Sewing & quilting

Sewing and quilting, step by step.

Clear, practical sewing and quilting guides: fabrics, threads and machines, patterns, techniques and repairs.

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70 in-depth guides

14 topics

Oct 2026 latest guide

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Each one links on to more specific articles in its topic.

Start here · Essential guide

Essential Sewing Tools and Equipment: What Every Sewist Needs

A plain-language guide to essential sewing tools and equipment, from machine parts to scissors, markers, needles and pressing gear, plus what to buy first.

Sewing Basics 6 min read

Sewing Machine Thread Types: Choosing the Right Thread

Learn the main sewing machine thread types, from polyester and cotton to specialty threads, plus how weight, fiber and needle choice affect your stitches.

Threads, Needles & Machines 7 min read

Fabric for Men's Clothes: Shirts, Trousers and Suits

A guide to fabric for men's clothes: shirts, trousers, suits, casual wear and outerwear, with the best fibres, weaves and sewing tips for each garment.

Fabric Guides 4 min read

Can You Sew Spandex? Tips for Stretch Fabric

Yes, you can sew spandex on a regular machine or a serger. Learn the needles, thread, stitches, and handling tips that keep seams stretchy and neat.

Specialty Fabrics 5 min read

Why Fabric Care Matters: A Practical Guide

Learn why fabric care matters and how to wash, dry, store and treat stains on garments, quilts and handmade projects so they last longer and look better.

Fabric Care & Sustainability 4 min read

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Sewing Skills

Tools, threads, machines and the basic techniques behind good sewing.

Sewing Basics Essential tools, pressing, marking and preparing fabric before you sew. 6 guides Threads, Needles & Machines Choosing the right thread, needle and sewing machine for the job. 6 guides

Fabrics & Materials

Choosing, sewing and caring for different fabrics.

Fabric Guides What common fabrics are like and what they suit. 9 guides Specialty Fabrics Sewing stretch, sheer, swimwear and other tricky fabrics. 4 guides Fabric Care & Sustainability Looking after fabrics and thinking about their environmental impact. 5 guides

Projects & Patterns

Patterns, home sewing projects and repairs you can make or mend yourself.

Patterns & Projects Beginner patterns and practical sewing projects. 8 guides Home Sewing Duvet covers, tablecloths, curtains and other things for the home. 4 guides Mending & Patches Darning, patches and visible mending to extend the life of clothes. 4 guides

Quilting & Textile Crafts

Quilting methods, embroidery and related textile crafts.

Quilting Techniques Hand quilting, binding, piecing and design methods. 5 guides Quilting Fabric What quilting cotton is and how it behaves. 3 guides Quilt Culture & Business Quilt history, shows, barn quilts and longarm quilting as a business. 4 guides Embroidery Hand and machine embroidery, fabrics and troubleshooting. 5 guides Textile Crafts Lace, tie-dye, bookbinding cloth and other textile crafts. 4 guides Bedding Comparisons How quilts, coverlets, doonas and duvets compare. 3 guides