141 Sewing Machine courses

Bring your poorly sewing machine for some TLC. In this session as part of London Repair week, I will show you how to look after your machine, common issues and how to fix them, and guaranteed you'll go home with a better understanding of how to keep your machine purring. I will talk for an hour and then there's a Q&A/ fixing session for an hour and you'll get to home with a fact sheet and some excellent quality needles (these fix 99% of all issues!). If your machine needs more fixing than can be provided during this session you can leave her, and I will fix her for the discounted rate of £30, effectively taking your ticket price off the repair cost.

learn to use your sewing machine atThe Craft Studio in Pewsey

Learn the basics of how to use your sewing machine** Join our group class and learn how to confidently use your sewing machine. We will teach you things like threading your machine, some basic terminology and how to achieve good tension.  This is a great foundation for developing your sewing skills and creativity whilst having fun! **We recommend that you bring your sewing machine to learn on as all machines are slightly different. We have a limited number of sewing machines available to borrow if needed - Please enquire at time of booking**  

Join performance artist Harriet Riddle for a day of Stitching Portraits at Stitching Kitchen

Make your own Christmas Stocking using woven fabrics and a sewing machine.

Beginners sewing clothes workshop - create pyjama bottoms using Tilly and the buttons Jaimie pattern (included in cost of workshop)

In a small way we can change the world! Come and spend sometime creating morsbags with friendly like minded sewists.

Do you want to learn to use a sewing machine but don’t know where to start? YOUR SEWING JOURNEY STARTS HERE I’ve been teaching complete beginners to sew since 2009 LEARN A LIFE-SKILL, SAVE MONEY & BOOST FEELINGS OF WELLBEING I’ve created an online video course based on my successful classes running since 2009 using the easiest-to-follow methods. It’s been tried & tested by children as young as 8 years old for a whole year….They LOVED it & we guarantee you will too! THIS COURSE IS FOR ANYONE AGED 10-100 YEARS If you’re a beginner your age doesn’t matter! Both children & adults have used this course with ease. In fact the kids are often quicker learners! ✂️ THINKING ABOUT BUYING A SEWING MACHINE? My advice is to buy BASIC. No whistles & bells!  As long as the machine can do a straight stitch & a zig zag stitch that’s all you’ll need. Most machines have a few embroidery stitches too.  Avoid toy machines & go for the most basic version of a good brand.   USING OUR HANDS CREATIVELY IS PROVEN TO MAKE US 🖐✂️🧵😃 FEEL HAPPY 😃🧵✂️🖐 You can do everything you need on a basic machine including free style embroyery Amanda Recommends… WHAT YOU’LL LEARN BLOCK 1 - FIRST THINGS FIRST ✔️Let’s look at a sewing machine ✔️Speed control & turning corners ✔️How to sew a seam ✔️How to pin, cut & place a template BLOCK 2 - THREADING UP ✔️Winding a bobbin ✔️The top thread-up ✔️Inserting a bobbin on top loaders  ✔️Inserting a bobbin on front loaders BLOCK 3 - SEW A SUNGLASSES CASE ✔️Practise what you’ve learned & achieve your first little project make ✔️Learn all about backstitch & why it’s important BLOCK 4 - ALL THE HELP YOU'LL NEED ✔️How to solve stitching issues ✔️Choosing & changing needles ✔️Getting unstuck ✔️Looking after your machine LEARNING TO SEW HAS COUNTLESS BENEFITS….. Sewing helps to extend focus & concentration. As we must concentrate for longer periods of time. It’s great for those who struggle to stay focused. It reduces time spent on social media. Instead of scrolling we use our hands creatively making. Sewing promotes good mental health. It increases self-esteem through empowerment & creativity. It makes us happy! Dexterity & hand strength improve. Cutting, pinning & making are ways of strengthening hands our tools for life! We help to save the planet by extending the life of clothes. Clothing won’t end up in landfill if we upcycle it. Extending the life of clothes by 9 months reduces their carbon footprint by 20-30% It teaches us how to save money. It’s a useful life-skill we can use to alter, update, customise, remake or repair instead of buying new things. It’s such a great feeling to be able to say “ I made it myself” WHAT DO I NEED? Not that much!  You’ve probably got most things at home already. ✂️🧵📍✏️🎧👖📄📏 You can learn at your own speed at home or sew with your friends It’s much cheaper than attending classes MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR…..AMANDA RILEY  Amanda Riley is a Fashion Designer & environmentalist. She has been teaching complete beginners the art of diy fashion and eco-sewing since 2009. After realising the horrendous environmental impact of fashion she started her masterclass workshops at The Fashion Factory, for 8-16 year olds as an antidote to fast fashion.  “ I saw an increase in social media use & the reduction of practical & creative subjects in schools. Many children are missing out on life skills, creativity, dexterity & the ability to focus. I felt I had to do something”  “My eco-sewing programme focuses on learning via upcycling unwanted textiles into cool new stuff. The products & video lessons are designed to keep young people engaged and coming back for more. I’ve ripped up the sewing rule books and introduced a new way of learning this hugely rewarding life skill.”  Her students have appeared in Vogue, in the Fashion Factory book (Amazon) & many have gone on to study for creative careers. She was selected as a top 100 changemaker in 2021 by the Big Issue.

A two hour machine sewing workshop to create your own bunting. Covering machine sewing basics and hints and tips for a professional finish.

A Christmas theme free motion embroidery workshop - drawing on the sewing machine to create Christmas themed appliqué designs.