The Repair Workshops - Appliqué & Free Machine Embrodiery
Appliqué & Free Machine Embrodiery
Worn a hole, burnt a hole with the iron or just want to liven up a tired or boring garment?
Use appliqué and free machine embroidery to repair and upcycle your clothing.
Appliqué is a method of fusing and stitching fabric pieces, often in different colours or textures, to a background fabric. It can effectively be used to cover up a hole in a garment or add an interesting feature to a tired and bored item of clothing and is often used to upcycle items of clothing and accessories. It's also a great way to use fabric scraps and/or other textile items that would otherwise be destined for a bin.
Free machine embroidery/darning can be used solve similar issues as appliqué and works well in combination with it. It is a technique where the sewing machine's needle is used like a pen or pencil to draw directly onto fabric. By lowering the feed dog (or using a cover plate), the fabric can be moved in any direction under the needle, allowing for creative, freehand designs or simply used as a method of machine darning. Where a hole is to be covered you can back with another fabric before stitching or use vanishing muslin (that washes away) as a base to stitch.
Following the demonstrations of applique and free machine embroidery/darning you can use the remaining part of the session to explore using these creative methods to repair and upcycle your own garments.
Sewing machines, equipment fabric for appliqué and and haberdashery are provided. Please bring a variety of garments to practise on suitable for your ability. Nothing too precious to start!
Fabric for appliqué is provided but you are welcome to bring your own or other materials if you wish - these could be small scraps/offcuts or a garment that is beyond repair.
This workshop is suitable for all levels but please bring a variety of garments with you and start with items less 'special' so you can be free to explore (and make mistakes) before progressing onto more treasured pieces.
Next workshop dates:
Tuesday 16th December 2025
6.00 - 8.45 p.m
Tuesday 14th April 2026
6.00 - 8.45 p.m
Cost £ 45
Maximum of 4 Students per class