Sewing

Sewing machines and accessories, thread, hand and machine needles, pins and pincushions, tape measures, fabric scissors, seam rippers, zips, buttons, elastic, bias binding and the rest of the haberdashery you reach for again and again — for dressmaking, mending, home furnishings and gifts.

Getting started: match the needle to the fabric (a universal 80/12 suits most medium cottons), keep a pair of scissors for fabric only, press seams as you go and change the machine needle regularly. UK machines run on 230V: only use one with a UK plug or the manufacturer’s approved adaptor.

New to it? Read what you need to start sewing and how to choose a sewing machine.

Free tracked UK delivery, prices in pounds including VAT, and free returns within 30 days.

How to choose sewing supplies

Choose sewing supplies by the fabrics you plan to work with, because needle type, thread weight and presser foot all follow from the fabric. A small set of good basics covers most dressmaking, mending and home projects.

• Use ballpoint or stretch needles for knits and sharp or microtex needles for tightly woven cottons and silks.
• An all-purpose polyester thread suits most fabrics; cotton thread is often preferred for quilting cotton.
• Keep dedicated fabric shears and never use them on paper, which dulls the blades.
• Add a seam ripper, glass-head pins and a flexible tape measure before any specialist gadgets.