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Sewing Bloopers

Behind every great sewing project is a funny mistake.

Posted in: Creativity & Mindset • January 31, 2020

We all make mistakes when we sew. These mistakes can end in tears, a few curse words, or tossing a project in the bin, but we still find ourselves back at our machines, trying again.

The great thing about making a mistake when you sew is that you also often learn a lesson. Here are some sewing bloopers from the Seamwork community, and some lessons learned.

We keep them anonymous to keep your secrets safe. Just remember, you aren't the only one who has sewn your sleeves backward!





Are those...darts?

"I once made a top with darts on the outside rather than the inside and had been wearing it several months before I realized."

"Once, I was tailoring a cocktail dress for a friend, and I was so tired I sewed the bust cups on the outside. Had a hilarious meeting with that screwup once I turned all the layers out."

"I didn't hem a neckline on a satin woven top I made when I was about 12. I had made a pattern from just tracing a shirt I owned and didn't know how to finish a curved neckline. Wore it to school the next day, and it frayed so much it looked like a lion's mane."


"I didn't hem a neckline on a satin woven top I made when I was about 12. I had made a pattern from just tracing a shirt I owned and didn't know how to finish a curved neckline. Wore it to school the next day, and it frayed so much it looked like a lion's mane."

"I sewed a button on a shirt I was wearing, and I sewed it to my bra."

Who said sewing was ease-y?

"In college, I once sewed a pencil skirt so narrow, I couldn't step up onto the bus! My fellow bus riders picked me up and put me on the bus, and then carried me off when we got to campus. From that moment, my love of double kick pleats was born—as well as a much deeper understanding of wearing ease."

"I once sewed the pocket facings to the bottom of my pants legs. One on each side. I couldn't do that again if I tried!"

"I once made undies with a friend's jersey cardigan she had left at my house. I thought it was a thrifted piece of clothing from a bag of goodies given to me. Very embarrassing when I had to tell her."

Watch those fingers!

"Sewed my finger, and I had to dismantle the machine to free myself. I couldn't find a screwdriver, so I had to use a 1p coin instead."

"I was trimming away excess fabric on a neckband of a store-bought T-shirt I remodeled, and cut a big 'v' shape into my finger. I didn't even realize it until blood started running down my finger onto my hand because the scissors were so sharp I didn't feel the cut happen!"

A lesson learned

"My very first sewing project was a gingham checked top with a lined bodice. I became frustrated and threw the whole project in the trash can. Later that day my mother was emptying the trash can and saw my discarded project. She made me take the whole thing apart and start over as she hovered over me and provided guidance on how to sew. To this day, I am a stickler about paying attention to details and taking my time to enjoy the sewing experience. Thanks, Mom!"

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