You can use a standard presser foot to sew most types of hems. If you want a little help with getting a neat finish on single / double turned hems or faced hems, use an edge stitching foot. If you’re sewing a blind hem by machine, you’ll want to use a blind hem foot. If … Read more
If you’ve never used a sewing machine before, understanding all the parts and what they do can be overwhelming. I’ve explained all the important features on your sewing machine with pictures, when to use them, and my top tips for complete beginners. Here are the sewing machine parts we’ll cover: Stitch selector Tension selector Stitch … Read more
My earliest experience with a combo machine was in 2008, and I’ve been using my Bernette B79 sewing-embroidery machine for over a year now. A combination sewing-embroidery machine is exactly what it sounds like – these machines operate as a normal sewing machine, but they can also be converted to a mode that stitches out … Read more
There are many different types of machines that sew fabric. Each one has a specific use which I’ll explain today. Electronic sewing machines They’re basic machines with no computerized elements. They have a limited number of stitches – typically 10 to 30, with only 1 buttonhole style (rectangle). The most basic versions will have pre-set … Read more
The most popular sewing machine brands Babylock Bernina Brother Elna Husqvarna Viking Jaguar Janome Juki Singer Pfaff Toyota Note: I’m only including brands that still exist today, and this post is focused on their home sewing machine ranges only. Brother Who are they? Brother was founded in 1908 by Kanekichi Yasui in Japan (source) under … Read more
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 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
Here’s how Singer, Brother, and Janome manuals recommend changing a sewing machine needle. I reviewed at least 3 manuals from each brand, so I haven’t skipped important bits. If your machine is from another brand, this post will still apply. Most brands use the same process. Here’s how to change a sewing machine needle (in a nutshell): … Read more
This is a follow-up from my previous post, how to thread a bobbin. Here’s how to put a threaded bobbin in your sewing machine. This process can be broken down into 3 main stages: Insert the bobbin into your sewing machine. Thread the upper thread system and needle. Pull the bobbin thread up. There are … Read more
Here’s how to thread a bobbin, no matter what type of sewing machine you have. I examined 11+ sewing machine manuals, from old basic models to fancy computerized ones. I focused on Singer, Brother, and Janome machines, but this post applies to other brands too because they’re largely the same. I’m going to start with … Read more