Sewing Machine Guides

If you're looking for a high-performance sewing machine that balances innovation with ease of use, the Janome Atelier 7 Anniversary Edition could be your perfect match. Whether you're an experienced sewist or looking to upgrade from a basic model, this machine offers a wealth of features to elevate your sewing game. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the Atelier 7 Anniversary Edition stand out and why it could be the ideal addition to your sewing space. Continue reading →

The Janome 5270QDC, one of the most versatile sewing machines available on our site and is a great option for dressmakers and quilters alike. In this review we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the Janome 5270QDC, from its unique features to the included accessories and how we can support you on your personal sewing journey. Continue reading →

The Brother Innovis 15 is a great value, super easy to use machine with the option for an automatic reverse stitch, something you wouldn't often find on a machine at this level. In this review we'll highlight the key features, show you how to use the machine, then show you what is in the box and explain how we're here to help you all the way along your sewing journey. Continue reading →

The Janome 230DC is a great buy for less than £450, is easy to use and is packed full of features, which enable you to start with sewing the basics then stretch your sewing skills as your confidence grows. In this review we'll summarise the key features, show you how to use the machine and finish by showing you what is in the box and how we're here to help you on your sewing journey. 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 →

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 →

Having the right tools for the job can make such a difference to any sewing task, especially when it comes to sewing machine feet. Ok it is possible to complete most tasks with a very limited selection of feet, but use the feet designed with the specific task in mind and they can take it from tricky and time consuming to fun and easy. Here I share my top five sewing machine feet, which save me time and my sanity! Continue reading →

The range of sewing machine presser feet on the market today can be quite bewildering! However, understanding the capabilities can be incredibly eye opening for everyone from beginners to experienced sewists. I've known people who have struggled with a particular sewing task for 40 years then discovered a presser foot that takes all the stress out of that particular technique. Less frown lines, surely that's a good thing? Not only do presser feet solve sewing struggles, but they can also help you to really make a project your own by adding unique and imaginative details like never before. This may create smile lines, but we can live with those, right?! We are passionate about helping people to make these discoveries so wrote this handy ultimate guide to sewing machine feet. As you can imagine this is a rather substantial article so we've also included a handy quick reference table to help you to jump around the article and find the bits you are interested in. Continue reading →

So you’ve heard the hype, you’ve watched the videos and seen the price tag - £7,499! Now you’re wondering if the Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic is as good as everyone is making out. The simple answer: it SO is! We took part in our training at Husqvarna's head quarters on the 22nd October and collected our showroom model. Since then our sinks have been full of dirty crocks, we haven’t cooked a decent meal and we’ve barely left the house! Ok, so maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but you get it - we’re smitten! Below we’ve outlined our favourite features so far to give you an insight into this incredible piece of modern machinery. We think it makes sewing and embroidery easier and more enjoyable than ever before! We've also included a picture of our first project completed using the Epic so you can see the results for yourself. Continue reading →