Buying a second-hand sewing machine can be a brilliant way to get more machine for your money, but it’s easy to end up with something that looks fine and sews badly. Here’s what actually matters when you’re weighing one up. Why buy second-hand at all? A used machine, properly checked over, can get you a […]
Most of the machines that arrive on our bench aren’t broken. They’ve got a threading fault, a tired needle, or a lint problem — and the owner has spent an hour fighting it before giving up. So before you pack yours into the car, work through this. Nine times out of ten you’ll fix it […]
The short answer: every few years for most people. If you sew every day, or you’re running an embroidery machine hard, make it every year. If your machine lives in a cupboard and comes out twice a year, you can stretch it to every three years, but don’t stretch it further than that. That’s the […]
Threading a sewing machine is one of those things that feels fiddly the first few times, and then becomes second nature. If you are just getting started or you have just picked up a new machine, this guide will walk you through the whole process clearly and calmly. Every machine is slightly different, but the […]
One of the best things about owning a Bernina is the accessory system. The presser feet are almost all made from metal, which makes a real difference to how they handle and how long they last. Once you start building a collection, you quickly realise just how much more you can do with your machine. […]
If you’ve been embroidering for a while and you’re finding your single needle machine is slowing you down, you’ve probably started looking at multi needle machines. And if you’ve looked at multi needle machines, you’ve almost certainly come across the Brother PR range. The PR680W is one of the most popular machines we keep on […]
Buying your first sewing machine is exciting, but with so many options out there it can quickly feel overwhelming. Walk into any sewing shop or browse online and you’ll find new machines ranging from £79 to several thousand pounds. So how do you know which one is right for you? This guide will walk you […]
If you’ve been sewing for a while, chances are you’ve started wondering about overlockers. Maybe a friend has one, or you’ve seen the neat professional finish they produce and thought — do I need one of those? The short answer is: it depends on what you make. But understanding the difference between the two machines […]
A Step-by-Step guide showing how to sew a Raglan made to measure T-shirt on an overlocker and coverstitch machine. Here we have used the Baby lock Acclaim overlocker and Baby lock Euphoria coverstitch machine. Sewing jersey fabric can be a challenge but with the right machines it is definitely a lot easier! Baby lock machines […]
What we know about the new Bernina top of the range 990 sewing and embroidery machine as a Platinum level Bernina Dealer in the UK.
