Based on looking at the website Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk, the platform appears to be a legitimate online retailer specialising in knitting and sewing supplies, patterns, and digital tutorials. While the site presents a comprehensive offering for hobbyists and crafters, a detailed review highlights several key aspects, especially regarding its operational transparency and adherence to established e-commerce best practices. The pricing is in Algerian Dinar (DA) which could be an issue for UK customers expecting GBP.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Website Legitimacy: Appears legitimate, selling physical products and digital content.
- Product Offering: Wide range of fabrics, patterns, sewing tools, and subscription-based/individual video tutorials.
- Transparency: Good contact information (phone, email), physical address not immediately obvious on homepage.
- Customer Support: Claims friendly team available Monday-Friday.
- Pricing Clarity: Prices are listed in Algerian Dinar (DA) on the homepage, which is highly unusual for a UK-based website and could lead to significant confusion for UK customers. This is a critical issue that undermines trust and usability.
- Delivery Information: Free delivery over £50 (UK) stated, with a link to a dedicated delivery page.
- Community Engagement: Active Facebook community mentioned.
- Trust Signals: Customer reviews, feature on ITV News mentioned.
- Ethical Considerations: The products themselves (knitting and sewing supplies, tutorials) are generally permissible and encourage beneficial, creative skills. There are no immediate concerns regarding forbidden categories. However, the currency issue is a significant concern for a UK site.
The website provides various avenues for engagement, from purchasing individual items to subscribing to their ‘Knit & Stitch Club’ for ongoing tutorials. They offer digital products alongside physical goods, which is a common and efficient model for craft businesses. The inclusion of customer testimonials and a mention of an ITV News feature aims to build trust, and their active social media presence suggests a community-focused approach. However, the prominent display of prices in Algerian Dinar (DA) is a glaring anomaly for a UK-based business, potentially indicating a misconfiguration or a significant oversight. This could deter potential customers and raise questions about the true transactional currency. A reliable UK e-commerce site should display prices clearly in GBP (£) for its target audience.
Here are some alternatives for knitting and sewing supplies that cater to UK customers with clear pricing and strong reputations:
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- Key Features: Wide range of craft supplies, including extensive knitting, sewing, and haberdashery. Offers workshops and online tutorials.
- Average Price: Varies widely, from a few pounds for needles/thread to hundreds for sewing machines.
- Pros: Large selection, often has sales, physical stores across the UK, strong brand recognition, clear UK pricing.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming due to size, some items might be pricier than specialist online-only stores.
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- Key Features: Specialises in yarn and knitting/crochet supplies. Huge selection of brands, weights, and colours.
- Average Price: Yarn prices vary significantly, typically £3-£20 per ball/skein.
- Pros: Excellent for yarn enthusiasts, competitive pricing, frequent sales, fast UK delivery.
- Cons: Primarily focused on yarn, less extensive for general sewing fabrics/notions.
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- Key Features: Comprehensive range of fabrics, sewing patterns, haberdashery, and craft supplies. Large online community with free patterns and tutorials.
- Average Price: Fabric per metre typically £5-£25, patterns £10-£20.
- Pros: Huge fabric selection, excellent resources and community, clear UK pricing, good customer service.
- Cons: Website can be very busy due to the sheer volume of products.
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- Key Features: Curated selection of high-quality dressmaking and quilting fabrics. Often features designer fabrics.
- Average Price: Fabrics typically £12-£30 per metre.
- Pros: Beautiful, unique fabrics, good for dressmaking, often has sales.
- Cons: More niche selection, might not have the cheapest options.
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- Key Features: Known for offering remnants and end-of-roll fabrics at discounted prices. Good for finding bargains.
- Average Price: Varies, but generally lower than standard retail prices for equivalent quality.
- Pros: Cost-effective, good for creative projects on a budget, regular new stock.
- Cons: Stock is often limited to what’s available as remnants, so consistency is not guaranteed.
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- Key Features: Specialises in quilting fabrics, patterns, and supplies. High-quality cottons and tools.
- Average Price: Quilting cottons typically £10-£18 per metre, patterns £8-£15.
- Pros: Excellent for quilters, wide range of themed collections, good quality products.
- Cons: More focused on quilting, so less variety for other sewing disciplines.
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- Key Features: Extensive range of fabrics, yarns, craft supplies, and sewing machines. Both online and physical stores.
- Average Price: Broad range, competitive across many categories.
- Pros: Very large selection, good for bulk purchases, regular sales, physical stores for browsing.
- Cons: Online experience can sometimes feel less streamlined than dedicated e-commerce sites.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk Review & First Look
Upon visiting Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk, the immediate impression is a dedicated online store for knitting and sewing enthusiasts. The homepage is well-organised, showcasing various product categories, popular collections, and prominent calls to action for their ‘Knit & Stitch Club’. It’s clear the site aims to be a one-stop shop for materials, tools, and educational content. The design is clean, with easy navigation to key sections like ‘Shop All’, ‘New Products’, ‘Knit & Stitch Club Tutorials’, and ‘Find Out More’. This intuitive layout helps users quickly grasp what the site offers.
One of the first things a UK customer would notice, however, is the curious display of prices in “DA” (Algerian Dinar). For a website that states “FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £50 (UK)” and lists a UK phone number (01257 276513), this currency mismatch is a significant red flag. It creates immediate confusion and raises questions about transaction transparency. While the products themselves – fabrics, sewing patterns, yarns, and video tutorials – align perfectly with an ethical and beneficial hobby, this fundamental error in currency display is a major drawback for a UK audience.
The site also highlights “Loyalty Rewards” and “Customer Service” availability, alongside a strong emphasis on community via their Facebook page. These are positive signals for customer engagement and support. However, the lack of a clearly stated physical address on the homepage itself, beyond a contact number, is another minor point of concern for some users seeking full transparency from an online retailer. Typically, reputable e-commerce sites will include full company details, including registered address, in their footer or ‘About Us’ section.
Initial Impressions and User Experience
The site loads reasonably quickly, and the visual elements are appealing, featuring bright product photography. The main navigation is clear, directing users to distinct categories like fabrics, patterns, and tutorials. The “Knit & Stitch Club” is prominently featured, suggesting it’s a core offering.
- Clear navigation: Categories like “Shop All,” “New Products,” “Knit & Stitch Club Tutorials” are easily accessible.
- Prominent offers: “FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £50 (UK)” is clearly displayed at the top.
- Visual appeal: The use of high-quality images for products and project examples enhances the browsing experience.
- Immediate Currency Confusion: The display of prices in Algerian Dinar (DA) instead of British Pounds (£) is a glaring issue for a UK-targeted site. For example, “Marion’s Dog Walking Bag Video Tutorial Digital Product Sale priceDA 5,500.00″ provides no immediate context for a UK buyer on what this translates to in sterling. This alone can deter a significant portion of potential customers.
- Subscription Model Focus: The “Knit & Stitch Club” is pushed heavily, with a clear monthly price and access to “over 200 beginner-friendly sewing tutorials.” This caters to those looking for ongoing learning.
Website Structure and Content Organisation
The website is logically structured, separating physical products from digital tutorials and club memberships. This makes it easy for users to find what they’re looking for, whether it’s a specific fabric bundle or a video lesson. Maidesite.co.uk Review
- Product Categories: Well-defined sections for “All Fabrics,” “Sewing Tutorials,” “Sewing Patterns,” “Fabric Bundles,” and “Gifts.”
- Tutorials: A dedicated section for individual video tutorials, allowing users to purchase specific lessons without a subscription.
- Blog/News Section: Features articles and unboxing videos, adding fresh content and engagement opportunities.
- Customer Reviews: A dedicated section on the homepage highlights positive customer feedback, aiming to build trust.
Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk Features
Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk offers a range of features designed to support knitting and sewing enthusiasts, from beginners to more experienced crafters. The primary focus is on providing materials, tools, and educational content. The site leverages a mix of physical products and digital offerings, catering to modern learning preferences.
Product Catalogue Breadth
The website boasts a respectable variety of products essential for knitting and sewing projects. This includes a diverse array of fabrics, encompassing various types, patterns, and uses, from dressmaking to quilting. They also stock sewing patterns, which are crucial for any project, and offer fabric bundles for convenience, often curated by theme or colour. Beyond fabrics, the site provides a selection of tools and notions, such as rotary cutters and fray check, which are staple items for any crafter.
- Fabrics: A wide selection including cottons, various prints, and specific bundles like “Fat Quarter Bundles.”
- Patterns: Both sewing patterns for garments and accessories, and potentially knitting/crochet patterns.
- Haberdashery: Essential tools and notions like “Prym Fray Check” and “Olfa 45mm Rotary Cutter.”
- Gift Boxes: Curated sets like “Purple Paisley 5 Piece FQ Bundle Plus Thread Treat Box,” ideal for gifting.
- Digital Products: A significant offering of video tutorials and e-booklets.
Digital Content and Learning Resources
A core feature of Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk is its emphasis on digital learning. The “Knit & Stitch Club” is highlighted as a central hub for over 200 beginner-friendly sewing tutorials, accessible via a monthly subscription. This model provides continuous learning opportunities and access to a library of projects. For those who prefer a one-off purchase, individual video tutorials are also available, covering specific projects like bags, quilts, and home decorations. This flexibility caters to different learning styles and commitment levels.
- Knit & Stitch Club: Subscription-based access (£12.99/month, though the price is currently displayed in DA, making actual cost unclear for UK users) to a large library of sewing tutorials. This is marketed as a way to make 2025 a “creative year.”
- Individual Video Tutorials: Specific digital products like “Marion’s Dog Walking Bag Video Tutorial” or “Block Of The Month Quilt Video Tutorials” can be purchased separately.
- E-booklets: Digital downloads such as “Interfacing/Wadding 101 e-booklet” offer quick, focused learning.
- Expert Tutors: The tutorials are stated to be guided by “expert tutors,” suggesting a high quality of instruction.
Customer Engagement and Support Mechanisms
The website attempts to foster a sense of community and provide robust customer support. They actively promote their Facebook page, encouraging interaction among “like minded people.” For direct assistance, a UK phone number is provided, and customer service is available Monday to Friday. The site also incorporates a loyalty rewards program, incentivising repeat purchases by allowing customers to earn points for every pound spent. This helps build customer loyalty and encourages long-term engagement with the brand. Compasscontracting.co.uk Review
- Contact Information: Phone number (01257 276513) and a “Contact Us” link are present.
- Community: Strong emphasis on their Facebook group for community interaction.
- Loyalty Rewards: Earn points for spending, driving repeat business.
- Customer Reviews: Prominent display of positive testimonials from platforms like Trustpilot, adding social proof.
- Blog/News: Features like “Our Feature on ITV News” and unboxing videos contribute to brand story and engagement.
Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk Pros & Cons
Analysing any online platform involves weighing its strengths against its weaknesses. For Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk, while it offers a compelling array of products and learning opportunities for crafting enthusiasts, certain operational aspects could be improved to enhance user trust and experience, especially for its stated UK audience.
Cons of Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk
The primary and most critical drawback for Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk is the inconsistent currency display. Despite overtly targeting a UK audience with phrases like “FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £50 (UK)” and a UK phone number, all product prices on the homepage are listed in Algerian Dinar (DA). This creates significant confusion and friction for potential UK customers, who would expect prices in British Pounds (£). Such a fundamental error undermines trust and usability, potentially leading to abandoned carts and a perception of unprofessionalism.
- Currency Mismatch (Major Issue): Prices are consistently displayed in “DA” (Algerian Dinar) instead of British Pounds (£) despite the website clearly targeting a UK audience with UK-specific delivery information and contact numbers. This is a critical error that will deter UK customers.
- Lack of Immediate Physical Address Transparency: While a contact number is provided, a clear physical business address is not immediately visible on the homepage or in the footer. Reputable UK businesses typically make this information readily available for transparency and trust.
- Subscription Clarity: While the “Knit & Stitch Club” is highlighted, the specific terms, ease of cancellation, and what happens after a subscription starts could be more transparent on the homepage itself. Users often look for straightforward information on recurring charges upfront.
- Limited Direct Customer Interaction Tools: While a phone number and a contact page are available, the absence of a live chat feature might mean slower immediate support for quick queries during business hours.
- Ambiguous “Sale Price” without Original Price: Many products display a “Sale price” but without showing the original price it’s being discounted from, making it difficult for customers to assess the actual value of the discount. For example, “Marion’s Dog Walking Bag Video Tutorial Digital Product Sale priceDA 5,500.00″ gives no indication of its typical cost.
Pros of Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk
Despite the significant currency issue, Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk does present several commendable features that would appeal to its target audience.
- Comprehensive Product Range: The website offers a wide variety of knitting and sewing supplies, including fabrics, patterns, tools, and gift sets, making it a convenient one-stop shop for crafters.
- Extensive Digital Learning Content: The “Knit & Stitch Club” with “over 200 beginner-friendly sewing tutorials” and the option to purchase individual video tutorials is a strong educational offering, catering to those looking to learn and improve their skills.
- Strong Community Focus: The emphasis on a “wonderful community of like minded people on Facebook” suggests an active and supportive environment for users, which can be highly appealing to hobbyists.
- Positive Customer Testimonials: The inclusion of customer reviews directly on the homepage, with links to Trustpilot, provides social proof and builds confidence in the brand’s service and product quality.
- Clear UK Delivery Information: The prominent “FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £50 (UK)” is a competitive advantage and a clear benefit for UK customers, assuming the currency issue is resolved for transactions.
- Loyalty Rewards Program: Offering points for every pound spent is a good incentive for repeat business and fosters customer loyalty.
- Featured on ITV News: Mentioning a feature on ITV News adds a layer of credibility and recognition to the brand, suggesting it has received some level of public attention.
Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk Alternatives
When seeking reliable and ethically sound alternatives for knitting and sewing supplies in the UK, it’s crucial to find platforms that offer transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and a broad range of products. The UK market is well-served by numerous established retailers and specialist online stores that cater to various crafting needs. These alternatives ensure a smooth shopping experience with clear pricing in British Pounds (£) and robust delivery systems.
Major UK Craft Retailers
- Hobbycraft: As the UK’s largest arts and crafts retailer, Hobbycraft offers an unparalleled selection of knitting yarns, sewing fabrics, patterns, haberdashery, and machinery. They have both a strong online presence and numerous physical stores across the country. Their pricing is clear, and they frequently run promotions. They also provide workshops and online guides.
- Minerva Crafts (Minerva): Renowned for its vast fabric collection and extensive range of sewing patterns, Minerva is a go-to for many UK sewists. They also offer a comprehensive selection of haberdashery and tools. What sets them apart is their strong online community, where users can share projects and access a plethora of free patterns and tutorials. Prices are clearly stated in GBP.
Specialist Yarn and Fabric Suppliers
- Wool Warehouse: If your primary interest is knitting or crochet, Wool Warehouse is an excellent choice. They stock an enormous variety of yarns from leading brands, along with needles, hooks, and patterns. Their pricing is competitive, and they are known for fast shipping within the UK. They consistently display prices in GBP.
- Fabrics Galore London: For those seeking high-quality, curated fabrics for dressmaking and quilting, Fabrics Galore offers a fantastic selection. They often feature unique prints and designer fabrics that might not be available elsewhere. While their range is more niche, the quality is generally very high, and their website is easy to navigate with clear GBP pricing.
- The Cotton Patch: Specialising in quilting fabrics and supplies, The Cotton Patch is ideal for quilters. They offer a superb range of quilting cottons, pre-cut bundles, patterns, and tools specifically designed for quilting. Their focus ensures a deep and quality selection for this specific craft, all with transparent GBP pricing.
Value-Oriented and General Craft Stores
- Abakhan Fabrics & Crafts: Abakhan is another large retailer with both online and physical stores, offering a wide array of fabrics, yarns, and general craft supplies. They often have good deals on remnants and larger quantities, making them a solid choice for those looking for value. Their online store displays prices in GBP.
- Jaycotts: Jaycotts is a long-established UK supplier of sewing machines, overlockers, and a comprehensive range of sewing accessories, patterns, and fabrics. They are known for their expert advice and customer service, offering a reliable option for both beginners and experienced sewers. Their website is user-friendly with clear GBP pricing.
Each of these alternatives provides a robust and trustworthy platform for purchasing knitting and sewing supplies, with the crucial advantage of clear, consistent pricing in British Pounds, ensuring a transparent and hassle-free shopping experience for UK customers.
How to Cancel Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk Subscription
Based on the information available on the Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk homepage, the “Knit & Stitch Club” is offered as a subscription service for £12.99 a month (though again, displayed as DA 12.99 on the homepage, causing major confusion). For any subscription, understanding the cancellation process is crucial to avoid unwanted recurring charges. While specific, step-by-step instructions for cancellation are not detailed on the homepage, standard practice for online subscriptions generally involves accessing your account settings. Rightcc.co.uk Review
General Steps for Subscription Cancellation
Typically, to cancel a subscription service like the “Knit & Stitch Club” on Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk, you would follow a process similar to many online platforms:
- Log In to Your Account: The first step is always to log into your ‘My Account’ area on the Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk website. You’ll need your registered email address and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, the site provides a “Recover password” option.
- Navigate to Subscription Settings: Once logged in, look for a section related to “My Subscriptions,” “Account Settings,” “Membership,” or a similar heading. This is where your active subscriptions are usually managed.
- Locate the ‘Knit & Stitch Club’ Subscription: Identify the specific subscription you wish to cancel.
- Initiate Cancellation: There should be a “Cancel Subscription,” “Manage Subscription,” or “Turn off auto-renew” option. Click on this to begin the cancellation process.
- Confirm Cancellation: The website might ask for a reason for cancellation or require you to confirm your decision. Follow the prompts to finalise the cancellation. You should typically receive an email confirmation of your cancellation.
Important Considerations for Cancellation
- Terms and Conditions: It’s always advisable to review the full terms and conditions of the ‘Knit & Stitch Club’ subscription, which would likely be linked during the sign-up process or in a dedicated FAQ/T&Cs section on the website. These terms will outline any notice periods required for cancellation or specific cut-off dates.
- Billing Cycle: Be mindful of your billing cycle. If you cancel mid-cycle, you might still have access to the tutorials until the end of the current paid period, but you won’t be charged for the next.
- Digital Access: Upon cancellation, access to the “over 200 beginner-friendly sewing tutorials” associated with the club will likely cease at the end of your paid subscription period.
- Customer Service: If you encounter any difficulties or cannot find the cancellation option within your account, the best course of action is to contact Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk’s customer service directly. They provide a phone number (01257 276513) and a “Contact Us” page. It’s recommended to do this during their stated business hours (Monday – Friday).
- Confirmation: Always ensure you receive a cancellation confirmation, either on-screen or via email, for your records. This is your proof that the subscription has been terminated.
Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk Pricing
The pricing strategy for Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk is a mix of individual product sales and a subscription model for digital content. However, the most significant issue, as previously highlighted, is the inconsistent and confusing currency display across the site. While the website states it offers “FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £50 (UK)”, almost all individual product prices and the stated subscription fee are displayed in “DA” (Algerian Dinar). This creates a critical lack of transparency for UK customers expecting to transact in British Pounds.
Subscription Model Pricing
The flagship digital offering is the “Knit & Stitch Club,” which provides access to a library of sewing tutorials.
- Knit & Stitch Club: Advertised on the homepage as “just £12.99 a month!” However, immediately below this text, the related button leading to the club page states the price as “DA 12,99” or similar values for digital products in general, making the actual currency ambiguous for a UK user. Assuming the £12.99 is indeed in British Pounds, this positions it as a reasonably priced monthly subscription for extensive digital content.
- Value Proposition: For £12.99 a month (if it is indeed GBP), access to “over 200 beginner-friendly sewing tutorials” represents significant value for continuous learning and diverse projects. This could appeal to both new learners and those looking to expand their skills without constantly buying new patterns or workshops.
Individual Product Pricing
The website also sells physical products like fabric bundles, tools, and individual digital video tutorials. The pricing here uniformly appears in “DA.” Corsagecreations.co.uk Review
- Digital Tutorials: Examples like “Marion’s Dog Walking Bag Video Tutorial Digital Product Sale priceDA 5,500.00″ or “Amanda’s Crochet Video Tutorial (This is not a kit) Sale priceDA 3,700.00” illustrate prices in Algerian Dinar. Without a clear conversion rate or the option to switch to GBP, these prices are meaningless to a UK shopper.
- Impact: This currency issue prevents potential customers from accurately understanding the cost of items, comparing prices with competitors, or even completing a purchase with confidence. For instance, DA 5,500.00 is approximately £32.50 (as of mid-2024 exchange rates), which might be reasonable for a comprehensive video tutorial, but the ambiguity is a major deterrent.
- Physical Products: Similar to digital tutorials, physical gift boxes and tools also show prices in DA. For example, “Purple Paisley 5 Piece FQ Bundle Plus Thread Treat Box Sale priceDA 5,000.00.”
- Impact: A customer interested in purchasing a fabric bundle would have to manually convert the DA price to GBP, which is inconvenient and unnecessary for a supposedly UK-focused site. This leads to friction and distrust in the purchasing process.
Delivery Costs
- Free Delivery: The website prominently advertises “FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £50 (UK).” This is a clear benefit for UK customers, assuming their order total reaches this threshold after the currency confusion is somehow resolved at checkout.
Overall Pricing Impression
The overall pricing strategy aims to be competitive, offering both subscription-based learning and individual product sales. The stated £12.99 for the club appears reasonable. However, the pervasive and critical error of displaying prices in Algerian Dinar (DA) instead of British Pounds (£) for a UK-targeted site is a major obstacle. This lack of clear, consistent currency display is a significant detractor and undermines the perceived value and trustworthiness of the pricing structure. For a UK customer, this is not just a minor glitch but a fundamental flaw in the e-commerce setup.
Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk vs. UK Craft Retailers
When comparing Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk to established UK craft retailers, several distinctions emerge, particularly concerning transparency, pricing, and overall market positioning. While Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk attempts to carve out a niche with its strong emphasis on digital tutorials, it faces stiff competition from larger, more transparent players in the UK market.
Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk’s Position
Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk positions itself as a friendly, community-focused online store offering both physical craft supplies and a substantial library of digital tutorials. Its strength lies in its explicit focus on educational content through the “Knit & Stitch Club” and individual video tutorials. This caters well to hobbyists seeking to learn and grow their skills. The mention of an ITV feature and strong customer testimonials aim to build credibility.
- Niche Focus: Strong emphasis on knitting and sewing, with a clear offering of digital tutorials.
- Community Aspect: Active Facebook community promoted as a key feature.
- Educational Content: A large library of tutorials available through subscription or individual purchase.
Comparison with Major UK Craft Retailers (e.g., Hobbycraft, Minerva Crafts)
1. Transparency and Trust: Royalestones.co.uk Review
- Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk: Suffers significantly from the critical issue of displaying prices in Algerian Dinar (DA) despite being a UK-focused site. This fundamental flaw immediately undermines trust and creates immense confusion for UK customers. The lack of a clear physical address on the homepage is also a minor detractor.
- Hobbycraft/Minerva Crafts: These retailers operate with full transparency. All prices are clearly displayed in British Pounds (£). They have well-established physical presences (Hobbycraft) or extensive About Us sections with company details and registered addresses (Minerva), building immediate trust and credibility. Their customer service information is robust and easily accessible.
2. Product Range and Availability:
- Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk: Offers a decent selection of fabrics, patterns, and tools. Its primary differentiator is the digital tutorial library.
- Hobbycraft: Boasts an enormous, diverse range covering almost every craft imaginable, not just knitting and sewing. This breadth of choice is a significant advantage. Stock levels are generally reliable.
- Minerva Crafts: Particularly strong in fabrics and sewing patterns, with one of the largest online selections in the UK. They also carry a wide range of haberdashery and tools. Their sheer volume of fabric choices is a major draw.
3. Pricing and Value:
- Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk: The actual value of its products and subscriptions is unclear due to the currency issue. While £12.99 a month for 200+ tutorials sounds good, the “DA” pricing on other items makes it impossible for a UK customer to quickly assess competitive value.
- Hobbycraft/Minerva Crafts: Prices are competitive and transparent in GBP. Both frequently offer sales, loyalty programs, and discount codes. Customers can easily compare prices with other retailers and understand the actual cost of their purchases.
4. Digital Content and Community:
- Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk: Strong in its digital tutorial offering and community focus.
- Hobbycraft: Offers online workshops, free guides, and project ideas, though not typically a subscription model for extensive tutorials like Knit & Stitch Club.
- Minerva Crafts: Has a very active online community, free patterns, and a vast blog with tutorials, making it a strong contender in the digital content space without a mandatory subscription.
5. Customer Experience and Support:
- Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk: Provides a phone number and contact page.
- Hobbycraft/Minerva Crafts: Offer multiple support channels including phone, email, comprehensive FAQs, and sometimes live chat. Their websites are generally very polished and user-friendly, ensuring a smooth customer journey from browsing to checkout.
Conclusion of Comparison: Bloom-hive.co.uk Review
While Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk has a commendable focus on digital education and community, its critical flaw in currency display in Algerian Dinar for its UK audience severely handicaps its competitiveness. Established UK retailers like Hobbycraft and Minerva Crafts offer superior transparency, broader product ranges, and a more reliable shopping experience due to their clear GBP pricing, robust customer support, and established trust in the UK market. Until the currency issue is resolved, Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk remains at a significant disadvantage for UK customers.
FAQ
What is Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk?
Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk is an online retailer based in the UK that offers a variety of knitting and sewing supplies, including fabrics, patterns, tools, and digital video tutorials through a subscription service called the “Knit & Stitch Club” or as individual purchases.
Is Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk a legitimate website?
Yes, based on its website content and the types of products offered, Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk appears to be a legitimate e-commerce platform. It provides contact information and showcases customer reviews.
Why are prices on Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk shown in DA?
This is a significant and confusing anomaly. Despite being a UK-based website with UK delivery information, product prices on Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk are displayed in Algerian Dinar (DA) instead of British Pounds (£), which is highly unusual and problematic for UK customers. Pristinecompetitions.co.uk Review
How much is the Knit & Stitch Club subscription?
The Knit & Stitch Club is advertised as “just £12.99 a month!” However, like other prices on the site, there is a currency inconsistency, showing “DA 12,99” on some buttons, which causes confusion regarding the actual British Pound cost.
What kind of tutorials are available in the Knit & Stitch Club?
The Knit & Stitch Club offers over 200 beginner-friendly sewing tutorials, covering projects like making bags, quilts, table decorations, and more, guided by expert tutors.
Can I buy individual tutorials without a subscription?
Yes, Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk offers individual video tutorials for purchase separately, allowing users to buy specific project guides without committing to a monthly subscription.
Does Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk offer free delivery?
Yes, the website states it offers “FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £50 (UK)” for customers within the United Kingdom.
How do I contact Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk customer service?
You can contact Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk customer service by phone at 01257 276513, or through their “Contact Us” page on the website. Their team is available Monday to Friday. Virginexperiencedays.co.uk Review
Does Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk have a loyalty program?
Yes, Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk has a “Loyalty Rewards” program where customers can earn points for every pound spent, which can then be redeemed for future purchases.
What types of fabrics does Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk sell?
Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk sells various types of fabrics, including specific collections like Fat Quarter Bundles and fabrics from brands like Timeless Treasures, suitable for sewing and quilting projects.
Is there a community associated with Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk?
Yes, Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk promotes a “wonderful community of like minded people” on its Facebook page, encouraging engagement among crafters.
Are there any reviews for Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk?
Yes, the homepage features customer reviews and links to Trustpilot, where customers share their experiences with the shop’s products and service.
Can I find sewing patterns on the website?
Yes, Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk has a dedicated section for “Sewing Patterns,” in addition to fabrics and tutorials. Blueskyestateagents.co.uk Review
How do I log in to my Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk account?
You can log in to your account through the “Login / Signup” link on the website’s top navigation bar, which directs you to the “My account” login page.
What if I forget my password for Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk?
The website provides a “Recover password” option on its login page for users who have forgotten their account password.
Does Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk sell physical knitting and sewing tools?
Yes, alongside fabrics and patterns, they also sell essential tools and notions for crafting, such as rotary cutters and fray check.
How often are new products added to Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk?
The website features a “New Products” section and a “New InShop Now” link, suggesting regular updates to their product inventory.
Can I watch unboxing videos for their subscription boxes?
Yes, the website’s blog/news section includes links to YouTube videos featuring unboxings of their sewing subscription boxes. Essentialsfix.co.uk Review
Does Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk offer gift options?
Yes, the website has a “Gift Boxes” and “Gifts” section, offering curated bundles and products suitable for gifting to crafters.
What are some ethical alternatives to Alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk in the UK?
Ethical and trustworthy alternatives in the UK market include major retailers like Hobbycraft and Minerva Crafts (Minerva), along with specialists like Wool Warehouse for yarn, and Fabrics Galore London for high-quality fabrics, all of which offer transparent pricing in GBP.
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