8 Sewing Patterns I’ll Never Make Again! (Even if You Paid Me)

[@blufaerie]

Girl! The honesty! I appreciate this!❤ When I have a garment I don’t like, I try to repurpose the fabric.

[@thedocishaute]

Thank you! It seems like most people donate or repurpose. I have to find some time...

[@ellendempsey7865]

As a newbie to sewing if I can rip it apart and keep the fabric I will but most times I drop them off at the good will because just because they don’t fit me doesn’t mean they won’t fit some one else __ you know the saying sew,fail,repeat lol keep going ❤

[@thedocishaute]

I was thinking Goodwill too. Like you said, keep going! Thx!

[@wahlstrom61]

Ha ha ha ha ha…I enjoyed this never again assessment. 😂

[@annalynn9325]

“I had to pray over this skirt” 😂❤🙌🏼

[@thedocishaute]

😂

[@loribarton7480]

I think it’s great that you are showing your fails. I always feel like I’m the only one that has problems with sone patterns. We can learn from our mistakes. You are a great seamstress and make beautiful apparel.

[@thedocishaute]

Thank you! I've learned so much from the fails. They make me a better seamstress. Happy to share!

[@loissage3630]

I have had some epic fails also but like you I keep getting back in the canoe and keep paddling one stroke at a time. I have learned so much both from my mistakes and from trying to correct my mistakes. There is a point to cut your losses and try something fresh. I do think that the orange slip dress could be saved by turning it into a skirt. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing with us. I for one won’t go near that Butterick wrap dress, I believe you! I will stop feeling guilty about that gingham jumpsuit that I stuffed in the bottom of the trash, as I acknowledge that jumpsuits may not be my thing. ❤❤😂😂😂

[@lynetterene]

Thank you too for your transparency in showing us "hey it happens", regardless of who's at faul. We're only imperfect humams!!!!!!

[@sphhyn]

What a great topic for a video! That’s what we all went through. I have had so many fails! But that’s how you learn. When I started sewing garments I started with skirts. The very first skirt did not suit me at all. I just didn’t know better. I never wore it out in public but I kept it for sentimental reasons because it was the very first garment I had sewn. All the other sewing fails I either repurposed the fabric or threw it out after a while. Edit. I made the McCalls top and I love it. I made it in a fine knit and it fits beautifully. I might have modified it though. I don’t remember 😅

[@TamSews2]

The McCall’s wrap top I’ve sewn that before and I love it. It might be the fabric. I used more of a structured knit.

[@thedocishaute]

That's good to know. I think a structured knit and a smaller size would have turned out better for me.

[@stacyconnor7068]

I feel like a lot of home sewing patterns for high necks or turtle necks have the same problem as the S9757. The necklines are often too small and the front of the chest wants to jump up towards the neck which makes the problem even worse.

[@MsSeashellsCraftyCabana]

Sometimes, it is the type of fabric, and for me, knits are often tricky. I've made a few pieces and wanted to throw them away too..because the pattern design was so difficult to comprehend, but I think that I will consider the fabric texture first and then make sure to fit check the size. Tfs 🌹

[@thedocishaute]

I agree. Fabric choice is key!

[@trishliston]

I've had some epic fails due to uninterpretable directions 🤣😂...Or the absolute wrong fabric choice. The one's that are well sewn, I take to the shelter. It might be a fail for me, but might be a win for someone else. Keep sewing!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@HannahColeman-i2x]

With the cream top. Interface the facing and understitch or stitch in the ditch to stop the facing rolling to the outside, there is a lot of fabric, deconstruct and remodel using another pattern.🙏💚☘️🇬🇧🇮🇪

[@thedocishaute]

Thanks for the tips!

[@SweetPeaSewing]

This was a really good video! It’s helpful to see what other sewists struggle with 😊.

[@thedocishaute]

Thank you!

[@velvetvert9431]

Ooh those are learning and growth moments for sure!! Your next blazer will be so good, you were so close on that one!

[@thedocishaute]

Thanks for the encouragement! I plan on starting another one soon. 💕

[@ZeldaSews]

Hi Doc! It's Doc! With that first pattern, I would feel like I was choking also. I hate anything up on my neck! I'm so sorry that these turned out so bad for you. On a good note you have made some awesome makes!

[@sewlovelywithgrace]

Don't give up on a blazer. I still have not made one. Definitely try a different pattern. This is a great video. Thanks for sharing all the issues with these patterns. Fortunately I don't own any of them. Have a great week! 😃

[@thedocishaute]

Thanks so much! I think I will try another blazer pattern at some point. Have a great week!

[@Jamaraism]

I send my stuff to goodwill!!

[@twylaostercamp2467]

Has to have a size in it or it gets tossed at Goodwill.

[@thedocishaute]

I did not know that! Thx

[@catfishrox]

For the blazer, try lining with light cotton to give more structure 🙏🏽

[@donnadecourcy7332]

Before you go to an excorcism for the cream outfit, I think the facings need to be interfaced and understitched to stay in place and provide some structure. But it does look oversized, so that might be a style that doesn’t suit. I am enjoying your thoughts on these patterns. We all have patterns that are one and done or one and 🔥 burn! I look forward to seeing more of your channel. If you are looking for a better pattern that has good visual directions I recommend the Rachel dress by Jalie. You have to trace the pattern but it is easy to put together and dit is true to sizes. I have made it for myself as a top 3 times and a dress 2 times. I have also made it for a friend. It has that twist tie across the waist, but has a different neckline.

[@thedocishaute]

I'll have to check out the Rachel dress. Thx!

[@RobinClayborne]

Hi!!!! Blazers are the hardest thing to construct. There are good books on making beautiful blazers . Your blazer reminds me of the project I had make in my pattern making class I had to make a blazer pattern from scratch 😮😅!!! I had to make the blazer with a muslin fabric before I could use a fashion fabric.

[@thedocishaute]

Yep! The construction is everything... I was thinking of making a muslin before my next blazer project. Thx! Just gotta find the time...

[@sewing-Susan]

Kittenish Behavior has done the McCall’s 8145 cream sweater. She had a real battle with that pattern to get it to look like the picture. I like your fabric.

[@rhonddalesley]

I came to say the same but checked first to see if someone had already mentioned it. Sian did a whole video on it because her experience was so bad which is invaluable especially as I’ve got the pattern, I do check on Pattern Review before even cutting anything out to see if there’s anything on there and it’s saved me a nightmare or epic fail a few times!

[@incantations446]

B6054 is in my stash! I haven’t made it yet. I’m nervous now. 😅

[@leandrikos1659]

Try Ellie & Mac's blazer, their instructions are usually pretty good

[@thedocishaute]

Thank you! I'll look into it.

[@tashalexhan]

The Butterick 6054 is my next scheduled sew. I’m now anxious

[@thedocishaute]

I think you can do it. You may have to improvise on the directions.

[@PatriciaWeeks-nq5zx]

Oh my dear! We all have those fails! It made me take a really close look at the pattern drawings. I get exactly what you mean about crazy instructions. Do they not have a proof reader for these things? 😂

[@thedocishaute]

Exactly! 😂

[@okshesews]

Now i know you said you’re potentially done with butterick but i just sewed their collab blazer pattern with palmer pletsch and had the best experience one could have with a 22 piece pattern. The sleeve install at the wrist is super easy because its hand sewn .In fact most of the lining is hand sewn in and all you need to do is find yourself a quick show to binge & its over before you know it. Pattern im referencing is butterick 6862 btw. Also my interfacing was $80 for 8 yards. I used 2 yds- but its from palmer pletsch & the most quality interfacing ive worked. I have a video on my new channel about it. Otherwise thank you for sharing these makes 💕. I liked this topic you picked because you are saving us from many headaches🤣. & I absolutely agree some patterns need to be discontinued 😂.

[@lynetterene]

Thanks for sharing...... I'll check out your channel

[@thedocishaute]

Nice! I have B6862 and now that you've shared your experience, I might make it my second try! Thx!

[@RobinClayborne]

The second garment you take the back and front facing out and put in bias tape around the neck so it won't be bulk and taper the side and sleeves just a little. My side hustle I do alterations for my customers. Don't give up. Please!!!!

[@thedocishaute]

😂 Thanks for the tips! I may take another look at it. 🧐

[@maryjopreti2627]

THANK YOU! I was considering the Butterick pattern. Now I know that, that’s not the pattern for me. You saved me a lot of frustration.

[@jessikaj.create]

I have donated my makes to thrift stores if they are decent, if it is unfinished I'll textile recycle it using the TAKE BACK BAG from Trashie. It's all part of the learning process. We all have a few makes we hate lol

[@thedocishaute]

I hadn't heard of Trashie until now. Thx!

[@bethtompkins3496]

THREE of your fails are the same patterns I sewed and were fails for me too. I have two patterns that were also fails for you … I’m going to go ahead and throw those out and save myself the heartache. Clearly you and I have the same opinions and fails! Thanks for sharing so I know it’s not just me .

[@thedocishaute]

You’re not alone! I guess some patterns just aren’t for everyone.

[@ToniWilson-c4q]

I have McCalls 8183 , I haven't made anything from it yet though

[@belyndagalbraith6851]

Thank you for this. I am so pleased I don’t have those patterns.

[@thedocishaute]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@pamelamerritt4403]

Good woo is a good place for em

[@TDStPete]

I love this video - I wish people would do more of these! I almost bought 3 of these patterns so it was super helpful to save me the brain damage of trying them! I sometimes try to re-design/upcycle failed projects...like I might cut the too tight neck top to make a boat neck..that could be cute...I also learned that I had been sewing up my patterns in too big of a size...some good pattern selection/fit guidance from Sewing with Nancy...but I love so many of your makes! You need an event to wear that orange one!

[@thedocishaute]

Thank you! Glad I saved you the "brain damage" 😂

[@MsIffyk]

Oh no! I have the Maggie London Butterick pattern. I guess I won't be sewing that one! I find most commercial patterns frustrating that's why usually make my own pattern using my existing clothes. I get way better results that way.😊

[@cynthiavirissimo457]

I really enjoyed this topic, one can feel very alone after a garment failure. I too have had interfacing misbehave, this may be controversial, but, I use lightweight stretch interfacing for all projects ( yes, even the woven projects) and life has been better since I switched). If a project is a horrible mess, it goes in the garbage with it's pattern. If the sizing or fabric choice is wonky, it gets donated. If the fabic was pricey, I will try to rework it. Happy 2025 and God bless!

[@thedocishaute]

Stretch interfacing for all projects, I never thought of that... thanks for the idea! God bless!

[@bodyandsoul17]

I also sewed McCall’s 8145 using my size (per chart) and one of the fabrics recommended. Enormous and bulky!!! Your fabric is beautiful, but we both should have sized down by 2 sizes on this one. And I would not recommend a bulky fabric - only a thin one like you used. I love the style so much. It’s hard to tell when to size down based on finished garment measurements because the style ease on this would be a lot. I will probably give it to a friend, which is what I sometimes do with makes that don’t suit me. I almost donated another make to Goodwill, but my friend was thrilled to have it!

[@thedocishaute]

I agree sizing down and using a less bulky fabric.

[@jolandafrijlink6103]

Honest question do you make mock-ups for your projects. It makes so much challenges go away or at least you can see where you need to adjust patterns to your taste.

[@Melissalovesdogs333]

I tried simplicity 9825. I threw it away !!! Hated it!!

[@movingmountains4832]

I donate all items I make that either I don’t like how they came out or I’m just over it.😂

[@catfishrox]

😂😂😂😂I tried that Butterick wrap dress pattern as well! After cutting out and trying to sew it up 😂😂😂, I just put the project in a ziplock bag! I just found it and reused the fabric for something else!

[@thedocishaute]

Not a Ziplock bag 😂😂. Butterick should be ashamed of that pattern!

[@ToniWilson-c4q]

Sometimes it be's like that

[@dale3404]

Since we haven’t seen these garments on you, it’s hard to give advice on how to fix them. The first one, maybe just recut the neckline? The second one, did you understitch? The fabric looks very loose, so that may be the problem. Reuse the fabric for a soft, drapey top.

[@thedocishaute]

Reusing the 2nd one is a good idea.

[@rhonddalesley]

I more often than not search a pattern before I even pick up the scissors on the Pattern Review website, it’s saved me many times from certain hell or crushing disappointment! I also ALWAYS measure pattern pieces to make sure they’ll fit well and make any necessary adjustments beforehand which is a must for me.

[@ToniWilson-c4q]

9825 Simplicity I have , haven't made anything from it though

[@catfishrox]

Give the outfits away😂! I deconstruct and repurpose the fabrics for quilting or creating new fabrics for outfits😂😂😂!

[@thedocishaute]

I may have to make one big quilt with all these patterns... 😂

[@Catsface99]

You could give the clothes you sew but don't wear to a thrift store, the patterns as well.

[@ColdBeforeNow]

When a garment doesn't work for me, my first step is to try & alter it in some way, even if it no longer looks like the pattern drawings. If I can't figure out how to alter it to look nice on me without an excessive amount of work, then what I do with it would depend on a few factors. Is it a fully finished garment that looks nice, but just doesn't look great on me? Give it to someone who would appreciate it or donate it. Does it look horrible because the fabric was difficult to work with? Donating it will just mean the clothing gets thrown away. Save as much fabric as you can for practicing in the future. It might be months or years before you want to look at that difficult fabric again, but maybe, in the meantime, you'll have worked with similar fabrics or learned a new trick to help with sewng them. If you still have no intention of using that fabric, give them to a sewist or donate them to a place that accepts fabric scraps.

[@thedocishaute]

Great tips!

[@cindywinkler4172]

I take it to Thrift Stores

[@Laura55sere]

It’s not cheap to make your own clothes, so to have so many fails would definitely make me give up .

[@thedocishaute]

I agree, it's not cheap and takes a lot of time. I just dust myself off and try again!

[@Troutay]

Great video!

[@chrissyj4134]

Drop them off at the thrift store

[@Avotts]

I recently made a dress. I hate the pattern. I hate the instructions. I hate whoever thought they were designing a worth wearing garment. It is totally finished and unworn. I redid every seam and stitch numerous times. I might wait till late spring and wear it, or by then it may be incorporated into a quilt or a dog bed.

[@thedocishaute]

😂 I feel you 💯! Nothing worse than spending time sewing up a garment that you'll never wear!

[@Chic-x5b]

I either turn it into housewear or donate. If it really went wrong like a hole ot slash, I trash it.

[@thedocishaute]

I could see myself turning that blazer into some cleaning rags... 😂

[@Tagtraum_]

If I don’t like how something turned out, I either give it to charity or if possible, use the fabric to make something else.

[@JeanneMarie-gj7gt]

Having sewn for the last 60 years, it seems like 2 main problems--neither one being the pattern. Fabric choices (&pretreatment) and sizing choice. Body measurement vs garment measurements not accounting for ease. Find a local mentor to help you find the problem source for each then you'll.learn the governing rule to insure not repetiting it. I bet you'll end up wanting to reuse 4 or 5 of those. Happy sewing!! They'll look beautiful on you!!

[@Sally-ih6ls]

Take your unused sewing clothes to thrift shop

[@evabonnes2614]

When I don’t like something I make it into something else.

[@lynetterene]

The pattern directions need to be clear and concise. I don't like things like that. I need to be their new proofreader 😅

[@thedocishaute]

😂 I agree!

[@phyllisjohnson2770]

Give them to a women shelter

[@ToniWilson-c4q]

Simplicity 8145 I have , I haven't made anything from it yet though