Absolute Beginners Sewing Introductions
During this one-off workshop in a small group setting, you will confidently learn how to use a domestic sewing machine. Includes sewing machine set–up, threading, machine functions, stitch control, basic trouble shooting and an introduction to at least two practical seam types. This is a perfect workshop for beginners or those wanting a refresher and a great taster session for the courses on offer.
Next workshop dates:
Tuesday 2nd December - fully booked
Saturday 10th January 11.00 a.m - 1.30 p.m
Saturday 17th January 11.00 a.m - 1.30 p.m
Cost: £42
Maximum 5 students per class
Absolute Beginners Sewing Course - The Cushion
This short sewing course is perfect for complete beginners. In addition to a full introduction to sewing machine set up and use, you will learn a range of skills that you can use in your future sewing projects.
You'll be taught how to cut out a pattern in fabric accurately following the grain line, use appropriate seam finishes, construct angled seams using notches to perfectly match fabric pieces, stitch a facing using under-stitching and construct a rouleau loop for a button fastening. The skills you learn during this course are also relevant to clothing as well as soft furnishings. You can see some of the cushions past students have made on the course here. On completion of the course you will have your finished cushion to take away and proudly display on your sofa at home, plus your own copy of the pattern used so you can make more.
All tools, equipment including fully serviced sewing machines, cushion inserts, pattern paper, fabrics and haberdashery are provided.
Next course dates:
19th November - 3rd December (3 weeks)
Wednesdays 6.00 - 8.45 p.m
6th - 20th January (3 weeks)
Tuesdays 6.00 - 8.45 p.m
18th February - 4th March (3 weeks)
Wednesdays 6.00 - 8.30 p.m
Max 5 students per class
Cost: £135
This short sewing course is perfect for complete beginners. In addition to a full introduction to sewing machine set up and use, you will learn a range of skills that you can use in your future sewing projects.
You'll be taught how to cut out a pattern in fabric accurately following the grain line, use appropriate seam finishes, construct angled seams using notches to perfectly match fabric pieces, stitch a facing using under-stitching and construct a rouleau loop for a button fastening. The skills you learn during this course are also relevant to clothing as well as soft furnishings. You can see some of the cushions past students have made on the course here. On completion of the course you will have your finished cushion to take away and proudly display on your sofa at home, plus your own copy of the pattern used so you can make more.
All tools, equipment including fully serviced sewing machines, cushion inserts, pattern paper, fabrics and haberdashery are provided.
Next course dates:
19th November - 3rd December (3 weeks)
Wednesdays 6.00 - 8.45 p.m
6th - 20th January (3 weeks)
Tuesdays 6.00 - 8.45 p.m
18th February - 4th March (3 weeks)
Wednesdays 6.00 - 8.30 p.m
Max 5 students per class
Cost: £135
Working from a ready made pattern (all levels)
Cut Make & Trim Sewing Course
Cut and sew a garment from a pattern you have purchased or one you have made yourself.
Had problems making a garment from a pattern you have purchased or maybe you're just too daunted to attempt it alone? Work through the entire process in a small class setting. The course will take you through taking accurate measurements, reviewing the pattern size/tolerance, selecting the correct size and relevant pieces before cutting and sewing a final garment.
This course is suitable for beginners but you do need to have some experience of using a domestic sewing machine. It's a perfect follow on course for students who have completed the beginners sewing course at The Island or similar elsewhere.
Within a group of a maximum of 4 students, you will be given lots of 1:1 support and guidance on progressing at a pace and level suitable for you, helping you to produce well-finished garments you can be proud of.
Please ensure you select a pattern suitable for your ability - e.g. beginners - PJ bottoms, shorts, a simple skirt or sleeveless top or dress. Please use the contact button above if you need advice on choosing a pattern for your level.
If you are using rare or expensive fabric it is recommended that you make a toile/mock up in calico or another suitable fabric before making the garment in your final fabric , calico is provided for you if needed. If your supplier suggests pre-washing/shrinking fabric prior to cutting and sewing please follow washing instructions they give you. Do not wash fabric that should be dry cleaned e.g wool or silk.
These classes are also suitable for students who have produced their own patterns during one of the courses or independently. If you want to make your own patterns to use on the course please see the pattern cutting courses here
All tools and equipment are provided including calico for toiles if required. You will need to bring your own pattern and enough fabric for the final garment. Please contact Lisa in advance if you need help choosing a pattern and/or buying fabric.
Next course dates:
15th - 29th November (fully booked)
Saturdays 10.30 a.m - 2.45 pm
7th January - 4th February (5 weeks)
Wednesdays 6.00 - 8.30 p.m
28th February - 14th March (3 weeks)
Saturdays 10.30 a.m - 2.45 p.m
Maximum of 4 students per class
Cost: £195
Cut Make & Trim Sewing Course
Cut and sew a garment from a pattern you have purchased or one you have made yourself.
Had problems making a garment from a pattern you have purchased or maybe you're just too daunted to attempt it alone? Work through the entire process in a small class setting. The course will take you through taking accurate measurements, reviewing the pattern size/tolerance, selecting the correct size and relevant pieces before cutting and sewing a final garment.
This course is suitable for beginners but you do need to have some experience of using a domestic sewing machine. It's a perfect follow on course for students who have completed the beginners sewing course at The Island or similar elsewhere.
Within a group of a maximum of 4 students, you will be given lots of 1:1 support and guidance on progressing at a pace and level suitable for you, helping you to produce well-finished garments you can be proud of.
Please ensure you select a pattern suitable for your ability - e.g. beginners - PJ bottoms, shorts, a simple skirt or sleeveless top or dress. Please use the contact button above if you need advice on choosing a pattern for your level.
If you are using rare or expensive fabric it is recommended that you make a toile/mock up in calico or another suitable fabric before making the garment in your final fabric , calico is provided for you if needed. If your supplier suggests pre-washing/shrinking fabric prior to cutting and sewing please follow washing instructions they give you. Do not wash fabric that should be dry cleaned e.g wool or silk.
These classes are also suitable for students who have produced their own patterns during one of the courses or independently. If you want to make your own patterns to use on the course please see the pattern cutting courses here
All tools and equipment are provided including calico for toiles if required. You will need to bring your own pattern and enough fabric for the final garment. Please contact Lisa in advance if you need help choosing a pattern and/or buying fabric.
Next course dates:
15th - 29th November (fully booked)
Saturdays 10.30 a.m - 2.45 pm
7th January - 4th February (5 weeks)
Wednesdays 6.00 - 8.30 p.m
28th February - 14th March (3 weeks)
Saturdays 10.30 a.m - 2.45 p.m
Maximum of 4 students per class
Cost: £195
Stitched Textiles Course (all levels)
Learn a range of creative stitched textile techniques that you can apply to various projects including clothing upcycling, clothing repairs, textile art and generally explore the use of stitch as a medium to create art.
In addition to those with a preference for clothing or textiles for fashion or interiors; this course is also a great way for artists wishing to broaden their medium of work to incorporate textile techniques as an exciting new element in representing their ideas.
The course includes an introduction to a broad selection of stitched textile techniques such as drawing using various lockstitches, free machine embroidery, applique, vanishing muslin and bonding /fusing fabrics.
You will be introduced to each of the different techniques then be encouraged to explore a unique combination of them to apply to a final piece of your choice. You can decide on the final piece as the course progresses but they could include an upcycled garment, i.e back of a denim jacket or decorated shirt, a wall hanging, graphic text for a banner, a stitched drawing or graphic to be framed/displayed as a piece of artwork or simply a very special tea towel!
There will be a range of imagery available for you to use as inspiration, although you are very welcome to bring your own artwork or images to use. You may wish to consider developing your ideas on a theme of personal interest to inspire you, such as urban or rural landscapes, natural forms such as plants and flowers, portraits, life drawing, architecture, graffiti, signs and symbols - the inspiration is endless! You can also use your own artwork if you wish including drawings, paintings, collage etc.
This course is suitable for all levels including complete beginners. You will be shown how to set up and use the sewing machines and all the other available resources. Everything you need for the course is provided including fabric but you are also welcome to bring your own fabrics and other materials if you wish.
Next course dates:
17th November - 1st December (3 weeks)
10.00 a.m - 2.30 p.m
Maximum of 5 students per class
Cost £195
Open studio - support sessions
Get support with your sewing and pattern cutting projects during these one off workshops.
You can work on garments already started, get help with a specific sewing technique or bring along a new pattern to start your project from the beginning. If you are making your own patterns and need support with those, please make sure to bring along any blocks or drafts you have made.
During these one-off sessions within a small group with a maximum of 4 students, you will be given lots of one to one support and guidance, progressing at a pace and level suitable for for you, helping you to produce well-finished garments you can be proud of.
The workshops are suitable for all levels including beginners but you do need to have some experience of using a domestic sewing machine (such as the Absolute Beginners Sewing Introduction at the top of this page.
When purchasing patterns please ensure you select a pattern suitable for your ability - you're welcome to make contact before the workshop if you need advice on choosing a pattern for your level. These classes are also for students who have produced their own patterns, either during the pattern cutting courses or independently.
Next workshop dates:
Tuesday 25th November
6.30 - 8.30 p.m
Wednesday 10th December
3.00 - 5.00 p.m
Saturday 10th January
2.00 - 4.00 p.m
Cost : £38 per session
Maximum of 4 students per class.
All equipment, tools, thread and calico for toiles (if required) is provided. You will need to bring your own patterns and final fabric.
Get support with your sewing and pattern cutting projects during these one off workshops.
You can work on garments already started, get help with a specific sewing technique or bring along a new pattern to start your project from the beginning. If you are making your own patterns and need support with those, please make sure to bring along any blocks or drafts you have made.
During these one-off sessions within a small group with a maximum of 4 students, you will be given lots of one to one support and guidance, progressing at a pace and level suitable for for you, helping you to produce well-finished garments you can be proud of.
The workshops are suitable for all levels including beginners but you do need to have some experience of using a domestic sewing machine (such as the Absolute Beginners Sewing Introduction at the top of this page.
When purchasing patterns please ensure you select a pattern suitable for your ability - you're welcome to make contact before the workshop if you need advice on choosing a pattern for your level. These classes are also for students who have produced their own patterns, either during the pattern cutting courses or independently.
Next workshop dates:
Tuesday 25th November
6.30 - 8.30 p.m
Wednesday 10th December
3.00 - 5.00 p.m
Saturday 10th January
2.00 - 4.00 p.m
Cost : £38 per session
Maximum of 4 students per class.
All equipment, tools, thread and calico for toiles (if required) is provided. You will need to bring your own patterns and final fabric.