Beginner Workshops
Absolute Beginners Quickstart
Bring Your Own Project Sessions
BYOP Tuesday Evening
Garment And Skill-Specific Workshops
Open Studio
Important Information
Before you book for any class or workshop please read the following information.
Sewing Level Explanations
Absolute Beginner
You may never have sewn before. Perhaps you have bought a machine, but it is still in the box as you are unsure where to start. Maybe you did a little sewing in high school, but none since then. Absolute Beginner classes are designed to meet you where you are at and equip you with the skills you need to begin your sewing journey.
Beginner Plus
You know how to thread your machine and do basic troubleshooting of issues relating to your machine. You have cut out and sewn a couple of projects and can confidently maintain seam allowances when sewing. You feel ready to learn some new skills, but still need lots of support.
Confident Beginner
You are developing your skills. You are a little beyond the “Beginner Plus” stage, but not yet at the “Intermediate” skill and experience level. You have been able to complete beginner-level patterns with little or no support.
Intermediate
You are confident using your machine and know how to read and use a commercial pattern to cut out and construct garments. You have sewn at least 5 garments independently and relatively trouble free using commercial patterns and are ready to develop your skillset to tackle more challenging patterns.
Advanced
You can confidently and independently construct garments using more complicated and challenging commercial patterns. You are experienced and have made many different garments. You are interested in acquiring more specialised or advanced skills.
Attendance and Cancellation
For information on cancellation, rescheduling or refunds, please click here
What To Bring To Your Class Or Workshop
If you have your own sewing machine, it is better if you bring this to use during classes and workshops. This will reinforce your skills on your own machine. Make sure you remember to bring the power cord, foot pedal and other accessories (such additional feet, screwdriver, etc). It is also helpful if you bring the instruction manual for your machine, as there are often occasions when you will need to consult it. If you don’t currently have a manual for your machine (for example, if you got it second hand), it is worth having a search online to see if you can find a downloadable version of your manual- there are many available.
We ask you to bring your own basic sewing kit when attending a class or workshop. A basic sewing kit should include the following items as a minimum:
· Dressmaking scissors
· Pins
· Quick unpick/ stitch ripper
· Hand sewing needles
· Tape measure
· Tailors chalk or other fabric marking tool
We sell a basic sewing kit as an optional extra to accompany our beginners sewing classes to help beginners easily acquire the things needed to make a start on their sewing journey.
Each class or workshop will have its own specific list of items needed. Generally, this will include fabric, thread and machine needles. Please consult the list of items required and bring them with you, taking note of any pre-washing or preparation needed before attendance. Many items can be purchased in-store if you don’t have them prior to attending your class or workshop.
Other items that are highly advisable are paper scissors, note book and a pen or pencil so that you can take down notes and add handwritten tips to your patterns and instructions.
You are also encouraged to bring any food or snacks you might want with you, as well as a drink bottle. Sessions 5 hours and longer will have a half hour break built in to allow the teacher (and you!) to have a break. You have full access to our kitchen whilst attending a session, including fridge, microwave oven, sandwich toaster, kettle, plates, cups and cutlery.