Notes
Every page on the site
Code pages, how-tos, comparisons and charts, newest first.
- What you need to start machine embroideryThe starter list for machine embroidery beyond the machine: stabilizers, thread, bobbins, needles, scissors, designs and software, plus what you can skip at first.Explainer
- What size needle for machine quiltingWhat size needle for machine quilting: the needle size and type for piecing, walking foot and free-motion quilting, matched to thread weight and batting.Explainer
- What is a serger and what can it doA serger trims, stitches and overcasts a seam edge in one pass. See what a serger can do, how it differs from a sewing machine, and whether you should buy one.Explainer
- Single-needle vs multi-needle embroidery machinesSingle-needle vs multi-needle embroidery machines: color changes, caps, speed and price, and the point where a hobby machine starts holding a small business back.Comparison
- Singer 4423 vs 4452: which Heavy Duty to buySinger Heavy Duty 4423 vs 4452: stitch count, accessories, extension table and extra feet compared from the listings, for denim, canvas and everyday sewing.Comparison
- Thread bunching or looping under the fabricThread bunching or looping under the fabric is almost always an upper threading problem. Here is how to check and fix it in two minutes, plus the other causes.Fix
- Sewing machine tension problems and how to fix themFix sewing machine tension problems: read the stitch to tell top from bobbin tension, rethread correctly, and make the right dial moves for loose or tight stitches.Fix
- Why your sewing machine is skipping stitches and how to fix itSewing machine skipping stitches? Fix it in order: replace the needle, match needle type to fabric, rethread, clean the hook area, then check timing with a pro.Fix
- Sewing machine presser feet chart: shank types and which feet to addA sewing machine presser feet chart covering low, high and slant shanks, snap-on versus screw-on feet, and what each common foot does and when to use it.Explainer
- Sewing machine needle size chart by fabricA sewing machine needle size chart by fabric weight: which needle type and size to use for knits, denim, quilting and more, plus the thread to pair with each.Explainer
- Why your sewing machine needles keep breakingSewing machine needles keep breaking? The usual causes are the wrong needle for the fabric, pulling the fabric and pins. Here is how to find and fix yours.Fix
- Why your sewing machine keeps jamming and how to stop itSewing machine keeps jamming? Learn how to clear a jam safely, fix bobbin and threading mistakes, clean the hook area and start seams so they do not jam again.Fix
- Sewing machine bobbin size chartA sewing machine bobbin size chart comparing Class 15, Class 66, L and M bobbins by size and machine type, plus how to tell which bobbin your machine takes.Explainer
- Serger vs sewing machine: what each one doesSerger vs sewing machine (overlocker): which seams need a serger, which jobs only a sewing machine can do, and why most sewists end up owning both machines.Comparison
- Serger vs coverstitch machineSerger vs coverstitch machine: a serger trims and finishes seams, a coverstitch hems knits. Learn the difference, combo machines and which to buy first.Comparison
- Serger problems: thread breaking and skipped stitchesWhy serger thread keeps breaking and stitches skip: threading order, thread path, needle type, tension and lower looper problems, with fixes in order.Fix
- Serger needles vs regular sewing machine needlesSerger needles vs regular needles: many home sergers take standard 130/705H needles, some specify ELx705. Plus serger thread vs sewing thread.Comparison
- Quilting machine vs sewing machineQuilting machine vs sewing machine: throat space, straight stitch focus, feed control and extras. See when a regular machine is enough for quilts.Comparison
- Machine embroidery thread weights and typesWhat 40 wt, 30 wt and 60 wt embroidery thread mean, rayon versus polyester, which bobbin thread to use, and how to pair each thread with the right needle.Explainer
- Machine embroidery stabilizer chart for knits, wovens, towels and capsA machine embroidery stabilizer chart matching tear-away, cut-away, wash-away and toppings to knits, wovens, towels, caps and sheer fabrics, with hooping tips.Explainer
- Why machine embroidery puckers and how to stop itWhy machine embroidery puckers and how to stop it: the right stabilizer, hooping without stretching, design density, tension and needle checks, in order.Fix
- Machine embroidery needle sizes and typesWhich embroidery machine needle to use: 75/11 versus 90/14, sharp versus ballpoint, titanium coating, and how to match the needle to fabric and thread.Explainer
- Juki TL-2010Q vs TL-2000Qi for quiltersJuki TL-2010Q vs TL-2000Qi compared for quilting: thread trimmer, knee lifter, speed and workspace. See which straight-stitch Juki fits your sewing.Comparison
- Janome vs Brother sewing machinesJanome vs Brother sewing machines compared lineup by lineup: entry, mid-range, quilting, embroidery and sergers, plus build, feed systems and dealer support.Comparison
- Janome sewing machine problems and fixesCommon Janome sewing machine problems by symptom: bobbin winding, thread nests, tension, skipped stitches, reverse not working and a machine that will not sew.Fix
- Janome HD3000 vs Singer 4423 for heavy fabricsJanome HD3000 vs Singer 4423 for denim, canvas and leather: speed, stitches, presser foot controls and included feet. See who should buy which.Comparison
- Is Janome a good sewing machine brandIs Janome a good sewing machine brand? Where Janome builds machines, which brands it owns, how its range is priced, and how it compares on build and support.Explainer
- How to use a walking foot for quiltingHow to fit a walking foot, set stitch length and pressure, and quilt straight lines, grids, gentle curves and stitch in the ditch on a home sewing machine.How-to
- How to use a serger for beginnersA beginner's guide to using a serger: threading order, tension dials, differential feed, stitch length and the first seams and hems to practice.How-to
- How to set up and use a Brother embroidery machineHow to use a Brother embroidery machine from unboxing to first stitch-out: attaching the unit, threading, winding the bobbin, hooping, loading a design and starting.How-to
- How to update a Brother embroidery machineHow to check your Brother embroidery machine's software version and install a firmware update by USB, step by step, plus what to do if an update fails.How-to
- How to sew leather on a home sewing machineHow to sew leather on a home sewing machine: leather needles, stitch length, Teflon, roller or walking feet, clips instead of pins, and what a home machine can take.How-to
- How to finish seams without a sergerHow to serge without a serger: overcast stitch, zigzag, overcast foot and enclosed seam finishes on a regular sewing machine, and when a serger is worth buying.How-to
- How to quilt on a regular sewing machineHow to quilt on a regular sewing machine: basting the quilt sandwich, straight-line quilting with a walking foot, free-motion basics and managing bulk under the arm.How-to
- How to hoop a hat for machine embroideryHow to embroider a hat on an embroidery machine: cap frame and driver versus flat hoop methods, stabilizer, design size and placement for structured caps.How-to
- How to clean and oil a sewing machineHow to remove lint from a sewing machine, where the manual says to oil and where not to, and how often to clean. Many modern machines should not be oiled at home.How-to
- How to choose a sewing machineNot sure what sewing machine to buy? Work through projects, fabrics, features, space and budget to land on the right type of machine and the right guide.How-to
- How often should a sewing machine be servicedHow often to service a sewing machine: daily home care, when to see a technician based on how much you sew, what a shop service includes and warning signs.Explainer
- How much to charge for machine embroideryHow to price machine embroidery: per-1,000-stitch and per-piece methods, setup and digitizing fees, and how machine speed and color changes affect your margin.Explainer
- How much does an embroidery machine costHow much an embroidery machine costs, from 4x4 hobby machines to multi-needle models, why they cost what they do, and the hoops, thread and software that add up.Explainer
- How much does a good sewing machine costHow much a sewing machine costs, from about $150 entry models to $2,000+ quilting machines, and what each price step adds in features, build and accessories.Explainer
- How much does a quilting machine costQuilting machine prices by class, from budget sewing and quilting machines to large-throat straight stitchers, plus tables and cutters to budget for.Explainer
- How long do sewing machines lastHow long sewing machines last by build type, from vintage all-metal to computerized models, the signs it is time to replace one, and when a repair is worth it.Explainer
- Embroidery thread shredding, breaking or snapping needlesWhy embroidery thread shreds, frays or breaks and why needles snap: check the needle, the thread path, the design density and the speed, in that order.Fix
- Embroidery machine vs sewing machineEmbroidery machine vs sewing machine: what the hoop arm does that a sewing machine cannot, how a serger differs from both, and when a combo machine makes sense.Comparison
- How to check and set embroidery machine tensionHow to check embroidery machine tension with the I-test, read the back of the design, and adjust top tension in small steps for balanced stitches on any machine.How-to
- Embroidery machine hoop size chart: names, stitch fields and machinesEmbroidery machine hoop size chart for 4x4, 5x7, 6x10, 8x8 and 8x12 hoops, with stitch fields in mm and tips for picking a design that fits your machine.Explainer
- Why your embroidery machine is bird nestingEmbroidery machine bird nesting is usually upper thread out of the take-up lever or tension. Fix threading, bobbin seating and hooping to stop the nests.Fix
- Can a regular sewing machine do embroideryA regular sewing machine can do free-motion and decorative-stitch embroidery, but not hooped designs. See what works and what it takes to upgrade.Explainer
- Brother vs Singer sewing machines, tier by tierBrother vs Singer sewing machines compared tier by tier: computerized and heavy-duty models side by side, with listing specs and who should buy which.Comparison
- Brother SE700 vs SE1900: is the bigger hoop worth itBrother SE700 vs SE1900 compared: 4x4 vs 5x7 embroidery field, built-in designs, stitches, screen and Wi-Fi, and which projects actually need the bigger hoop.Comparison
- Brother SE1900 vs SE2000: what the Wi-Fi model addsBrother SE1900 vs SE2000: wireless transfer, a bigger editing screen, color sort and jump stitch trimming, more designs, and what stays the same on both.Comparison
- Brother PE800 vs SE1900: embroidery only or sew and embroiderBrother PE800 vs SE1900 compared: same 5x7 field, 138 designs and 11 fonts. The SE1900 adds 240 sewing stitches. See who should buy which.Comparison
- Brother embroidery machine problems and how to fix themCommon Brother embroidery machine problems on PE and SE models, by symptom: thread breaks, bird nests, tension, error messages, hoop and design size errors.Fix
- What file format Brother embroidery machines useBrother embroidery machines use PES files. Learn which other formats they read, which brands use DST, JEF and VP3, and how to convert designs without ruining them.Explainer
- Brother CS7000X vs XM2701 for a first machineBrother CS7000X vs XM2701 for beginners: computerized vs mechanical, stitches, feet, threading and which first machine is easier to learn on and grow with.Comparison
- Brother 1034DX vs Juki MO-654DE sergerBrother 1034DX vs Juki MO-654DE serger compared on threading, differential feed and heavy fabrics, with the Brother 1034D and Juki MO-50E listings.Comparison