• March and May 2024 course date now available for booking!   Can you thread up confidently, sew in a straight line and ziz-zag comfortably but would now like to move up to the next level? Would you like to learn other features of the sewing machine like how to sew buttonholes to learning techniques for fusing and guided methods for sewing on a waistband with a drawcord channel and elastic? If so, this is the course for you! This Easy wear draw-cord trouser with side pockets introduces you to all this and more! This one day intensive course is the perfect place for advanced beginners to expand their skill into easing you into trouser making and the perfect follow up to having completed a couple of our more beginner level courses or even one or two of our advance beginner level courses. In order to attend, you'd need to be fairly confident with the basics on the sewing machine, have completed a few basic sewing projects and at least one basic garment making project. *Please note that depending on how you do on the Complete Beginners Sewing Course or other beginner courses, you might still not be ready to move up to this course and might need more practice at a beginners level. In order to attend this course you are expected to be able to set up and use a sewing machine without assistance and have a fairly good sewing pace. You must also have a sewing machine at home or access to one, as you will have a few things to finish at home. This course will introduce you to an easy wear trouser pattern that you can adjust the length of according to your height and style preference. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
    • How to accurately take your measurements to pick the correct pattern size for you.
    • How to alter the pattern to your required length
    • How to transfer pattern markings
    • How to sew in side pockets
    • How to deal with fusing a waistband
    • How to insert and handle wider width elastic
    • How to sew buttonholes
    • How to create and finish a hem and much more!
    WHAT TO BRING We have a lovely selection of suitable fabrics available to purchase during the course at very affordable prices. If you would rather bring your own fabric please refer to the quantities and types below. We also sell all the trim/ haberdashery needed for both projects including interfacing, elastic and threads. Fabrics & trims
    • All sizes 2.2m of 140 to 150cm wide woven or of 112 to 114cm wide woven fabric. (*Please let us know if your height is above 185cm as you may need extra fabric depending on how long you make the trousers)
    • 50cm of light fusible interfacing
    • 1m of 5cm wide elastic (if your waist measures more than 1m you may require more)
    • Matching thread
    • 1m length of 1cm wide draw-cord
    • 30cm of pocketing fabric (light cotton, preferably matching colour to main trouser fabric.
    *Important note: If you're bringing your own fabric, please make sure to pre-wash both the main fabric and pocketing fabric according to manufacturers instructions prior to attending the class in order to pre-shrink it. This does not apply to dry clean only fabrics. Check with the shop about fabric care when purchasing your material. If you're buying fabric from us on the day, you will be able to steam shrink it at the beginning of the class instead. All classes include patterns and step by step illustrated instructions, so no excuse not to practice your newly acquired skills at home and make these garments again and again! Dates
    • Sunday 24th March 2024, 10:30am-5:00pm
    • Saturday 4th May 2024, 10:30am-5:00pm
    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses. Anything else you'd like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us.  HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY!
  • May 2024 course date now available for booking!

      Are you confident on the sewing machine? Have you made a few garments out of woven (non-stretchy) fabric, but are too scared to tackle a knit fabric project by yourself? Are you under the impression they cannot be sewn without an overlocker? Well, we've got news for you! Knits can indeed be beautifully sewn on a regular sewing machine with a few simple tricks! Wanna learn how? Come and join this fun class and learn to make our brand new Unisex Classic T-shirt pattern, which you’ll be able to take home for free and make more of this classic T-shirt... you’ll never need to buy another T-shirt again! The pattern can be adjusted to have a slighter wider crew neck and slightly longer or shorter sleeve or indeed hemline. Please note you will be making only one T-shirt on the course. What you will learn
    • Understand what jersey is and how it's different to woven fabric
    • Types of needles and stitches to sew jersey fabrics on a regular sewing machine
    • How to handle jersey fabric correctly
    • How to use a rotary cutter for accurate cutting
    • How to attach sleeves
    • How to achieve a professional look on hems using a twin needle
    • How to stretch and sew on a neckline binding without it gaping
    • How to make simple pattern alterations to widen neckline or lengthen/ shorten sleeves and or hem to your preference
    What do I need to bring? We have a small selection of standard colours (i.e navy, grey, white, black) of 100% cotton jerseys available to buy on the day for £9 a metre as well as matching threads. *If you would rather bring your own fabric please refer to the types and quantities specified below.
    • 1.5m length of 150cm wide stable knit fabric. *Please avoid thin jerseys as they are not ideal to start with.
    • Two reels of matching polyester thread (no cotton please!)
    Please make sure to pre-wash your fabric prior to attending the class if you are bringing your own. The class includes pattern and step by step illustrated instructions so you can make the T-shirt again and again at home! Dates
    • Sunday 5th May 2024, 10:30am-5:00pm
    • Friday 24th & 31st May 2024, 6:30pm-9:30pm

    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses.

    Got some questions about this class? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us! HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO FIND OUT ABOUT AVAILABILITY!
  • LATEST UPDATE!!!

    March and April 2024 course dates now available for booking!

     

    Are you able to use a sewing machine with confidence and sew in a straight line? Would you like to be able to alter and upcycle your clothes to breathe some new life into them and learn how to reshape them so they fit well?

      Then this course is for you! Come and join this full day class and learn invaluable alterations and upcycling techniques to build up the basic skills you need to alter your clothes, revamp your wardrobe and save a tonne of money! The course will consist of practical demonstrations followed by time for you to practice the techniques and alter some of your clothes in the remaining time. What you will learn
    • How to mark, unpick and pin alterations into place
    • How to insert elastic and stop it from twisting
    • How to take in or let out garments including adjusting waistbands
    • How to take up and let down hems
    • How to fix gaping necklines and reduce big shoulders
    • How to sew on buttons and other types of fastenings
    • How to hem jeans
    • How to create different types of hems both by hand and on the sewing machine
    • How to transform and reshape garments using different upcycling techniques and much more!
    What to bring Please bring a selection of clothes you would like to alter, especially items needing taking up or letting down, taking in or letting out, jeans etc... as well as a notebook and pen. PLEASE NOTE- This course is suitable for those able to use a sewing machine and a perfect follow up to some of our Beginners classes. If you have no previous sewing machine experience, you may join either our Complete Beginners Sewing Course, Easy Pyjamas,  or a combination of the former and  Ultimate Beginners (Gifts & Accessories), or   Boxy Tote Bag courses prior to attending this class. Dates
    • Saturday 23rd March 2024, 10:30am-5:00pm
    • Wednesday 17th & 24th April 2024, 6:30pm-9:30pm

    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses.

    Got some questions about this course? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us! HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO FIND OUT ABOUT AVAILABILITY!
  • April 2024 course date now available for booking!

      Are you a a keen sewer with a few dressmaking projects under your belt, willing to expand your understanding of how patterns are drafted? Do you wish to learn how to draft a basic bodice block you will be able to use as a template to create endless designs? Do you wish to be able to create patterns that will require a minimal amount of alterations? Then this course ifs for you! With the help of our expert tutors, you will be guided through the process of drafting a basic bodice block based on your own measurements and take away a block to create patterns that fit you like a glove! The course will consist of two sessions with some homework in between.

    Session 1

    • Taking accurate measurements
    • Drafting the block following your measurements

    Homework 

    Cutting out and sewing the toile (test garment) together

    Session 2

    • Checking the toile's fit and making any necessary alterations
    • Transferring the alterations to the block
    • Cutting and sewing the final toile

    What to Bring

    1 metre of calico fabric. All other tools and equipment will be provided. Dates
    • Monday 15th & 22nd April 2024, 6:30pm-9:30pm
    Got a question for us? Please check our  FAQs  before contacting us! PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
  • LATEST UPDATE!!!

    May 2024 course date now available for booking.

      Are you tired of making cushions, bags and garments with elasticated waistbands and would like to move up to the next level? Have you tried your hand at making up a simple garment using a "very easy" commercial pattern but it didn't turn out as well as you hoped it would? Would you like to start making yourself beautiful and unique clothes that fit like a glove but are too scared to go it alone? We don't blame you! Understanding commercial patterns, how to alter them in order to make garments that fit well and how to put into practice what's written and illustrated in their instructions can be very daunting if you're new to dressmaking, so let us help you with that! This two day course is the perfect place  for advanced beginners to get started on the real dressmaking journey and the perfect follow up to our  Complete Beginners Sewing Course . In order to attend, you'd  need to be very confident on the sewing machine, have completed a few basic sewing projects and at least one basic dressmaking project, or taken either our Complete Beginners Sewing Course or equivalent elsewhere, or a combination of two of our shorter beginners courses such our Ultimate Beginners (Gifts & Accessories) course followed by the Easy Pyjamas Intro to Sewing one. *Please note that depending on how you do on the Complete Beginners Sewing Course or other beginner courses, you might still not be ready to move up to this course and might need more practice at a beginners level. In order to attend this course you are expected to be able to set up and use  a sewing machine without assistance. You must also have a sewing machine at home or access to one, as you will have a few things to finish at home. This course will take you from making a super flattering circle skirt to completing a stylish shift dress in your preferred length (or you can make a top or tunic instead if you prefer!) providing you with the knowledge and confidence you need to get started on similar or more advanced projects at home. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
    • How to accurately take your measurements
    • How to alter the pattern to fit you, including those much dreaded bust alterations!
    • How to construct and attach a lapped waistband
    • How to insert a centered zip
    • How to sew darts
    • How to attach a neckline facing
    • How to finish armholes with bias binding
    • How to create and finish a hem and much more!
    WHAT TO BRING We have a lovely selection of suitable fabrics available to purchase during the course at very affordable prices. If you would rather bring your own fabric please refer to the quantities and types below. We also sell all the haberdashery needed for both projects including interfacing, zips and threads. DAY 1: Circle Skirt
    • All sizes 2m of 140 to 150cm wide woven (non stretchy) fabric, or 3m of 112 to 114cm wide woven fabric. (*Please let us know if your waist measurement is above 90cm/35 1/2″ as you may need extra fabric depending on how long you would like your skirt)
    • 25cm of light fusible interfacing
    • Matching thread
    • 20cm regular zip (matching colour to your fabric)
    DAY 2: Dress, Tunic or Top *PLEASE NOTE ON DAY 2 YOU WILL ONLY BE MAKING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING GARMENTS BELOW NOT ALL THREE OF THEM. Please bring enough fabric for the one you decide to make. Dress
    • 1.5m of 140/150cm wide fabric or
    • 2.75m of 114cm wide fabric
    • 1m of 12mm wide bias binding
    • Matching thread
    • 25cm of light to medium fusible interfacing
    Tunic
    • 1m of 140/150cm wide fabric or
    • 2m of 114cm wide fabric
    • 1m of 12mm wide bias binding
    • Matching thread
    • 25cm of light to medium fusible interfacing
    Top
    • 75cm of 140/150cm wide fabric or
    • 1.5m of 114cm wide fabric
    • 1m of 12mm wide bias binding
    • Matching thread
    • 25cm of light to medium fusible interfacing
    Recommended fabrics: Woven (non-stretchy) fabrics such as medium weight cotton, cotton chambray, cotton lawn, poplin, linen, challis, lightweight denim, crepe, lightweight wool. *Please remember that very thin, shiny and slippery fabrics are difficult to handle and therefore not suitable for your level. *Important note: If you're bringing your own fabric, please make sure to pre-wash it according to manufacturers instructions prior to attending the class in order to pre-shrink it. This does not apply to dry clean only fabrics. Check with the shop about fabric care when purchasing your material. If you're buying fabric from us on the day, you will be able to steam shrink it at the beginning of the class instead. All classes include patterns and step by step illustrated instructions, so no excuse not to practice your newly acquired skills at home and make these garments again and again!   Dates
    • Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May 2024, 10:30am-5:30pm

    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses.

    Got a question for us? Please check our  FAQs  before contacting us! Having trouble completing the booking?  HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO FIND OUT ABOUT AVAILABILITY!
  • LATEST UPDATE!!!

    March 2024 course date now available for booking!

      Do you have a favourite garment that fits you perfectly and would love to recreate it? Then this all day workshop is for you! This course will teach you how to copy your clothes by making a pattern from an existing garment. You will leave the class with a perfectly fitted pattern and toile (test garment) ready to be made up as many times as you like and in all kinds of fabulous fabrics! So, if you like the sound of this here we we go! What you will learn:
    • Copying the shape of your garment
    • Transferring seam lines, darts, gathers, tucks and any other design details
    • Adding seam allowances
    • Adding markings such as notches and balance marks
    • Reproducing pockets and any other design details
    • Making up a toile (test garment) to check the fit.
    *Please note that this course is not suitable for beginners. You'll need to have made a few garments as well as have some basic construction skills prior to attending the course. Because of the limited time frame, we recommend you bring something that is not too complicated. If in doubt, you could bring more than one garment and get advice from your tutor. Please note that depending on the scale of your project and on your skill level, you might not be able to get to the toile stage, but will however leave with the pattern ready to test at home. What to bring: To make your toile, please bring a length of calico or other cheap material as close as possible in weight and drape to the fabric you intend to use for the final garment. Dates
    • Thursday 21st & 28th March 2024, 6:30pm-9:15pm

    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class.

    Anything else you’d like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us! PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Go to Top