What Is Stay Stitching And How Do You Sew A Stay Stitch

what is stay stitching

Stay stitching is a stabilizing technique for curved areas and ravel-prone fabrics. It’s an invaluable technique for sewing necklines, armholes, and other important parts of a garment, as well as for stabilizing edges. If you know how to stay stitch, you can help your pattern pieces to retain their form and avoid distortion. What is … Read more

Baby Lock Accord Review: A Fantastic Sewing & Embroidery Combo?

baby lock accord reviews

If you’ve been thinking about having a go with machine embroidery, you might have started to look into a combination sewing and embroidery machine. This type of machine can vary from relatively simple to mind-bogglingly complex. The Baby Lock Accord is an entry-level model, which means that it’s quite user friendly. But does it have … Read more

Singer M3500 Sewing Machine Review: How Good Is It?

singer m3500 review

When looking for your first sewing machine, you might be tempted to go for the lowest price. This is especially true if you’re not sure that you’ll be sewing regularly. Unfortunately, a low price can sometimes mean poor quality, or even missing features.  Sometimes, though, you can find a full featured machine at a bargain … Read more

Why Does My Sewing Machine Needle Keep Breaking?

why do sewing machine needles break

It happens all the time. You’re sewing along happily, and then Ping! The needle breaks. It’s always annoying, and sometimes it’s even dangerous. So, why do sewing machine needles break, and what can you do about it? Why Would a Needle Break on a Sewing Machine? You might be surprised at how many answers there … Read more

Janome Memory Craft 230E Review: Is The MC230E Any Good?

janome mc230e reviews

If you’ve been thinking about trying your hand at machine embroidery, you’ve no doubt already been checking out embroidery machines. As you’ll know by now, there are many different types, and the best one for you might not be immediately obvious. The Janome MC 230E is a compact, user friendly, entry level embroidery only machine.  … Read more

Baby Lock Alliance Embroidery Machine Reviewed In Full

baby lock alliance reviewed

The Baby Lock Alliance is a single needle embroidery only machine like the Baby Lock Flare. But its shape more closely resembles that of a multi-needle embroidery machine like the Baby Lock Intrepid. What difference can a different shape make? And more importantly, is an upright single needle embroidery machine like the Alliance a good … Read more

Singer Simple 3221 Review: A Good Sewing Machine For Beginners?

singer simple 3221 sewing machine review

If you’ve been looking at basic mechanical sewing machines, you might have come across the Singer 3221. Singer makes numerous simple mechanical sewing machines, including the Singer 3221. Some are decidedly better than others. So, where does the Singer 3221 stand? About Singer and the Singer 3221 Singer has been America’s home-grown sewing machine company … Read more

How to Sew With Elastic: A Step-By-Step Sewing Guide

how to sew with elastic

Do you know how to sew with elastic? It’s very useful, though the process isn’t always straightforward. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks to make sewing with elastic easier. Why All Sewists Need to Learn How to Sew With Elastic Sewing elastic is a wonderful tool to have in your sewing arsenal.  You can … Read more

Janome MOD 30 Review: Mechanical Sewing Machine For The Masses?

janome-mod-30-review

Mechanical sewing machines are often the first choice for new sewists because they’re easy to use. But computerized machines come with extra features and conveniences that a mechanical machine just can’t match. And some of them are super easy to use, too. The Janome MOD-30 is a user-friendly mechanical sewing machine with some great features. … Read more

Janome MOD-50 Computerized Sewing Machine Reviewed & Rated

janome-mod-50-review

The Janome MOD-50 is an easy to use, entry level computerized sewing machine with some excellent features for the everyday home sewist. You can also find it quite reasonably priced. But Janome machines tend to be expensive. Is this lower-priced Janome a good bye? Or should you walk on by? About Janome and the Janome … Read more

Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic Combi Sewing Machine Review

HUSQVARNA VIKING DESIGNER EPIC REVIEW

What can an advanced multi-crafting machine do for you? You might be surprised. The Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic is a sewing machine, a midarm quilter, an embroidery machine, and more. It doesn’t come cheaply, but if you’re a dedicated crafter, or are interested in starting a small business, this could be the dream machine that … Read more

Juki DNU-1541S Review: Is This The Workhorse You Hope It Is?

juki dnu1541s reviewed in full

Have you been thinking about acquiring an industrial sewing machine for your sewing room? Industrial machines aren’t for everyone. They’re heavy, have a large footprint, and can be prohibitively expensive. Yet many home sewists who have taken the plunge swear they’ll never go back to a regular sewing machine.  The Juki DNU-1541S is an industrial … Read more

Janome MOD-200 Computerized Sewing Machine Reviewed & Rated

Janome’s MOD line consists of a range of basic computerized sewing machines, from the budget priced MOD-11 to the deluxe MOD-200. Though all are well made, some are a better value than others. Where does the Janome MOD-200 stand? We’ll tell you that, and more. About Janome and the Janome MOD-200 Janome has been synonymous … Read more

Janome Coverpro 1000CPX Longarm Coverstitch Machine Review

janome coverpro 1000cpx review

A coverstitch machine is a specialized sewing machine for making professional sealed hems. You can also use it for some kinds of decorative stitching. The Janome 1000CPX is a heavy-duty longarm coverstitch machine. Should it be your next addition to your sewing room? This Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX review has been written to help you … Read more

SINGER Stylist Serger 14SH764 Review: An Overlocker With Oomph?

singer serger 14sh764 review

One of Singer’s hallmarks is value for money. They tend to turn out well-made, feature-rich sewing machines at a fair price. The Singer Stylist 14SH764 is a no-frills 2-3-4 serger. Where does it stand in Singer’s current overlocker lineup? And could it be the right overlock machine for your sewing room? Find out the answers … Read more

JUKI MO-623 Serger Review: Can A 2/3 Thread Overlocker Work?

juki serger mo-623 review

Juki’s Garnet line of sergers provides an easy introduction to overlocking technology, as well as a low-cost way to own a well-made Juki machine. But, is the stripped-down Juki MO-623 too stripped down? Or is it the no-frills serger for you? Let’s find out as we explore the model fully in our JUKI MO-623 review. … Read more

Bernette B48 Funlock Review: A Coverlock Coverstitch Serger

bernette b48 review

The Bernette B48 is the top model in Bernette’s Funlock line of coverstitch machines and sergers. Which is it, though? Actually, it’s both. The B48 combines the features of a serger and a coverstitch machine in a simple, stylish, surprisingly affordable package. Will it be your sewing room’s next top model? Let’s find out as … Read more

JUKI MO-735 Coverlock Review: A Serger With A Coverstitch

juki mo-735 review

Sergers and coverstitch machines are two specialized types of sewing machine primarily used in garment making. They look similar, but do quite different types of sewing. A coverlock machine, like the Juki MO-735 reviewed here today, bridges the gap between the two, but features can vary widely from model to model. Does this one have … Read more

Baby Lock Vibrant Review: How Does This Serger Stack Up?

baby lock vibrant review

If you’ve been considering a Baby Lock serger, you’ve probably been thinking about some of the company’s unique labour-saving features like air-threading and auto tension. You’ve probably also noticed that those features come with a hefty price tag. The Baby Lock Vibrant is Baby Lock’s most affordable serger model. How does it stack up? About … Read more

Brother 2340CV Serger Review: A Coverstitch Machine For All?

brother 2340cv review

This coverstitch machine looks a lot like Brother’s budget overlock sergers, particularly the 1034D. But functionally, it’s a completely different animal. How different, exactly? And will those differences suit your needs better than your average overlock serger? We’ll explain all as we move through this Brother 2340CV review. About the Brother 2340CV Coverstitch Machine Sewing … Read more

Singer Serger 14SH654: The Finishing Touch To Your Sewing Room?

singer serger 14sh654 review

Sergers are more expensive, generally speaking, than sewing machines at a similar level, but there are several budget models that consistently rate highly with consumers. The Finishing Touch is one of them. Is it the best new tool for your sewing room? Let’s find out in this Singer Serger 14SH654 review, shall we? About the … Read more

Serger Stitches: Overlock Stitch, Flatlock, Rolled Hems & More

serger stitches

A serger, or overlocker, is a specialized sewing machine that uses multiple threads to create strong, flexible, overcast seams and decorative edges. Like all sewing machines, a serger is built to make certain stitch designs, and these stitches can vary from machine to machine. What are the most common types of serger stitches? How do … Read more

JUKI MO-644D Portable Serger / Overlock Machine Review

juki mo-644d review

Although Juki may now be better known for industrial machinery, as opposed to home sewing machines, the company’s foundation was built upon domestic devices. The Juki MO644D, however, manages to mix the best of both worlds: a portable home serger with an industrial flavor. The question is, though, is it the serger you need? Let’s … Read more

Janome MyLock 634D Serger: An Overlock Sewing Machine Review

janome mylock 634d reviews

When making any large equipment purchase, especially if it’s your first time, it’s always tempting to look for a bargain. Budget sergers abound, and most of them will get the job done. However, the Janome MyLock 634D will cost you more, but you may find its advanced features to be well worth it. We’ll show … Read more

Janome MOD 8933 Serger Review: How Good Is This Overlocker?

janome mod 8933 reviews

When is less actually more? The diminutive MOD-8933 from Janome may look sparsely featured at first glance, but this 3-4 serger is packing a few surprises. Do those surprises justify the somewhat higher price tag? We’ll take a look here today in this Janome MOD-8933 review. About Janome and the Janome MOD-8933 If you know … Read more

SINGER 14HD854 Heavy Duty Serger Review: An Overlocker Overview

singer 14hd854 reviews

It could easily be argued that there’s no bigger name in sewing than Singer. Older machines of theirs have gained iconic status, and the company still churns out winners to this day. When it comes to sergers, though, are they still regarded as pack leaders or mere also-rans? We’ll examine one of their contenders in … Read more

Singer 14T968DC Professional 5 Thread Serger Machine Review

singer 14t968dc review

The Singer Professional 5 14T968DC is a 2-3-4-5 coverstitch serger with three needles, three loopers, and a chain stitch. This machine also has a raft of features to make your sewing better and more convenient in general. If that’s not enough, the price may pleasantly surprise you. Want to know more? Carry on reading our … Read more

Best Serger Sewing Machine: Reviews & Overlocker Buyer’s Guide

best serger sewing machine

Buying a serger can be both exciting and daunting, especially for those who are looking to enter this specialized sewing arena for the very first time. After all, there’s so much to learn! Obviously, you’ll want the best serger sewing machine your budget will allow, and that means knowing what you want from your new … Read more

Needlework Advice, tips, guides, & product Reviews

The Web’s #1 Needlework Resource: Tips And Advice – All In One Place! Regardless of whether you’re sewing for fun or using your skills more seriously, You Sew And Sew has something for you. From in depth exploration of all the major sewing machine brands’ latest offerings through to advice on starting your sewing journey, … Read more

Fabric guides: All Different Types Explained

Fabric Guides The different types of fabric at our disposal can make choosing the right material for the task at hand a dizzying prospect. Deep down, we all know that fabric selection will make or break a project, but how much do you really know about the materials you work with? For many of you … Read more

Sewing Tips, Guides, & Advice

Sewing Tips, Guides, & Advice Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned pro or an absolute beginner, there’s always something new to discover in the world of sewing. The following articles may seem basic at first glance, but sometimes you simply don’t know what you don’t know! Our posts are jam packed with ‘aha!’ moments, so … Read more

Brother SE1900 Review: A Sewing & Embroidery Machine Worth Having?

brother se1900 review

So you’ve had your fun with the embroidery stitches on your computerized sewing machine. Now you want to try your hand with real machine embroidery. At the same time, you don’t want to give up the basic sewing functions of an all-purpose sewing machine. The Brother SE1900 is a combination sewing and embroidery machine. Will … Read more

What Is Polyester Made Of And How Easy Is It To Work With?

what is polyester

When some people hear the word polyester, they think of scratchy synthetic clothes in garish colors. But there are a lot of different types of polyester, with a wide range of textures and thicknesses. You’ll find polyester by itself, blended with other fibers, and even disguised as more expensive materials like silk. What is it, … Read more