We know satin by its sheen. It’s a fancy, flamboyant fabric that’s a favorite for costumes and formal wear. But what is satin made of? What gives it its unique appearance? Is it easy to work with? Grab your measuring tape. We’re going to tell you all about it. What is Satin Made Of? Fabric … Read more
Canvas is everywhere. Heavy duty canvas fabric is a traditional staple of outerwear and outdoors equipment, while lighter weight versions are popular for clothing and bags. Versatile, hard-wearing, and incredibly easy to work with, it’s no wonder canvas fabric has become part of the fabric of our lives. What is Canvas Fabric Made of? The … Read more
A seam is a line of stitching that joins two pieces of material. Sounds simple, right? But there are many different types of seams, and each has its own procedure, appearance, and usage. You can sew a seam by hand or by machine. Either way, it’s not hard if you have the tools and know … Read more
Sometimes you don’t want to mess around with figuring out how an appliance works. You just want to open up the box and get cracking. If you envision yourself unboxing your new sewing machine, plugging it in, and moments later happily stitching away, then the Brother GX37 may just be your new favorite toy. Brother … Read more
Every sewing machine company seems to have its niche. One area where Brother excels is producing feature-packed sewing machines at really reasonable prices. The Brother SQ9285 is one of those machines. At first glance, it doesn’t look a lot different from similar models, like the SC9500 or the HC1850. But the SQ9285 does stand out … Read more
The Brother XR3774 is one in a line of very similar machines. Like the XM3700, the XM2701, and others, it’s a mid-priced mechanical sewing machine with some unexpected features and functionalities. Many of Brother’s models are surprisingly good value for money, and customer reviews bear this out. But is this model special? Our Brother XR3774 … Read more
At first glance, the Singer Tradition 2277 looks like another entry-level mechanical sewing machine. It has manual controls, a limited stitch selection, and a design that makes it easy to start sewing right out of the box. Singer produces a lot of similar machines, though. You might be wondering how the Singer 2277 stands out. … Read more
The SINGER Fashion Mate 5560 is an entry-level computerized sewing machine aimed at quilters. It’s very similar to a handful of other SINGER models. SINGER seems to do this a lot. At the same time, there are some important differences in the lineup. How does the Fashion Mate 5560 stack up? Sharpen your shears. We’re … Read more
At first glance, the Janome 4120QDC looks like a sweetheart of a deal. It does a lot, but not too much. It comes with a pleasingly complete accessories pack (Janome accessories packs tend to be a bit stingy). And if you choose your retailer carefully, you can get it for a lot less than you … Read more
The price of the SINGER Starlet 6699 might make you do a double take. The few SINGER sewing machines in this price range are mechanical and pretty bare bones. The Starlet 6699 is a computerized sewing machine with a pleasing range of features. Does it live up to the SINGER name? Our SINGER Starlet 6699 … Read more
Some sewing machines are very clearly designed for beginners. Others sport a complex array of features that mark them as advanced machines. And then there are machines like the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 that bridge the gap. Our Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 review can help you decide if this is the right machine for your … Read more
Brother makes a wide variety of sewing machines at different price points. But one place Brother really excels is with affordable, feature-rich all-purpose home sewing machines. Many of these are aimed at quilters. But the Brother SE425 aims for the amateur embroidery enthusiast. How does it do? Our Brother SE425 review will tell you. A … Read more
TL;DR To end a stitch when you’re sewing by hand, stop with several inches of thread left. Bring the needle under your last stitch and make a loop large enough to insert your finger. Now, bring the needle through the loop and pull it tight to form a knot. Finishing stitches on a sewing machine … Read more
What is jersey fabric, anyway? Is it what athletic jerseys are made from? Yes, but the name goes back a lot farther than that. Modern jersey fabric is one of the most loved and most used clothing fabrics on the market. It’s also great for a variety of projects. Want to know more? Check it … Read more
What is flax linen fabric? Many people think of linen as a luxury material. It’s strong, attractive, comfortable…and expensive. But before cotton became king, linen was the go-to fabric for clothing, housewares, and more. What is linen made of, anyway? What do people use it for today? And how do you sew linen fabric? We’re … Read more
What is a seam? The answer might “seam” simple at first. It’s a row of stitching that joins two pieces of fabric or material. But there’s a lot more to it than that. There are different seams for different purposes. There are also a variety of techniques for joining fabric in different ways. Knowing which … Read more
It’s probably happened to you: skipped stitches, breaking thread, puckering fabric around your sewing line, or even thread nests on the back of your fabric. As diverse as these problems might seem, they all come down to thread tension. Do you know how to adjust tension on a sewing machine? It’s easy, and it can … Read more
Do you know how to thread a needle? I don’t mean conceptually. That’s easy. Have you ever struggled with pushing a fuzzy thread-end through a teeny, tiny hole? Have you ever thought, there has to be an easier way? You’re right. In fact, there are several. We’ll show you seven. Yes, seven. What You’ll Need … Read more
It’s happened to all of us. You’re heading out the door, putting on your favorite jacket, and the zipper bites the dust. Time to throw out that jacket? It doesn’t have to be. If you know how to sew a zipper, your favorite jacket, backpack, trousers, or other item can be ready to use again … Read more
Microfiber — or microfibre — you’ve seen it. You’ve probably used it. Perhaps you’ve even read about the pollution that microfibers cause. But aside from being an ultra-fine denier synthetic fabric, what is it, really? Buckle up. We’re going to tell you. What is microfiber? The term “microfiber” covers a variety of cloth types, each … Read more
What is chiffon fabric? Once you’ve seen it, it’s hard to forget it. Floaty, translucent, often shimmering, it’s a favourite for gowns and wraps. What makes chiffon special is not its fibre content, nor even its weave. The difference is in the threads themselves. Chiffon fabric is woven with two different types of high-twist yarns. … Read more
What is damask? The name may sound exotic, but in essence, damask is a fabric with designs woven into it in a very specific way. It’s an ancient technique that’s still popular today. Damask fabric is a favorite for high end garments, upholstery, and housewares. But it’s not just a pretty face. It’s also water … Read more
Rayon is a light, breathable fabric most commonly used as a silk substitute. Rayon is plant-derived, so some describe it as a natural material. On the other hand, because of the intense processing of that material, others consider rayon to be synthetic. What is rayon made of? Is it eco-friendly? And, most importantly, how do … Read more
Fabric names can be confusing. Some, like cotton, describe what a fabric is made from. Others, like viscose, refer to the production process. And poplin? What is poplin, anyway? The name poplin doesn’t describe either composition or a production process. Rather, it refers to the texture and arrangement of the fibres. What is Poplin Fabric? … Read more
What is fleece made of? Originally, fleece meant the wool of sheep, alpacas, angora rabbits, and some goats. But the meaning has expanded to include a wide array of natural and synthetic fibers. All fleece material shares the same soft texture, however. And no matter what it’s made from, fleece fabric is generally easy to … Read more
There’s something about chenille that just makes a person want to touch it. Soft, slightly stretchy, and wonderfully textured, there’s nothing like it in the world. But what is chenille material, anyway? And what is chenille made of? How is chenille material different from chenille yarn? And, of course the most important question of all: … Read more
It seems so simple, yet you’d be surprised how many people don’t know how to sew a button. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry. It’s easy to replace a button by hand or using a sewing machine. We’ll show you how. What You’ll Need to Complete This Tutorial Most of us have at … Read more
A needle is a needle is a needle, right? Wrong! Sewing machine needles come in a variety of sizes, sharpnesses, and materials, and choosing the wrong one could cost you your project. In short, knowing how to identify sewing machine needles is an essential skill every sewist must have. Our sewing machine needle guide will … Read more
Who invented the sewing machine? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Like a lot of great ideas, the evolution of the sewing machine is a series of inventions, innovations, improvements and hacks. And one can’t simply ask what year was the sewing machine invented, because it took place over a long period … Read more
The Janome Magnolia 7318 is a friendly-looking entry-level mechanical sewing machine. It’s light and portable, and has a very decent number of stitch designs for a mechanical machine. At the same time, there are plenty of similar machines that cost less. Do its features and performance justify the price tag? Our Janome Magnolia 7318 review … Read more
The JUKI TL2010Q is a professional straight stitch quilting machine. It’s fast, it’s sturdy, and, if many JUKI TL2010Q reviews are anything to go by, it’s a serious quilter’s dream. But there are a lot of differences between this sort of machine and an all-purpose sewing machine aimed at quilters. Before you press “buy,” it … Read more
From the outside the SINGER Start 1304 looks like a mini marvel. It’s 9.8 pounds of lightweight yet heavy duty construction. Portable, powerful, and fun, this machine is simplicity itself. When might you want a small portable sewing machine? Our SINGER 1304 review will consider that question and more. SINGER 1304: Review and Specs Since … Read more
When you’re researching your first sewing machine, a lot of the basic models can look the same. But there are differences, and those differences can have a big impact on your sewing. The SINGER Sew Mate 5400 is a computerized sewing machine that’s well suited for learners and everyday sewists. Our SINGER 5400 review can … Read more
You can do a lot with an inexpensive sewing machine. But have you ever wondered what you could do if money were no object? The Janome Horizon Memory Craft line has some of the priciest home sewing machines on the market. But these machines set the standards in their class. Is the 8900 QCP worth … Read more
When it comes to affordable sewing machines that pack a punch, few manufacturers can match Brother. The Brother XM2701 has a lot of features for a mechanical sewing machine. At the same time, it’s quite a bit more expensive than other machines in this class. Is it worth it? Our Brother XM2701 review will lay … Read more
Recently we reviewed the Janome 8077 and found it underwhelming. The Janome DC2014 is a very similar model: an entry-level computerized sewing machine that sits at a similarly high price point. But there are a few differences, and they’re important. Does this model earn its stripes? Our Janome DC2014 review will lay it out for … Read more
On the surface, the Janome 8077 looks like any other entry-level computerized sewing machine. It has a limited number of stitch designs, a friendly, intuitive interface, and the extra features you’d expect when upgrading from a mechanical sewing machine. But many Janome 8077 reviews ask, why the high price tag? We wondered too. LIKES Manageable … Read more
My first sewing machine was a basic mechanical model with two stitches and a four-step buttonhole. It took me surprisingly far, but eventually I needed more quilting features. The Janome JW8100 is a computerized sewing machine with an impressive range of quilting elements. Could it be your next step? Our Janome JW8100 review will help … Read more
Mechanical sewing machines dominate the lower end of the price spectrum. If you want the increased features of a computerized sewing machine, you often have to adjust your budget upward. The SINGER Confidence 7363 is a budget computerized machine, and it looks great. But what do you really get for your money? Our SINGER Confidence … Read more
Sometimes you just want a simple sewing machine that gets the job done with no fuss, no fanfare, and no fooling around. The Brother XM3700 37-stitch sewing machine is about as uncomplicated as it gets, and at a very decent price. But sometimes “simple” and “inexpensive” amount to cheap. Is this the case here? Our … Read more
So you’ve had some fun with the embroidery stitches on your all-in-one sewing machine and you want to take it up a notch. An entry-level embroidery-slash-sewing machine like the Brother SE400 could be the next step. But what should you look for in an embroidery and sewing machine? Our Brother SE 400 review will tell … Read more
The majority of Brother SC9500 reviews from customers and professionals alike are positive. And what’s not to like? It’s an inexpensive sewing machine with a lot of fun options to experiment with. But no machine is perfect for every user. Is the Brother SC9500 the right machine for your needs? Let’s find out. The Brother … Read more
Are you ready to level up from a basic sewing machine? Do you want to stretch your skills and your imagination? The Brother HC1850 computerized sewing and quilting machine might be the next step in your sewing journey. Not only that, but it comes with some innovative assistance options to help you on your way. … Read more
The Janome HD 3000 is a member of Janome’s line of heavy duty mechanical sewing machines. All of the models in this range are pretty similar. The HD1000 and HD 2200 sit at a similar price point, while the HD 3000 reviewed here today is priced a bit higher. What’s behind the price difference? And … Read more
You might look at the price tag for the JUKI DDL 5550 and do a double-take. It costs how much and only does a straight stitch? But this isn’t your average home sewing machine. In fact, it’s not a home sewing machine at all. It’s an industrial straight stitch machine. Don’t know the difference? Don’t … Read more
Looking at a lot of the sewing machines aimed at beginners, you might think that basic means boring. But the SINGER One’s stylish design is a good reminder that fun is the most important part of any new hobby. Is the beauty of this vintage-inspired computerized sewing machine more than just skin deep? Our SINGER … Read more
At first glance, a heavy-duty mechanical sewing machine like the Janome HD 1000 might not look like anything special. These machines have few stitch choices and no bells or whistles. But for certain kinds of work, this kind of machine is exactly what you want. Most brands have at least one simple mechanical workhorse, so … Read more
A general-purpose sewing machine can take a home quilter far. But there may come a time when you want something faster, more powerful, and with more quilting-specific features. The Janome Memory Craft 6600 is a professional quilting machine. In our Janome 6600 review, we’ll help you to decide whether it’s the right one for you. … Read more
Sewing enthusiasts will tell you that there’s nothing quite like a Janome. Janome sewing machines tend to be expensive, but in exchange you get unparalleled quality and durability. Whilst conducting this Janome 2212 review, we’ll take this reputation into account. But no machine is perfect, and no machine is perfect for every user. So we’ll … Read more
If you’re looking for an all-purpose home sewing machine, you’re probably seeing one name a lot. The Brother cs6000i sewing machine in review after review comes up as one of the best affordable sewing machines on the market. The release of the follow-up model, the cs7000i has made the cs6000i even more affordable. The question … Read more