🧵 Introduction to Garment Sewing: 6-Week Workshop ✂️
Unlock your wardrobe potential with our special July summer workshop series! This comprehensive 6-week workshop is designed for complete beginners or those looking to refresh their foundational sewing machine skills, guiding you step by step into the rewarding world of making your own clothes.
🌟 Summer Course Price: £165 (6 x 2.5-Hour Sessions) 🌟
Duration: 6 Weeks
Session Length: 2.5 Hours per week (15 hours total expert tuition)
Level: Absolute Beginner
Goal: Construct a simple, beginner-friendly garment.
📅 Workshop Dates & Schedule
Class runs every Wednesday evening in August and September
Week 1: August 12, 2026
Week 2: August 19, 2026
Week 3: August 26, 2026
September 2, 2026 — Week Off (No Session)
Week 4: September 9, 2026
Week 5: September 16, 2026
Week 6: September 23, 2026
✂️ Itemised Week-to-Week Curriculum
Week 1: Machine Mastery & Pattern Foundations
Focus: Getting comfortable with your sewing machine, workshop safety, and decoding commercial sewing patterns.
Content:
Machine setup, threading, bobbin winding, and basic maintenance.
Essential workshop safety and machine precautions.
Understanding tension, stitch selection, and practising basic straight lines.
Sewing standard seams (straight stitch, backstitching) and practising curves/corners.
Finishing raw edges (zigzag stitch or serger/overlocker alternatives) and a look at clean French seams.
Week 2: Fabric Preparation & Essential Seaming
Focus: Translating your pattern to fabric and learning the fundamental techniques for joining pieces securely.
Pattern Prep Basics: How to read a pattern envelope/packet (size charts, fabric requirements, and notions).
Take accurate body measurements to choose the correct pattern size.
Complete some basic samples.Laying out, pinning, and cutting fabric correctly (on-grain).Transferring pattern markings (darts, notches) to your cut fabric pieces.
Week 3: Pattern Layout, Grainlines & Master Cutting
Focus: Mastering the critical preparation phase—learning how to accurately align patterns with the fabric grain and execute precise cuts.
Content:
Understanding Fabric: Understanding the technical difference between the lengthwise grain, crosswise grain, and the bias.
On the Fold vs Grainline: Learning how to identify when a pattern piece must be cut on the fold of the fabric versus when it needs to be laid out flat along a specific grainline.
Perfect Alignment: Step-by-step practice using a tape measure to pin pattern pieces perfectly parallel to the selvedge (fabric edge) using grainline arrows.
Mastering the Cut: Best practices for holding fabric flat while cutting, choosing the right tools (shears vs rotary cutters), and avoiding jagged edges or distorted fabric pieces.
Transferring Markings: How to transfer crucial darts, notches, and dots from the paper pattern to your freshly cut fabric before unpinning.
Week 4: First Steps in Construction & Shaping
Focus: Beginning the garment assembly process and learning how to shape flat fabric to fit the body.
Content:
Understanding the Blueprint: How to read and follow step-by-step commercial pattern construction sheets.
Adding Shape: Techniques for sewing precise fabric darts and creating even gathers.
The Initial Baste: Using long temporary stitches (basting) to baste the main panels together for a preliminary check.
Fitting Check #1: The golden rule of dressmaking—trying the garment on early to check proportions before committing to final seams.
Week 5: Main Assembly, Waistbands & Fit Fine-Tuning
Focus: Securely building the structural body of the garment and managing waistline elements.
Content:
Final Seaming: Replacing temporary stitches with secure, permanent straight stitching and backstitching.
Fit Fine-Tuning: Making minor fit adjustments along the seam lines based on the previous week's fitting check to ensure absolute comfort.
Casing & Elastic: Constructing clean, secure fabric casings and threading elastic waistbands smoothly without twisting.
Edge Prep: Cleaning up internal raw edges (using zigzag or overlock stitching) to prepare for final design elements.
Week 6: Professional Finishing Touches
Focus: Executing the final, high-quality details that transform a project into a beautifully wearable garment.
Content:
Mastering the Hem: Step-by-step practice with different hemming techniques, including the classic turn-and-stitch and a clean blind hem.
Necklines & Armholes: Applying facings or simple bias binding to cleanly finish open garment edges (if applicable to the project).
The Couturier Finish: Final garment pressing, clipping loose threads, and looking at fabric-specific care instructions.
Show & Tell: A celebration of completed projects, a final group Q&A, and expert advice on next steps for your independent sewing journey!🎟️ Ready to Start Sewing?
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure plenty of individual attention and machine time for every student.
Introduction to Sewing.
Boost your sewing machine confidence to repair garments and create beautiful sewing projects. Join us to unleash your creativity!
What You Will Learn
The Basics of Sewing: Understand the essential concepts of sewing, including terminology, tools, and materials needed for successful sewing projects.
Threading a Sewing Machine: Step-by-step instructions on how to properly thread various types of sewing machines, along with guidance on filling a bobbin to ensure seamless operations.
Basic Troubleshooting: Learn simple troubleshooting techniques to help you identify and resolve common issues that may arise while sewing, enhancing your confidence and independence.
Using an Electrical Sewing Machine: Gain hands-on experience with an electric sewing machine, including understanding its settings, different stitch options, and how to maintain it.
Performing Straight Stitches and Seams: Master the technique of making straight stitches, as well as learning to create French seams and welt seams for a polished finish.
Finishing Garments without an Overlocker: Explore alternative finishing techniques using a sewing machine, including zigzag and pinking stitches, to prevent fraying and ensure a neat edge on your garments.
Creating DIY Patches: Develop your creativity by learning to make your own patches to repair holes and add a unique flair to your clothing items.
Sewing a Basic Zipper: Understand the process of inserting zippers into garments using a zipper foot, elevating your sewing projects with functional closures.
Using the One-Step Buttonhole Feature: Familiarise yourself with the one-step buttonhole feature, enabling you to create professional-looking buttonholes quickly and easily.
How will you do this
This course will combine instructional sessions, practical hands-on workshops, and guided projects. Participants will receive direct supervision and feedback as they practice each technique. The curriculum will include:
Demonstrations: Instructors will demonstrate each sewing technique step-by-step to ensure clarity and understanding.
Hands-On Practice: After demonstrations, participants will engage in hands-on practice, allowing them to apply what they have learned in a supportive environment.
Group Activities: Participants will work collaboratively on group projects that encourage sharing ideas and techniques, fostering a sense of community among learners.
Q&A Sessions: Regularly scheduled question-and-answer sessions will allow participants to seek clarification and deepen their understanding of sewing concepts.
By the end of this course, you will have a solid foundation in sewing and repairs, enabling you to tackle various sewing tasks with confidence and creativity.
Make a Handkerchief Skirt: The Perfect Beginner Workshop
Want to learn how to make your own clothes? This is the perfect starter workshop.
If you can already sew a little and understand the absolute basics of how to use a sewing machine, this 2.5-hour session is your next step. The handkerchief skirt is simple, stylish, and a great way to build your confidence.
⏱️ Workshop Details
Duration: 2.5 hours
Skill Level: Beginner (Best for those who understand basic sewing machine operation).
What You Will Learn
We will focus on clear, actionable steps so you can walk away with a finished skirt and the skills to make more at home:
The Formula: Learn how to take accurate waist measurements and apply a simple formula to map out your skirt.
Hemming Techniques: Learn how to hem using a standard sewing machine, or try a marooning hem (overlocker rolled hem) on an overlocker.
Elastic Waistbands: Learn how to properly fit and apply a basic elastic waistband, using the Tabbey Bobbin method
What to Bring
Fabric: Please bring your choice of fashion fabric, approximately 1 meter by 1.5 meters.
Love Upcycling? You don't need to buy brand-new fabric for this. Old duvet covers or vintage tablecloths (like treasures found on Vinted) are absolutely perfect for this project and give the skirt a great look.
Craft: Kids' Jewellery Table 🍩
Looking for a fun, affordable, and mess-free activity for the kids? Stop by our workshop table, grab a seat, and let them design their own unique jewellery!
Booking required
✨ The Details
Ages: Perfect for ages 5+ (Parents must stay and supervise).
Time: Drop in anytime! Making a piece usually takes about 90 mins
📿 What’s Included
The Craft: All the colourful beads, fun charms, and elastic needed to make one custom bracelet or necklace.
The Snack: Juice and biscuits
☕ For the Grown-Ups
Take a breather! We have hot tea, fresh coffee, and biscuits available for purchase at the counter while you relax and help your little one create.
Why you’ll love it: No strict schedules, no messy clean-up at home, and your child leaves with a beautiful piece of wearable art they proudly made themselves.
Scrunchie Workshop
Ready to learn a fun, practical new skill? Join us for a fast-paced, creative 1-hour workshop where kids and teens will learn how to use a sewing machine to create their own custom hair scrunchies!
Whether they are complete beginners or have zipped a few stitches before, this workshop is designed to build confidence. We will cover the basics of operating a sewing machine safely, machine-sewing straight lines, and finishing our creations with tidy hand-sewing techniques.
Every participant will walk out wearing their own handmade, unique scrunchie!
🕒 The 60-Minute Breakdown
Because an hour moves fast, we keep our session highly structured and hands-on:
First 15 Minutes: Machine Safety & Practice. How to thread, guide fabric, and practice a straight stitch on scrap fabric.
Next 25 Minutes: The Main Stitch. Machine-sewing the main fabric tube and turning it right-side out.
Final 20 Minutes: Elastic & Hand-Finishing. Threading the elastic, knotting it, and using a simple hand-stitch (ladder or running stitch) to invisibly close the gap for a flawless finish.
🧵 What’s Included in the Ticket:
Use of our sewing machines and tools.
A wide selection of pre-cut, trendy fabrics (cottons, velvets, and prints).
All elastic, needles, and colourful threads.
Step-by-step guidance from an experienced instructor.
Beverages for the adults and kids with biscuits.
Kids' Tote Bag Sewing Workshop
Sew It Yourself — Design, Stitch & Take Home Your Own Tote Bag!
About the Workshop
This beginner-friendly workshop introduces kids to the basics of sewing in a fun, relaxed, and supportive environment. By the end of the session, every child will walk away with a one-of-a-kind tote bag they designed and sewed themselves — plus new skills and a big confidence boost!
What Kids Will Learn:
Threading a needle and basic hand-stitching
How to measure, pin, and cut fabric
Simple straight-line and running stitches
Sewing on a patch, button, or embellishment
How to personalise their bag with fabric paint, markers, or iron-on designs
Basic sewing safety and tool handling
What's Included:
Pre-cut fabric kit in a choice of colors/patterns
Needles, thread, pins, and safety scissors
Decorating supplies (fabric paint, patches, markers)
A finished tote bag to take home
Drinkss and some light snacks
What to Bring:
Just enthusiasm! All materials are provided
Optional: a small photo or fabric scrap if they'd like to personalize further
Meet the Instructor:
Sarah has 2 years of experience teaching kids' craft workshops and loves helping children build creativity and confidence through hands-on projects.
Join Us for a Day of Fun and Creativity!
Encourage your kids to express their creativity while learning valuable skills in a supportive, friendly environment. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to see them gleefully make their very own cuddly companion!
Register now on Eventbrite and secure your spot in this delightful workshop! stuffed animal? Imagine the look on their face when they get to say, "I made this one myself!"
I’m thrilled to invite your young creators to our brand-new Cuddly Friend Pillow Workshop. This is a hands-on, 100% beginner-friendly session where kids will transform soft fabric into a personalised, huggable pillow pal.
✂️ What We’re Making:
Each child will design and sew their own dog, cat, and/or teddy plush pillow. We’ll be working with cosy fleeces, colourful buttons, and—of course—plenty of fluffy stuffing!
🌟 Why this workshop is special:
Designing: Kids get to pick their own fabric from our stash
Skill Building: We’ll cover machine safety, straight-line sewing, and how to "close the gap" after stuffing.
The "Snuggle Test": Every child leaves with a finished, high-quality pillow ready for naptime.
If you email which animal your kid would like to make and the colours they would like, that would be great.
I can pre cut everything out.
Everything is Provided!
Parents, you don't need to bring a thing. Your Eventbrite ticket includes:
All premium fabrics (fleece, minky, or cotton).
Hypoallergenic pillow stuffing.
Use of our child-safe sewing machines.
We include some beverages both juice for the kids and hot drinks for parents