Baby Lock is the newest addition to the Sewing Direct catalogue, bringing a wide range of sewing machines and accessories perfect to suit your sewing needs whatever your project or skill level is.
Founded in 1946 by Nick Tacony, the Baby Lock mission was to create a smaller and more convenient overlock serger, compared to the ones available at the time. Over the next 50 years, Baby Lock continued to grow, developing over 14 patents.
Since then, Baby Lock has gone on leaps and bounds, introducing over 12 new models and systems, online sewing classes and even app-based technology, making it a great choice for those looking to invest in their newest sewing machine.
With so many different models available in the Babylock collection, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner starting out on your sewing journey, or an expert sewer looking to expand your collection with a new machine, Baby Lock is the perfect choice to make your next creation come to life.
We have put together a short list of the top 3 Baby Lock products that are worth taking a look at if you are on the hunt for a new sewing machine.
Baby Lock Euphoria is a great option for those wanting to perfect their cross stitch. With features including an automatic thread delivery system, an air threading system for the looper and a needle threader - it's the perfect tool to bring your creations to life.
This Baby Lock sewing machine is especially great for sewing larger pieces of fabric meaning there is even more scope to get creative no matter what you want to make. Also great for use with a multitude of different threads, from yarn to ultrathin thread - the euphoria will ensure your projects are looking expertly sewn.
Perfect for beginners and experts wanting to get creative with felt - the Baby Lock Embellisher Felting Machine is perfect for creating gifts for your family and friends. The only felting machine on the market with an automatic feed feature.
The built-in yarn guide feeds yarn continuously through the middle of the needle head whilst guiding it through the machine's yarn pot directly to the needle. This leaves your hands free to move the fabric in any direction, guiding the yarn to your desired place.
With easy clean features and 12 barbed felting needles to use across different fabrics, this is a great Baby Lock sewing machine for those wishing to experiment with felting projects.
With four stitches and over 1500 stitches per minute, the Baby Lock Enspire Overlocker Air Thread can get your creations brought to life in no time! Featuring a unique tubular system and industry quality extra strong loopers, you can be confident knowing the Baby Lock Enspire can handle projects from small to more difficult tasks.
We are excited to now stock a range of Baby Lock sewing machines and accessories for all skill levels. Get in touch today if you have any questions on our ranges, or give our Mansfield shop a call on 01623 626478 to arrange a demonstration.
Here at Sewing Direct, we have many different sewing machines available from brands including Singer and Bernina, so you can get creative no matter what your preference of machine is.
When deciding you want to begin machine quilting for the first time, it isn't always as easy as just picking up the machine and getting going. Quilting requires a great deal of practice and patience. This guide is full of tips and tricks for showing you how to make a patchwork quilt.
The key thing to remember is that starting small doesn't mean your quilt won't be as fantastic as you hope, it means you can save yourself the frustration down the line with copious amounts of fabric you struggle to manage. We suggest that a good size is between 36-50 inches of fabric as the best size for starting out.
Even the simplicity of laying everything flat ironed, and over-pinned can make a huge difference when flattening out the layers of fabric and will help give you more visibility when sewing with the machine.
Keeping a simple pattern will help you keep your quilt neater as when starting out, it's not out of the ordinary to cross over the lines frequently. When mixing a lack of experience with a complex pattern, you could find yourself confused and mixed up.
As well as starting in the centre and working outwards, we also recommend sewing in the same direction each time to avoid unwanted texture and pulling, which can cause a great deal of tension across all the quilt.
Remind yourself that trial and error is perfectly ok. Before you get going, it's good to create some test pieces to familiarise yourself with the processes required without having to worry about messing up on your first proper quilt attempt.
Sewing is as much a test of patience as skill. Slamming your foot down and getting it done as quickly as possible will result in the fabric puckering and becoming very untidy. A good thing to remember is that slow and steady wins the race when it comes to sewing.
It can be intimidating when getting started on a quilting project, especially not knowing all the tips and tricks. However, it is important to remember that practice makes perfect, and skill will develop over time. To kickstart your skill development in quilting, check out our lessons page to learn more about quilting and many other sewing skills.
We have a wide range of machines perfect for quilting, especially our Bernina S-570qe or the Bernina S-590 along with many other options suitable for your needs.
Be sure to check out our Patchwork & Quilting products to enhance your hobby further.
Are you passionate about sewing and want to take your hobby to the next level? Whether you’re an experienced sewer or an enthusiastic beginner, we have the perfect sewing accessories to help you improve your skills and to make your life a little bit easier for you.
Looking for where to buy sewing accessories? Well, look no further than our collection of accessories on our online store. We stock a range of accessories from multi-tool organisers to the best extension tables on the market, see five of our top picks below.
Never misplace a bobbin or pin again with the Prym Love Multiple Organiser. Not only is it great for organising your bobbin, but it is also a magnetic pin cushion nest, so it can not only be used separately but also together. The Bobbin rings hold up to 30 bobbins securely and prevent threads from unwinding, making your life whilst sewing so much easier.
Whether you are attempting to create a fashion masterpiece or just looking to develop your sewing skills, this Adjustoform Sew Deluxe Leg Form is the perfect addition to your sewing kit. The Adjustoform features an 8-part form with legs making it ideal for use in sewing jackets, skirts, long and short dresses, and coats and with the important additional feature of trouser fitting.
Boost the performance of your Singer sewing machine with the Singer Heavy Duty Extension Table – a sturdy, robust and project-enhancing accessory tailor-made for the Singer Heavy Duty range.
This accessory is designed to perfectly fit the Singer Heavy Duty machines, making it easier to handle larger pieces of fabric. This makes it an essential accessory for quilting, embroidery and other large projects. Not only does it make your sewing projects easier – it helps you complete them quicker, too!
Interested in Singer Sewing Machines? Take a look at our blog highlighting the 5 Singer Sewing Machines.
The OLFA rotary cutter is a combination of comfort, convenience and strength combined with safety. Its ergonomic handle with anti-slip rubber grip eliminates hand fatigue and stress, while the squeeze trigger allows the blade to self-retract for safety. The cutter can handle up to six layers of thin materials and the quick blade change feature won't slow you down when working on your project.
Find these along with many more inspiring sewing accessories and machines right here at Sewing Direct and if you are unsure of which machine suits your sewing & embroidery needs, speak to a member of our friendly team who are more than happy to help find the perfect machine for you.
Whether you’re an accomplished sewer, or a bit of a newbie, everyone needs a sewing machine that can help turn your creative visions into a reality. It is important to choose the correct brand so you can be sure your machine has the capabilities you need to make your projects a success.
It can often be confusing when it comes to picking out the best sewing machine brand for you. With so many on the market to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
With our quick guide to sewing machine brands available on the market, you can be sure you will find your best sewing machine yet here at Sewing Direct.
Singer sewing machines have been at the forefront of the sewing machine industry since 1851, with founder Issac Singer owning the patent on the first practical sewing machine. Since then Singer has gone from strength to strength, becoming industry leaders when it comes to sewing machines and accessories.
Singer offers a wide range of sewing machines, perfect for beginners all the way up to advanced sewers meaning there's something on offer for everyone. Try the Singer C240 sewing machine featuring built-in LED Lights, 70 integrated stitches, and a self-adjusting stitch tension.
Bernina sewing machines are perfect for those wanting to explore outside of sewing when it comes to their creative project’s. Founded in 1893, swiss brand Bernia is now one of the most sought after machines, trusted around the world for their precision and reliability.
With over 30 machines and over 100 accessories to choose from, Bernina machines are the best choice if you are looking for a machine personal to you and your projects.
Supplying sewing machines such as the Bernette b33 Sewing Machine at £199 all the way to the Bernina 880 sewing machine at £7,600 there really is something for everybody no matter your level.
German brand Pfaff produce sewing machines that are the perfect choice for those wanting to step up their creativity on their next project. With a range of machines to suit all types of budgets, Plaff really is a great choice when it comes to purchasing your next sewing machine.
If you are thinking of doing a little more than sewing on their next project, Plaff is the brand for you. As well as the range of Pfaff sewing machines that are popular amongst sewers, Pfaff also has a range of embroidery machines to help give you the edge on all your sewing projects.
Find a wide variety of options right here on our online store, including Singer, Bernina and Pfaff alongside a range of other popular sewing machine brands. Get in touch and our team would be more than happy to help with any questions about our machines or other products here at Sewing Direct.
Looking for a new sewing machine but not sure what to get? Well look no further, this guide of the top 4 performing Bernina sewing machines will give you all the information you need to make a decision and get your best sewing machine yet.
Bernina is a globally recognised manufacturing company, producing sewing and embroidery systems. First originating from Switzerland, Bernina now sells thousands of machines a year with a revenue of 267 million. With high levels of brand loyalty, many customers have every confidence in Bernina and wouldn't be without one of their many sewing machines on the market.
Bernina caters for everyone with their machines, so whether you’re just starting out and sewing for a hobby, or are working within the sewing industry, you can rely on Benina for a machine that you can trust. Bernette, a label run by Bernina stocks a great selection of sewing machines for beginners.
With so many sewing machines on the market, we know it can be confusing to know which one to pick. Therefore we have decided to do a run down on the top 5 sewing machines Bernina has to offer.
The Bernette b33 sewing machine is the perfect choice for beginners, who are getting to grips with sewing. At an affordable price range, the bernette b33 offers all the basics of a first sewing machine, but still provides customers with a high quality machine that they can trust.
There are many superb features with the bernette b33, including 15 built in stitches, drop feed and an automatically winding bobbin, just to name a few. With a built in needle threader and accessible threat cutter the b33 makes it easy to set up and get creative with your latest sewing project.
The Bernina 770QE is arguably a sewing machine perfect for all the pro’s out there. With a twist on the traditional sewing machines on the market, the Bernina 770 offers additional quilting stitches so you can take your sewing projects to the next level.
With a full colour touchscreen, 1,809 sewing stitches and 74 built in quilting stitches this is the perfect machine for not only sewers but also quilters and embroiderers. The Bernina 770 handles both light and heavy fabrics with ease, making for a smooth and accurate usage for all the creative projects you have your eyes on.
The Bernette b38 sewing machine is another stand out for beginners and could soon be your best sewing machine yet. The Bernette b38 tops the b30 range with many standout features.
Similarly to the Bernette b33, the b38 is a great choice for beginners, however with the addition of a digital display and a larger variety of stitches, 394 to be exact. The machine also has an automatic thread cutter and tie-off feature.
This sewing machine is the perfect choice if you're looking for something high quality and a bit more advanced than the very basics, whilst still falling within an affordable price range.
Sitting in the mid-range price for Bernina sewing machines, the Bernina 335 sewing machine is a fantastic machine for beginners and competent sewers. With simple threading processes, 900 stitches per minute and automatic buttonhole sewing this machine is going to get your creations from your head to the real world in no time at all.
The machine also features a free hand system, LED display and semi-auto needle threading allowing you to be at ease knowing the machine is working with you and not against you on those all important projects.
The Bernina 735 Machine is one for advanced sewers. With a pricier budget, this machine offers all the advanced features you would expect, making it perfect for those with bigger projects to bring to life. With a 7 inch full colour display, premium stitching technology and consistent stitching at any speed it is easy to see why this is such a popular machine amongst professionals.
This machine is top-of-the-line for sewing garments, as well as on quilting.
The Bernina 735 can also be used for embroidery tasks by simply purchasing the embroidery module, opening up a whole new world of creativity for you and your machine.
Find a wide variety of options right here on our online store, including Singer, Bernina and Pfaff sewing machines. Get in touch if you have any questions about our sewing machines.
Properly maintaining your sewing machine is very important. Sewing machines are built to last years and years with proper care; they’re an investment that will see you through plenty of projects as you hone your hobby.
For this reason, it’s essential that they’re well cared for to perform at their best for years to come.
In this blog, we’ll go over how to look after your sewing machine – especially important if you’re a beginner sewer – including routine cleaning you can do at home yourself.
The easiest way to keep your machine well-maintained is to ensure it’s correctly stored between sewing sessions.
Excessive contact with dust is one of the worst things you can do to a sewing machine, so keeping it stored in its included soft cover or hard case will keep it happy between uses.
If your machine does get a bit too dusty for your liking, most sewing machines come with an included lint brush, so you can use this to clean the various nooks and crannies (like the bobbin case).
Another good way to fight off the dust is by wiping down your sewing machine after each use. This will ensure any fabric fibres are taken care of before storing your machine in its case.
Simply give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth (not wet!) and you’re good to go.
You can also use a can of compressed air to get rid of dust in crevices with limited access if necessary.
A word of warning – fire off a burst of air from the can before aiming it at your sewing machine to get rid of any moisture build-up in the canister, and don’t hold the can right up against the surface of your machine.
As with any blade, needles become dull over time, resulting in reduced stitch quality and – in extreme cases – damage to your machine.
Before beginning a sewing session, give your needles a once over to ensure they’re of sufficient quality and don’t need replacing. Do this before and after sewing, getting rid of dull needles as necessary.
Additionally, make sure you’re always using the right needle for the job. For tips on choosing the right needle type, see our Sewing Machine Needles category.
All machines perform best when well-oiled, and your sewing machine is no exception.
Sewing machine oil can be purchased from most craft stores, and some new machines include a bottle in the box as well. Be sure to only use oil made specifically for sewing machines!
Simply clean out your machine as best as possible before applying the oil, then use 2-3 drops, applying as directed in your sewing machine’s manual.
Last but not least – book your sewing machine in for regular services, at least once a year when used frequently. A professional clean and service is the best thing you can do to keep it operating at its best.
Don’t despair if your machine needs repairs – this is inevitable, and a trained specialist will be able to help you get it performing once again.
For more information, read our blog on 4 reasons to have your sewing machine serviced regularly.
Sewing Direct has an in-house team of sewing machine service specialists. Based in Nottingham, we perform repairs for machine owners across the UK – simply ship your machine to us or drop it off in-store and we’ll get it back in tip-top shape!
Book your sewing machine service here and find helpful information on pricing, as well as frequently asked questions about our repair services.
You can also get in touch with our friendly, helpful team if you have any further questions.
Learning to sew is one of the most redeeming and useful life skills there is, with its use coming into play when you least expect it. Not only do your clothes last longer, as you can patch them up, but you also have an avenue for you to relax and create. A place where you can zone out of everyday life and just focus on the next stitch. Now it can be a daunting task, to begin with, but we’re here to help you get started but also help those who need a refresh when it comes to some of the basics. Once you’ve decided which sewing machine you want, you need to know how to use it.
In this article, we’ll take you through one of the biggest steps in your sewing journey, how to thread a sewing machine. It may sound simple on the surface, but when you come to actually do it, you’ll discover it isn’t as easy as first thought. But that’s where we come in, stay tuned for the step-by-step guide.
The bobbin is the lower spool of thread for your machine. Pull the thread to the left of your machine and wind it counter-clockwise around the pre-tension disc (attached to the thread guide). Then, thread the thread through the two small holes in your empty bobbin. At this point, you want to wind the thread several times around the centre pillar. Place the bobbin on your machine’s bobbin winder pin (usually on the top right side, near the thread pin). Now, simply press your machine’s foot pedal, and the bobbin should begin winding. Wind it until it’s full, then trim the thread to detach it from your larger spool.
At this point, you need to pull the thread to the left of your machine and thread it through the thread guide. Once this is done, you need to guide the thread through the U-shaped groove on the front of the machine. As it is coming from the thread guide before, it needs to come down the U-shape and then back up the turn.
At this point, you need to pull the thread to the left of your machine and thread it through the thread guide. Once this is done, you need to guide the thread through the U-shaped groove on the front of the machine. As it is coming from the thread guide before, it needs to come down the U-shape and then back up the turn.
You will find at the top of the machine’s second groove is a metal hook called the take-up lever. Once located, you need to wrap the thread around the take-up lever.
Now you’re almost finished threading your sewing machine. What you need to do from this point is pull the thread down toward the sewing machine needle, and thread the eye of the needle from front to back. Once it is through, you should pull through a couple of inches of thread in order to connect the two threads together.
And finally, you need to lower the needle all the way down and back up again - when you do this, the needle will catch the bobbin thread and pull it back out in a loop. Pass a flat object underneath the needle to grab both thread strands and position them away from where you’ll be stitching.
Whether you have a Pfaff, Singer or Bernina sewing machine, this guide will have you enjoying your sewing within moments.
If you need fabrics for your new sewing machine, why not visit Sewing Direct's great selection of fabrics in our online store today! We also have some great sewing patterns available, as well as all of the other equipment you may need to complete your sewing project. Got a question? Get in contact today to speak with a member of our team. Happy sewing!
When you’re looking to tackle multiple sewing projects from your studio space or the comfort of your own home, a machine that combines both sewing and embroidery can be a great option. There are a variety of advantages to sewing machines of this kind, from taking up less space to simply switching functionalities. Take a closer look at some of the very best sewing machines on offer that also include embroidery capabilities.
First of all it is worthwhile to understand what a sewing & embroidery combination machine entails and why it can be a suitable choice.
As the name suggests, embroidery sewing machines of this kind have the ability to complete regular stitching and are well-placed for a range of stitching and sewing needs. Where they excel is their ability to also undertake decorative embroidery, all from a single machine.
One of the main advantages to selecting a machine that combines both sewing and embroidery is the ability to save space wherever it is that your craft projects come to life; this is particularly useful when the area you use for sewing is limited.
A further benefit to owning a single sewing & embroidery machine is the potential to save money. If sewing & embroidery is of interest to you, it may make sense to combine the cost of two separate machines into one. What’s more, by owning a single sewing & embroidery machine you also only need to repair one machine should it require maintenance at any point.
Here are some of our favourite sewing & embroidery machines that we have hands-on experience with at Sewing Direct.
The Singer Legacy SE300 is a wonderful machine for any Singer sewing enthusiast. This powerful, yet affordable machine has 450 stitches and embroidery designs built-in (250 stitch settings and 200 embroidery functions). When selecting your desired settings, the LCD touchscreen control is clear and simple to use. Not to mention the ability to incorporate additional Singer software and customise your own sewing & embroidery layouts.
Another wonderful sewing & embroidery machine from Singer is the Singer Futura XL-580. With a large number of innovative features you will undoubtedly be able to complete high-quality crafts and perfect projects. This intelligent sewing & embroidery machine incorporates a large sewing space & 250 embroidery designs.
Despite being one of the higher price point sewing & embroidery machines, the Bernina S-590 boasts absolute quality. This latest redesign of the Bernina 5 series is capable of an incredible 1000 stitches per minute and features 275 built-in embroidery designs. If you’re searching for sewing perfection and pure quality, this is the machine for you.
Discover our complete collection of specially selected sewing & embroidery machines, available online or in-store. We also have a range of embroidery software available, where you can create custom embroidery designs from artwork, photos and more.
If you are unsure of which machine suits your sewing & embroidery needs, speak to a member of our friendly team who are more than happy to help find the perfect machine for you.
Learning to sew is one of the greatest skills you can master! From repairing your own clothing to creating your own business, the possibilities are endless - we’re here to help you get started.
Understanding each material and how it should be handled is one of the most important aspects of learning to sew. There are many different ways that fabrics can be made, including being woven or knitted, whilst being made from an array of materials including animal-based fibres, plant fibres and artificial fibres. We’ve put together a list of our top sewing fabrics for beginners and what you can expect when handling them!
One of the most cost-effective options for sewing fabric is cotton! A favourite for many generations, cotton comes in all shapes and sizes meaning it’s perfect for almost every project. A natural fibre, cotton is produced from cotton bolls grown from its plant.
The structure is durable, absorbent, and holds dye extremely well. Some common uses for cotton include woven fabrics such as canvas, denim, flannel, and much more! Typically, cotton is considered one of the easiest fabrics to sew; take a look at our range of cotton fabrics today for some inspiration.
Derived from the flax plant, linen is a sturdy natural fibre that comes from Europe. Although sometimes thin to the touch, this great fabric is strong and absorbent. Linen is typically used for clothing and bedding due to its soft, comfortable texture. This material is also extremely quick at drying, making it useful for a variety of projects.
Due to its light and airy feel, linen is a great choice of fabric when sewing summer clothes! You can create beautiful vests and skirts from a few sections of good-quality linen. Although easy to use, treat linen carefully when sewing as it is prone to shrinking and fraying - making it the second easiest fabric to sew so far!
Unlike the previous two, polyester is an artificial fabric that is man-made. It is a manufactured synthetic fibre, made from a form of plastic that is typically derived from petroleum. Polyester fibres on their own typically have a soft and stretchy touch, making them extremely easy to use.
Woven polyester is slightly more durable, while also feeling more light and silky to the touch. It has wrinkle-resistant properties which make it great to use for clothes, bedding, upholstery padding, and more. Browse our website to find the perfect polyester fabric for your project! Due to the many variations of polyester and the potential for them to stretch quite a bit, we’d rate this the third easiest fabric to sew in our list.
Viscose is a really common fabric used in a wide variety of clothing and homeware! Soft and lightweight, viscose is naturally derived from the wood pulp of fast-growing eucalyptus or beech trees. It’s an extremely versatile fabric that can be used for a wide range of upholstery, carpets, clothing, and more!
Viscose looks a lot like silk but feels more like cotton. Due to its specific texture viscose can easily move around, so pinning it correctly is essential. Due to that reason, we consider this the most trickly material to handle. Browse our polyester and viscose mixed fabrics, like tartan, for a more durable option!
It’s important to choose your sewing pattern before you choose your fabric. Typically, choosing your pattern will help you to understand what fabric would best suit your project, as well as how much of it you should buy. Once you’ve chosen both, you can customise your project with buttons, zips, colourful threading, and a variety of other accessories!
Browse Sewing Direct's great selection of fabrics in our online store today! We also have some great sewing patterns available, as well as all of the other equipment you may need to complete your sewing project. Got a question? Get in contact today to speak with a member of our team. Happy sewing!
Founded in Germany in 1862, Pfaff has been a key part of the sewing world for many years. The company started when Georg Michael Pfaff handmade a machine designed to sew leather for shoes, and by 1885 Pfaff had opened up a sewing machine shop in London.
The company continued to grow, develop and evolve. By 1910, Pfaff had made its one millionth machine and it was a name every keen sewer knew. Since then, they have continued to make undeniably great sewing machines.
See the full range of Pfaff sewing machines at Sewing Direct.
If you know anything about Pfaff sewing machines, you will know that they are extremely popular. This is because they are famously reliable, innovative and ahead of the game, meaning you can purchase one knowing that it’s an investment you will get a lot of sewing time from.
Though there are a wide range of sewing machine brands to choose from, a number of keen sewers would agree that Pfaff is a company that has stepped up its game and raised the bar, having created sewing machines that boast a wide range of impressive functions, without making too much noise or being too bulky. They are quiet, sleek and stylish.
If you are looking for a beginner sewing machine, the Smarter 160s is a fantastic option. It does everything you need a sewing machine to do, but in a simple and straightforward way. It’s ideal for anyone who is getting to grips with a sewing machine for the first time.
The Admire Air 5000 Overlocker is there to inspire creativity and see you through even the most complex of projects. It’s easy to thread and has everything you need to keep on top of your sewing.
If it’s a quilt you are making, you can’t go wrong with the Quilt Expression 720. It has even more features than its predecessors, whilst still being simple to use. It boasts a large sewing space, a high quality screen and a tonne of stitch techniques.
See the full range of Pfaff sewing machines at Sewing Direct.
