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I've got a dress that's a lovely fit at the top but an awful puffbull monstrosity at the bottom. It's an ebay purchase that was cheap so I'm taking the elastic out at the bottom before re-hemming to see whether it's any better. I think I'll also add some lace trim around the neckline.

I've got a sewing machine which I've used to make a few things but I am nowhere near an expert. Is silk difficult to sew with a machine? Have you got any tips? Or would I just be better off hand-sewing?

Any advice would be very gratefully recieved.

I have machine sewn silk without any problems but would advise you to put a new needle in before you start. In fact I use a new needle for every new garment.

Definitely a new needle. See if you can get one for silk or fine fabrics. Also be careful of the pins you use. You can get silk pins or invest in some decent ones.

Silk can be slippery to sew, consider hand basting first if it is.

Thank you both.

I think a visit to the fabric shop is needed!

A new needle will help and if its slippery get some tissue paper, this will help feed the silk through the needle and make things so much easier. It also tears away very easily.