Sewing Starts Here
The beginner sewing podcast from Bobbin & Bash, with Tash.
Buying a sewing machine for your child? Thinking about learning yourself? Or already have a machine but aren’t quite sure where to start?
I’ve put the questions I’m asked most around the sewing table into short, friendly episodes you can listen to whenever you need a little help. Expect straightforward explanations, practical tips and advice drawn from teaching children and adults to sew.
Start with episode 1: Does My Child Need a Children’s Sewing Machine?
Listen to the first episode
The Starting Out Minisodes
Does My Child Need a Children’s Sewing Machine?Why a machine marketed for children isn’t always the easiest starting point, and what to consider instead.Which Sewing Machine Features Actually Matter?Bobbins, speed control and useful buttons explained, so you can decide which features deserve a place on your shopping list.Computerised or Mechanical: Which Is Right for You?The difference between buttons and dials, and why computerised doesn’t have to mean complicated.How Much Should You Spend on Your First Sewing Machine?Setting a budget, buying new or second-hand, and what spending more can actually get you.The Sewing Machines I Use and RecommendWhy I use the Janome 230DC in class and have recommended the Brother FS60X to families.Your New Sewing Machine: Where to StartGetting set up, practising the basics and choosing a manageable first project.Can You Learn to Sew on a Cheaper Machine?Getting comfortable with a basic machine, including front-loading bobbins and those fiddly first steps.Does Sewing Thread Quality Really Matter?Choosing suitable thread and understanding how it can affect your sewing experience.Little Gifts for Sewing LoversUseful stocking fillers and birthday ideas, including a few unexpected additions to a sewing kit.
Bonus episodes
What Age Can My Child Start Sewing?Looking at interest, readiness, supervision and the setup that helps younger children learn.Sewing Is for Boys TooChoosing projects around your child’s interests, making gifts and opening up a useful creative skill to everyone.
The extended episode: Buying a Sewing Machine for Under £100 - A longer conversation for anyone shopping with a firm budget. We explore the compromises worth considering, new versus second-hand machines, familiar brand names and why the machines I chose for my sewing school might not be what you need at home. There’s also another option: learning in classes where machines are provided while you decide what to buy.
Episodes are being added as they’re released, so start with the first one and follow the podcast to hear what’s next.
