Sew Essential

13/09/2026

Your overlocker can do so much more than just finish seams ✨

These 3 clever tricks can help you get a neater finish and save you a lot of faff:

🧵 Create a smooth, non-bulky neckline by avoiding the awkward overlap at the end giving you a beautifully neat finish
🧵 Stabilise shoulder seams in the prettiest way
🧵 Sew spaghetti straps and turn them through in seconds no more struggling for 20 mins plus!

Small tricks, but they can make such a difference to your sewing and help you to get so much more out of your overlocker.

Save this for the next time you use your overlocker ❤️

And if you want to see exactly how each one works, plus 4 extra useful overlocker tips, watch the full 7 Clever Tips & Tricks for Your Overlocker video on our YouTube channel via the link in bio.

10/09/2026

New Maison Fauve patterns are live - go go go!!!! https://buff.ly/NgTRBSj

Shop Maison Fauve sewing patterns at Sew Essential for fashion-led French-inspired designs with feminine style. Browse dressmaking patterns online.

08/09/2026

We all have them… 👀🧵

Those little sewing “rules” we know we’re probably supposed to follow, but occasionally decide to ignore anyway.

Mine? I don’t always secure my facings, I sew over pins more often than I should, and sometimes I skip pattern markings in my eagerness to get started 😬

I think the more confident you become at sewing, the more you realise there isn’t one perfect way to do everything. You work out what matters to you, what you can get away with… and which shortcuts usually come back to haunt you 😂

So, confession time…

👇 What sewing “rule” do you regularly ignore?

I KNOW I can’t be the only one!

31/08/2026

Pressing might not be the most exciting part of sewing, but it can make SUCH a difference to the finished result ✨

And if pressing sometimes feels like a battle, the right tool can make life so much easier.

From stubborn fabrics and tricky curves to delicate fabrics you’re nervous to put an iron near, these are some of our favourite pressing tools for solving those little sewing frustrations.

Swipe through for our tips 👉

All of the tools featured are available to shop on the Sew Essential website.

Save this for the next time your fabric refuses to behave! 📌

28/08/2026

If you’re new to sewing, these 5 simple sewing machine habits are well worth learning early 👇

From threading with the presser foot up to using the right needle, bobbins and good-quality thread, these little things can make a big difference to how smoothly your machine sews and help prevent a lot of unnecessary frustration.

And don’t forget a regular clean! A little lint and fluff around the bobbin area can build up surprisingly quickly.

We’ve been helping sewists get to grips with their machines for years, and as stockists of Brother, Janome, Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking and Baby Lock, we’re always very happy to offer advice and share our expertise if you’re choosing a new machine or need help finding the right one for you.

Which sewing machine habit would you add to the list? 👇

23/08/2026

I know we’re still technically in summer… but I’ve definitely started thinking about autumn sewing 🍂

There are so many lovely new patterns around at the moment, so I’ve picked 5 that are firmly on my radar for the season ahead.

I’m thinking easy layers, interesting shapes, trousers I’ll wear on repeat and those pieces that will work just as well now as they will when the temperature starts to drop.

I’d love to know — which one would you sew first? Or is there another pattern already on your autumn sewing list?

Save this for some new-season sewing inspiration ✂️

18/08/2026

Does anyone else have fabric in their stash that feels too good to cut into? 🙋‍♀️

Watching The Great British Sewing Bee always makes me think about this. The Bees have a strict time limit, the fabric is provided for them and they simply have to go for it.

There’s no putting the fabric back in the cupboard because it feels too special. No waiting for the perfect project. They cut, sew, make decisions… and often the most beautiful things are created as a result ✂️✨

Of course, it’s slightly different when you’ve spent your own money on a gorgeous piece of fabric you absolutely love! But I do think there’s something we can take from it.

That fabric you’re saving will give you so much more joy every time you wear it than it ever will sitting in your stash.

Choose a sewing pattern you love. Check your measurements. Make a toile if you need to. And then… cut into the good fabric ❤️

Do you have a piece in your fabric stash that you’re still too scared to use? Tell me what it is below 👇

Save this for the next time you need a little encouragement to start that sewing project.

17/08/2026

Sew an easy to sew capsule wardrobe with just 4 beginner friendly patterns and create more outfits than we can count! https://buff.ly/IQaAhnb

Can you really sew a stylish capsule wardrobe using just four easy ...

17/08/2026

Got 1 metre of fabric you’ve been saving because it’s just too good to waste? ✂️

You might be surprised how much you can actually make with it.

I’ve picked 5 sewing patterns that are perfect for those smaller lengths of fabric — from easy summer tops to shorts and even a dress. Ideal for using up a treasured remnant, making the most of leftover fabric from another project or keeping the cost of your next make down.

Swipe through to see my picks 👉

Which one would you sew with your 1 metre? Tell me below — I’d love to know! 👇

📌 Save this post for the next time you’re wondering what to make with a small piece of fabric.

You can find all 5 sewing patterns at Sew Essential — head to the website to shop the patterns.

16/08/2026

Mexico week sewing bee round up - vibrant patterns and fabrics to sewalong with the bees https://buff.ly/5Op1qGP

Inspired by this week’s episode of The Great British Sewing Bee? In...