I’m just starting sewing again after 40 years and when I laid out the pattern for my shirt and cut it out, I realized I had the material folded with wrong sides together as opposed to right sides. How much of a difference will this make and what do I have to do differently, if anything, when putting the shirt together to sew?
Submitted via email
If you cut all of your pieces with the wrong sides together rather than the right sides together if actually won’t make any difference at all. When something like this would make a difference is if you cut only some of your pattern pieces out with the fabric wrong sides together and then cut the rest with the right sides together (especially if the fabric has a definite right and wrong side). What essentially happens is that the first group of pattern pieces cut out will be the opposite of the second group and they will not line up when you go to sew your pieces together.
Hope this helps!
Ashley
Want to learn more? Check out this quick tip on How to Align Your Fabric Correctly Every Time!
You might also be interested in:
No Knot on Wrong Side of Fabric
Types of Interfacing Fabric and Interfacing Sewing
Reverse Applique and T-Shirt Applique Ideas
Upcycle T-Shirt Project: Sew a Beaded Neckline
T-Shirt Upcycle: Adding Lace to a Shirt
Do you have a sewing question you’d like answered by an expert? Email your question to editor@nationalsewingcircle.com or reach out to us on Facebook.
Please note: questions may be edited for clarity and relevance.
I always cut my stuff wrong sides together so that I can see the pattern in the fabric. The problem comes when you cut pieces with the top and bottom switched like I did when making a corduroy jacket.
Great tip… thank you.
Very helpful answer
I tried to shorten a pair of dress pants but i cut too much of,can this be fixed
Hello Marlene,
This is for members to our online community. We do have a $3.00 USD annual entrance offer if you are interested? This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Below is the link to join if you are interested: https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/?add-to-cart-multi=1&products=611&skipcart=1&coupon=C31945&utm_source=NSC&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=3&utm_campaign=C31945&vscid=C31945
Sincerely,
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I was surprised by this question as I am sewing for 60years+ and I always cut my patterns with the fabric wrong side together. But if all the pieces are cut the same way, it should not make a difference… … I think!
trying to sew together 2 gromment panels which are also lined. I keep getting uneven hems at the bottom. How to I prepare to sew this together so both hem bottoms will correctly line up? I’ve tried pinning panels first, and then also ironing the edges with no luck. The top layer continues to ap up while trying to sew.
Hello Linda,
Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in sewing. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
If you are interested in becoming a member to National Sewing Circle, please click on the special offer below:
https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C29292
Sincerely,
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
Is there an easy way to be able to access the coloring page for the Starlight mountains project in EQ8?
Hello Jeanne,
Thank you for contacting us. I have provided you a link that should answer you question.
https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/starlight-mountains-quilt-block-challenge-fabric-requirements/
If you have further questions, please chat, email or call Customer Service at 1-855-208-7187.
Sincerely,
Shelley
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I have a New Look 6095 pattern for woven fabric. The pattern is pretty basic and only has bust darts. I have heaps of knit fabric, so can I substitute the woven fabric for a knit and if so, do I still put the bust darts in? Any other modifications?
Hi,
If you choose to not put the darts in- that part of the garment will end up being a little big. Also in general, patterns written for woven fabric have an inch or so of ease built into the pattern. This means that you might want to size down the garment a little in order to get a closer fit- which is better with knit fabric.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Sewing Circle
I have a problem with “polyester thread & my bobbins. I have a Husqvarna sewing machine with plastic bobbins. When I wind the bobbins it seem very tight & then I have a hard time getting the bobbin off. When I do it doesn’t sew well & the machine sounds real rough. Does the polyester thread stretch?
Thanks for your help.
Hello Jeannie,
Thank you for being patient while I asked the expert, here is her reply:
Hi,
Yes, Polyester thread can stretch a little if pulled while being wound. Make sure you are correctly threading your machine when winding the bobbin. If you are still having issues, you may consider getting a stand-alone bobbin winder. They are generally inexpensive and come in very handy!
Cheers,
Ashley
National Sewing Circle
I am trying to sew again and the same curse I had before that made me give up on it is still in effect: tension. It’s always something. It takes me hours to do a simple project (topstitch a hem) when it should be 5 min tops.I swear Ill try anything…..so frustrated.
I am looking for a particular piece of fabric. Not sure how long ago purchased it. Is there a place here to reach out to people to find some? How can I include a picture?
Have a question. I want to make my niece a burp cloth. I have flannel I plan to use for the front and back piece. What size needle do I need to use and what type of thread? One last question; what should my stitch length be. Thank you. Yvonne
I need dto use and what type of thread? Also what should my stitch length be? Thank You. Yvonne
Hey Yvonne,
Thanks for reaching out! Our expert Nicki has some tips for you:
Hi Yvonne,
I would recommend a size 80/12 all-purpose needle, as it is a standard mid-weight needle. A 90/14 would also be fine. I would recommend All-Purpose or 100% cotton thread. The standard stitch length your machine defaults to (usually around 2.5 or 3mm) should be fine. If you find you’re having tension issues, increase the stitch length by one or two increments and give it a try.
Thanks for your question and best of luck with the burp cloths!
Thanks!
Madeline
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I would like to get a video on making battenberg lace,I am new to this site,and have not found anything that could help me with my new project I would be greatfull for your assistance, I have some very lovely designshawl that my mother left me and I would really love to try them out .Could you help.
Hilda
Hey Hilda!
Thanks for reaching out! That is a great suggestion, and I will be sure to pass that along. We currently don’t have any videos on Battenberg Lace or lace making.
Happy Sewing!
Madeline
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
When sewing squares together why do I have so much problems with alignment? My squares don’t even out.
Greetings Bertha!
That’s a great question and we’d love to help!
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!
Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:
1. Click on the email link: https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C20450
2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.
If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-208-7187 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Jessica
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
I just inherited my grandmother quit top. She did everything by hand . Any suggestions would be hel from you. All tops in perfect shape
Hello Rosemary!
That’s a great question and we’d love to help!
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!
Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:
1. Click on the email link: https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C20450
2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.
If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-208-7187 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Jessica
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
Can you cut Lycra and spandex to let it out so it won’t be so tight, it is a stretch bra?
Hello Kathleen!
That’s a great question and we’d love to help!
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!
Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:
1. Click on the email link: https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C20450
2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.
If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-208-7187 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Jessica
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
How do you thread a “Stitch ‘n Time” sewing machine, including the bobbin?
Hello Sabrina!
That’s a great question and we’d love to help!
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!
Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:
1. Click on the email link: https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C20450
2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.
If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-208-7187 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Jessica
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
How to cut a 45 degree
Hello Kathryn,
That’s a great question! Would you be able to elaborate on your question a little more? Then I will send this off to my expert!
Thank you!
Jessica
National Sewing Circle Video Membership