Workshops
Sewing other workshops
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Zippers Clinic
Overcome your fear of zippers in this practical skills workshop! You’ll learn to insert a regular zip, an invisible zip, and sew a semiconcealed zip (look like a pro when you make skirts or cushion covers!). You’ll also get tips for managing broken zips and for altering garments with existing zippers. All materials provided.
At the end of the class you’ll leave with samples of each technique, printed instructions, plus a stylish little zippered oilcloth purse you made yourself.
Prerequisite: You should already know how to thread up a machine and sew a straight seam. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron or Cushion Cover or Tote Bags).
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Suzanne Cowan
- Course length: One 2.5-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Saturday 25 September, 10:30am—1:00pm
- Fee: £34.00
- Availability: 3 places left
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Freehand machine embroidery & applique
If you’ve never used your sewing machine to draw, embellish and embroider, then you’re in for a treat! In this workshop, we’ll teach you the ins and outs of freehand (or ‘free motion’) embroidery – PLUS teach you two types of applique! (It’s like two classes in one!)
Using gorgeous specialist threads and sturdy cotton twill, you’ll create three or four textured, layered pieces of your own design, then back each with your choice of a wide variety of lovely printed or solid colour fabrics. Use them as coasters, group them as mini artworks on your wall, or affix them as pockets on bags or clothing! All materials included.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a beginner’s workshop. You should already know how to confidently use a machine before coming to class. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please start with one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags)
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Helen Rawlinson
- Course length: One 3-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Monday 27 September, 6:30pm—9:30pm
- Fee: £45.00
- Availability: 4 places left
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Metal snap frame purse
Create a very roomy snap frame purse (nearer in size to a clutch, really!), ideal for storing makeup or any of those bits and bobs that always end up at the bottom of your handbag! You’ll learn to affix a metal snap frame like a pro, plus stitch a lined bag using a pattern. All materials provided, including your choice of fabric, coordinating lining, interlining, a nickel or brass purse frame, plus a printed handout to take home. (All supplies available for purchase in our shop, too.)
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a beginner’s workshop. You should already know how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew a straight seam before coming to class. If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags.
- Level: Intermediate Sewer
- Teacher: Ariane Dreysse
- Course length: One 3.5-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Wednesday 29 September, 6:30pm—10:00pm
- Fee: £51.00
- Availability: 2 places left
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Reversible shoulder bag
Stitch a stylish, hold-it-all handbag with pleat detailing. It’s reversible to give you two distinctive looks. You’ll work from a paper pattern to create what will become your go-to bag for everyday use! This bag sits comfortably over your shoulder and tucks safely beneath your armpit, so there’s no need for a snap or other closure. Paper pattern and instructions included so you can make more bags at home!
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a beginner’s workshop. You should already know how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew a straight seam before coming to class, plus ideally have a few projects under your belt. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops to get started: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags)
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Suzanne Cowan
- Course length: One 3.5-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Thursday 30 September, 6:30pm—10:00pm
- Fee: £40.00
- Availability: 5 places left
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Overlocking made easy
With their ability to simultaneously cut and stitch a hem, overlocking machines are incredibly useful for decorating, reinforcing and constructing garments and other items. But they can be a bit intimidating! In this workshop, we’ll demystify the overlocker by teaching you how to thread, adjust tension and differential feed, and deal with corners and curves. You’ll leave the workshop with a set of rolled hem napkins, in your choice of gorgeous solid or printed fabrics!
- Level: All
- Teacher: Suzanne Cowan
- Course length: One 2-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Monday 18 October, 7:00pm—9:00pm
- Fee: £32.00
- Availability: 7 places left
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Fabric manipulation
Fabric manipulation is a brilliant way to add distinction to your home accessories and your sewn clothing. In this skills workshop you’ll learn piping, tucking and gathering to make sample swatches then make a gorgeous cushion cover (pad included) using your new-found knowledge. (See samples here.)
All materials provided, including a selection of fabrics, cushion pad, plus take-home instructions.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a beginner’s workshop, but one for someone with recent basic sewing experience. You should already know how to sew a straight seam and confidently use a machine with a few projects under your belt before coming to class. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please start with one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags)
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Laurel Waldron
- Course length: One 3.25-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Monday 22 November, 6:30pm—9:45pm
- Fee: £47.00
- Availability: 10 places left
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Survival hand sewing
Tired of paying a tailor for simple alterations and repairs that you could do at home, without using a sewing machine? In this basic hand sewing workshop you’ll learn to securely sew on buttons, tackle simple repairs and take up hems and cuffs on lightweight trousers and shirts. You’ll get a good start on your project in class and finish the rest at home using skills learned in class.
Please bring one garment to fix or adjust. NO DENIM, KNITS OR STRETCHY FABRIC, PLEASE. No previous sewing experience required.
PLEASE NOTE: This class does NOT use sewing machines or overlockers. If you’re an experienced sewer and are looking to learn more complicated restyling and alterations techniques, please sign up for our Creative Alterations workshop. If you’re looking to alter your denim, try our new Jeans Genius workshop.
- Level: All levels
- Teacher: Suzanne Cowan, Ekaterina Ignatieva, Laurel Waldron
- Availability: 0 places left
Want this workshop? Contact us and we'll try to set up another one soon.
