If you’re a beginner who won’t use your overlocker often, don’t need fancy features, and want something cheap, I think the best beginner overlockers are (in order of preference): Brother 3034dwt Brother 2104d Brother m343d Elna 664 (All the links go to Amazon). I chose these after comparing 40+ machines and calling overlocker sellers and … Read more
This is part 2 of my ‘best overlockers’ series. Today we’re looking at the best overlock machines with automatic air threading. With these machines, you press a button and they thread the loopers for you with a whoosh of air. I analysed 12 UK overlockers with air threading. Narrowing it down to my favourite was … Read more
This tutorial copies the pillowcase design that stores use. I studied 9 professionally made pillows to figure this out. Today, we’re making the envelope style in a standard size. “Envelope pillows” have an inner flap to hide your pillow insert. I’ve also included measurements for queen/king pillows. I’ll show you how to make it with … Read more
If you only have a basic sewing machine, this is the best way to make neat pillowcases with no raw edges. We’ll be using the french seam technique to create “hidden” seams. And we’re adding an inner flap to stop your pillow insert from falling out. This is sometimes called an “envelope” pillow. This tutorial … Read more
When you start sewing, something you’ll hear all the time is “never cut paper with fabric scissors”. But can you actually cut paper with them? Or does it really dull your fabric scissors that badly? To find out, I spoke to Ernest Wright, LDH Scissors, and Pro Sharp. Ernest Wright is a manufacturer of scissors. They’ve been in … Read more
A bucket hat is a lightweight hat used for sun protection. It has a downward-sloping brim, and sometimes eyelets for ventilation. (source) Here are the best sewing patterns I’ve found for bucket hats! I’ve included: Multiple sizes for men, women, children, and babies. Bucket hats with strings and reversible designs. Bucket hats with different brim … Read more
Here’s how to: Turn on your sewing machine, set it up, thread it, choose settings, and do your first test sew! This tutorial is perfect for complete beginners who have no idea where to start. The information in this post is directly from Brother, Singer, and Janome sewing machine manuals, so I haven’t skipped important … Read more
I compared 7 online courses that teach you how to use a serger machine (also known as an overlocker in the UK and Australia). Overall, ‘Serger solutions’ by Craftsy is the most comprehensive course I’ve watched. The teacher really walks you through every step, from threading to sewing stitch samples. She was full of tips … Read more
Last time, I researched and shared 30+ free sewing patterns for tops, but many of them were for more advanced sewists. Here’s my list of the best EASY sewing patterns for tops. I recommend these for beginners who want to start with something simple. I’ve also found online courses that show you how to make … Read more
I interviewed Katie, a sewing teacher, to discover her best tips on how to teach your child to sew. Katie runs the Thread Room, a sewing school that teaches 145 students per week! About 50% of them are children. Her kids’ holiday workshops are attended by 120 children. So she’s had lots of experience teaching … Read more