Events at this location

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 28th 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 4th August, 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 & plackets Wednesday 11th August, 6:30 – 9:30pm

– Be introduced to a range of pocket & placket styles and functions

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

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

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

– An overview of which areas of a garment require plackets / facings and tips on adding

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

Class Size: Now reduced to 4 participants to ensure social distancing.

PRICE: £95 

HOW TO BOOK: Contact us directly on 020 7275 8043 or BOOK ONLINE

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

This is an ideal follow on to our ‘Beginners Sewing 1’ class or equivalent as it will give you the opportunity to make your own garment. It also aims to get your creativity flowing and introduce you to the art of refashioning or ‘Upcycling’.

Enjoy a day in the studio with Barley Massey and other keen sewers, remaking shirts into a skirt! Barley has been transforming unwanted clothing & textiles into new items for over 25 years and sells her creations through her shop Fabrications. Today she shares her approach as well as tips to improve your sewing techniques.

All levels of sewer are welcome but you do need to know your way around a sewing machine and have made a few things before (not necessarily a garment)

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

– Assemble a garment and how to sew different components together.

– Understand how to work with a ready made pattern or go ‘freestyle’.

– Insert a zip or another means of fastening the skirt.

– Add a frill or a series of frills to create additional length and/or decoration.

– Get a good fit to your body (or the person you are making the item for)

– Get creative and look at ‘old clothes’ from a new perspective!

Class Includes: Threads, zips & other haberdashery, tools, use of ‘Brother’ sewing machines.

Class Size: Now reduced to 4 participants to ensure social distancing.

YOU WILL NEED: At least 2 x second hand classic man’s shirt (Large or XL if possible)

PRICE: £60

HOW TO BOOK: Contact us directly on 020 7275 8043 or BOOK ONLINE

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 15th August.

Class Size: Now reduced to 4 participants to ensure social distancing.

TIME: 11am – 5:30pm

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

PRICE: £110 (Beginners Sewing 1 & 2) or £60 (Beginners Sewing 1)

HOW TO BOOK: Contact us directly on 020 7275 8043 or BOOK ONLINE

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: Now reduced to 4 participants to ensure social distancing.

TIME: 11am – 5:30pm

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

PRICE: £110 (Block Booking Beginners Sewing 1 & 2) or £60 (Beginners Sewing 2)

HOW TO BOOK: Contact us directly on 020 7275 8043 or BOOK ONLINE

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