Previously known as our ‘Know Your Machine’ workshop, this is a friendly and relaxed experience perfect for complete beginners who are starting out on their sewing journey.
Bring along your sewing machine and learn everything you need to know to get you started with your first sewing project.
You will learn:
Your machine’s different parts – what they are and what they are for;
The most common sewing machine feet and how to change them;
The different types of sewing machine needles and how to change them;
The different types of sewing threads and which are the best to use;
How to wind the bobbin and insert it in the machine;
How to thread up your machine;
How to use the different stitches on your machine;
How to check your machine’s thread tension and adjust it if required;
How to sew a simple seam;
How to edge finish your seams to prevent fraying;
How to sew a buttonhole; and
How to troubleshoot the most common problems.
Skill Level:
Complete beginner – Suitable for anyone that has never used a sewing machine before, and no prior knowledge of sewing is required.
What is included:
Fabric;
Detailed notes for future reference;
Use of our tools and equipment;
Expert instruction;
Maximum of class size of 6 people;
Your own desk with a storage cupboard underneath;
Tea/coffee and biscuits (sewing essentials!);
10% discount on purchases made whilst attending the workshop;
Free parking (Burghley Street carpark is the nearest).
You will need to bring:
Thread (we recommend Gutermann Sew-All thread);
An empty bobbin;
Your sewing machine (including the pedal!!). All machines must be in good working order and should we deem a sewing machine unsafe, you will not be allowed to use it. However, please let us know in advance if you need to use one of ours at a cost of £5 per workshop;
Your sewing machine’s manual;
Any tools and attachments that you have for your sewing machine.
(All materials are available to purchase in our shop)
Tutor:
Leanne de Lima Araujo – Leanne is the owner of Gather ‘N’ Sew and has been teaching popular sewing workshops for 10 years. She loves to share her passion for sewing and believes that everyone can sew. Her sewing adventures began over 40 years ago when she was allowed to turn the handle on her Mum’s Singer sewing machine and since then when she is not at work, she is busy making garments, quilts, soft furnishings, bags and gifts. Most of the bags, quilts and other items taught in our workshops have been designed by Leanne. Find out more.
Booking Information:
How To Book:
All workshops must be paid for in full at the time of booking.
Bookings may be made online, over the phone or in the shop and can be made up to 24 hours before the start of the workshop provided there are spaces available.
Due to the limited availability of places and the costs incurred in running a workshop, payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable unless someone can be found to take your place. So, please check your diary carefully before making a booking.
By booking a workshop you agree to all of our terms and conditions.
Cancellations:
In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel a booking, please contact us as soon as possible. Sometimes we have a waiting list and may be able to find someone to replace you.
In the unlikely event that we will need to cancel a workshop due to not having enough attendees to make the workshop viable, staff illness or exceptional circumstances, we will give you at least 24 hours notice via e-mail and offer you a transfer, full refund, or voucher.
If you are running late for a workshop, please ring us to let us know. Unfortunately, if you are more than half an hour late, you will be unable to attend as there won’t be enough time to catch up and it will be disruptive to the other attendees.
Attending the Workshop:
Within one week of booking, we will send you a confirmation e-mail. If you don’t receive one, please check your spam/junk folder.
The e-mail will include a full list of materials required, all of which are available to purchase in the shop or from our website. Please contact us ASAP with any queries.
All materials required must be purchased prior to attending the workshop.
A reminder e-mail will be sent one week before the workshop date.
Please arrive a little before the start of the workshop so you can get set up and there is no delay or disruption to other workshop attendees. Admittance to the classroom will be permitted 15 minutes before the start of the class.
Details of nearby parking facilities are listed on our Visit Us page.
