Sewing Wellness | Collette Costello

Tag: quilting

  • Hand Stitches for Making Clothes, Beginners Guide

    When sewing clothes together, sometimes sewers will use hand-stitch to stitch the pieces together first.This can make it easier to check all the pieces are matched correctly, before machine sewing them.

    See below videos and top-tips on how to hand-sew:

    How to Knot Thread into Fabric

    How to Stitch Running Stitch

    Running stitch also known as basting and tailor-tacking stitch. Can be used to loosely stitch fabric together. The video below will show you how to do this.

    How to Stitch Back-stitch

    How to Un-pick Thread

    Hand-stitching Clothes Together

    Hand-stitching is relaxing and you can’t hand-sew clothes together, without the use of a sewing machine. It does take longer, yet it is the most sustainable way to make clothes.

    To sew clothes together you only need to know two stitches.

    • Back-stitch – To sew seams and top stitch.
    • Blanket stitch – Over-locking edges of fabric.

    How to Back-stitch

    For a video demonstration see: How to Back-stitch.

    • To back stitch simply sew a stitch.
    • Then bring the needle up through the fabric.
    • At the end of where you want the next stitch to be.
    • Then re-enter the fabric through the end of the first stitch.
    • Keep repeating, until you have a line of stitches.

    How to Blanket-stitch

    For a video demonstration see: Blanket-stitch.

    • Sew a stitch, yet before pulling all the tread through create a loop.
    • Put the needle through the loop, before pulling tight.
    • This will make the thread wrap around the edge of the fabric.
    • Repeat this over and over again, until the edge of the fabric is sealed.

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  • Top 10 Bag Kits to Sew

    Carrying a bag is a daily ritual, so why settle for the same old store-bought options? It’s time to unleash your inner designer and create a bag that’s as unique as you are!

    Why Make Your Own Bag?

    Imagine walking down the street with a bag that not only reflects your personal style but also meets your functional needs. With bag sewing kits, you can skip the shopping frenzy and create your own unique bag. No more compromising on colour, size, or design.

    What’s Inside a Bag Sewing Kit?

    These handy kits come with everything you need to craft a beautiful, functional bag. Here’s what you can typically expect:

    • Pre-Cut Fabric: Say goodbye to complicated cutting instructions! Each kit includes pre-cut fabric pieces, making it easier for you to start sewing right away.
    • Clear Instructions: Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a curious beginner, the clear, step-by-step instructions guide you through the process, ensuring you can create your masterpiece with confidence.
    • Essential Trimmings: Kits usually include all the necessary trimmings, such as thread, zippers, and hardware, so you won’t have to run to the store mid-project.

    Who Can Benefit from Bag Sewing Kits?

    Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or an experienced seamstress looking to expand your skills, there’s a bag sewing kit ready to transform you into a bag-making pro.

    For Beginners

    If you’re new to sewing, these kits offer a perfect starting point. They provide all the materials and guidance you need to build your confidence and enjoy the creative process. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with just a little bit of practice!

    For Experienced Sewers

    Seasoned stitchers can use these kits to explore new styles and techniques without the hassle of sourcing materials. Challenge yourself with different bag designs, from tote bags to clutches, and elevate your sewing game.

    Get Started!

    Top 10 Bag Kits to Sew

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  • Unboxing Joy: Sewing Subscription Boxes for Beginners UK

    Every avid crafter knows the thrill of starting a craft project! Luckily, it’s never been easier to dive into crafting supplies and fresh project ideas with sewing subscription boxes.

    Why we love sewing subscription boxes?

    Imagine a delightful package arriving at your door, packed with everything you need to kick off a new sewing adventure!

    These boxes are ideal for beginners and those who have mastered basic stitches and want to enhance their skills. Each month, you’ll eagerly unwrap a box filled with new fabrics and projects.

    Like all great craft kits, monthly sewing subscription boxes simplify your creative journey. They come complete with colourful fabrics, essential tools, and easy-to-follow instructions to help you create stunning projects.

    Feeling inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee? Subscription boxes are also eco-friendly, providing just the right amount of materials for each project. This means less waste and more fun!

    What’s Inside the Best Sewing Subscription Boxes?

    We’ve rounded up some of the top sewing subscription boxes that are perfect for every sewing enthusiast. Whether you’re eager to try your hand at dressmaking or simply want some fab fat quarters, there’s something for everyone! Plus, you’ll pick up new skills with every project, letting you create beautiful pieces for your home and wardrobe.

    Most boxes come with an exciting project or pattern to tackle each month, while others offer a mix of lovely fabrics and supplies, encouraging you to unleash your creativity.

    Dive into our list of the best sewing subscription boxes below and find the perfect match for your crafting style. Happy stitching!

    Best 8 Monthly Subscription Boxes UK

    1. My Sewing Box: Offers a monthly box filled with sewing supplies, including fabrics, patterns, and notions, designed for various skill levels.

    2. Sew Hayley Jane: A curated box that includes high-quality fabrics, patterns, and treats for sewing enthusiasts, focusing on fun and creativity.

    3. Lamazi Fabrics: offers a fantastic range of sewing kits that include all the necessary materials to bring your sewing projects to life. With free UK shipping on orders over £75.

    4. Guthrie & Ghani: For those who enjoy a regular sewing challenge, Guthrie & Ghani has a brilliant monthly dressmaking kit subscription.

    5. Clothkits: If you’re after premium materials, Cloth Kits is the place to go. Their selection of dressmaking and crafting kits features luxurious fabrics like silks and soft linens.

    4. Simply Sewing Magazine Subscription: A magazine subscription that comes with free patterns, fabric bundles, and projects each month for sewing enthusiasts.

    5. Crafty Creatives: Provides a variety of crafting kits, including sewing projects, to inspire creativity and encourage new skills.

    6. Sewing for Success: An online subscription service providing unique sewing projects each month, along with access to online tutorials and community support.

    7. Sew Over It: A subscription that includes monthly patterns, fabric bundles, and exclusive access to new designs from a well-known UK sewing brand.

    8. The Crafty Kit Company: Offers a variety of crafting subscription boxes, including sewing kits that feature everything needed to complete fun projects.

    These subscription boxes cater to a range of sewing interests and skill levels, making them great options for anyone looking to enhance their sewing journey.

    For more sewing tips subscribe below:

  • Creative Craft Kits for Kids: Knitting and Sewing

    Looking for an engaging and educational activity for your children? Children’s knitting kits and sewing kits for kids are a fantastic way to help kids develop new skills, boost their creativity, and keep them entertained for hours. These kits are designed to be easy to use, making them perfect for young beginners while allowing them to create something truly special with their own hands.

    Below is a roundup of the best children’s knitting kits and sewing kits for kids, along with links to some of the best places to find them.

    1. Melissa & Doug Sewing Kit

    Known for their high-quality toys and crafts, Melissa & Doug offers a delightful sewing kit for kids. This beginner-friendly kit includes colorful, pre-cut felt pieces, easy-to-handle plastic needles, and yarn. Kids can create their own cute stuffed animals and other fun projects while learning basic sewing techniques. It’s a perfect introduction to sewing for young children.

    Check it out: Melissa & Doug Sewing Kit

    2. Craft-tastic Learn to Sew Kit

    The Craft-tastic Learn to Sew Kit is an excellent choice for children who want to learn how to sew. This kit includes step-by-step instructions, pre-cut felt pieces, needles, and embroidery thread to make several projects, like a stuffed fox, owl, and a rainbow cloud pillow. It’s designed for kids ages 7 and up and is perfect for teaching them basic sewing skills in a fun and engaging way.

    Discover it here: Craft-tastic Sewing Kit

    3. Alex DIY Knot-A-Quilt Kit

    For kids who are interested in sewing but aren’t quite ready for needles, the Alex DIY Knot-A-Quilt Kit is a wonderful alternative. This kit allows kids to create their own cozy quilt by simply tying together pre-cut fabric squares. It’s an easy, safe way for young crafters to learn about color coordination and basic quilt-making without any sewing involved.

    Find it here: Alex DIY Knot-A-Quilt Kit

    4. Stitch & Story Children’s Knitting Kits

    If your child is more interested in knitting, Stitch & Story offers some of the best children’s knitting kits on the market. Their kits are designed specifically for young knitters, featuring large, easy-to-handle needles and soft yarn. Projects include adorable animals like bunnies and teddy bears. The instructions are clear and simple, making these kits perfect for beginners.

    Explore their kits: Stitch & Story Kids Knitting Kits

    5. Knitty Critters Knitting Kit

    For a fun and creative knitting project, the Knitty Critters Knitting Kit is a fantastic choice. This kit allows kids to knit their own soft toys, such as teddy bears or dogs, using chunky yarn and simple patterns. The kit includes everything needed, from yarn and knitting needles to stuffing and instructions. It’s an excellent introduction to knitting for children, with an end result they’ll love.

    Get it here: Knitty Critters

    Why Knitting and Sewing Kits Are Great for Kids

    Using children’s knitting kits or sewing kits for kids can provide numerous benefits, including:

    • Improving fine motor skills: Knitting and sewing require careful hand movements that help develop dexterity.
    • Encouraging creativity: These kits allow kids to express their creativity by making something from scratch.
    • Building confidence: Completing a project gives kids a great sense of accomplishment.
    • Enhancing focus and patience: Crafting teaches kids how to follow instructions and be patient as they work on longer projects.

    Conclusion

    If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids engaged while teaching them valuable skills, these children’s knitting kits and sewing kits for kids are a great option. From learning how to sew cute animals to knitting their own toys, kids will love the hands-on experience and sense of achievement these kits offer.

    Ready to help your child start crafting? Check out these fun and educational kits from companies like Melissa & Doug, Craft-tastic, and Stitch & Story to kickstart their creative journey!

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  • Best sewing subscription boxes for beginners UK

    It has never been easier to dive into crafting supplies and fresh project ideas with sewing subscription boxes.

    Why we love sewing subscription boxes?

    Imagine a delightful package arriving at your door, packed with everything you need to kick off a new sewing adventure!

    These boxes are ideal for beginners and those who have mastered basic stitches and want to enhance their skills. Each month, you’ll eagerly unwrap a box filled with new fabrics and projects.

    Like all great craft kits, monthly sewing subscription boxes simplify your creative journey. They come complete with colourful fabrics, essential tools, and easy-to-follow instructions to help you create stunning projects.

    Feeling inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee? Subscription boxes are also eco-friendly, providing just the right amount of materials for each project. This means less waste and more fun!

    What’s Inside the Best Sewing Subscription Boxes?

    We’ve rounded up some of the top sewing subscription boxes that are perfect for every sewing enthusiast. Whether you’re eager to try your hand at dressmaking or simply want some fab fat quarters, there’s something for everyone! Plus, you’ll pick up new skills with every project, letting you create beautiful pieces for your home and wardrobe.

    Most boxes come with an exciting project or pattern to tackle each month, while others offer a mix of lovely fabrics and supplies, encouraging you to unleash your creativity.

    Dive into our list of the best sewing subscription boxes below and find the perfect match for your crafting style. Happy stitching!

    Best 8 Monthly Subscription Boxes UK

    1. My Sewing Box: Offers a monthly box filled with sewing supplies, including fabrics, patterns, and notions, designed for various skill levels.

    2. Sew Hayley Jane: A curated box that includes high-quality fabrics, patterns, and treats for sewing enthusiasts, focusing on fun and creativity.

    3. Lamazi Fabrics: offers a fantastic range of sewing kits that include all the necessary materials to bring your sewing projects to life. With free UK shipping on orders over £75.

    4. Guthrie & Ghani: For those who enjoy a regular sewing challenge, Guthrie & Ghani has a brilliant monthly dressmaking kit subscription.

    5. Clothkits: If you’re after premium materials, Cloth Kits is the place to go. Their selection of dressmaking and crafting kits features luxurious fabrics like silks and soft linens.

    4. Simply Sewing Magazine Subscription: A magazine subscription that comes with free patterns, fabric bundles, and projects each month for sewing enthusiasts.

    5. Crafty Creatives: Provides a variety of crafting kits, including sewing projects, to inspire creativity and encourage new skills.

    6. Sewing for Success: Online sewing classes providing unique sewing projects each month, along with access to online tutorials and community support.

    7. Sew Over It: A subscription that includes monthly patterns, fabric bundles, and exclusive access to new designs from a well-known UK sewing brand.

    8. The Crafty Kit Company: Offers a variety of crafting subscription boxes, including sewing kits that feature everything needed to complete fun projects.

    These subscription boxes cater to a range of sewing interests and skill levels, making them great options for anyone looking to enhance their sewing journey.

    For more sewing tips subscribe below:

  • My Sewing Machine Won’t Sew 10 Fixes

    Sewing machines are great when they work, much quicker than sewing by hand. Yet they can be a real pain to learn how to use and to fix when they break.

    Why Wont my Sewing Machine Sew?

    When a sewing machine won’t sew, it is usually due to the same faults. See the video and guide below for my top 10 fixes to get your machine working again.

    Top 10 Sewing Machine Fixes

    If your sewing machine isn’t sewing, there are a few things you can check to try to fix the problem. Here are my 10 fixes for a sewing machine that won’t sew.

    1. Check the needle, it maybe bent, dull, or damaged. To replace, put the needle in the machine with flat side facing the back
    2. Check the top thread, is threaded correctly. That is goes through all the holes and between the tension plates.
    3. Set the tension, for standard sewing set to between 3-4. Check your instruction manual for other settings.
    4. Release the bobbin winder. Check the bobbin winder is reset, as this will stop the needle in the machine moving.
    5. Insert bobbin correctly. Check the bobbin has been placed in machine correctly. The thread on bobbin should unwind anti-clockwise.
    6. Check thread. You thread maybe too thin for the project. Metallic threads are prone to breaking easily.
    7. Clean the Machine. Use a small brush to remove dust and threads from the bobbin case.
    8. Change fabric. Domestic sewing machines struggle to stitch through many layers and thick fabrics such as denims.
    9. Check machine timing. Tired everything, machine still not working? A professional service will be needed to check and fix any timing issues.
    10. Take regular breaks when sewing to avoid making mistakes. Machines do have a knack to stopping working when your stressed, only to start working again the next day!

    For more sewing tips:

  • Best Sewing Machine for Beginners UK

    The best sewing machines for beginners are domestic sewing machines. Surprisingly, the most inexpensive, basic sewing machines are best for beginners. Sewing machines that start at £80 by quality brands such as:

    • Singer
    • Brother
    • Janome

    What is the Best Sewing Machine for Beginners?

    The Only 3 Sewing Machines You will Ever Need!

    Brand you can trust starting at £80, make great gifts. The 3 types of sewing machines below, are the only 3 machines a beginner will ever need. See my top picks below:

    1. Basic Domestic Sewing Machine

    Beginners can make most sewing projects on a basic domestic sewing machine. The budget machines below can be used to make dresses, cushion and accessories. They are great machines and won’t break easily.

    Highly recommended, this is the machine I use to teach all my online sewing classes.

    2. Overlocker Machine Domestic

    If you are planning on doing a lot sewing and want to give clothes a professional finish, invest in a domestic overlocker machine. These machines seal the edges of fabric and are an essential for stitching stretchy garments.

    Highly Recommended £250 Domestic Sewing Machine, Shop Now Brother M343D Amazon

    3. Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

    A heavy duty sewing machine is perfect for sewing thick denim, coats and leathers upholstery. This machine is perfect for confident beginners that want to take their sewing to the next level.

    Great Value £350 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine, Shop Now Brother 4423 Amazon

    Which Sewing Machine for Beginners?

    • Domestic Sewing Machine – You can learn to sew using only a domestic sewing machine. This machine can be used to sew everything from cushions to dresses.
    • Domestic Over-locker Machine – To give your sewing a professional finish, you may wish to invest in an over-locker machine. This machine is used to stop the edges of fabric fraying.

    Top Tip – When buying budget machines, avoid small “Mini” sewing machines. These machines are more like toys and will break when used. For more machines see “Best Sewing Machines for Beginners”.

    1950s Style Vintage Sewing Machines Under £200!

    To get a vintage style sewing machine, without the hassle of an old machine that breaks.

    Try the range of colourful sewing machines by Janome, exclusive to John Lewis. Shop now “JL220 by John Lewis”.

    This sewing machine comes in a range of vintage colours, so looks great in any home. This machine has a range of stitches and is great for any beginners sewing project.

    Learn more about this machine see, 1950’s Vintage Machine Under £20.

    Types of Sewing Machines Beginners Guide

    As you become more confident at sewing you may invest in other types of sewing machines.

    To learn more about the differences between sewing machines, see list below:

    • Domestic machines: Are for home sewing, they will sew everything other than heavy fabrics or through lots of layers of fabric. 
    • Semi-industrial: Are heavy duty domestic machines for professional and home sewing. They will stitch through heavy fabrics.
    • Industrial machines: Are professional, used in factories. Yet if you have the space, money and can stitch fast they really are the best machines. You can sew really fast using them and they are not fiddly.
    • Over-lockers: Are for stopping the edges of fabrics fraying, they are worth the investment. Can be used the stitch stretchy clothes together, without the use of a general sewing machine. You can buy domestic or industrial.
    • Cover-stitch: Is for hemming garments made in stretchy fabrics, such as t-shirts for a professional finish.
    • Embroidery Machine: This feature can be built into a domestic sewing machine or maybe purchased as a separate machine.

    Other machines are available yet they are more specialist. For more see “13 Types of Sewing Machines and Their Uses” or list below:

    What is the difference between budget and expensive sewing machine?

    I have made clothes, taught classes using budget domestic machines. The difference between budget and expensive machines is that. The more expensive machines are slightly heavier, so may move around less. Yet they stitch exactly the same as the cheaper models.

    When you buy a more expensive machine such as Janome, you are paying really only for extra decorative stitches. Which when learning to make clothes you would very rarely use. I am currently teaching online sewing courses, using an Singer 2250. It is great machine, does everything I need and I had it a few years now.

    Where to buy beginners sewing machines?

    Budget domestic sewing machines, by quality brands such as Singer. Can be purchased at budget high-street stores. I have purchased beginners machines from the stores below. For more ideas see “Best Tested Sewing Machines”.

    The beginners machines I purchased from Argos, were their own brand and worked well. I also love the colourful budget machines sold at John Lewis. Instead of traditional white, they come in many rainbow and pastel colours.

    Quality Sewing Machine Brands:

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