Sewing machine tips and tricks

Whether you’ve just invested in your first ever machine and have no idea where to start, or you’re already pretty confident with the basics but want to try some new things, we’ll have something for you!

We’ve scoured the best of the Simply Sewing archive (and asked a few friends to share their tips and tricks too) to gather up a machine-stitching masterclass, split into bite-sized chunks so you can pick the bit you want to tackle next.

Let’s get started with advice for those of you who are entirely new to machine sewing.

We’ll talk you through the best sewing machines for beginners, how to use your machine, choose the best threads and needles, and start you off with a nice and easy project to practise with. Follow the links below to master the basics of using your machine – how to thread your needle and bobbin, and how to change your needle (essential for getting the best results!) or which threads to use for which project. If you’re ready to sew, but want to step it up and get better results, you can also find sewing machine tips and tricks below for becoming a savvy sewist once you’ve got the basics covered.

Learn how to use your sewing machine

From thread tension to sewing neat curves, learning how to use a sewing machine properly will help you get the best results from your machine!

Your guide to sewing machine needles

Choosing the right needle can make a big difference to how your machine handles different fabrics. As well as changing your machine needle regularly, check out our guide to machine needles to learn which type of needle to use and about different needle sizes.

How to use a sewing machine

Start here with our beginner’s guide to how to use a sewing machine. We’ll talk you through the different parts of your machine and then show you step-by-step how to use it.

Your guide to sewing machine threads

It’s not just your needle that effects how you sew. Check out our guide to the different types of sewing machine threads available – read this before you head to the haberdashery to stock up on threads!

How to clean your sewing machine

It’s always wise to cover your sewing machine in between sewing sessions to prevent dust from gathering, but it’s also wise to have your machine regularly serviced. There are some easy things you can do to clean your machine at home too – head to our guide to how to clean your machine to find out more.

For tips on what to consider when buying a sewing machine, head over to our complete guide on the best sewing machines.

Zoe Williams

Zoe launched the craft website Gathered.how as editor in 2019. A keen crafter, quilter and sewist, she has worked with the UK’s best-selling craft magazines – from Today’s Quilter to Love Patchwork & Quilting, Simply Sewing and The World of Cross Stitching. With over a decade of craft publishing experience under her belt, she loves crafting with her kids and curling up on the sofa with a spot of hand patchwork.

Zoe has previously written for radiotimes.com, Simply Knitting and The World of Cross Stitching and was previously Deputy Editor of Papercraft inspirations magazine. She has guest-lectured at Bath Spa University.
She’s a keen quilter with 5 projects in progress at any one time and another 12 or so planned. Specialist skills include hand modelling for YouTube craft tutorials and fabric foraging (she has an inbuilt radar for local haberdasheries and community craft gatherings).

See author's posts