179 Courses

Mending garments extends their life. Learn how to properly sew buttons, restore stitching, fix hems, and employ undetectable repairing techniques. You'll also appreciate the social and artistic sides of mending with others, as well as lowering your carbon footprint by avoiding fast fashion. Book your place today and revamp your wardrobe with some basic but efficient clothing mending techniques!

Half day sewing workshop - creating leggings using stretch fabric and an overlocker or sewing machine.

Run from our indoor workshop in Tenterden, Kent, we’ve put this one-day leather working course together for anyone with an interest in leather, craft, or who simply wants to explore another avenue of bushcraft. You don’t need any previous experience with leather working as you will learn the core skills and techniques on the course. It’s a perfect introduction to making traditional leather items. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable day, join our experienced craftsman, Paul Bradley, in a leather working day that focuses on leather work tools, design and construction. We have designed this course around the making of a simple notebook holder. We have chosen this as a project as it covers all the basic skills required to produce almost any small leather goods. There is also large scope for customisation of your project. Along the way you will learn about different leathers, techniques and tools. Typically, you will, under the expert guidance and instruction of Paul Bradley: - Use the provided pattern to produce a leather cover for a standard 5.5 x 3.5 notebook - Be guided on how to design and draw out and customise a pattern - Learn all about the different tools used in leather working and how to use them - Learn how to cut out, assemble and mark for stitching - Learn and practice the techniques of the traditional saddle stitch to complete the assembly of your notebook - Learn how to finish your project with edge burnishing techniques and other small but important details that add to the overall professional look. A really great chance to begin a lifetime of making beautiful things! About us and the venue: Jack Raven Bushcraft was founded in 2011 and we've been delivering bushcraft, craft and foraging courses since then from our 30 acre private ancient woodland on the Kent Downs in an area of outstanding natural beauty. This course is held in a purpose built indoor workshop. What's included in the price? All tools, equipment and materials are provided, as well as a free notebook to take away with you. Tea and coffee provided. Cancellation policy Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts

MASTERCLASS: LEARN PROFESSIONAL LEATHER CRAFT, SEWING AND LEATHERGOODS CONSTRUCTION SKILLS One teacher, five students KEY FEATURES OF THIS COURSE:– Understanding and working with leather– Learning leather hand sewing– Learning leather machine sewing– Realising samples of bag features– Realising two finished leather items Experience a comprehensive two-week Leather Craft and Sewing Masterclass, merging theory with hands-on learning Explore essential techniques for working with leather, vegan alternatives, and fabric. Proficiently handle hand tools, master hand-sewing, and operate industrial machines. Cover material selection, finishing and construction methods.Gain insights into the technical aspects of leatherworking, including preparation, marking, cutting, gluing, reinforcing, skiving, debossing, and more.Participants receive thorough instruction in professional sewing techniques on diverse industrial machines, along with specialised saddle stitching training. Create personalised samples to enhance practical skills.Conclude the masterclass with the ability to craft entirely handmade simple leather items, showcasing acquired skills in both machine-stitched and saddle-stitched styles.Facilitated by a prototype maker and manufacturer, the course offers a professional journey into common leatherworking practices.Participants also receive valuable handouts and curated lists of leather and tool suppliers for ongoing reference.   Here is a concise summary of the topics covered during the classes: LEATHER, VEGAN LEATHER, AND HAND TOOLS:Understanding leather types, tanning, finishings and best useExploring different types of vegan leathers and their featuresComparing leather and vegan leather: pros and cons from a manufacturer’s perspectiveImportance of choosing the right materials and tools for projectsLeather preparation, pattern placement and markingCutting complex shapes with various toolsUsing leather punches, skiving, beveling and creasingFinishing leather edges: painting vs. burnishingUtilising leather glues, tapes and reinforcementsExploration of prototyping and manufacturing leather goods, encompassing varied working methods, machines, and tools.   MACHINE AND HAND SEWING:Understanding industrial sewing machines and their differencesSelecting the right sewing machine for specific materials and constructionsOperating a lock stitch walking foot machineThreading industrial sewing machinesAchieving correct tension in sewingUnderstanding thread types and needle sizesLearning to sew leather, distinguishing it from other materialsCorrectly sewing various leather types, ranging from thin to very thickSewing straight lines, curves and creating parallel seamsProducing various seams and seam finishesBasics of saddle stitching leather and understanding related tools and materials   CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES:Sewing and finishing a simple zip on leatherCutting, assembling and sewing simple straps/handlesIncorporating basic lining types in projectsConstructing and sewing common gussetsComprehending the use of reinforcements and stabilisers and their application in the craft of accessory making   LEATHER GOODS MAKING:Creating two finalised leather items from chosen designs such as card holders, purses, clutches, glass covers and similar accessories.# By the end of the tuition, you will have:– Developed confidence in utilising specific tools for leather preparation, marking, finishing, cutting and fastening fittings.– Acquired an understanding of working with diverse leather types and thicknesses, with the ability to source and select appropriate tools and materials for your projects.– Mastered essential leather sewing techniques, troubleshooting common sewing issues and handling challenges such as curves, multiple layers of leather and various surface textures.– Learned to sew fundamental bag components like simple zips, straps, and gussets, along with reinforcing specific areas of a bag.– Built confidence in sewing with both industrial machines and by hand, gaining the skills to independently create simple leather items. Included in the course:You will be provided with useful paper handouts which contain:– A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), including a description of what they are and how they are used– A list of recommended suppliers for both leather and fittings (physically in London and online)– A glossary containing essential key words related to the topic of the lesson– A glossary containing information about leather types and characteristics– A glossary containing information about needle and thread types   What are the entry requirements? This course is suitable for total beginners, beginners with some experience and intermediate.You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions.   Are there any other costs? Materials are included.   Is there anything I need to bring? Feel free to bring a notepad, if you would like to take some notes, we will provide the rest.   How long is this tuition? This tuition will require two consecutive weeks / 50 hours to be completed.We aim to provide customised and high quality tuition services and by only allowing up to 5 students at a time, we are able to focus on each person needs and interests.   IMPORTANT TO KNOW: We aim to cover as much of the syllabus as possible. Depending on your ability and prior experience, we may not complete the entire program or we might delve into additional techniques related to the listed topics, including:Advanced finishing techniques (piping, binding, folding)More complex styles of zipsUtilising different machine feet, tools, and equipment in your sewingExploring various fittings, closure types, fastening techniques, and tools (sam browns, magnets, pop buttons, eyelets, etc.)Understanding the importance and application of construction sequences and reference notes during item construction

Creative textiles, spend an inspiring day with Hannah from Stitching Kitchen. Raid the fabric stash, go crazy with embellishments, make use of the machines and fabric paints too - let your imagination really flow.

Join us for a weekly coffee and craft session at Stitching Kitchen. It is an informal drop in session running every Tuesday from 6 til 7:30.

Get 6 weeks of quality sewing me time with Helen at the Stitching Kitchen sewing studio - Wednesday evenings!

Join us every Friday for a cuppa and cake from 10am to 12:30pm. Bring along your stitching, crochet, knitting, mending, WIPs and UFOs

Join Nicola Allen at Stitching Kitchen to create natural Christmas wreaths during this half day workshop. You can choose to make a lush green foliage wreath or a contemporary cones and berries wreath.

Join us for a festive evening, up cycling an old jumper to become your Christmas jumper