Cotton – Cotton thread is commonly used for quilting. Cotton thread is weaker than most other commonly used fibers. This is actually considered an advantage, because if sufficient strain is put on the garment or quilt to make something break, it’s better if it’s the thread that breaks rather than tearing the fabric, because it’s […]

Coats & Clark http://www.coatsandclark.com/ Coats & Clark thread is very widely available in many colors. Unfortunately many people feel that it’s poor quality thread and not worth using. Your author’s sewing machine won’t even actually sew with it – it just jams up on a huge mess of thread every time your author tries. However, […]

It’s better that they learn sewing in the safety of their own home than learn it on the street from their friends… Seriously, this depends greatly on your opinion of the ability and responsibility of the child and the circumstances under which you are considering allowing them to use the machine. Many parents allow their […]

Probably not. Most, if not all, toy sewing machines made today are of very poor quality and will not produce a result of quality acceptable to the child. This may very well discourage the child from actually learning about sewing when they’re ready to. Some toy sewing machines may also actually be so poorly made […]

It’s best to go look at your available choices, try some different models with different features, and decide what you like. The list of manufactures above still stands. A few things to keep in mind when test driving a serger: How Easy Is It to Thread? Sergers are usually harder to thread than sewing machines, […]

No, you can sew without a serger. Sergers for home use are in fact a recent development. Most garments can be easily completed with a sewing machine and without a serger. However, you may prefer to use a serger because of the convenience it offers in some circumstances.

Try a different or new needle. Remove all thread from the machine and rethread it from scratch. Open all service panels and clean out all lint. If the manual directs you to oil the machine, do so according to the manufacturer’s instructions using quality sewing machine oil. (Do not use standard household oils or automotive […]

A serger is a sewing-machine-like device that simultaneously trims the fabric with a blade, sews a seam, and finishes the cut edge of the fabric. According to “Sewing Secrets From the Fashion Industry,” such a device can only be considered a serger if it both forms a chain stitch to make the seam and also […]