Tutor Marina Havinden

Sat 1 February (FULL!) or Sat 5 April 10.30-4.30pm

Level: Complete Beginners

Has Father Christmas brought you a sewing machine last year, but it’s still in its box? Is it decades since you sat at a sewing machine? Or maybe you’d like to buy a machine and would like a test drive first? If so, this is the class for you. We’ll show you the essentials you need to know, how to troubleshoot, and most importantly, how to get stitching!   

With Marina’s help, you will learn:

• How your sewing machine works and your way around the knobs and buttons

• How to thread and install bobbins

• Threading up the machine

• Talking about tension and troubleshooting

• Needles – the correct one for the job and how to replace it

• Fabrics – how to cut, pin and stitch safely

• How to sew straight lines, curved seams and seam allowances

In the afternoon, you’ll sew a simple 45cm (18-in) cushion cover in your choice of fabric*. You’ll go home with a finished project, knowing you can officially call yourself a stitcher. Welcome to the club!

(FYI - masks are not required in workshops now. The first photo dates back a few years, but it’s such a great picture of stitchers at work, we’ve kept it in)…

Please bring to the class:

• Sewing machine (or you can hire one subject to availability - just add to your basket if needed). Don’t forget the foot pedal, all the sewing feet provided, bobbins, bobbin case and instruction booklet etc

• Basic sewing kit containing - sharp fabric scissors, 12in ruler, pencil, pins, measuring tape and a stitch ripper

• Cotton thread in a dark/bright colour (eg navy, black or red) for stitching on the calico which we’ll provide

• Cotton thread to coordinate with your cushion fabric* or a neutral colour such as grey or cream

•  * We’ll provide you with 50cm of fabric of your choice (from any fabrics up to £15/m) for your cushion, as part of your workshop fee. We have more than 1800 fabrics in the shop, so there are plenty to choose from. You can buy the coordinating thread on the day if needed

If you require any haberdashery during the day we stock a huge variety at Hometown.

Refreshments are provided during the day with a break for lunch. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch, or there are many coffee shops, tea rooms and delis in the high street.

If you have any questions, please look at our FAQs or phone us on 01634 838880 before booking. Please note we do not send out reminders before the class as all the information you need is here. For shop location and carpark info, please refer to our Visit Us page.