Events at this location

In the afternoon, put your new found skills into practise to create a practical item – project choices are an ‘envelope style’ cushion or lined tote style bag

On completion of this class participants will confidently be able to:

– thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin.

– feed fabric through, sew in a straight line and turn corners.

– explore the range of features and stitches on the machine.

– trouble shoot about common errors and being aware of them!

– sew different types of seams.

– Understand how to hem the edge of the cloth.

– apply a pocket and patches.

We also offer a follow on class ‘Beginners Sewing 2’ – zips, buttonholes & bindings & make your own sewing roll, followed by an afternoon class ‘make your own simple & stylish skirt or shorts’ A discount is offered when you block book 1 & 2 together! Next date: Saturday 4th July, 11am – 5:30pm.

Class Size: 6 students

TIME: 11am – 5:30pm

Class Includes: Our own  ‘Learn to Sew’ textile handout (T-Towel) , other materials, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines. If you are block booking Beginners 1 & 2, please bring 1:5 – 2m of fabric for the skirt or shorts afternoon activity (nothing too thin, shiny or stretchy!)

PRICE: £165 (Beginners Sewing 1 & 2) or £90 (Beginners Sewing 1)

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 803 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

Our fortnightly Community Craft Club is an evening that provides a space to bring along your current crafting or mending project, sewcialise with other crafters and get support and tips with your makes. It is also an opportunity to access our studio equipment and resources – sewing / over locker machines, dressmaking scissors, iron, our cutting table and workshop haberdashery stash!

Craft Club operates on a drop in basis, but if you would like to use a sewing machine * we do ask you to book in advance as we only put out 4 sewing machines for the session. To ensure a fair rotation of machine usage, you can book a machine every other craft club (once a month) You are of course welcome to still attend with hand work! 

There is also a selection of different coloured sewing threads, mending yarns, haberdashery and fabric offcuts (suitable for repair or practicing) available that you can use as part of your Craft Club subs.

* Basic sewing machine skills required. If you’ve never used a sewing machine before we recommend attending our “Beginners Sewing 1” class first. 

Please Note:  This session is self directed. It is not a tutored session. It is very popular, and we try to spread our time and love amongst the whole group, so are unable to teach new skills or support complex or large projects. If you are looking for this kind of guidance, our monthly “Freestyle Open” session might be a better fit!

The kinds of projects that would be suitable to bring along to Craft Club:

• Clothes mending / alterations – hand or machine sewing
• Ongoing dressmaking projects
• Small patchwork items
• Hoop embroidery or cross stitch work
• Ongoing crochet & knitting projects

Price: £5

Includes tea & biscuits. Feel free to bring along additional snacks if you wish!

Please Note: The group meets in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps) Please ring the doorbell on arrival (located on the top left hand side of the shop door)

On completion of this class participants will confidently be able to:

– Understand how to use different accessories that accompany domestic sewing machines, such as zipper, buttonhole feet.

– Stitch different sizes and styles of buttonholes.

– 2 ways of attaching a zip (visible and covered)

– Apply a bias binding to embellish and finish a raw edge.

– Create your own stylish ‘Utility Roll’ (suitable for your sewing notions, make up, pencils/brushes etc)

Class Size: 4 students

TIME: 11am – 5:30pm

Please Bring: 1.5 – 2m of medium weight cotton to make your skirt or shorts. All other materials provided.

Short / Knee length Skirt or shorts: 1.5m

Long Skirt: 2m

PRICE: £165 (Block Booking Beginners Sewing 1 & 2) or £90 (Beginners Sewing 2)

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE(+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

Following it’s recent re-launch. The London Embroidery Club is re opening its doors to any stitch creatives in London and beyond at Fabrications in Hackney.

All beginners, intermediate and advanced stitchers will have the opportunity to learn, develop and progress with their very own projects with the guidance of artist/master embroiderer Bella Lane.

Bring your own materials to begin with (we also have supplies available to purchase if you are starting out. Feel free to get in touch to discuss your project in advance of booking)

Remember, this is the place where Londoners stop and stitch together anything that inspires each stitcher!

When: Thursday 9th July, 6 – 9pm (monthly meet-up)

Price: £25.00

Moving forwards for the intermediate, advanced and master levels, subject cost will vary as the level of expertise is more demanding. Tutor can advise.

Group Size: no more than 12 participants.

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps) There is no food or drink allowed in the studio, You are welcome to bring a sealed water bottle but please ensure all ‘take outs’ are consumed before arriving. There will be a scheduled refreshment break (tea & biscuits)

Here at Fabrications we are regularly asked if we undertake repairs and alterations to various items of clothing. The most common repairs requested include such things as: hemming skirts or trousers, repairing holes in pockets, repairing small tears or rips in garments, sewing on missing buttons, and repairing or patching denim jeans which have worn away on the inside thigh area.

Although we do not undertake garment repairs we usually offer those enquiring two options for repairs. The first option we recommend is that the person try using a dry cleaners to undertake the job. However, we always point out that this can often work out as an expensive option. Along with that option we always try to encourage the person to try to carrying out the repair themselves, offering advice on ways that they might achieve this.

Sadly, in recent years, and maybe as a result our growing “throw away” culture, there has been a marked decline in the practice of learning even the most basic of clothing repair skills. As such, many of us now lack a real understanding of the various stitching techniques and tricks, used in basic fabric repairs. 

In light of this situation, Barley has put together a comprehensive hand repair workshop focusing on both common fabric and woollen garments. The workshop is not only very informative, but also very enjoyable encouraging a really mindful approach to clothing repairs.

On completion of the class participants will confidently be able to:

– Know how to use 5 key hand sewing stitches: Back Stitch, Buttonhole Stitch,  Running Stitch, Slip Stitch & Whipping Stitch

– ‘Hem’ by hand (changing the length of a garment or repair a frayed edge)

– Fix rips, holes and other wear & tear areas

– Repair seams (joins in your garment)

– Sew on buttons, poppers & hooks/bars

– Explore traditional & creative choices for your repair work

– Work on your mending pile with joy!

We have another class that focuses on Woollen Repairs taking place in the afternoon (2:30 – 5pm) We offer a discount when booking both classes!

TIME: 11am – 1:30pm

Class Size: Max 6 students

Class Includes: A starter sewing kit is provided. You will make a small needle case whilst practicing the stitches (you are also welcome to bring along items of clothing to get advice on / work on directly)

PRICE: £45 or £80 (when booking both fabric & woollen repairs classes)

TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps) 

Here at Fabrications we are regularly asked if we undertake repairs and alterations to various items of clothing. With Hackneys moth epidemic on the increase, it should come as no surprise that the most popular requests are for repairs to woollen jumpers.

Although we do not undertake garment repairs we usually offer those enquiring two options for repairs. The first option we recommend is that the person try using a dry cleaners to undertake the job. However, we always point out that this can often work out as an expensive option. Along with that option we always try to encourage the person to try to carrying out the repair themselves, offering advice on ways that they might achieve this.

Sadly, in recent years, and maybe as a result our growing “throw away” culture, there has been a marked decline in the practice of learning even the most basic of clothing repair skills. As such, many of us now lack a real understanding of the various stitching techniques and tricks, used in basic fabric repairs. This is also the case with traditional weaving and darning techniques used to mend and prolong the life of our cherished woollen garments.

In light of this situation, Barley has put together a comprehensive hand repair workshop focusing on common woollen garment repairs. The workshop is not only very informative, but also very enjoyable encouraging a really mindful approach to clothing repairs.

On completion of the class participants will confidently be able to:

– Use a weaving ‘Darning’ technique in different ways

– Apply ‘Duplicate Stitch’ over existing or worn knitwear (but not a hole, this is explored in the follow on class “Duplicate Stitch & Swiss Darning Workshop”)

–  Experiment with needle felting or ‘woolfill’ 

– Apply techniques to different weights of woolens from fine cashmere jumpers to chunky hand knits

– Explore ‘Visible Mending’

– Consider different colour combinations and creative features

– Fix unravelled cuffs, other edges and seams

– Never throw away a sock again! 

Class Size: Max 6 students

TIME: 11am – 1:30pm

Class Includes: A starter darning kit and swatches to practise on (you are also welcome to bring along items of clothing to work on directly. Please ensure any moth eaten items have been put in the freezer for at least 1 week to kill any moth eggs that may still be dormant in the item before introducing to our studio!)

PRICE: £45 or £80 (when booking the 2 sessions – fabric & woollen repairs) 

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

In the afternoon, put your new found skills into practise to create a practical item – project choices are an ‘envelope style’ cushion or lined tote style bag

On completion of this class participants will confidently be able to:

– thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin.

– feed fabric through, sew in a straight line and turn corners.

– explore the range of features and stitches on the machine.

– trouble shoot about common errors and being aware of them!

– sew different types of seams.

– Understand how to hem the edge of the cloth.

– apply a pocket and patches.

We also offer a follow on class ‘Beginners Sewing 2’ – zips, buttonholes & bindings & make your own sewing roll, followed by an afternoon class ‘make your own simple & stylish skirt or shorts’ A discount is offered when you block book 1 & 2 together! Next date: Sunday 19th July, 11am – 5:30pm.

Class Size: 6 students

TIME: 11am – 5:30pm

Class Includes: Our own  ‘Learn to Sew’ textile handout (T-Towel) , other materials, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines. If you are block booking Beginners 1 & 2, please bring 1:5 – 2m of fabric for the skirt or shorts afternoon activity (nothing too thin, shiny or stretchy!)

PRICE: £165 (Beginners Sewing 1 & 2) or £90 (Beginners Sewing 1)

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 803 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

Our Beginners Sewing Course is an introduction into machine sewing and has been developed to address the needs of those who have little or no experience of using a sewing machine. Through these classes participants will learn not only basic sewing machine skills, but will develop the confidence to progress onto making things for themselves using a sewing machine.

Beginners Sewing 1 – introduction to using a sewing machine: Wednesday 15th July, 6:30 – 9:30pm

On completion of this class participants will confidently be able to:

– thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin.

– feed fabric through, sew in a straight line and turn corners.

– explore the range of features and stitches on the machine.

– trouble shoot about common errors and being aware of them!

– sew different types of seams.

– Understand how to hem the edge of the cloth.

– apply a pocket and patches.

Includes: Our ‘Learn to Sew’ textile handout (T-Towel) , other materials, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines.

Beginners Sewing 2 – zips, buttonholes & bindings (and make a utility roll): Wednesday 22nd July, 6:30 – 9:30pm

– Understand how to use different accessories that accompany domestic sewing machines, such as zipper, buttonhole feet.

– Stitch different sizes and styles of buttonholes.

– 2 ways of attaching a zip (visible and covered)

– Apply a bias binding to embellish and finish a raw edge.

– Create your own stylish ‘Utility Roll’ (suitable for your sewing notions, make up, pencils/brushes etc)

Includes: Pre prepared utility roll component materials , thread, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines.

Beginners Sewing 3 – pockets & more pockets!: Wednesday 29th July, 6:30 – 9:30pm

– Be introduced to a range of pocket styles and functions

– Patch Pocket: unlined, self-lined, “kangaroo” style, reinforcing methods

– Hip Pocket: angled or straight, how to insert a pocket bag

– Welt or Jet style Pocket: tailored finish, usually found on waistcoats and trousers

– Create your own tote style bag with multiple pockets

Includes: Pre prepared tote bag component materials , thread, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines.

Class Size: Max 8 students

PRICE: £140

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE(+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

Our fortnightly Community Craft Club is an evening that provides a space to bring along your current crafting or mending project, sewcialise with other crafters and get support and tips with your makes. It is also an opportunity to access our studio equipment and resources – sewing / over locker machines, dressmaking scissors, iron, our cutting table and workshop haberdashery stash!

Craft Club operates on a drop in basis, but if you would like to use a sewing machine * we do ask you to book in advance as we only put out 4 sewing machines for the session. To ensure a fair rotation of machine usage, you can book a machine every other craft club (once a month) You are of course welcome to still attend with hand work! 

There is also a selection of different coloured sewing threads, mending yarns, haberdashery and fabric offcuts (suitable for repair or practicing) available that you can use as part of your Craft Club subs.

* Basic sewing machine skills required. If you’ve never used a sewing machine before we recommend attending our “Beginners Sewing 1” class first. 

Please Note:  This session is self directed. It is not a tutored session. It is very popular, and we try to spread our time and love amongst the whole group, so are unable to teach new skills or support complex or large projects. If you are looking for this kind of guidance, our monthly “Freestyle Open” session might be a better fit!

The kinds of projects that would be suitable to bring along to Craft Club:

• Clothes mending / alterations – hand or machine sewing
• Ongoing dressmaking projects
• Small patchwork items
• Hoop embroidery or cross stitch work
• Ongoing crochet & knitting projects

Price: £5

Includes tea & biscuits. Feel free to bring along additional snacks if you wish!

Please Note: The group meets in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps) Please ring the doorbell on arrival (located on the top left hand side of the shop door)

Sashiko, meaning ‘little stab’ is the Japanese art of stitching beautiful patterns using running stitch. Often used to add strength, texture and warmth to old garments, Sashiko has become synonymous with complex repeating patterns and precise stitching. Although most people will be familiar with the traditional white stitches on indigo fabric, sashiko thread actually comes in many shades, allowing for a wonderful variety of colourful designs.

In this class you will mark up, stitch and assemble one or two Sashiko coasters to take home.

This class uses Moyozashi Sashiko (pattern sashiko) which uses dashed line running stitches of even size where the stitches never touch each other to create the patterns.

You will choose from either a plastic sashiko template or one of the tutor’s own designs and transfer your pattern onto a vintage indigo square to stitch.

Once your stitching is completed, you will be shown how to attach a vintage piece of fabric to the back of your sashiko square on the sewing machine and learn to hand close your coaster using slip stitch and finally top stitch the coaster.

In this class you will learn:

– How to transfer a Moyozashi sashiko embroidery pattern using a variety of different techniques
– How to use and keep Japanese sashiko thread without it getting tangled
– How to tie the quilters knot
– How to tie an end knot that sits very close to where the thread leaves the fabric on the back
– How to stitch neatly in the style of Sashiko
– How to sew together your piece to a backing fabric, including hand sewn slipstitch and top stitch

Rob will bring examples of his work as well as a number of reference books for inspiration to continue your practice at home.

In the afternoon Rob is offering a natural follow on class of “Freestyle Boro and Sashiko stitching“ . We offer a discount when booking the full day option!

Basic hand sewing skills advised. If you are new to hand sewing we recommend attending our “Grandma’s Hands” Introduction to hand sewing repairs (fabric items) first.

About the Tutor: The class is taught by Rob Jones, a textiles designer who takes his inspiration from Japanese textiles disciplines including sashiko, boro, shibori and katagami stenciling. Rob’s Sashiko & Boro mending work was featured as inspiration for contestants on the semi-final of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2022 and he regularly visits Japan to travel, refresh his skills and purchase authentic Japanese threads and tools for use in his classes.

TIME: 11am – 1:30pm

Class Size: Max 8 students

Materials Included: Vintage indigo fabric and a vintage backing fabric, a sashiko needle, a skein of sashiko thread (in a choice of colours) are provided and are yours to keep after the class.
All tools and equipment needed to take the class will be available for use.

PRICE: £55 or £100 (booking the full day – two sessions) 

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE(+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

Boro (more accurately ‘Boro boro’), meaning ‘rags or tatters’ is the art of repairing fabric using scraps and stitching. A source of shame in Japan for many years, the fabrics are now highly prized and can fetch significant sums. Boro work follows the British wartime tradition of ‘make do and mend’ but was used out of necessity in Japan to prolong the life of clothes and bedding due to extreme poverty and the scarcity of textiles.

In this class you will learn how to design and assemble a selection of vintage Japanese fabrics to create a Boro style panel which can be used as a table mat or attached to a tote bag or tee shirt.

This class uses freestyle Sashiko stitching which is practiced in Takayama in Japan to create unique textiles.

Your tutor will give you a selection of vintage Japanese fabrics including Kasuri (woven IKAT), Katazome (stencilled), plain and other pieces for you to assemble into your design.

Fabrics will be tacked on to a backing cloth to hold them together and then you will be taught how to create different types of sashiko stitches to create your own design using the fabrics for inspiration.

In this class you will learn:

– How to assemble a design from different pieces of vintage Japanese fabrics
– How to use and keep Japanese sashiko thread without it getting tangled
– How to tie the quilters knot
– How to tie an end knot that sits very close to where the thread leaves the fabric on the back
– How to tack your pieces onto backing fabric to hold them together while you stitch your design
– How to use different types, sizes and styles of sashiko stitching to create interesting designs

Rob will bring examples of historical ‘Boro’ pieces, a selection of his own interpretational examples as well as a number of reference books.

This class is a natural follow on class to the “Sashiko embroidered coaster” morning workshop. We offer a discount when booking the full day!

Basic hand sewing skills advised. If you are new to hand sewing, we recommend attending our “Grandma’s Hands” – Introduction to hand sewing repairs (fabric items) class first.

About the Tutor: The class is taught by Rob Jones, a textiles designer who takes his inspiration from Japanese textiles disciplines including sashiko, boro, shibori and katagami stenciling. Rob’s Boro mending work was featured as inspiration for contestants on the semi-final of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2022 and he regularly visits Japan to travel, refresh his skills and purchase authentic vintage Japanese textiles to show in his classes.

Class Size: Max 8 students

TIME: 2:30 – 5pm

Class Includes: Vintage Japanese fabrics and a vintage backing fabric, a sashiko needle, a skein of sashiko thread (in a choice of colours) are provided and are yours to keep after the class.

Other sashiko threads will be available for use in the class will also be available for embellishment

All tools and equipment needed to take the class will be available for use.

PRICE: £55

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

On completion of this class participants will confidently be able to:

– Understand how to use different accessories that accompany domestic sewing machines, such as zipper, buttonhole feet.

– Stitch different sizes and styles of buttonholes.

– 2 ways of attaching a zip (visible and covered)

– Apply a bias binding to embellish and finish a raw edge.

– Create your own stylish ‘Utility Roll’ (suitable for your sewing notions, make up, pencils/brushes etc)

Class Size: 4 students

TIME: 11am – 5:30pm

Please Bring: 1.5 – 2m of medium weight cotton to make your skirt or shorts. All other materials provided.

Short / Knee length Skirt or shorts: 1.5m

Long Skirt: 2m

PRICE: £165 (Block Booking Beginners Sewing 1 & 2) or £90 (Beginners Sewing 2)

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE(+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

Our Beginners Sewing Course is an introduction into machine sewing and has been developed to address the needs of those who have little or no experience of using a sewing machine. Through these classes participants will learn not only basic sewing machine skills, but will develop the confidence to progress onto making things for themselves using a sewing machine.

Beginners Sewing 1 – introduction to using a sewing machine: Wednesday 15th July, 6:30 – 9:30pm

On completion of this class participants will confidently be able to:

– thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin.

– feed fabric through, sew in a straight line and turn corners.

– explore the range of features and stitches on the machine.

– trouble shoot about common errors and being aware of them!

– sew different types of seams.

– Understand how to hem the edge of the cloth.

– apply a pocket and patches.

Includes: Our ‘Learn to Sew’ textile handout (T-Towel) , other materials, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines.

Beginners Sewing 2 – zips, buttonholes & bindings (and make a utility roll): Wednesday 22nd July, 6:30 – 9:30pm

– Understand how to use different accessories that accompany domestic sewing machines, such as zipper, buttonhole feet.

– Stitch different sizes and styles of buttonholes.

– 2 ways of attaching a zip (visible and covered)

– Apply a bias binding to embellish and finish a raw edge.

– Create your own stylish ‘Utility Roll’ (suitable for your sewing notions, make up, pencils/brushes etc)

Includes: Pre prepared utility roll component materials , thread, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines.

Beginners Sewing 3 – pockets & more pockets!: Wednesday 29th July, 6:30 – 9:30pm

– Be introduced to a range of pocket styles and functions

– Patch Pocket: unlined, self-lined, “kangaroo” style, reinforcing methods

– Hip Pocket: angled or straight, how to insert a pocket bag

– Welt or Jet style Pocket: tailored finish, usually found on waistcoats and trousers

– Create your own tote style bag with multiple pockets

Includes:  Pre prepared tote bag component materials , thread, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines.

Class Size: Max 8 students

PRICE: £140

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE(+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

Learn the revival of the lost hand embroideries of the Paracas culture. The funerary embroideries, designs, materials and colours used for spiritual and ritual practices found on the Paracas mantles. A unique workshop where participants will have the rare opportunity to take small steps in the world of ancient, heritage and cultural embroideries from Peru with Master Peruvian-British Embroiderer artist, Author Bella Lane.

All levels of stitchers welcomed.

Class Size: Max 10 students

Time: 10:30am – 1:30pm (Please arrive promptly)

Where: The class will take place in Fabrications “Re Imaginerium” studio (we no longer have a shop cat as depicted in one of the photos!) which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps. The studio is light and bright with a homely feel to help you feel relaxed and inspired whilst learning. You will have your own work area (with some shared facilities like ironing, cutting table) We purposefully keep class sizes small to ensure a quality experience and plenty of guidance time with the tutor.

Class Includes: A specially prepared kit by Bella with authentic threads, needle and material available to use during the class and keep to continue your practice.

Please Bring: Your sketch book / Journal

Bring 8” hoop with stand (preferable) or a simple hoop as second option (We also have some workshop hoops you can borrow and we also sell embroidery hoops in our shop)

PRICE: £65 or £120 (when booking the full day. AM: Introduction to Paracas Embroidery. PM: Introduction to Andean hand embroidery)

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

About Bella Lane:

Bella Lane is a master embroiderer and artist, specialising in hand embroidery from the pre-Columbian cultures of Latin America and from other global traditions. She trained at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) in London, graduating in 2009 with distinction. She received awards from the RSN and private institutions in the City of London. With over two decades experience, Bella undertakes private commissions, the restoration and conservation of historical textiles, museum teaching, and the exhibition of her work, continuously refining her expertise in textile and embroidery arts.

She has led international workshops, including Andean and Paracas Embroidery programmes in New Zealand (2017), as well as programmes at the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and numerous embroidery festivals. Bella also oversaw the creation of a collaborative Paracas mantle for the stage production Mouth of the Gods, directed by Michael Walling of Border Crossings. She integrates hand embroidery with the performing arts, including puppetry, participating in international puppetry festivals.

Recognised for her achievements in European metal-thread embroidery using gold, silver, copper, wire, silk, cotton, wool, linen and modern textile fibres she is now a member of two City of London Livery Companies, serving as the First Lady Freeman by trade of the Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers and a Liveryman of the Broderers. From January to March 2026, she will present her first solo exhibition of Paracas embroidery at the Julio C. Tello Site Museum in the Paracas National Reserve, Peru. “Paracas – Embroideries of the Desert” is her second embroidery book.

Travel in the comfort of your seat into the art of Andean embroideries. The thread, needle, colours, design, fabric, materials and stitches used for the decorative and vibrant festivities costumes of the Andean ladies. Participants can draw, design and stitch their own design inspired by the costumes of the Andean world. This is a practical, hands on and creative embroidery workshop led by Master Peruvian – British artist, Author Bella Lane.

All levels of stitchers welcomed.

Class Size: Max 10 students

Time: 2:30pm – 5:30pm (Please arrive promptly)

Where: The class will take place in Fabrications “Re Imaginerium” studio (we no longer have a shop cat as depicted in one of the photos!) which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps. The studio is light and bright with a homely feel to help you feel relaxed and inspired whilst learning. You will have your own work area (with some shared facilities like ironing, cutting table) We purposefully keep class sizes small to ensure a quality experience and plenty of guidance time with the tutor.

Class Includes: A specially prepared kit by Bella with authentic threads, needle and material available to use during the class and keep to continue your practice.

Please Bring: Your sketch book / Journal

Bring 8” hoop with stand (preferable) or a simple hoop as second option (We also have some workshop hoops you can borrow and we also sell embroidery hoops in our shop)

PRICE: £65 or £120 (when booking the full day. AM: Introduction to Paracas Embroidery. PM: Introduction to Andean hand embroidery)

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

About Bella Lane:

Bella Lane is a master embroiderer and artist, specialising in hand embroidery from the pre-Columbian cultures of Latin America and from other global traditions. She trained at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) in London, graduating in 2009 with distinction. She received awards from the RSN and private institutions in the City of London. With over two decades experience, Bella undertakes private commissions, the restoration and conservation of historical textiles, museum teaching, and the exhibition of her work, continuously refining her expertise in textile and embroidery arts.

She has led international workshops, including Andean and Paracas Embroidery programmes in New Zealand (2017), as well as programmes at the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and numerous embroidery festivals. Bella also oversaw the creation of a collaborative Paracas mantle for the stage production Mouth of the Gods, directed by Michael Walling of Border Crossings. She integrates hand embroidery with the performing arts, including puppetry, participating in international puppetry festivals.

Recognised for her achievements in European metal-thread embroidery using gold, silver, copper, wire, silk, cotton, wool, linen and modern textile fibres she is now a member of two City of London Livery Companies, serving as the First Lady Freeman by trade of the Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers and a Liveryman of the Broderers. From January to March 2026, she will present her first solo exhibition of Paracas embroidery at the Julio C. Tello Site Museum in the Paracas National Reserve, Peru. “Paracas – Embroideries of the Desert” is her second embroidery book.

Inspired by Kate Sekules and her creative approaches to textile repair – shared in Mend! A Refashioning Manual and Manifesto (on sale in Fabrications ahop) – this workshop explores the art of visible mending as both a practical and expressive craft.

You’ll start by learning some simple embroidery stitches: like running stitch, chain stitch, buttonhole stitch, french knots, and a few decorative techniques such as spider wheel roses and woven patch darns. In the second half, you’ll dedicate time stitching on your own garment to embellish, highlight, or creatively repair stains and worn areas with support from your tutor Salina Latour.

This is an ideal follow on workshop to our “Grandma’s Hands” – introduction to fabric or woollen repairs class. But no experience is needed to attend.

In the afternoon, Selina is offering a “Clothing Repairs Surgery” (using hand embroidery) giving participants the opportunity to get further advice, practice your new found skills and creatively repair more items! . A discount is offered when you book the full day!

On completion of the class participants will confidently be able to:

– Use a range of embroidery stitches to repair holes, areas of wear and staining
– Get creative and renew your “old clothes” with some “Embellishmends”
– Problem solve how to handle different materials for your repair work
– Explore Discreet or ‘Visible Mending’ choices
– Immerse yourself in some mindful remaking or “Menditation”
– Consider different weights, colours and creative features of different thread and fabric combinations
– Work on your own and family & friend’s mending piles with joy!

About the Tutor: The class is taught by Selina Latour, a textile artist and repair specialist based in South East London. Alongside her workshops, she offers her mending services through the online platform ‘The Seam’. She earned an MFA in Textiles from Concordia University in Montreal, where she specialised in mending and repair techniques. Selina excels at restoring garments with moth holes, stains, burns, animal damage, and general wear and tear. She is skilled in both invisible and decorative mending.

Class Size: Max 8 students

TIME: 10:30am – 1:30pm

Class Includes: Suitable needles, threads and fabric swatches to practise with and use on your repairs. Selina will also provide worksheets to aid you during and after the class.

Please Bring: Items of your own clothing you would like to repair using hand embroidery. All kinds of fabric and woollen items can be brought along.

If you plan to bring woollen items: Please ensure any moth eaten items have been put in the freezer for at least 1 week to kill any moth eggs that may still be dormant in the item before introducing to our studio!) You will also have access to our stash of studio mending yarns, habberdashery, patches etc but if you have your own preferred habberdashery already for the repair work, feel free to bring along.

PRICE: £55 or £100 (when booking the 2 sessions – Swiss Darning & Woollen Repairs Surgery ) 

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

Inspired by Kate Sekules and her creative approaches to textile repair – shared in Mend! A Refashioning Manual and Manifesto (on sale in Fabrications ahop) – this workshop explores the art of visible mending as both a practical and expressive craft.

In this afternoon class you’ll dedicate time stitching on your own garment to embellish, highlight, or creatively repair stains and worn areas with support from your tutor Salina Latour.

If you’ve never attempted hand embroidery or mending items before, register for Selina’s morning workshop “Visible Mending using hand embroidery” or our “Grandma’s Hands” – introduction to fabric or woollen repairs class. A discount is offered when you book the full day!

On completion of the class participants will confidently be able to:

– Use a range of embroidery stitches learnt in the morning class or already in your skill set (including like running stitch, chain stitch, buttonhole stitch, french knots, and a few decorative techniques such as spider wheel roses and woven patch darns) to repair holes, areas of wear and staining

-Get creative and renew your “old clothes” with some “Embellishmends”

– Problem solve how to handle different materials for your repair work

– Explore Discreet or ‘Visible Mending’ choices

– Immerse yourself in some mindful remaking or “Menditation”

– Consider different weights, colours and creative features of different thread and fabric combinations

– Work on your own and family & friend’s mending piles with joy!

Guidance on what to bring:

– Worn or holey items of clothing. All kinds of fabric and woollen types can be brought along. Depending on the extent of the damage, attendees usually complete 1 – 3 items.

-Stained items

– Beloved threads in need of some renewal.

About the Tutor: The class is taught by Selina Latour, a textile artist and repair specialist based in South East London. Alongside her workshops, she offers her mending services through the online platform ‘The Seam’. She earned an MFA in Textiles from Concordia University in Montreal, where she specialised in mending and repair techniques. Selina excels at restoring garments with moth holes, stains, burns, animal damage, and general wear and tear. She is skilled in both invisible and decorative mending.

Class Size: Max 8 students

TIME: 2:30 – 5:30pm

Class Includes: Suitable needles, threads and fabric patches to use on your repairs.

Please Bring: Items of your own clothing you would like to repair using hand embroidery. All kinds of fabric and woollen items can be brought along.

If you plan to bring woollen items: Please ensure any moth eaten items have been put in the freezer for at least 1 week to kill any moth eggs that may still be dormant in the item before introducing to our studio!) You will also have access to our stash of studio mending yarns, habberdashery, patches etc but if you have your own preferred habberdashery already for the repair work, feel free to bring along.

PRICE: £55 or £100 (when booking the 2 sessions – Swiss Darning & Woollen Repairs Surgery ) 

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

Our Beginners Sewing Course is an introduction into machine sewing and has been developed to address the needs of those who have little or no experience of using a sewing machine. Through these classes participants will learn not only basic sewing machine skills, but will develop the confidence to progress onto making things for themselves using a sewing machine.

Beginners Sewing 1 – introduction to using a sewing machine: Wednesday 15th July, 6:30 – 9:30pm

On completion of this class participants will confidently be able to:

– thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin.

– feed fabric through, sew in a straight line and turn corners.

– explore the range of features and stitches on the machine.

– trouble shoot about common errors and being aware of them!

– sew different types of seams.

– Understand how to hem the edge of the cloth.

– apply a pocket and patches.

Includes: our  ‘Learn to Sew’ textile handout (T-Towel) , other materials, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines.

Beginners Sewing 2 – zips, buttonholes & bindings (and make a utility roll): Wednesday 22nd July, 6:30 – 9:30pm

– Understand how to use different accessories that accompany domestic sewing machines, such as zipper, buttonhole feet.

– Stitch different sizes and styles of buttonholes.

– 2 ways of attaching a zip (visible and covered)

– Apply a bias binding to embellish and finish a raw edge.

– Create your own stylish ‘Utility Roll’ (suitable for your sewing notions, make up, pencils/brushes etc)

Includes: Pre prepared Utility Roll component materials , thread, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines.

Beginners Sewing 3 – pockets & more pockets!: Wednesday 29th July, 6:30 – 9:30pm

– Be introduced to a range of pocket styles and functions

– Patch Pocket: unlined, self-lined, “kangaroo” style, reinforcing methods

– Hip Pocket: angled or straight, how to insert a pocket bag

– Welt or Jet style Pocket: tailored finish, usually found on waistcoats and trousers

– Create your own tote style bag with multiple pockets

Includes: pre prepared tote bag component materials , thread, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines.

Class Size: Max 8 students

PRICE: £140

HOW TO BOOK: : You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)

Our fortnightly Community Craft Club is an evening that provides a space to bring along your current crafting or mending project, sewcialise with other crafters and get support and tips with your makes. It is also an opportunity to access our studio equipment and resources – sewing / over locker machines, dressmaking scissors, iron, our cutting table and workshop haberdashery stash!

Craft Club operates on a drop in basis, but if you would like to use a sewing machine * we do ask you to book in advance as we only put out 4 sewing machines for the session. To ensure a fair rotation of machine usage, you can book a machine every other craft club (once a month) You are of course welcome to still attend with hand work! 

There is also a selection of different coloured sewing threads, mending yarns, haberdashery and fabric offcuts (suitable for repair or practicing) available that you can use as part of your Craft Club subs.

* Basic sewing machine skills required. If you’ve never used a sewing machine before we recommend attending our “Beginners Sewing 1” class first. 

Please Note:  This session is self directed. It is not a tutored session. It is very popular, and we try to spread our time and love amongst the whole group, so are unable to teach new skills or support complex or large projects. If you are looking for this kind of guidance, our monthly “Freestyle Open” session might be a better fit!

The kinds of projects that would be suitable to bring along to Craft Club:

• Clothes mending / alterations – hand or machine sewing
• Ongoing dressmaking projects
• Small patchwork items
• Hoop embroidery or cross stitch work
• Ongoing crochet & knitting projects

Price: £5

Includes tea & biscuits. Feel free to bring along additional snacks if you wish!

Please Note: The group meets in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps) Please ring the doorbell on arrival (located on the top left hand side of the shop door)