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
Needle Know-How: Understanding Needle Sizes and Uses

Needle Know-How: Understanding Needle Sizes and Uses

Choosing the wrong needle is one of the most common causes of skipped stitches, broken thread, and damaged fabric. This quick guide breaks down needle sizes and types so you can find the right one for every project.

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
Two Easy Methods for Making a Four Patch Quilt Block

Two Easy Methods for Making a Four Patch Quilt Block

How do I make a four-patch quilt block? A four-patch quilt block is made by joining four equal squares of fabric into a two-by-two grid using a ¼-inch seam allowance....
June 25, 2026
Perfectly Flat Quilt Blocks: Learn How to Spin the Seam!

Perfectly Flat Quilt Blocks: Learn How to Spin the Seam!

Ever felt the frustration of bulky quilt block intersections that just won’t lie flat? Fear not, fellow quilter! The solution is here, and it’s as fun as it sounds: spinning...
January 15, 2025
How to Sew a Nine-Patch Block Using the Strip Method

How to Sew a Nine-Patch Block Using the Strip Method

The strip method is an efficient way to sew a two-color nine-patch block, saving time and ensuring accuracy. This technique is perfect for beginners and experienced quilters alike. Here's a...
January 09, 2025
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
15 Words to Learn When Beginning to Sew

15 Words to Learn When Beginning to Sew

Did you know that part of learning to sew means you have to learn a new language? Not really, but kind of. Sewing has a set of lingo terms you...
July 29, 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