beginner sewing machine

What Beginner Sewing Machine Should I Buy? Top Picks for New Sewists

Not sure which sewing machine is right for a beginner? We break down four Baby Lock models, plus the support resources every new sewist needs.

July 02, 2026
Understanding Thread Weight for Quilting and Sewing

Understanding Thread Weight for Quilting and Sewing

Those numbers on your thread spools actually tell you a lot. Thread weight describes how thick or thin a thread is — and once you understand the system, choosing the right thread becomes much easier. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common weights and what they're best for.

June 30, 2026
5 Things to Know About Thread

5 Things to Know About Thread

Thread weight affects everything from stitch quality to the finished look of your project. This quick guide breaks down what the numbers on your spool actually mean, which weights work best for quilting, embroidery, and hand stitching, and what to put in your bobbin.

June 30, 2026
Parts of a Sewing Machine

Parts of a Sewing Machine

Your sewing machine may look complicated at first, but every button, lever, and knob has a simple purpose. This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the essential parts of a sewing machine and explains exactly what each one does.

June 30, 2026
winding your bobbin on your sewing machine

How to Wind Your Sewing Machine Bobbin

Winding a bobbin is one of the first skills every sewist needs to learn. Once you know the steps, it takes just a minute or two and sets you up for smooth, even stitching. Here's exactly how to do it.

June 29, 2026
The Girlfriend Quilter's Glossary: Sewing Terms Every Quilter Should Know

The Girlfriend Quilter's Glossary: Sewing Terms Every Quilter Should Know

Quilting has its own language, and learning it makes everything easier. This beginner-friendly glossary covers the most common quilting terms — from fat quarters and jelly rolls to binding, batting, and beyond. Bookmark it and come back whenever you need a refresher.

August 30, 2024
Unthreading sewing machine

The Right Way to Unthread Your Sewing Machine

Hey, friends! Welcome to Learning with the Girlfriends, where we provide tutorials on learning how to sew and teach you all the basics of sewing for beginners, including unthreading your sewing...
July 17, 2024
Place Your Top-Loading Bobbin in 4 Easy Steps!

Place Your Top-Loading Bobbin in 4 Easy Steps!

Welcome to Learning with the Girlfriends, where we provide tutorials on learning how to sew and teach you all the basics of sewing for beginners, including replacing your bobbin on...
July 02, 2024
How to Thread Your Sewing Machine

How to Thread Your Sewing Machine

You've just welcomed home your first sewing machine! Congratulations! You probably have lots of questions, but don't worry, the Girlfriends are here to help! Let's start our "Learn to Sew"...
July 01, 2024