Come into the cafe for more than a caffeine boost and a cake. Share your everyday chitchat here - without consuming a single calorie!

Please read these guidelines before posting on TSF which explain the etiquette for posting and some of the Forum Rules. Following these should make your use of the Forum more enjoyable for everyone.

Please introduce yourself, your interests and tell us about your sewing experience.

This area is intended for guests to request help and information from the members of our forum. Please abide by our Forum Rules and respect the people around you.

Need immediate sewing advice? Are you in the middle of something and stuck? Ask here for a quick reply to help you on your way.

We all have to start somewhere, so if you are just starting out or trying something very new and looking for guidance, this is the place.

Share your current projects, keep us up-to-date with them and notify us when pictures are in the gallery.

Sub-Forums: Fabric care

A place to discuss all those odds and ends about sewing and fashion.

An area to discuss basic sewing techniques eg seams, setting sleeves, collars & cuffs, hemming, inserting zips, etc.

An area for members studying for a sewing related qualification eg City & Guilds, to discuss or request support and guidance from other members. Also post or ask about details of local sewing classes/courses.

Area for posting any UK sewing related events which might be of interest to members. List details, dates and location of clubs or social meetings.

Not everyone is an experienced hand. Go on! Post your tips & tutorials (even the simple ones) here for all to see and learn from.

Sub-Forums: Product Review

A place to post website links or details of other sources of information which may be of interest to sewers.

Sub-Forums: FBA (Full Bust Adjustment)

For all Bridal wear, Prom Dresses and Evening Gowns.

Add new advice or benefit from others' experience of this popular area of sewing.

Discuss making all types of dance costumes especially tutus.

An area for those with an interest in hand embroidery

An area for discussing the tradtional hand techniques of times long past and the modern day methods used to recreate them.

Items and discussions relating to making suits and more structured clothes, eg trousers and jackets for work.

Sub-Forums: Auto re-upholstery

Software - please post under 'Software' section.

Need general help selecting presser feet, machine needles, thread, etc? Ask here. (To see presser feet uses and videos of them working go to 'Tips & Tutorials.')

Read members' reviews or write a review about a machine you have used.

Including all computer related sewing eg printing and on-line services.

Share tips, tutorials and website links you have found useful for working with machines, presser feet, etc.

Irons, scissors, tape measures, etc - all those handy little tools we can't manage without.

Discussions on any aspects of hand and machine knitting.

Members should read these prior to posting within the Forum.

Important: Any member owning a business, website, blog or working from home whether sewing related or not must read these Guidelines prior to posting and deciding whether they want to use the supplier status facility.

Please use this section or send a private message to ask the Administators/Moderators for advice or help with any matter relating to Forum Rules including using supplier status.

Discussions for sewers working from home or running sewing related businesses rather than just sewing for pleasure.

Not to be used by suppliers. Classified adverts section for members to advertise sewing related items you want to buy, sell or give away.

Not to be used by suppliers. Area to post if you know of any retailers/websites that have sales, special offers, discounts, freebies, etc that might be of interest to other members, particularly sewing related items.

Area for members to ask where to source sewing/craft related supplies and to recommend or give feedback for retailers/wholesalers/websites. NB suppliers should NOT post about their own or competitor businesses other than to correct an error relating to their own business.

This section is only to be used for quick reference to the relevant rules for suppliers. It must be read, prior to posting, in conjunction with the Forum Rules and Terms & Conditions.

Area for suppliers to post information about their businesses and interact with members.

Area for suppliers to post information about courses they offer and interact with members

Suppliers notify members of special offers you may have. NB maximum of TWO new offers per week allowed.

Forum announcements

Suggestions and guidance to help you make better use of the forum and your computer. Ask for help here if you encounter problems using the Forum.

Area for members to leave feedback and suggestions relating to the Forum. Your ideas and opinions are appreciated.

Area to learn how to upload pictures to the Gallery or attach them to posts. Ask here for help and advice if you are having difficulty with this.