A small UK sewing blog — honest reviews of sewing machines and overlockers, beginner-friendly tutorials for sewing your own clothes, and techniques from a decade of home sewing.https://lovemesew.co.uk/en-gbhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/can-a-sewing-machine-do-embroidery.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/can-a-sewing-machine-do-embroidery.htmlYes, a normal sewing machine can embroider, within limits. The difference between free-motion and true embroidery machines, what you can realistically stitch, and the kit you actually need to start.Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTQ&Ahttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/sewing-machine-tension-problems.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/sewing-machine-tension-problems.htmlLoops on the back, thread breaking, puckered seams, a plain-English guide to sewing machine tension: what the dial really does, how to read a bad stitch, and how to balance top and bobbin tension.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTTutorialshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-thread-a-sewing-machine.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-thread-a-sewing-machine.htmlStep-by-step guide to threading a sewing machine: winding and inserting the bobbin, threading the upper thread the right way, and pulling up the bobbin thread, with the small mistakes that cause most problems.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTTutorialshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/sewing-with-knit-fabrics.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/sewing-with-knit-fabrics.htmlHow to sew stretchy knit and jersey fabrics without a wavy hem or skipped stitches: the right needle, the stretch stitches that work on a regular machine, and how to stop seams popping.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTTutorialshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/sewing-machines-changed-time.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/sewing-machines-changed-time.htmlFrom Thimonnier's chain stitch and Howe's lockstitch to Singer's treadle, electric motors and today's computerised machines, a clear, readable history of how the sewing machine evolved.Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTTutorialshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-sew-a-buttonhole.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-sew-a-buttonhole.htmlA clear, beginner-friendly guide to sewing buttonholes: how to use the automatic buttonhole foot, how to sew one in four steps on an older machine, and how to stitch a hand-worked buttonhole that looks good.Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTTutorialshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/can-sewing-machines-overlock.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/can-sewing-machines-overlock.htmlCan a regular sewing machine overlock, or do you need a separate overlocker? How to imitate an overlocked edge with an overcast foot and stitch, and when only a real overlocker will do.Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTQ&Ahttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-hem-trousers.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-hem-trousers.htmlA practical guide to hemming trousers at home: how to measure the right length, the invisible hand-sewn blind hem, a quick machine hem, and how to keep the original hem on jeans.Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTTutorialshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/can-sewing-machine-needles-sharpened.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/can-sewing-machine-needles-sharpened.htmlCan you sharpen a sewing machine needle, or should you just replace it? The honest answer, why needles go blunt, how to tell, and how often to change them.Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTQ&Ahttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/best-fabric-scissors.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/best-fabric-scissors.htmlA UK sewer's honest comparison of fabric scissors: Fiskars, Kai, Gingher, Ernest Wright, and budget options. What to look for, what to avoid, and which scissors are worth the money in 2026.Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTReviewshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/reading-sewing-patterns.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/reading-sewing-patterns.htmlA beginner's guide to reading sewing patterns: understanding symbols, choosing the right size, laying out pattern pieces, cutting fabric, and the markings that actually matter.Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTTutorialshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/beginner-guide-sewing-clothes.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/beginner-guide-sewing-clothes.htmlPatterns, fabrics, measuring up, and the four basic skills that get you from a flat piece of cotton to a wearable garment. Written for people who've never threaded a machine before.Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTTutorialshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/choosing-first-overlocker.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/choosing-first-overlocker.htmlDifferential feed, free arm, 4-thread vs 3-thread, what matters when buying your first overlocker, and three budget picks worth the money.Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTReviewshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/five-sewing-mistakes-beginners.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/five-sewing-mistakes-beginners.htmlSkipped stitches, puckered seams, broken needles, the five problems we see most often in beginner sewing classes, with the fixes that actually work.Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTTutorialshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/best-sewing-machines-2026.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/best-sewing-machines-2026.htmlA side-by-side comparison of the best home sewing machines you can buy in the UK in 2026, with picks for beginners, garment makers, and budget shoppers.Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTReviewshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-fabric-bookmark.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-fabric-bookmark.htmlA quick, pretty fabric bookmark you can sew from scraps in fifteen minutes, a perfect first machine project and a lovely little handmade gift. Simple step-by-step beginner tutorial.Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTProjectshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-coloured-pencil-roll.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-coloured-pencil-roll.htmlSew a fabric pencil roll that keeps colouring pencils tidy and stops the leads breaking in transit. A simple beginner tutorial with a pocket-and-channel layout, measurements and a tie closure.Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTProjectshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-clutch-bag.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-clutch-bag.htmlSew a lined clutch bag with a fold-over flap in an afternoon, a pretty evening bag or a thoughtful handmade gift. Beginner tutorial with measurements, lining and a popper closure.Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMTProjectshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-drawstring-bag.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-drawstring-bag.htmlAn easy lined drawstring bag anyone can sew in an afternoon, perfect for shoes, toys, gifts or storage. Full step-by-step beginner tutorial with measurements and the channel-and-cord method.Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMTProjectshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-passport-cover.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-passport-cover.htmlSew a neat fabric passport cover with an inside pocket, a quick, practical make and a great travel gift. Beginner-friendly tutorial with measurements and the fold-and-flap method.Sat, 19 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMTProjectshttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-shoe-bag.htmlhttps://lovemesew.co.uk/posts/how-to-make-a-shoe-bag.htmlSew a simple drawstring shoe bag to keep dirty soles away from your clothes, ideal for travel, the gym, or muddy school shoes. An easy beginner tutorial with measurements.Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMTProjects