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Sew Together 2026

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Fern - fabric choice and the Ruffles

When I did the pocket, I realized fabric choice makes a huge impact on the ruffles. They are double thickness, not cut on the bias, and then gathered to half their length. The pattern calls for linen, probably 3-5oz range. I used muslin, and gathering it to double (half the original length) makes it VERY thick, and even stiff. Rayon challis probably isn't as much of a problem. I cut back on the length for the pocket, and it is STILL pretty stiff. I'm going to try various things on the hem ruffle, but a more standard amount of gather is 1.5 rather than 2, so I will be using that as a starting point. I don't mind this being a little quirky, but I do want to like it when it's done, and I don't think the original design intent was for the ruffle to be stiff. Hope thi…

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fillyfiber
fillyfiber
4月17日

Thank for the tip on fabric use. I was toggling between fabric types, you just helped a lot.

Fern - drawstring casing seam allowance?

I'm hoping that maybe Lindsey will see this, or anyone else who has already done this step. The instructions say that all seam allowances are 5/8 inch unless otherwise noted. I'm wondering if the neck casing is different because the one photo I found (on the tina givens site) looks like they used 1/4 or maybe 3/8 on this seam. Thanks to all!


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Lindsey
Lindsey
4 days ago

I ended up doing a 3/8” seam allowance on the casing which resulted in a less tall casing. Which I don’t mind.


One thing I did thay I think made a huge difference is to topstitch close to the cording to create more a channel than a casing. It also results in a prettier “ruffle” finish for the top part of the casing.


This will be more clear when y’all watch my Sew Along. Coming soon! Don’t give up yet!! ;)

Fern, pocket

I'm on the pocket insertion step, and I have some concerns about the pocket behaving itself inside the tunic. I don't like the idea of interfacing it and there's not much to hang it from, but I'm thinking of tacking it to the side seam and the top of the pocket opening. If anyone has any thoughts on this I would appreciate it!

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Lindsey
Lindsey
4 days ago

I agree. I don’t understand why there is so much fabric above the opening. So I ended up chopping that off to maybe 1/2” from the top of the opening and then the ruffle stitching anchors that seam allowance.

March already!

I better get in-VEST-ing in this months sewing challenge. 😅


193 Views
fillyfiber
fillyfiber
3月04日

😂 I hear you

Sharon LeClair
Sharon LeClair

Best fabric to use?

Good morning.:) For the past two days I have been trying to sew this shirt. But the fabric keeps getting stuck into the dog feeds. Its doing it in both of my sewing machines. I think as a beginner with knits I got the wrong kind of fabric. What kind of fabric should I use as a beginner with knits? Its really been frustrating. Thanks for any suggestions.:)

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Tanya Sch
Tanya Sch
3月09日

I use the tissue paper that patterns are printed on to put under fabric that get stuck in feed dogs. (The scraps around the pattern pieces, not the pattern itself) I also use a walking foot.

Sharon LeClair
Sharon LeClair

How to tell the wrong side of a knit fabric?

Good afternoon.:) I am late to the game with the shirt. Question,

How can you tell with a knit fabric what the wrong side is? I have a hard time telling. This is my second time working with knits. Thanks for any ideas.:)

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The wrong side will curl up to the right side. Is one way If you can’t tell it doesn’t matter


Roadblock is my knit fabric

I need some help here ladies. I am stuck on the pants. I switched both my machines needles to ballpoint and followed manufacturers instructions on threading and setting up for knits… but the thread keeps breaking on both my sewing machine and my serger. Also neither will do the zig zag or the looping. Any suggestions will help.

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rlsiscoe
2月16日

Hello, it might be the thread itself. Thread does have a shelf life, so how old is the thread? Older thread breaks easier than newer thread. You might need to change the thread and all the other wonderful suggestions.

Core T shirt shaping

Is anyone adding the darts to their Core T shirt? I’m using a very stretchy cotton knit so I don’t think I will add them on this make.

However; I will try the pocket and see if it doesn’t sag.


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mgcolvin
2月10日

I think the dart is if you need a FBA? I am not 100% sure. If you can, I would make a muslin and see if you need it. I didn’t add the darts and mine fit great.

mayuri kathade
mayuri kathade

Advanced Sorting Technologies Driving Recycling Equipment Innovation


Advanced sorting technologies are at the core of innovation in the recycling equipment industry. Optical sorters, magnetic separators, and infrared scanners are enhancing the speed and precision of recycling operations. These technologies help separate recyclable materials more efficiently, reducing waste sent to landfills.



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Interesting article. I’m assuming it reiterates why we, as sewists reach into our own stash occasionally for our sewing projects. Sustainability instead of adding to waste.

Dash pants slash pockets

Thanks to to member who shared the how to quick video. I found a great tutorial in my library. Pants for Real People by Palmer and Ple


tsch . Page 136 . I hope this helps.

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Good luck to all on February project

Good luck, everyone, with your Closet Core Tee. This will be my first Closet Core pattern. I’m pretty excited! Can’t wait to see your finished T-shirts!!

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So, it’s February!

Are we all ready for round 2? The Core T-shirt.

I’m just waiting for delivery of printer ink on Monday, (if the weather is good for the delivery guy), so I can print the pattern. Looking forward to this one 😁. Have fun everyone, Groundhog Day tomorrow, so hope for an early Spring so we can all wear our newly made T’s. 😎

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Sewingin2025
2月01日

Check your local library for AO printing. Some do it for extemely cheap that way you don't have to cut and tape.

Attaching the waistband

I'm working on attaching my waistband to my pants. I found that I had a hard time getting my elastic tucked into the band. Since I'm sewing with a pretty thick fleece, I'm having a hard time wrestling the band to attach it to my pants. Did anyone else have difficulty attaching the waistband? Any tips for how to attach it?

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Lindsey
Lindsey
2月01日

As others said, attach the band first, then insert the elastic. You can watch my Sew With Me video to see how I did mine!

Sewing Slash Pockets

I've found this YouTube short to be helpful to envision how to sew the pockets.

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Mia Clusener
Mia Clusener
2月12日

This was so helpful when I finally started on my pants! Thank you so much for posting this.

Love these pants!!

The slash pockets were a bit of a challenge but now I know how to do them. Next time should be easier. I can't stop wearing these pants!!


123 Views
Lindsey
Lindsey
2月01日

I love that you've gotten multiple wears out of them already!

An important lesson

I'm nearly done with my pants. I've really been taking my time and enjoying the process. As I was pulling my elastic into the waistband, I pulled off one of my grommets. Apparently, I hadn't squeezed it tight enough when I installed it. That resulted in some rework to put it back on. We live and learn, right?

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Lindsey
Lindsey
2月01日

Were you able to get it back on?!

How to fix the pocket

I always think that a small pattern companies should put their best pattern out for free to encourage purchasing other patterns. Unfortunately, I have seen many on here comment on the pockets not laying flat. I noticed that the pattern had no notches to match anything, not a big deal for long straight seams but a notch to indicate where the pocket opening lines up with the lining to ensure a flat front. Lazy pattern drafting in my opinion

106 Views
fillyfiber
fillyfiber
2月01日

Thank you for the heads up. I never did slash pocket before and I 'm was trying to line up the front pant pattern piece and the pocket piece and the picket is not pocketing....LOL

chaos sewingchaos sewing
chaos sewing

elastic band - anyone an idea how tough that has to be?

Hej guys,

I am trying to use stuff that I already have in my stash. Fabric: ist supposed to be jersey but looks more like a double knit (its quite tough, not so strechy). I'll try that one. The elastic bands I have are in comparison quite loose. What do you think do I have to go to the store to get sth with more strength?

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Zea_Mays
Zea_Mays
1月18日

Hello. Have you tried comparing the strength and stretchiness of the elastic with waistbands in clothes you already have to see if it might produce a similar fit?


Dash pants / January

I finished my Dash pants tonight and I really like them, I used a lightweight waffle knit I found at Hobby Lobby. I chose the high waisted 1.5 “ elastic band. Very comfortable.. I would like to make another pair soon.


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Linda Brown
Linda Brown
1月16日

I love the color and fit!

🧵 New Sew With Me Video Is Live!

The Dash Sweatpants Sew With Me is now available, with a big focus on sewing an elevated, expensive-looking waistband.


This isn’t a step-by-step sew-along — it’s a look at the construction choices and details I use when I want a basic garment to feel polished and intentional.


You can watch it on YouTube https://youtu.be/1e95xDI1ZcA or directly in the January section of Sew Together. If you try any of these waistband techniques, I’d love to hear how they work for you!

265 Views
fillyfiber
fillyfiber
2月01日

Lindsey did you post a picture of you in your finished Dash Pants

I started sewing but got stumped on the 3 step where you sew the outside leg back to front. What do you do with the pockets?

256 Views
Lynn
1月13日

I agree this part tripped me up as well. Still not sure!

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