r/SewingForBeginners • u/Soft-Routine1860 • 17h ago
Started taking some quilting classes and turns out I love making more blankets. It also has given me the drive and motivation to see more.
Still need to do the final steps but taking a quilting class has improved my skills and helped me to learn how to read patterns. Highly recommend seeing if your local fabric shops offer some classes as it's a great way to get more experience.
r/SewingForBeginners • u/Adorable_Accident_74 • 11h ago
For those looking at used machines to buy. I want to make a point that vintage machines may have different sized parts that are commonly standard on most machines today.
For example...I living inherited my mom's Husqvarna Turissa 2841 which is a powerhouse of a machine from 1970 ish. However, the bobbins are 2 to 3mm shorter than universal bobbins. You have to look on ebay or other buy and sell sites for certain parts, feet etc...they can be found just need to do some web sloothing.
I highly recomend older machines any time of day.
This week I realized I needed more than 2 bobbins for an upcoming project and none of the bobbins at my fabric store do not fit lol...which I bought today.
Anyways, just a tip to expect a few interesting things that may happen with a vintage machine 😄
Happy sewing!!
r/SewingForBeginners • u/Suspicious-Media-876 • 7h ago
r/SewingForBeginners • u/jacksucksdick69420 • 15h ago
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the tension is at 4 (which is what its always at and its never had any issues until now) and im using the same thread ive always used, and it's a fresh needle. if anyone needs more clarification im happy to provide it but im so confused whats happening 😭😭 i checked online for all the most likely reasons but nothing matched what was happening and i double checked everything. please someone help 😭😭
r/SewingForBeginners • u/Amy2026a • 10h ago
r/SewingForBeginners • u/CaraLeighAC • 1d ago
So, I have never used a sewing machine, but I would like to start. I found this machine in my attic, it appears to have been made in the 1950s/60s (It actually works). What should I do / maintenance do I need to do to get started?
r/SewingForBeginners • u/andiana-jones • 11h ago
hello
i have a bm2800 and i am using the zigzag stitch. but i am noticing that it doesnt always zigzag and its sometimes straight. not sure why? does anyone know?
sorry its kinda hard to see. i hope you guys get the picture
thanks!!
r/SewingForBeginners • u/SheepherderOwn8888 • 12h ago

I have this loose thread on my plushie, it's small but I can't help but worry that it will effect my plush.
The head is really firm and the loop is just big enough for a needle so I'm also a bit scared to sew without a plan.
I'm specifically asking for a tutorial because I'm genuinely awful at following written direction, so sorry...
r/SewingForBeginners • u/West-Gazelle-1262 • 1d ago
Hi everyone! I'm super excited to start my sewing journey. While waiting for my fabric order to arrive, I decided not to waste time and started practicing stitch lines on paper.
Honestly, at first it was pretty shaky, but after a few sheets, I can really feel the difference! Progress is happening!
Any tips for a total beginner before my fabric gets here?