National Sewing Machine Day is here, and we’re celebrating the machine that helps bring every quilt, bag, project, and gift to life. Whether you’re brand new to quilting or have spent years at your sewing machine, this is the perfect opportunity to spend a little extra time with one of the hardest-working tools in your sewing room. Today, we’re sharing tips for getting to know your machine better and giving it a little TLC, rounding up our favorite sewing machine-themed projects, and offering a special giveaway to celebrate!
Get to Know Your Sewing Machine
Your sewing machine can do so much more than stitch a straight seam. National Sewing Machine Day is a great reminder to slow down and explore all the features your machine has to offer. Visit the How to Use a Sewing Machine blog from the Ultimate Beginner Quilt Series for our basic tips and tricks for getting to know your machine.
No matter how long you’ve owned your machine, there is always something new to discover! Spending a little time learning today can help build confidence and make your next projects even more enjoyable. Try taking some time today to:
- Try a decorative stitch you’ve never used before
- Test different presser feet and settings
- Practice adjusting your stitch length and mastering the art of tension
- Learn a new feature that could make your quilting even easier
- Read through a section of your machine’s manual
- Watch YouTube tutorials made specifically for your machine model
Give Your Machine a Little TLC
A happy sewing machine is a clean sewing machine! Today is the perfect day to give your machine the care it deserves. Dust, lint, and thread buildup are all part of a busy sewing life, but regular cleaning can help keep your machine stitching smoothly.
We recommend:
- Changing your needle
- Vacuum out the lint from the bobbin area
- Cleaning around the feed dogs
- Wiping down your machine’s exterior
Our pink, teal, and gray Oh Sew Clean Sets make machine maintenance quick and easy, helping you reach those hard-to-clean areas and keep your machine looking and performing its best. Once your machine is cleaned up and ready to go, why not stitch something made especially for it?
Sewing Machine Projects to Stitch
Looking for sewing inspiration? Join us for a walk down memory lane as we revisit some of our favorite sewing machine-themed tutorials and patterns from the Jolly Jabber archives.
How to Make a Quilted Sewing Machine Cover
For Sewing Machine Day 2022, we put together a tutorial to make something extra special for the original power tool. Sewing machine covers can be functional AND cute, and in this simple tutorial, we’ll teach you how you can make one with any two 12” quilt blocks!
Free Sewing Machine Mat Tutorial
With storage where you need it, this FREE pattern from Sewing Machine Day 2023 keeps your sewing space clear and your notions close at hand. If you make one of these, please share with #SewingMachineMat, and tag Fat Quarter Shop so we can see it!
Three Quilted Sewing Machine Covers for National Sewing Machine Day
Last year, we did a fresh roundup of three of our favorite sewing machine cover patterns, including the FREE pattern from 2022! Rediscover the Jolly Bar friendly Vintage Spools Sewing Machine Cover from A Scrapbook of Quilts by Joanna Figueroa, and the perfectly scrappy Sewing Machine Cover & Mat from Quilty Fun by Lori Holt.
Giveaway
We’re bobbin with excitement to see the projects you’re stitching up this National Sewing Machine Day!
To celebrate, we’re giving away:
- One Blueprint Jolly Bar by Camille Roskelley for Moda Fabrics
- One Off White Bella Solids Jolly Bar by Moda Fabrics
- One Kimberly’s Color Master Set
To enter our giveaway, share either:
- A photo of a finished Fat Quarter Shop project alongside your sewing machine
- A photo of a Fat Quarter Shop project currently in progress on your sewing machine
Share your photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag @fatquartershop using the hashtag #FQSSewingMachineDay.
Don’t use social media? No problem! You can upload your photo directly to our community forum and join the fun there. We will select and reach out to the winner on Wednesday, June 17th. Keep an eye on your DMs and have fun sewing!
Happy National Sewing Machine Day!
Stay connected to Fat Quarter Shop!
