Archive | Beginners

How to Use your Overlocker

The ever scary overlocker, if you own one and feel its missing its potential, bring it along to this class and we will spend some time discussing and practicing the different stitches and techniques available on your machine. We will create samples that you can keep to refer too in the future.

Class level – Intermediate, you will have sewn other easy to make garments and have good basic sewing knowledge. Have access to and be able to bring your own overlocker to the class along with the manual for the machine.

The topics we aim to cover are:

We aim to cover the points on the list below. Depending on how many questions you have, we may not get a chance to cover everything – please let us know if there is something specific you really want help with before you leave if we don’t cover it in the class.

We aim to teach you the skills you will need to improve your overlocker use.

All fabrics are included for the class

Specifically you will learn;

  • Overlocker techniques
  • Stitches and how to change them
  • Tension issues
  • Attaching a continuous neck band
  • Working with different fabrics
  • Differential feed
  • Changing needles
  • The Overlocker rolled hem

What you need to bring to the class:

  • An Overlocker and any accessories you have
  • Your overlocker manual (important)

Maximum class size 4

Tutor

Aly Warner

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How To Use A Sewing Machine

 

A photo of a sewing machine with some gingham fabricA class for absolute beginners and a fantastic course to get you on your way – learn how to thread and operate a sewing machine confidently. Take your samples home with you and have everything you need to refer to in the future. This is one of our favourite sessions as it’s like teaching someone to drive, as soon as you get it, you’re on your way. Scheduled classes are shown at the bottom of the page.
Class level- Total beginner / Refresher

What we will cover in this session

We aim to cover the list below, but depending on how many questions you may have we may not get a chance to cover everything – please let us know if there is something specific you really want help with before you leave which we haven’t covered.

How to thread the machine

How to wind on the bobbin and insert the bobbin

Stitching straight, curves and corners

ZigZag stitches and stretch stitches

Understanding tension and problem solving tension issues

Importance of a completing the stitch cycle

Reversing

Importance of steering the fabric

Machine feet and how to use them

Have a go at creating seams a rolled hem and applique

Understanding which needles to use with different fabrics

Basic troubleshooting

What you need to bring with you

Nothing! All is provided, but if you have one you may wish to bring your own machine to get the best from the class

Tutor

Aly Warner

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Beginner’s Sewing Masterclass

A photo of some fabric and threadThis is great class if you know a little sewing – so long as you can use a machine you will be able to handle this class no problem. We will show you techniques that you will use time and time again. Knowing a few simple techniques will help you go a long way to complete all sorts of projects whether used in craft, dressmaking of furnishings. You will leave with a folder of samples to refer to in the future.

Class level – Beginner

What we will cover in the session

We aim to cover the following in the lessons

Convex curves
Concave curves
Darts
French Seams
Facings
Hems
Buttonholes
Simple zip
Piping

What you need to bring with you

All materials are provided for this class

Tutor

Aly Warner

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Beginner’s Patchwork

Different fabrics and tools for patchworkingHave you often looked at quilts on line and in books and wondered where to start? Well, this is the class for you.  In this one day workshop we take the mystery out of ‘modern’ patchwork using a sewing machine and hopefully kick start your creative side to produce easy but effective patchwork items (quilts/table runners/cushions) for all your friends and family.  A full day packed with tips and inspiration that will have you going home with a small project and big ideas.

The topics we aim to cover in this lesson

Fabric Terminology

Handling your fabric

Rotary Cutting – Equipment and use

Basic Sewing Machine Use

Achieving an accurate 1/4” seam

Pressing

Nine Patch Blocks

Easy triangle Blocks

Using the blocks you create we will make a simple table runner

Materials Needed:

We have sewing machines for you to use but if you would like to bring your own please advise us at the time of booking. If bringing your own machine, a 1/4” foot would be useful, but not essential. You will also need to bring along 4 coordinating cotton fabrics these will need to be 50cm X 60cm (fat quarters) and a thread in a colour that blends with all your fabrics.

We will supply Batting (wadding) to complete your table runner

Tutor

Aly Warner

 
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Patchwork table runner with wooden bowl
Beginners Patchwork table runner

Sumptuous Piped Cushion Masterclass

Two cushions sitting on a chair with bunting above
Create gorgeous professional-looking cushion covers yourself. We’ll show how to make a piped cushion with a zip fastening. A lovely addition to your home and also ot give as gifts.
Scheduled classes are shown at the bottom of the page.Class Level – Beginner +

What we will cover in the session

We will cover the following in the session to create your cushion cover

Correct measuring of cushion pad to get a plump finish

Marking fabric and cutting

How to create professional corners

How to insert piping

How to insert a zip

What you need to bring to make your cushions

We aim to make a standard cushion with piping . Please don’t spend a lot of money on fabric, a simple calico will suffice if you want to gain confidence before unleashing yourself on the expensive stuff!

A square or rectangle pillow – any size

Enough fabric (preferably cotton medium weight) to make a front and back with seam allowances

Thread to match your fabric

Piping cord enough to go around the cushion pad

Pre cut bias binding tape 2.5 cm folded (approx 5 cm wide when pressed open)  in a contrast colour enough to go around your cushion pad

A zip the width or more of your cushion in the colour of your bias binding

Cushions starter kit

If you don’t have the time to get everything you need for the class, you can buy one of our starter kits for £15 on the day. You’ll have everything you need to make a 16’’ square cushion . The kit includes fabric, piping, zip and a standard cushion pad.

Tutor

Mary

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