August 2026

Imagine this scenario – you’ve got a brand new project to make and you just can’t wait to get sucked in. You’ve threaded your machine with a brand new reel, you’ve changed your needle, and your fabric pieces are cut and ready to sew. You begin your first seam and… disaster! Why do the stitches look so strange? They’re totally different on the front and back of the fabric, and one side looks like it hasn’t worked at all. Why aren’t they neat and tidy like usual? The answer may well be simpler than you think – it could be a tension issue.  READ MORE 

Is it nerdy to have a favorite type of fastener? Because I must admit, I think buttons are one of the most delightful closures out there. Learning how to hand-sew buttons, as well as how to make buttonholes, are some of the first skills that sewists learn. Adding the correct type of button to your project is so important for both a garment’s function and stability, and there is a plethora of different types of buttons to choose from. If you find yourself easily overwhelmed by the racks of buttons at the fabric store, then you’ll love our beginner guide to different types of buttons.  READ MORE