I compared 56 sewing machines and picked 7 of the best options to try. After extensive testing, I think the best sewing machine for beginners is the Brother innov-is A16. It’s easy to use, powerful, and has enough features that you can grow with it for years. Buy it from UK Amazon. If you’re from … Read more
Here’s a list of essential tools for machine and hand quilting. These have been tried and tested by the quilting community and are widely recommended. I’ve explained each item for complete beginners. And as a bonus, I’ve included other nice-to-have supplies that you may want later in your quilting journey. Essential quilting tools for beginners: … Read more
My preferred dyeing vessels are plastic tubs and metal dye pots. I’ve also dyed fabric in bathtubs, kitchen sinks, laundry sinks, and I frequently use my washing machine to wash dyed fabric. I use fiber-reactive and acid dyes rather than box dyes in most cases. Box dyes, like Rit and Dylon, are more of a … Read more
The Bernette B48 (Amazon link) is a combination serger / coverstitch machine, which means it can sew serger and coverstitch stitches. You just need to convert the machine between each mode. (Note: a serger is called an “overlocker” in the UK and Australia). I’ve had my B48 for 3 years. I’ve made a huge variety … Read more
I’ve had an overlocker-coverstitch machine for almost 3 years now (the Bernette 48). I’ve made a bit of everything on it, including t-shirts, lingerie, swimwear, and activewear. An overlocker-coverstitch combo machine is a single sewing machine that can perform overlock and coverstitch stitches. These machines offer a powerful suite of options and save more space … Read more
If you’re about to start your first patchwork quilt, you’ll need to learn how to cut fabric yardage into accurate squares. I’ve described multiple methods based on what tools you have (rotary cutter or scissors), and how many squares you want to cut. Contents list: How to prepare your fabric: wash and dry it (optional), … Read more
Here’s my review of the Brother Ls14s (Amazon link) after 6 months of testing. Note: it’s called different things around the world, like the L14s, Sm1400, Sm1704, Lx3817, Xm1010, RLX3817A, and Js1400. I think it’s best for beginners who need a cheap sewing machine for occasional use. It suits everyday projects and light/medium weight fabrics. … Read more
In addition to using silk for my handmade work blouses, I also made my wedding dress out of silk! The dress has a princess-seamed bodice and a three-layer circle skirt made from hand-dyed silk satin, chiffon, and gauze. Each type of silk required a slightly different treatment, as will the fabric you’re sewing with – … Read more
Wool is one of my absolute favorite fibers to work with. I’ve sewn many trousers, shirts, coats, and jackets using different types of wool. It’s generally a hard-wearing, hard-to-soil fabric, with great temperature-controlling properties (meaning it will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer). If you’re in a rush, here’s a … Read more
Natural dyes can be an amazing way to add eco-friendly color to silk fabric, and a perfect opportunity to learn more about the plants that grow in your area. There’s a huge amount of variation in natural dyeing recipes and each one produces a different result. This is an overview of the most common techniques. … Read more