The UK SEW journal
The UK SEW journal
Practical sewing machine advice, knitting know-how and stories from Leicester’s hosiery trade.
Photo: Héctor J. Rivas on Unsplash
All posts
How to choose a sewing machine
Machine types, must-have features, new vs used and where to get advice.
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How to thread a sewing machine
Spool to needle in the right order, plus bobbin winding.
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Knit + Stitch Harrogate 2026
Dates, what to expect and buying tips for the November show.
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How often should you service a sewing machine?
Service intervals, warning signs and what to do yourself between services.
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What is denier? Tights and hosiery explained
Sheer to opaque: denier, fibres and care for tights and stockings.
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Domestic vs industrial sewing machines
Speed, stitch types, motors, space and cost compared.
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How to clean a sewing machine
Lint removal, oiling and what not to do.
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How socks are made, step by step
Yarn, circular knitting, toe closing, boarding and pairing.
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Sewing machine needles explained
Needle systems, sizes and points for every fabric.
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Leicester sheep and the story of British wool
Robert Bakewell, the Leicester Longwool and the Bluefaced Leicester.
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Buying a used sewing machine: the checklist
What to check, what to ask and your rights when buying used.
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Setting up a sewing room
Tables, light, storage and three stations: sew, cut, press.
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Quilting for beginners: your first quilt
Tools, cutting, ¼-inch seams, basting, quilting and binding.
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How Leicester clothed the world
From cottage frames to factory giants: Leicester’s hosiery story.
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Sewing machine tension made simple
Balanced stitches, fixing loops and puckering, and adjusting safely.
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Corah and St Margaret’s Works
From framesmith to factory giant: Corah’s Leicester story.
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Sewing with jersey and knits
Needles, stitches, feet and hems for stretch fabrics.
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Starting an alterations business: the equipment checklist
Machines, pressing, cutting and spares for an alterations business.
Read more →Framework knitting museums to visit
Wigston and Ruddington: where hosiery’s story began.
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William Lee and the stocking frame
The 1589 invention that started an industry.
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Wool and yarn weights explained
4-ply, DK, aran and chunky with US names and needle sizes.
Read more →An overlocker beginner’s guide
Stitches, differential feed and threading made simple.
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Leicester Made 2026 and the future of UK textiles
The April 2026 showcase for UK textile manufacturing at DMU.
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Sewing machine hire vs buy
Short-term rental compared with buying new or used.
Read more →Common sewing machine problems and fixes
Quick fixes for skipped stitches, bunching, breaking needles and more.
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Inspired by the Sewing Bee? Start here
Kit, first projects and choosing a first machine after the Sewing Bee.
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Bobbins and bobbin cases explained
Class 15, class 66, L and M bobbins, metal vs plastic.
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Selling or part-exchanging a sewing machine
Valuing, selling and part-exchanging domestic and industrial machines.
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The presser feet you really need
The essential feet and how to check shank type.
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Industrial sewing machine maintenance
Daily, weekly and periodic care for production machines.
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