What to make & bring to Stitch Classes

What to Make In Class

(What to Bring is in section below)

Absolute beginner options:

  • Follow our Learn To Use a Sewing Machine programme, where in 3 Stitch Classes you learn to thread up and sew with a sewing machine; make a cushion cover or bag then a zipped darted purse (all good intros to clothes making skills)
  • Just learn to use a sewing machine (1 class - practise threading and stitches plus start a simple item)
  • Make a simple item from one of our beginner level sewing patterns; shopping bag, cushion cover, zip purse etc (Cushion 1-2 classes, Bag 1-2 classes, Purse 1 class)
  • To see a list of sewing project suggestions and how many classes we suggest please click here 
  • Alternatively, block book 6-10 classes, work out what to bring for your first class only and we'll help you from there! 

Improvers/Experienced options

  • Make clothes from commercial patterns (5+ classes)
  • Make our A-line or pencil skirt, jersey dress, pocket wall hanging, piped cushions, applique designs or other items - info here
  • Make clothes from vintage patterns (we have lots you can copy free of charge - we'll help you re-size them if needed - 7+ classes)
  • Alter shop bought patterns for a perfect fit (1+ classes)
  • Alter your clothes (1+ classes)
  • Make soft furnishings and any other sewing projects (1+ classes)
  • Replicate a simple favourite garment (bring more than one to copy in case one is not suitable)(1+ classes)
  • To see a list of sewing project suggestions and how many classes we suggest please click here
  • Alternatively, block book 6-10 classes, work out what to bring for your first class out only and we'll help you from there! 

These subjects need certain courses and classes:

  • Thursday Stitch Eve's with Laura only: Roman Blinds, Patchwork, Quilting, Free Machine Embroidery
  • Our Stitch Classes cannot teach these - click the name for our alternative course to learn them: knitting & crochet, fashion design, pattern cutting & block adaption, in-depth overlocking inc learning tension & threading on your own overlocker 

What to Bring

Beginners should bring:

For the Learn To Use a Sewing Machine programme (learn to sew + cushion or bag + purse) we can provide all materials for £8-£10, so bring £10 cash to class if you would like to buy fabric and trims from us on the day, otherwise bring:

FABRIC - (bring your own or you can buy from us for £5 mtr cash in class). You will need a length of non-stretch medium weight fabric (e.g. printed cotton) any width from 44" (112cm) upwards:
- a bag needs one metre of fabric 112cm-150cm wide (will also be enough for the purse)
- a 16" square cushion need half a metre (plus extra 25cm if you are making purse next, or use our free fabric off-cuts for your purse)
- an 18" square cushion needs one metre (will also be enough for the purse)
- a 20" cushion need 1.6 metre (will also be enough for the purse)

OTHER BITS FOR CUSHION: bring a cushion to re-cover or a new cushion pad/inner, up to 20" square in size. We have 16" square microfibre filled pads in stock for £4 - bring cash to class if you would like to buy one

OTHER BITS FOR FOR BAG: for a fast-sew bag we have cotton tape strap material you can buy here: 50p short straps, £1 long straps, otherwise you can make your own straps (takes extra 30-60 mins) from the remaining fabric above

OTHER BITS FOR PURSE: a 6” closed end ordinary zip (or buy one from us at class for £1)

FOR ALL PROJECTS:
- a reel of good quality thread that blends in well with fabric above
- a pot of good quality plastic or glass headed dressmaking pins (or buy from us for £3.50 cash at class, plus we have fab magnetic pin cushions for £7)
- access to our instructions on how to find us, plus your mobile phone (if you have one) in case of emergency! 

CUSTOM PROJECTS FOR BEGINNERS:

If you are a complete beginner and would like to do something other than the programme above please email us and we will help you plan your class content and advise what to bring. You could have a look through our Project Page here for ideas


For Groupon Voucher Holders: 

If you are attending one of our Stitch Classes with a Groupon Voucher to make a cushion or bag all materials are provided free of charge. Please show your Groupon voucher (on phone or printed) to your teacher so they know not to charge you for fabric and trimmings. Bring glasses if you wear them for close-up work


Bring info for all levels:

- Bring your glasses if you need them for close-up work
- For fabric shop & sewing machine info click here
- Wash your fabric first and to iron it (testing the iron temperature first on a small piece). Cord and denim needs to be handwashed/wrung and drip dried (not machine spun) as it often creases permanently
- We provide, but bring if you have them: sewing machines, scissors, pins, chalk and tape measures, students also have access to our Overlocker.
- If you’re still not sure what to bring please contact us for advice.

Improvers/Intermediate/Experienced should bring:

  • Need to choose a project? please click here to see sewing project options, what to bring and how many classes to book per project - you can ask us if not sure by emailing us at [email protected] - you can attach an image of what you want to make or describe it. 
  • If you are making clothes bring your pattern, fabric and notions as stated on back of your pattern envelope (zips, buttons, lining, fusible interfacing etc) - for help buying patterns and fabric please read the Pre-course pattern and fabric buying trip checklist
  • If making clothes, wear thin trousers (with few or no pockets) or leggings and a vest top for making clothes so we can fit the pattern to you and/or take full measurements.
  • For making other items bring whatever you need to complete your project.
  • Bring a pot of good quality plastic or glass headed dressmaking pins for all projects