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New sub for all things sewing, from crafts to quilts to tents to clothing. Come share your sewing knowledge or link a cool pattern or video. Questions are great too. I'm self taught, only sewing for a few years now, so I'm always looking for better, smarter, or even old time ways to get the job done. I love making something from nothing, totally rewarding and satisfying to the soul, I should have kicked that sewing machine's ass sooner.

Running with scissors is totally allowed here.

https://files.catbox.moe/d954ie.png
Saw this and thought it probably belongs here.

https://www.downsizer.net/Articles/Make_your_own/Make_a_Manly_Work_Shirt/

This is probably not the type of garment a guy would wear in suburbia but it'd be perfect for grubby work in the forest, garden, what have you. It's a simple style you could make multiples of. Plus it looks really comfortable!

https://soresourceful.wordpress.com/2013/07/28/my-postage-stamp-scrap-fabric-patchwork-quilt/

Oh my word this looks tedious but the results are very nice so this could be an ongoing project as you collect tiny scraps you'd hate to throw away.

https://www.spotlightstores.com/search?q=Sewing%20machine%3Aprice-high-vip

I have a really shitty (almost a kids toy) sewing machine I could never figure out what I was doing wrong with it (Bobbin unravelling I think, maybe tension or something). Anyway I could keep bugging hubby to get it down from the rafters for me so I can try again or I could buy a better sewing machine.

Spotlight have good sales every few months so I have linked there but willing to buy from elsewhere (keep in mind I'm Australian so nothing with extreme shipping costs).

I have added Brother FS60X Sewing Machine ($600AUD) to my cart to keep an eye on it for sales.

I think I want auto bobbin threader, auto needle threader would be nice and auto tension setting, the auto button makers sound super handy.
Don't know much about what I am doing so as much as I would normally prefer all manual stuff computerised sounds nice if only for the troubleshooting error messages.

Any suggestions, tips or recommendations welcome!

https://invidious.jing.rocks/watch?v=zN1MaEV6pvU

Video description:

Once I learned the English Stitch, it completely altered the way I began to do handsewing. For this exact reason, I knew I needed to share this historical sewing stitch with all of you. I feel that perhaps this could indeed be the one stitch to rule them all... (I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist the opportunity to make this joke.)

Historically "accurate" (or adequate) for 18th century and early 19th-century garment construction, this handsewn stitch historically did not actually have a name. Often, it would just be described by what needs to be done or the steps used. Later on, humans gave this technique the name "The English Stitch" and thenceforth so it was called. This stitch does go by other names as well, but I am not familiar enough with them to be able to accurately explain those.

This historical fashion sewing stitch makes it possible to not only seam two pieces together but to simultaneously line and finish all the edges of those pieces, all in one movement (literally just one row of stitches). Although the stitch itself can take some time and does require deep attention to detail, keeping in mind that this is essentially a 5-in-1 hand sewing stitch, makes all of the patience worthwhile.

https://sewingiscool.com/what-is-slow-stitching-tutorial/

I love this. I got the book "Slow Stitch" by Claire Wellesley-Smith and have been hooked on this method of sewing. It's all about the journey, not the destination maaaan!

Edit: If you're strapped for cash and can't buy Claire's book right now you can download it here until you can support her: https://b-ok.cc/book/3331008/0d25a3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsq_fglImFc

From the video description:

"In this video, I’m sharing the tools I reach for every single time I sew. Think of these as my trusty sidekicks—always there, always dependable, and they never let me down. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been sewing for a while, these tools are absolute must haves ... for me.

We’ll start with the big hitters like my L ruler, tailor measuring tape, and seam gauge. Then, there’s the fabric shears and rotary cutters, paired with a cutting mat, for cutting up your fabrics. And of course, no sewing setup is complete without tailor's chalk for marking. Let’s not forget the unsung heroes: pins and needles. I swear by glass head pins (because they don’t melt) and large eye blunt needles for serging tails.

Whether I'm making myself a crisp clean garment, or filming these videos, these tools will always end up in my little sewing box next to my machine."

https://yewtu.be/watch?v=KjaQ0kRga3A&

This looks to be a good solution for mending thin socks.

For heavier hand knit socks, use a method like this:

https://yewtu.be/watch?v=t9pEwlUaagg

If you don't want to buy a darning egg you can use a light bulb for the same results.

https://youtu.be/Ro7JxfVnpG0

https://www.eponases.com/blog/2015/07/popcorn-the-goat-from-voat/ :

https://www.craftsy.com/post/sewing-curved-seams/

I'm hand sewing small toys now and the seams wrinkle/pucker at the curves so I figured out what I'm probably doing wrong thanks to this article. Hope it helps!

https://www.pillarboxblue.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DIY-homemade-fabric-birdhouse-pin.jpg
A cute project to cheer up any part of the home:

https://www.pillarboxblue.com/homemade-fabric-birdhouses/

I'll be sewing rather than use glue in some places but that's simply my personal preference. You could leave the roof disconnected and use the house as a storage basket (with the roof as a sort of lid).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjG2AI8ipJ8

Great beginner project, this gal is super chatty but there's a few good nuggets of info. She uses PUL for her lining, so air dry after laundering. There's a company that makes a food-grade PUL, https://wazoodle.com/products/food-safe-eco-pul, this would be what I'd use.