If you’re a sewing enthusiast in Delaware—or anywhere nearby—Hayes Sewing Machine Co in Wilmington is a place you’ll want to visit.
Not only has this local gem won the Regional Winner title for Delaware in the Local Quilt Shop Contest two years in a row (2023 and 2024), but it’s also a beloved cornerstone of the community.
A second-generation family-run business, Hayes is known for its personal touch. Trevor Hayes, the owner, started out selling sewing machines door-to-door to pay his way through college. Today, the entire Hayes family, including Trevor’s wife Mary and their three daughters—Stephanie, Loretta, and Pamela— continue to built a community of quilters that has grown into over 23,000 customers.
I am new to quilting and they all treated me like family and gave me lots of
encouragement and advice. Wonderful family! ~ Colleen
The store carries an impressive range of sewing machines, including brands like BERNINA, Baby Lock, HandiQuilter, and a variety of reconditioned machines. Whether you’re looking to invest in a new machine or need help fixing an old favorite, the Hayes team has the experience and creativity to handle it all.
Trevor is known for saying that bringing your machine in for service is like giving it a “spa day.” And sometimes, that “spa day” involves crafting a replacement part out of something as creative as cardboard and an old gift card!
A Quilter’s Dream Destination
Beyond their extensive collection of sewing machines, Hayes Sewing Machine Co also boasts over 2,000 bolts of quilting fabric. Finding the right fabric to bring your quilting vision to life can be challenging, but the knowledgeable staff is always ready to help find the perfect color combinations.
Customers who have been coming to Hayes for decades often have fond memories of purchasing their very first sewing machine at the shop. Many, like Margie—who has been a customer for over 25 years—have gone on to become master sewists.
Janet, another loyal customer who purchased her first machine at Hayes in the 1970s, says the shop “feels like a family community”. That sense of community extends to the classes Hayes offers, which range from basic sewing and quilting to embroidery and serging. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced quilter, you’re sure to find inspiration and camaraderie here.
The Hayes family’s dedication to the sewing community was honored when Trevor and Mary were inducted into the Sewing Hall of Fame in 2016 and received BERNINA’s Presidential Award in 2012.
The tradition continues with the next generation, as their three daughters, along with a dedicated team of staff—Helen, Mary Jane, Kathy, and Selina—carry on the shop’s legacy of top-notch service and education.
For those looking to expand their skills, Hayes also has a library of over 200 YouTube video tutorials covering everything from machine maintenance to free motion quilting. This is a store that goes above and beyond to make sure customers have the tools and knowledge to succeed.
No matter what my sewing question or need might be, Hayes can answer it, help me, and show me how to do it! ~ Mary
Hayes also directly supports the community around them by supporting Ryan’s Case for Smiles and Project Linus, organizations who donate pillowcases and quilts to children in local hospitals.
A Wilmington Treasure
When you visit Hayes Sewing Machine Co, don’t forget to explore the rest of Wilmington! Nestled between major cities like New York and Philadelphia, Wilmington offers small-town charm with plenty of history and culture to enjoy. Check out the Winterthur Museum or catch a Blue Rocks baseball game at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium.
And, of course, when you stop by Hayes, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time customer, you’ll be treated like family. It’s this personal touch that has made Hayes Sewing Machine Co a beloved staple in the Wilmington community for decades.
When you do decide to visit, don’t be surprised if despite being in his nineties, Trevor Hayes offers to carry your sewing machine out to your car—a small gesture that embodies the warmth and service of this incredible shop and the Hayes family as a whole.
Have loved Hayes for probably 30 years. We are extremely fortunate to have them in our area!