During the early days of lockdown, I immersed myself in various sewing class subscriptions. Over time, I’ve dabbled with Craftsy and Creativebug, but I stumbled upon the National Sewing Circle app on our Roku TV. New to this subscription service, I began with their complimentary tier, transitioning to Premium later on.
Although there were mixed reviews on their Facebook page, the whopping 300k likes intrigued me. How could there be so many followers yet divided opinions? I thought, “Why not plunge in and find out for myself?“
Perks of Streaming on TV
For someone like me, who loves a touch of ambiance while sewing or embroidering, streaming on Roku, Chromecast, and other compatible devices is a real treat. Furthermore, for those beginners who aren’t fans of endless YouTube searches or detest ads, having a consolidated space for tutorials can be a dream.
Why I Chose Not to Renew
After a year, I chose not to continue my subscription. Here’s why:
- Persistent promotional emails can become overwhelming.
- Although their Premium sewing videos are commendable, similar content can be located on YouTube.
- Craftsy and Creativebug, in my opinion, offer a more diverse range of hobbies.
- Many tutorials cater to beginners, which doesn’t always resonate with me.
- Lacking the ability to fast-forward through redundant sections was slightly frustrating.
Deeper Dive into National Sewing Circle
For those still curious, let me share a tad more about my experience. The National Sewing Circle, active since 2012, provides an online space for sewing enthusiasts. Their primary focus revolves around video classes by seasoned sewers. Alongside these, they feature articles, reviews, FAQs, and project patterns.
And yes, they are a genuine platform, endorsed by the Better Business Bureau and partners like Roku TV.
Breaking Down Their Free & Premium Plans
There was some ambiguity surrounding their free and Premium plans, so let me clarify:
- Subscribing to newsletters (though be ready for many emails!) is free, as is joining their Facebook group.
- They provide a section for free sewing patterns to explore before any commitments.
- Previewing classes? They have a broad range of complimentary videos. But beware, ads are present unless you opt for Premium.
Unveiling the Premium Membership
While the free version offers a glimpse, the Premium membership takes it up a notch:
- Ad-free Premium videos.
- A plethora of patterns and project inspirations.
- Retain two video downloads permanently.
But once you cease your subscription, you only retain those two videos and downloaded patterns.
Stream with Ease on Your TV
Devices like Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, and HDMI cables are all compatible with NSC. I personally used Roku TV and found the streaming straightforward. My little hack? Bookmark videos on my computer first, then locate them on my TV through that list.
What I Think of Their Email Promotions
Before delving into the Premium experience, I tried their free emails. A heads up – it’s primarily a strategy to lure you into a Premium subscription. However, with patience, the deals do become tempting. For instance, I finally gave in when the price was irresistibly low.
Premium vs. Gold Membership
While Premium offers a solid package, they often nudge you towards their Gold Membership. I remained with Premium, but if you’re curious, Gold comes with its own set of unique perks.
Summing it Up with Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reasonably priced for the first year. | Too many promotional emails. |
| Compatible with TVs and smart devices. | Infrequent addition of new videos. |
| Beginner-friendly classes and engaging project ideas. | Automatic renewal can be tricky for the forgetful ones. |