Guides & advice
All guides and advice
How-tos, explainers, fixes and comparisons, newest first.
- Why are embroidery machines so expensive?Why embroidery machines cost more than sewing machines: hoop drives, motors, screens, design libraries, field size and the jump to multi needle machines.Guide
- What is a stitch regulator on a quilting machine?A stitch regulator keeps free motion quilting stitches even by matching needle speed to fabric movement. How it works, its limits and which machines offer it.Guide
- Thread bunching under the fabric: causes and fixesA nest of thread under your fabric usually means the upper thread missed the take-up lever or tension discs. How to find the cause and fix it quickly.Fix
- Sewing machine vs overlocker: which comes first?Sewing machine vs overlocker explained: what each one does, why an overlocker cannot replace a sewing machine, and which to buy first for dressmaking.Comparison
- Sewing machine thread keeps breaking: fixesWhy sewing machine thread keeps breaking: old or poor thread, burrs, the wrong needle size, missing spool caps and over tight tension, with fixes for each.Fix
- Sewing machine skipping stitches: fixesWhy a sewing machine skips stitches: needle type and age, ballpoint needles for knits, threading faults, and the timing problems that need a service.Fix
- Sewing machine pedal or motor not working: what to checkSewing machine pedal or motor not working? Check plugs, the bobbin winder, start/stop buttons and speed sliders, and know when a pedal needs replacing.Fix
- Sewing machine not feeding fabric: fixesFabric not moving under the foot? Check for lowered feed dogs, a stitch length of zero, lint packed under the needle plate and presser foot pressure.Fix
- Sewing machine needle size chartA sewing machine needle size chart from 60/8 to 120/19, matched to fabrics, plus when to choose universal, jersey, stretch or denim points.Guide
- Sewing machine feet explained: zipper, walking, rolled hem and moreWhat each common sewing machine foot does, from zipper and walking feet to rolled hem and blind hem feet, and which projects need each one.Guide
- Quilting machine vs sewing machineQuilting machine vs sewing machine: throat space, stitch regulation and long arm frames, plus what a standard machine can quilt with a walking foot.Comparison
- Overlocker vs coverstitch machineOverlocker vs coverstitch: how each stitch is formed, which jobs suit each machine on knits, and when a combination overlocker and coverstitch makes sense.Comparison
- Overlocker differential feed explainedWhat overlocker differential feed does, how the two feed dogs work and which settings stop wavy seams on knits and puckered seams on fine wovens.Guide
- Overlock stitch vs zigzag for finishing seamsOverlock stitch vs zigzag and overcast stitches for finishing seams, compared by fabric type, with when a sewing machine is enough and when an overlocker helps.Comparison
- One-step vs four-step buttonholes explainedHow one-step and four-step buttonholes work, which sewing machines have each, and why one-step buttonholes come out the same size every time.Guide
- Mechanical vs computerised sewing machinesMechanical vs computerised sewing machines compared: dials against screens, buttonholes, speed control, repairs and which suits a first machine.Comparison
- Janome vs Singer sewing machinesJanome or Singer? We compare Singer Heavy Duty machines with Janome's HD and mechanical models for denim, everyday sewing, buttonholes and feeding.Comparison
- Janome vs Bernina and BernetteJanome vs Bernina and Bernette compared: Swiss premium Berninas, affordable Bernettes and Janome at similar levels, by features, feet systems and dealers.Comparison
- How to wind and insert a bobbinWind a sewing machine bobbin evenly, then insert it in a drop-in or front-loading case with the thread turning the right way. Clear steps for beginners.How-to
- How to use a sewing machine: a beginner's first hourA beginner's first hour on a sewing machine: setting up, test seams on scrap fabric, stitch length and width, reversing to secure seams and turning corners.How-to
- How to thread an overlockerHow to thread an overlocker: the usual looper and needle order, the tie-on method for changing colours, and why air threading makes the job quicker.How-to
- How to thread a sewing machineThread the upper path of a sewing machine correctly: presser foot up, take-up lever, needle threader and bringing up the bobbin thread, step by step.How-to
- How to sew stretch fabric on a sewing machineSewing machine settings for stretchy fabric: ballpoint and stretch needles, stretch and lightning stitches, walking feet and overlocker differential feed.How-to
- How to machine quilt for beginnersLearn to machine quilt at home: basting the quilt sandwich, straight line quilting with a walking foot and your first steps in free motion quilting.How-to
- How to hem jeans with a sewing machineHem jeans at home with a denim needle and topstitch thread, get over the thick side seams, or shorten them while keeping the original hem.How-to
- How to clean and oil a sewing machineRemove lint from the bobbin area, find out whether your sewing machine needs oil at all, and learn how often to clean and which oil to use.How-to
- How to adjust sewing machine tensionRead loops and puckers, test stitch in two colours and set the upper tension dial. Plus when, and when not, to touch the bobbin case screw.How-to
- Embroidery stabiliser: which type for which fabricWhich embroidery stabiliser to use: tear-away, cut-away, wash-away and heat-away explained by fabric, plus choosing bobbin thread for machine embroidery.Guide
- Embroidery machine vs sewing machineEmbroidery machine vs sewing machine: hoop and design file embroidery against decorative stitches, and when a sewing and embroidery combination fits best.Comparison
- Embroidery hoop sizes and fields explainedEmbroidery hoop sizes explained: common fields from 100 x 100 to 200 x 300 mm, what designs fit in each, and how to split designs that are too large.Guide
- Embroidery file formats and software explainedEmbroidery file formats explained: PES, JEF, EXP, DST and VP3, which brands read which, how to get designs onto a machine and how to convert files safely.Guide
- Brother vs Singer sewing machinesBrother vs Singer sewing machines compared model by model: beginner machines, build, buttonholes, accessories and which brand suits your sewing.Comparison
- Brother vs Juki sewing machinesBrother vs Juki compared: Juki's industrial heritage and box feed HZL models against Brother's feature rich Innov-is range, with a note on Janome vs Juki.Comparison
- Brother vs Janome sewing machinesIs Janome or Brother better? We compare the two Japanese brands tier by tier: stitch counts, thread cutters, feed systems, extras and who each suits.Comparison
- Are sewing machine needles universal?Most domestic sewing machines take 130/705H needles, but overlockers can differ. Learn the needle systems and when you need embroidery or topstitch needles.Guide
- Are sewing machine feet universal? Shanks and snap-on feetSewing machine feet are not universal. Learn the difference between low, high and slant shank, how snap-on adaptors work and how to check your model.Guide
- Are embroidery machines hard to use?Are embroidery machines hard to use? A step by step look at hooping, stabiliser, loading a design and thread changes, so beginners know what to expect.Guide
- Are sewing machine bobbins universal?Sewing machine bobbins are not universal. Learn the difference between class 15, 15J, L style, class 66 and brand specific bobbins, and how to find yours.Guide