Did you know today marks Sewing Machine Day?! Who knew such a day existed. Well here's a blog post to honour the trusty sewing machine that I do credit with the start of my passion for sewing, and so my business, Pri Pri, transforming upcycled saris into colourful homeware and beautiful accessories.
Whether you’re a seasoned sewer or someone who’s just thinking about dusting off your machine, today is a reminder to slow down, get creative, and reconnect with the joy of sewing.
And if you don’t have a sewing machine? You can still join in the fun with some of our no-sew craft kits like our Wreath Making Kit.
A Brief History of the Sewing Machine
The sewing machine was invented in the early 19th century and completely changed the world of fashion, textiles, and home crafting. Before that, everything was stitched by hand. The sewing machine made it possible to create beautiful, practical pieces much more quickly and opened up a world of creativity for people at home.
The wonderful women's empowerment charity Pri Pri works with has a range of sewing machines available for the trainees to learn on. Then once graduated, the artisans are able to purchase a sewing machine for themselves so they can also work from home.
Where My Sewing Journey Began
My love of sewing started when I was just eight years old, sitting with my grandmother at her Singer pedal sewing machine. She taught me to stitch with so much patience, showing me how to piece together little offcuts and turn them into something beautiful. Those early sewing sessions weren’t just about learning a skill – they were about storytelling, colour, and resourcefulness. It’s where my passion for upcycling and giving fabrics a second life was truly born.
I remember being fascinated by the idea that nothing needed to go to waste – even the tiniest scraps could become something precious. That lesson from my grandmother still runs through everything I create at Pri Pri today.
If You're Thinking About Investing In A Sewing Machine
If you’re just starting out, buying a sewing machine can feel a little overwhelming with so many options out there. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right one:
✅ Start Simple
Look for a basic model with essential stitches like straight, zig-zag, and buttonhole functions. You don’t need anything fancy to begin – simple is often best.
✅ Consider Reliability
Well-known brands like Brother, Janome, and Singer offer great beginner machines that are easy to maintain and have lots of online tutorials available.
✅ Think About Your Space
If you don’t have much room, a lightweight, portable sewing machine is ideal and can be packed away when you’re not using it.
✅ Test Before You Buy (If You Can!)
If you’re buying in-store, see if you can try it out first. Some local sewing shops even offer beginners’ classes with the machines they sell.
✅ Set Your Budget
You can find reliable beginner sewing machines from around £100–£200. It’s a good idea to invest in a machine that will last, but you don’t need to spend a fortune.
Your sewing machine is more than a tool – it’s a gateway to creativity, sustainability, and stories stitched with love. Whether you’re making something new, mending something old, or crafting without sewing at all, every stitch (and every scrap) matters!!