This first session in our Techniques Masterclass series focuses on giving you the skills to neatly and accurately sew different seams, hems and buttonholes.
We will also cover important sewing techniques such as top-stitching and under-stitching, and you will learn how to sew on buttons using your sewing machine.
Using the correct sewing techniques will vastly improve the quality of your finished garment.
So, tapping into over 40 years of sewing experience, I will share with you all my tips and tricks.
You will learn:
The importance of stay-stitching and how to sew it – we will also look at other techniques that can be used instead.
What under-stitching is used for and how to sew it.
Techniques for neat and accurate top-stitching.
Methods of edge-finishing seams.
How to sew French seams and when to use them.
How to sew flat fell seams and when to use them.
How to sew faux flat fell seams and when to use them.
How measure and sew neat buttonholes.
How to sew on buttons by hand and using your sewing machine.
Different methods for sewing neat hems.
We will provide fabric for you to sew samples that you can take home for future reference.
Skill Level:
Confident beginner: Suitable for anyone that can sew basic items such as cushion covers and tote bags and who would like to start dressmaking.
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 further workshop bookings made whilst attending the workshop (excluding Social Sewing and Sip ‘n’ Sew).
Free parking (Burghley Street carpark is the nearest).
You will need to bring (all materials are available to purchase from our studio at the event):
Thread (we recommend Gutermann Sew-All thread);
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;
Tutor:
Leanne de Lima Araujo – Leanne is the owner of Gather ‘N’ Sew. Her family and friends will tell you that when she is not at work, she is on her sewing machine making garments, quilts, soft furnishings, bags and gifts. Leanne has been teaching for over 10 years and has also designed most of the bags, quilts and other items taught in our workshops. 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.
For all workshops (apart from Know Your Machine) you will need to know how to use a sewing machine without assistance.
To save time we highly recommend that you wind your bobbin and thread your machine at home.
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.
