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Here's everything you need to know about The Big Sew Off....

Calling all crafters: A 24-hour sewathon called The Big Sew Off is happening this spring to raise money for mental health charity Mind, and everyone can get involved.

The event will kick off on 12 May to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, and will feature Sew Over It, one of the UK's leading sewing communities, sewing for 24-hours non-stop. We love a challenge!

Regular Prima magazine contributor Lisa Comfort, the founder of Sew Over It, and her team will be taking part from a sewing hub in London donated by Workspace.

Other sewing businesses, personalities and sewing Instagrammers will be joining the sewathon in the capital or from their own hubs around the UK.

"The last couple of years have been really tough on everyone's mental health, and sewing has been a big help in getting through the pandemic," says Lisa. "We are excited to put our sewing skills to good use for a great cause and we hope you'll join us in The Big Sew Off in May!"

The Big Sew Off are asking fellow sewing fans to join in the fun by sewing from home on the day. You could round up a group of friends and create your own sewing hub.

If the thought of sewing for 24 hours is too much, you could aim to make just one garment, sell what you make on eBay, then send the proceeds in. If you are up for the 24-hour challenge, ask friends and family to sponsor you.

A post shared by The Big Sew Off (@thebigsewoff)

Alternatively, you can show your support by sponsoring Lisa and the team to sew for 24 hours by donating to The Big Sew Off JustGiving page. Sponsoring the team will help keep them going in the small hours of the night.

All clothes made during The Big Sew Off will also be actioned off during the event to raise funds for Mind.

To find out more and get involved, visit The Big Sew Off website.

This versatile sewing machine features an automatic needle threader, easy thread cutter and a twin needle function. The digital display lets you choose from a hundred built-in stitches and alphabet stitches. The long life LED light illuminates your work and with a bunch of other accessories included you'll have everything you need to create and craft!

This super lightweight sewing machine is a fantastic option if you are doing sewing lessons or you're part of a sewing group as it's so easy to take around. Priced at £100 it's not super advanced but being Singer, the quality is excellent. There are six basic stitches featured - stitch, zigzag, blend hemstitch, multi-step zigzag, decorative scallop and a four-step buttonhole - and it's really easy to operate. 

This machine is a great buy for complete beginners or those who don't want to invest in an expensive sewing machine. It's ideal for lightweight fabrics and features 12 stitch options including embroidery. 

A colourful, bright blue option if you're looking for a sewing machine which stands out from the crowd! This retro-inspired machine is ideal for hobby sewing, alterations or for those who regularly mend clothes. It can tackle both light to medium weight fabrics.

The Janome Decor Excel 20 sewing machine is a sleek model that is ideal for for beginners who will benefit from its useful features. The maximum speed controller is perfect for those who are learning or need extra control.

Lightweight, compact and easy-to-use, the Singer 2250 is ideal for garment construction, mending and house deco, making it the perfect sewing machine for beginners. With an innovative range of features, including 10 option stitch and 8 built-in patterns, the 2250 is a versatile and efficient make and mend gadget.

Ideal for those with intermediate skills, the Janome DMX34L Overlocker is perfect for working with light to medium weight fabrics. 

This 17 stitch sewing machine comes with drop in bobbin, LED lighting, quick and easy stitch selection and 4-step button hole.

We love the colour of the Necchi machine and its modern look that makes it standout model compared to the other machines in our roundup - but it's not all about style. With 200 built-in stitches, this machine will suit all hobbyists, and is perfect for household use, hemming curtains, cushion covers or fixing clothes.

This machine is at the expensive end of the scale but it's suitable for both novices and seasoned sewers thanks to the help of the computer. There's plenty of practical features, including a drop feed facility for freehand embroidery and quilting, a speed control slider for quick or intricate work, and a start and stop button that allows you to sew without a foot control. There's also an automatic needle threader takes the strain out of threading the needle - which makes it worth the money alone!

Suitable for complete beginners, the Brother XN1700 is a great starter machine suitable for dressmaking, basic alterations and lightweight fabrics. It features 17 stitches including utility and decorative as well as a 4-step automatic buttonhole. A twin needle can be used with this machine.

This simple and easy to use Brother LS14S sewing machine comes with 14 stitches, including a 4 step button hole. Perfect for dress making and everyday household items. 

This Singer sewing machine will provide your work with a neat, finished edge and professional looking results. From upholstery and sturdy outerwear to your own original projects. Whether you're ready for an overlocker or ready for an upgrade, this machine delivers consistent, quality stitches through super heavy-duty fabrics.