Three Generations of Sewing Machine Expertise
For more than 60 years, the Mulqueen family has been dedicated to helping sewists, quilters, and creators find the right machines, tools, and knowledge to bring their ideas to life.
The story begins in 1963, when Pat Mulqueen entered the sewing machine industry with Singer Corporation in New York after immigrating from Ireland. Through years of hands-on experience working with sewing machines and customers, Pat developed a deep understanding of both the technical side of machines and the importance of supporting sewists long after the sale.
In 1973, Pat was transferred by Singer to Phoenix, Arizona, where the sewing community was growing rapidly. Seeing the opportunity to serve local makers and sewing enthusiasts, the Mulqueen family opened their first independent sewing machine store in Tempe, Arizona in 1977.
Joined by his wife Bridget and their three sons — Ken, Keith, and Darren — the Mulqueen family built a reputation for expert knowledge, reliable service, and genuine support for the sewing community.
What began as a small family operation quickly grew into one of the most respected sewing machine dealerships in the country.
Decades of Machine Knowledge and Service
Over the decades, the business expanded beyond its original focus on Singer Corporation to support many of the most respected manufacturers in the sewing and quilting industry.
Today, Thread Works proudly supports machines and equipment from brands such as:
Through decades of selling, servicing, and supporting these machines, the Mulqueen family developed deep expertise in everything from beginner sewing machines to advanced embroidery systems and professional long-arm quilting machines.
Thousands of sewists across Arizona — and now across the country — rely on this experience when choosing their machines and equipment.
A New Generation for a New Era of Sewing
Today, Thread Works represents the third generation of the Mulqueen family in the sewing industry.
Declan Mulqueen grew up around sewing machines, service benches, and the day-to-day operations of the family business. From an early age he developed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship, precision, and technical knowledge that goes into maintaining and operating modern sewing equipment.
While attending Arizona State University, Declan worked full-time in the company’s service department while earning his degree in Business Management from the W. P. Carey School of Business.
During this time he gained hands-on technical experience servicing and supporting many of the most advanced machines in the industry, including:
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multi-needle embroidery machines
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long-arm quilting systems
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computerized embroidery machines
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high-end sewing machines used by professionals and hobbyists alike
Working directly with these machines provided real-world insight into the challenges sewists face when choosing, maintaining, and learning new equipment.
Beyond technical service work, Declan also helped modernize parts ordering systems and improve workflow within the service department, helping ensure customers received faster and more reliable support for their machines.
After graduating in 2025, Declan began focusing on expanding the family business into the digital world.
His vision for ThreadWorks.com is to create something more than a traditional online store.
The goal is to build a central hub for the sewing community — a place where people can not only purchase machines and supplies, but also learn, explore, and gain confidence using their equipment.
Through educational resources, detailed product information, and accessible guidance, Thread Works aims to become a trusted destination where sewists of all experience levels can find answers, discover new tools, and continue growing in their craft.
By combining three generations of industry experience with modern technology and online education, Declan is helping bring the Mulqueen family tradition into its next chapter — while continuing the commitment to service, knowledge, and community that has defined the business for decades.
Bringing Sewing Knowledge to the Online Community
For generations, sewing machine stores were more than retail spaces. They were places where customers could ask questions, learn new techniques, and build relationships with experts who truly understood their equipment.
ThreadWorks.com was created to bring that same experience to the modern sewing community.
Our goal is to create a place where sewists can:
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Learn about sewing and embroidery machines
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Explore equipment with confidence
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Find trusted machine parts and accessories
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Access real knowledge from experienced technicians
Whether you're purchasing your first sewing machine, upgrading to an advanced embroidery system, or maintaining a professional quilting setup, Thread Works is here to help guide the process.
Trusted by the Sewing Community Since 1977
The Mulqueen family has proudly served the sewing community in Arizona since 1977, helping thousands of customers choose the right machines and keep them running for years to come.
From beginner hobbyists to professional embroiderers and quilters, our goal has always been the same:
Provide the knowledge, tools, and support people need to create with confidence.
That commitment continues today as we expand our reach online while staying true to the family values that built the business.
Built by Sewists, For Sewists
Sewing is more than a hobby — it's creativity, craftsmanship, and community.
Thread Works exists to support that community by providing:
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Trusted sewing and embroidery machines
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Expert guidance and machine knowledge
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Parts and accessories to keep machines running
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Educational resources to help sewists grow
As we continue building the future of Thread Works, we’re excited to welcome more makers, quilters, embroiderers, and creators into our growing community.
Join the Thread Works Community
Whether you're just starting your sewing journey or have been creating for decades, we’re honored to be part of it.
Welcome to Thread Works.
Explore Thread Works
Discover everything Thread Works has to offer:
- Shop Sewing Machines
- Explore Embroidery Machines
- Shop Parts
- Explore Notions
- Learn, videos and guides!