Tips and tutorials

Everything you need to know about thread weight

Everything you need to know about thread weight

Sewing thread, no matter what material it may be made from, comes in different ‘weights’. But what is thread weight, how is it measured, what does it mean, and why might we want to understand thread weight? This article will cover everything you need to know about thread weight and why it is important. Why do we need to understand thread weight? Using the correct thread for your project is critical to the final outcome….

Everything you need to know about needles for your sewing machine

Everything you need to know about needles for your sewing machine

Your sewing needle might not be something you’ve given much thought to, but it’s a critical part of your sewing machine and if the needle is blunt, damaged, installed wrongly, threaded wrongly, or the wrong size for your project then you simply won’t get good results when you sew. Many new sewers will just continue on sewing until their needle breaks and it’s only then that a new one is installed. But that’s usually far…

A complete sewing glossary of terminology explained for beginners

A complete sewing glossary of terminology explained for beginners

I am so pleased to bring you this complete sewing dictionary. All of the commonly used sewing terms and abbreviations are described and defined here in this list so you’ll always know where to turn if you come across a word or phrase you’ve not heard in your sewing journey before. There is nothing more frustrating than coming across an instruction in a sewing pattern or project and having no idea what it means. That…

How to scale sewing patterns larger or smaller

How to scale sewing patterns larger or smaller

Have you ever seen a sewing pattern you love and then check out the sizing and realise it’s just not quite right for you? Seen a tote bag that’s not big enough or a clutch bag that’s larger than you would like? But resizing the pattern is just too difficult, too much hard work or you just don’t know where to start? Well, you might be surprised to know that actually, it’s really easy to…

How to print a PDF sewing pattern at home

How to print a PDF sewing pattern at home

Once you have downloaded your pattern files (see this article if you need help with downloading – How to Download A Digital PDF Sewing Pattern), then it’s time to open the file, review the instructions and pages and print out just the parts of the PDF document that you need. I’ll give you some tips on how to successfully print your PDF sewing patterns at home. These tips apply to all PDF sewing patterns, not…

How to download a digital PDF sewing pattern

How to download a digital PDF sewing pattern

Firstly, a massive thank you if you have bought one of my sewing patterns or the other digital downloads available from the store. It truly does mean a lot to me. I’ll soon have you on your way with your file so you can start sewing right away. Here’s a quick set of step by step instructions on how you can download a digital PDF sewing pattern or other digital files from the store or…

How to perfect your stitching with printable sewing practice sheets

How to perfect your stitching with printable sewing practice sheets

Sewing practice sheets, printable sewing sheets for beginners to practice stitching and sewing. No thread required, sew on your machine to punch holes in the paper! These printable sewing practice sheets have been designed with the total beginner in mind. I don’t know about you, but I remember when I first started out sewing, I found it difficult to even sew a straight line. I thought I was doing just fine, but then I’d take…