Sewing Tips, Tutorials, Projects and Events

I have some new Butterick patterns to share with you this week and we have picked out the perfect fabrics you could sew them up in. This was a small release and I've just picked out four patterns that I thought were really worth a mention. Continue reading →

The Great British Sewing Bee Series 9, which aired in 2023, continued with Sara Pascoe as host alongside judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, welcoming a fresh group of skilled amateur sewists into the sewing room. Over ten episodes, the contestants tackled everything from underwear and asymmetrical dresses to upcycling office wear and producing striking made-to-measure garments inspired by different themes. The series showcased plenty of creativity, humour, and problem-solving under pressure, as well as the supportive camaraderie the show is known for. After weeks of testing challenges and standout sewing, Asmaa Elbadawy was crowned the winner, celebrated for her bold creativity, technical skill, and ability to bring her unique vision to life through her garments. 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 →

Shirring is such an effective sewing technique to master and is actually much easier to sew than you might think. In this blog post I'll show you step by step how to sew shirring and give you my top tips for achieving neat, professional results. You can also watch my video to take you through the process. 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 →

The Great British Sewing Bee Series 8, which aired in 2022, marked the first season hosted by comedian Sara Pascoe, joining judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young as twelve new contestants battled it out in the sewing room. The series featured a lively mix of challenges, from sportswear and children’s dungarees to recycling vintage curtains and creating red-carpet gowns, pushing sewists to show both technical mastery and creative flair. Each week brought tense pattern challenges, inventive transformations, and dramatic made-to-measure moments, with friendships and rivalries developing along the way. After nine weeks of sewing brilliance, Annie McGrail was crowned the winner, impressing the judges with her elegant style, consistency, and ability to combine precision with personality in her garments. Continue reading →

Overlockers aren't just for finishing seams and in this video I'll show you 7 clever tips to take your overlocker skills to the next level. If you've ever struggled to sew a neckband without a bulky bit at the end or wrestled with tricky sewing tasks, like turning through a rouleau strap, this video and blog post is for you. 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 →

New sewing patterns from Simplicity featured on the vlog this week - Lucy picked out her favourites and paired them with dressmaking fabrics you could whip them up in. See below for the video and links to all the patterns and fabrics. Continue reading →

Sewing jersey garments, especially on an overlocker, can be a scary business, but learning how to sew a simple jersey dress or Tshirt is easier than you might think and so worth it. In this video I'll show you step by step how to construct Simplicity 8982 including all the tapes and interfacing products I use to help you achieve great results every time. Continue reading →

The Great British Sewing Bee Series 7, which aired in 2021, introduced viewers to a new line-up of talented sewists, once again hosted by Joe Lycett with judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young. Across ten weeks, contestants faced a variety of challenges including designing children’s clothing, reworking old denim, and mastering complex techniques like lingerie and outerwear construction. The series mixed technical skill with creativity, celebrating resourcefulness in transformation challenges and flair in the made-to-measure rounds. With plenty of emotional highs, imaginative sewing, and entertaining moments, it was Serena Baker who ultimately claimed the title, becoming the youngest ever winner thanks to her precision, style, and consistently polished garments. Continue reading →