Sewing is an exciting journey, filled with creativity and self-expression, but let’s be real — mistakes happen! Every sewing pro started as a beginner, and every beginner fumbles at some point. The good news is that we’re here to help you be aware of pitfalls before they happen! Here are ten of the most common sewing mistakes and how to dodge them so you can sew with confidence.

Not Checking Thread Tension or Sewing a Test Seam First

Ever notice that your stitches look uneven or bunched up? That’s likely a tension issue! Always sew a few quick test seams on a fabric scrap before diving into your project. This lets you check that your stitches are balanced and adjust your machine settings if needed, saving you time in the long run! 

Not Clipping Your Threads after Sewing a Seam

You finish your first sewing project and stand back to admire the results, but something’s not quite right. There are loose, trailing threads everywhere! Often, you won’t notice the sneaky strays until you spot them in photos later or discover a few while you’re out and about. It happens more often than you’d think. 

Not trimming your thread tails after you sew a seam can make your work look messy and unfinished. If you wait until the garment is finished to start clipping, you’ll most likely miss something along the way. Keep a pair of thread clippers or folding scissors handy and make it a habit to snip as you go. It’s a small step that makes a big difference! 

Using Too Few Pins

Pins are your best friend. Using too few can lead to shifting fabric and wonky seams, so use as many pins as you need to feel confident that everything is secure. While experienced sewers might use fewer pins because they’ve developed the skill to control the fabric as they sew, beginners benefit from pinning generously. Curved seams and slippery fabrics are especially tricky, so remember: the more the merrier! 

Sewing Too Fast

Sewing at full speed might seem efficient, but it can lead to mistakes that take even longer to fix. Just like driving a car, the faster you go, the harder it is to control and react. Sew at a pace that allows you to stay precise, taking time to remove each pin and adjust your fabric as needed. A steady, controlled speed will give you cleaner results. Keep your eyes on the prize and enjoy the ride!

Not Lowering Your Presser Foot

This one’s a classic “Oops!” moment: You eagerly start sewing, only to find your fabric is barely moving. That’s because you forgot to lower your presser foot! Not only does this stop your fabric from feeding through properly, but it can also create a tangled mess of thread in your machine, sometimes even jamming it completely. That said, before hitting the pedal, always double-check that your presser foot is down for hassle-free, smooth seams. 

Not Testing Your Marking Tool

Not all marking tools behave the same way on every fabric. Some disappear too quickly, others refuse to wash out, and some even bleed through! Always test your marking tool on a scrap piece of fabric first to make sure it works as expected. Whether it’s chalk, a washable marker, a heat-erasable pen, or something else, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Skipping Pre-Washing & Ironing Your Fabric

If you’ve ever had a garment shrink after its first wash, you’ve learned this lesson the hard way. Yes, we know — it’s tempting to dive straight into sewing with that gorgeous new fabric. But skipping the pre-wash and ironing can lead to shrinkage or color bleeding, especially in garments with color blocking. Imagine sewing a beautiful, white blouse with maroon sleeves, only to have the deep, red dye seep into the white in the wash, turning the whole torso pink! Take the time to properly prep before cutting to ensure your finished project lasts the way you intended.

Forgetting to Backstitch

A seam without a backstitch is like a bow without a knot — it just unravels! Backstitching at the beginning and end of a seam locks your stitches in place so they stay secure. Just a few stitches forward and back at both the beginning and end of a seam can save your garments from falling apart later on.

Procrastinating

We’ve all been there — putting off a project because we’re afraid to mess up. You get excited, gather your supplies, and… let it sit. Days turn into weeks, and eventually, your dream project is buried under a pile of “I’ll finish that later.” 

Cosplayers especially understand the struggle — before you know it, a convention is right around the corner, and you’re in full-on con crunch mode, scrambling to sew at 2 AM. We know you want to break the cycle, but how?

The trick? Set small goals! Even 15 minutes of sewing a day can turn that untouched W.I.P. into a finished masterpiece. Mistakes are part of the process, and every stitch (good or bad) is a step toward becoming a better sewist. Don’t let fear keep you from creating something amazing.

Using the Cheapest Thread & Fabric You Can Find

Even the best sewing in the world can’t make up for poor materials! Bargain hunting is great, but when it comes to thread and fabric, quality matters. Inexpensive thread is often lower quality, making it easy to break, and cheap fabric might not hold up well over time. That means all your hard work could go to waste if seams pop or fabric frays too quickly.

Not to mention, the “cheap” but “nice-looking” fabric might not be the right type for your project. A $1-per-yard find might come in the perfect color, but if it’s too lightweight for pants or too stiff for a flowing dress, it won’t give you the results you want. Invest in good materials, and thank yourself later! 

Final Thoughts

Making mistakes is part of learning, but now that you are aware of these common sewing pitfalls, you’re one step closer to success! Ready to kick off your sewing journey? Many of our beginner-friendly sewing patterns make perfect first-time projects. Our detailed digital instructions include step-by-step visuals and plenty of tips like the ones above, making it easy to build good sewing habits and create with confidence. 

Sewing is all about patience, practice, and having fun with the process. When in doubt, remember that every stitch brings you closer to mastering your craft. So, grab your fabric, thread your machine, and happy sewing!

What’s a sewing mistake you’ve made that others should watch out for? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Keen to keep learning? Connect with sewists of all levels through our public Discord server, and be sure to tag us on your progress posts using @firststopcosplay or #firststopcosplay. We’d love to see what you’re up to!

Visit the FSCO® Sewing Academy for more free educational content, and learn how to construct a garment using our physical or digital sewing patterns with detailed, step-by-step instructions. Aside from offering the best beginner sewing patterns on the market, we grouped all the essential tools a newbie needs to get started in one convenient beginner sewing kit.

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Happy Sewing!

Written by Karina M.