Beginner Sewing

A well-fitted waistline is the foundation of a beautifully tailored garment. Whether you're creating a structured dress, a pair of trousers, or a flowing skirt, getting the waistline just right ensures comfort and enhances the overall silhouette. But dressmaking patterns aren’t always a perfect match for individual body shapes—this is where waistline adjustments come in. Continue reading →

Sewing is a rewarding and creative skill, but when you're first starting out, sewing patterns can feel like reading a foreign language. Terms like "grainline," "notches," and "seam allowance" might seem intimidating, but once you understand them, they become second nature. This guide will help you decode common sewing pattern terminology, making it easier to follow patterns and create beautiful garments with confidence. Continue reading →

Choosing the right sewing pattern for your skill level can make your project so much more enjoyable. A pattern at the right sort of level not only boosts your confidence but also ensures a more enjoyable and successful sewing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sewist, understanding how to choose a suitable pattern for your skill level is incredibly helpful. Let’s explore how to make the best choice for your next project. Continue reading →

Sewing patterns which only require 1m of fabric are a great way to sew more sustainably and use up your remnants or any left over fabric from a project or to keep costs down when you're on a budget. Read on for a detailed round up of our top eight sewing patterns, which only require 1m of fabric. Continue reading →

As a specialist sewing machine dealer for over 19 years we've helped many customers to overcome stitch quality problems. In our experience the vast majority of problems can be easily resolved at home by following these 7 tips. Continue reading →

Learning to sew buttonholes is a great way to expand your sewing knowledge and create sewing projects you can be really proud of. Sewing machines either come with the option for a one step buttonhole (see our step by step tutorial for how to sew a one step buttonhole here) or a four step buttonhole. In this article we will show you step by step how to sew a four step buttonhole. Continue reading →

Using the wrong type of sewing machine needle is one of the most common mistakes we come across at Sew Essential. It can lead to needle breakage, difficulty working with the chosen fabric and poor stitch quality. You'll never have to experience these problems with our sewing machine needle guide! We've outlined the different types of needles available and the fabrics and threads they should be used with. Even if you're a confident stitcher and are in the know about needles its worth having a quick read. You might just surprise yourself and discover a life-changing needle you never knew existed! Continue reading →

Buying a sewing machine can be an incredibly exciting and daunting prospect. The huge and varied options available can be so overwhelming. In this video we’ll share our expert knowledge to help you identify what to consider when choosing the best sewing machine for you whether you are a complete beginner or a very experienced sewist. Below the video you can read in detail everything we covered and more in our comprehensive buyers'guide. Continue reading →

Darts are such an important part of so many sewing and dressmaking projects. Not only do they give the garment shape they are also usually highly visible and therefore it is a good idea to strive for a professional finish. In this video I'll show you my top dart sewing tips. Continue reading →

So you've decided to have a go at sewing your own clothes, but sewing patterns look scary and difficult to understand. Let me help you with everything you need to know from how to choose a suitable sewing pattern through to reading and understanding the information on the packet, in the instruction booklet and on the pattern pieces. Continue reading →

If you're new to sewing your own clothes a list of tried and tested beginner sewing patterns is a great place to start. Simple, easy to make, easy to fit dressmaking projects that will allow you to build your confidence with some of the most common sewing techniques on easy to sew fabrics. Here's my list of the top five beginner sewing patterns tried and tested by yours truly with one important piece of advice - don't be scared just have a go. Continue reading →

Understitching is a basic sewing technique that is crucial in achieving a professional finish to your handmade garments and is actually quite enjoyable too (IMHO). Find out what an understitch is, why it is so important plus step by step photos and a video of how to complete this essential sewing task. Continue reading →