The Stitch Studio

## Discover Your Sewing Superpowers: The Beginner Skirt Course.

Are you ready to transform textiles into beautiful, wearable art? Join our inspiring course and embark on a **warm, supportive journey** to master the magical craft of sewing!

This isn't just about making a skirt; it's about igniting a **passion for new skills** and joining a thriving, **community-focused movement**.

### What You'll Learn & Create:

- **Foundation Skills:** You'll build confidence from the ground up, diving deep into the secrets of **fabric types**, the precision of **pattern cutting**, the artistry of **designing**, and the technical joy of **sewing**. We'll cover all the small, crucial details that elevate your creation from handmade to professional.

- **Your Signature Skirt:** The heart of the course is constructing a **simple, perfectly fitted skirt pattern** drafted precisely to **your own measurements**.

  - You'll start by testing and refining this pattern with a cotton 'toile' (test garment), ensuring a flawless fit before you cut into your chosen fabric.

- **Expert Guidance, Your Pace:** Your dedicated tutor will be by your side, guiding you through every step: mastering tricky elements like **darts** and **seam allowance**, confidently installing a **zipper**, and achieving a perfect **hem**. We encourage you to **work at your own pace** and passionately **develop your unique style**.

- **Make It 'Yours':** Learn the techniques and design choices that truly make the garment **'yours'**—turning a simple skirt into a unique expression of your creativity.

### Beyond the Skirt: Join Our Stitch Community!

Once you’ve successfully completed your skirt and developed these foundational skills, your sewing journey is just beginning! You can continue to advance your abilities in our further courses, or, better yet:

- **Join our wonderful Adult Stitch Community!** Work on your own personal projects weekly with the **ongoing support and camaraderie** of your tutor and fellow stitchers.

The Stitch Studio has witnessed the creation of countless beautiful, unique garments—from stunning **prom dresses to sharp work outfits** and everything fabulous in between. We can't wait to see what **you** create next!

The groups are small (a maximum of 4/5) and there is always a lovely atmosphere of collaboration and fun to them.

Dress/Pattern Making

Anna Kalyan

Great class! It’s small and intimate, with all equipment provided except for your choice of garment and pattern.. The  teacher Christina is really helpful and very experienced. This enables you alter outfits if the formal pattern doesn’t quite suit your requirements, so you end up with a garment that fits well and is just for you. I really look forward to my Monday night class and would definitely recommend it. 

Nams Shah

I did the initial ' Getting started with your sewing machine' over 2 evenings and loved the experience so much I went onto joining the Dressmaking courses. Sam and Christina run a great club feel - so alongside the social element I was also learning so much each week. 
Thoroughly recommended! 

Eliza Dashwood

I’ve learned about creating a pattern based on my own measurements and have created my first custom made to measure blouse with help from my lovely instructor. I highly recommend this class for anyone new to dressmaking or anyone who needs a refresher on making ones own garments in a friendly environment. 

Shree

I have learnt to cut a pattern for a skirt so that it fits me and it is a very satisfying experience.  

Hannah Toms

I am completely new to sewing and absolutely loved coming along to stitch club. Christina is a great and patient teacher who talks you through what you need to start you off. I’m looking forward to the next course!

Sharon  Tozzi 

Super, friendly group led by Christina, whose support and knowledge encourages you to learn.

Dressmaking / Patternmaking for beginners or to build on existing skills

Beginners Dress / Pattern Making Course

Ready to finally make that perfect cushion, a chic new top, or just want a dedicated space to sew with friendly support? Our **weekly open sewing sessions** are designed for you!

We believe sewing is more fun together, so our sessions are focused on building a **creative community** where we share time, laughter, and knowledge.

### **Skill Builder Sessions** **- Beginners & Improvers**

These sessions are booked in **4-week blocks**, offering the perfect structure to develop your skills from the ground up.

**Absolute Beginners:** Not sure where to start? We'll provide you with the basics! You'll gain confidence and comfort in our creative space while making your new favourite items, whether it's homeware or clothes.

**Improvers:** Have some experience but want to tackle a new project? We'll work together to choose a project that will build your skills and help you confidently sew your own creations.

Starter project ideas often include: A Cushion Cover, A Drawstring Bag, A Toiletry / Make-up Zip Pouch, A Simple Garment

**Improver/Intermediate.** Confident with your machine and ready for a deeper dive?

Need help with a tricky technique or just want some dedicated time to sew? **Bring anything:** an untouched pattern, a half-made piece, or even an upcycle.

**Enjoy 2 hours** of focused sewing time. You'll always work at your own pace and interests with our guidance and support. **Benefit from guidance** and access to professional tools and space - without having to tidy up at the end!

Weekly Open Sewing Club for absolute beginners, improvers & beyond

Adult Stitch Club

Ready to stop feeling intimidated by the sewing machine and start creating? If you're an **absolute beginner** unsure of where to start, this course is your clear, supportive pathway to machine sewing confidence.

Our workshops are designed to move at **your own pace**, providing personalized answers to your questions and fostering a supportive, creative community. You'll not only master a new skill but also join the growing movement of **environmental fabric re-use** by learning to create your own items.

### What You Will Learn

This workshop structure ensures you build fundamental skills and machine confidence through hands-on projects:

**Understanding Your Machine:** Gain full confidence in operating your machine, including threading, winding bobbins, and knowing how and when to select different stitches.

**Fundamental Practice:** Learn to sew in a straight line and turn corners neatly with essential stitch practice.

**Pattern & Cutting Basics:** Master basic pattern layout and material cutting techniques.

### Build Your Skill Set Through Projects

You'll apply your new knowledge immediately by completing several practical and beautiful projects:

**Projects**

**Simple Fold Over Cushion Cover (16" x 16")** Learning to thread, select stitches, and sew straight lines/corners.

**(extension) Lined Drawstring Toiletry Bag**

**\
Join Our Community**

These sessions are perfectly suited for **absolute beginners** or anyone looking for a thorough refresher.

All participants aged **16 and over are welcome** to join our creative space.

Ready to confidently sit down at a sewing machine and start making?

For absolute beginners and improvers curious about how to sew accessories, clothes or homewares

Confident Beginner Machine Sewing Workshop

If you are a beginner or feeling a bit rusty we will give you a basic introduction to using a sewing machine to enable you to sew a seam and top stitch to neatly finish off. 

There will be a selection of  fabrics and bits and bobs for you to work with, but if you have a special garment, baby sheet or other fabric you would like to upcycle into a special item, bring it along.

We will discuss the best way to work with your fabric and how to make your stocking unique and special to you. You can decorate your stocking or sack, for example appliqué a letter or patch a selection of fabrics together.

The workshop is held in our dedicated Stitch Studio where you will have access to all sorts of bits and bobs to embellish your work. Sam will be on hand throughout to guide and troubleshoot with you to ensure that you have the confidence to create the best christmas stocking or sack while building your sewing and making skills.

For absolute beginners who would like to start using a sewing machine and those who want to brush up rusty skills.

Unwrap Your Machine: Learn to Sew with a Festive Christmas Stocking

In a relaxed, informal environment, you will learn how to sew simple projects from scratch using your sewing machine or one of ours.

This 6 hour workshop is an introduction to your machine – how it works, how to thread it, select stitches, sew a seam and basic trouble-shooting.

An introduction to using fabric – how to design and plan a project and selecting and working with fabric and threads. If there is time we will also make a matching zippy bag.

By the end of the workshops you should feel sufficiently confident to go home and get started on your own machine and/or join our dressmaking workshop – AND you will have a lovely tote bag and, time depending, zippy bag to inspire you.

Use of our materials, haberdashery and machines is included. If you want to bring your own sewing machine please bring your instruction book.

Getting Started with your Sewing Machine, Make a Tote Bag and Zip Purse

Coral  Driver 

I thoroughly enjoyed my first session and learned so much that I previously did not know about my sewing machine. I loved the friendly and relaxed learning environment- and felt able to put my new skills to work straight away.  Thank you for a brilliant day - I’m looking forward to booking a future course!

Getting Started with your Sewing Machine, Make a Tote Bag

Rita Bakrania

Was enjoyable class learned a lot. I would go back again.

Annabelle Boal

I really enjoyed my session. It was very helpful and inspiring in a warm and bright  environment. I came away with a lovely tote bag which I hope to replicate. 

Parul Joshi-Shah

It was wonderful experience. Sam was very gentle and very thoroughly explained and taught how to use  my machine. I made cushion cover and zip wallet. Very happy with my sawing experience. Great thing is now I can use my sawing machine 😃

Jess Choy

The time flew by and i left with an amazing tote bag! The class surpassed my expectations and Sam was a great teacher.  I am a complete beginner and now I’m going go get my own machine and apply what I’ve learned so would highly recommend. Thanks Sam. 

Elizabeth Dalby

Great day, had fun, made a bag. Really enjoyed it. Highly recommend. Relaxed atmosphere, really great learning environment. ☺️

Helen Laleendra

I have enjoyed making the tote bag. You have provided a nice environment to make learning process easier. The pace of the learning process was suitable for me. It’s good that you sent us the notes to download later. This will help me to go back and remember the things learned.
Thank you.

Roma Agrawal

Absolutely loved learning from Sam! I was a total novice with the machine, and left with wonderful items that I made. Sam talked me through how the machine works, different fabrics, threads and techniques used to create accessories and clothes. Highly recommend.

HINA Khan

Sam was a great teacher and it was a really joyous experience. Looking forward to signing up soon for another course!

Andrea Joseph

Just what l needed to revive my creativity!!!
I recently attended my first two stitch club sessions after not sewing for some years . Our tutor was excellent working at every ones pace. I learnt new techniques and she shared creative style and perspective to the benefits of sewing. I left feeling proud and inspired as l made a tote bag and pyjama bottoms . I now feel confident to practice the techniques and sewing other pieces independently. Thank you for making us feel welcome ,a safe place where we learn with out the pressure of feeling less than if we don't get things right the first time...

Amerjit Basra

This session was really calm and there was no pressure. I felt well supported and feel confident enough to use a sewing machine. I created a bag as well as learned all about different fabrics and techniques. I am an absolute beginner and Sam was right by my side in our little group session in a pretty setting. I would definitely recommend and would consider going on another course.  

Natalie Fernandes

Excellent pace, friendly teacher and a lovely atmosphere making the day an informative as well as fun experience. Thank you!

Michelle Griffin

Sam was a great teacher and the small class size  meant we were all able to get almost one to one tuition. I'm a complete beginner to sewing but this has made me want to do more! Would definitely recommend. 

Hina Khan

Sam was lovely as always- super patient and a great teacher. Her studio is cosy and filled with inspirational ideas from all the beautiful pieces she has made. Given I have previously done the tote bag course, she was completely accomodating of letting me make a cushion this time. I had another wonderful day with her!

Kulvinder Kaur

This was my second time doing this class and Sam is always very kind and gives very clear instructions. She is always willing to answer any questions  and clears all doubts. Attending this class has given me more confidence and I hope to try some projects of my own. Highly recommend this class if you want to get to know your sewing machine . 

For absolute beginners and those who want to brush up rusty skills. Apply your skills as you familiarise yourself with the sewing machine.

Ready to move forward with your sewing skills? Our bespoke sessions are designed to be entirely flexible, focusing on **your learning journey and creative goals.**

### **Personalised 1:1 Sessions**

These sessions are simply about giving you dedicated time and attention to achieve exactly what you want.

- **Your Session, Your Focus:** We'll start with a chat about **what you want to achieve**, and together we'll work out the best way to use the session time.

- **Machine Choice:** You can choose to work with **your own sewing machine**, try out one of the Studio’s reliable **Janomes**, or spend the time developing your **hand embroidery skills**.

- **Thoughtful Gifting:** A one-to-one session can make a wonderful present—especially if the recipient has also just received a sewing machine!

### **Private Group Workshops**

If you'd like to learn alongside friends or family, we can easily arrange a dedicated session just for your group.

- **Customised Planning:** Just **get in touch with your ideas**, preferred dates, and requirements, and we'll create a workable plan and quote for you.

We look forward to helping you learn and create!

One-To-One or One-To-Two Sewing Session for beginners or more advanced

Adele Sproate

I recently booked a sewing class for my daughter to help her with her machine sewing , attending the class she found the experience knowledgeable,lovely place to learn and gave her confidence to start sewing, highly recommend the sewing classes with Sam and will attend again.

Sewing Session for beginners or more advanced

Tina Charalambous

I’ve had 2 sewing classes so far with Sam the 2 hours go too quickly,  enjoyed learning to make a skirt and learning how to read a pattern.  Would definitely recommend a one to one class.  Thank you

Bespoke Sewing Session for beginners or more advanced 1-2-1 or 1-2-2

Maxine  Hall 

Brilliant! Lovely inspiring work area, lovely ladies, so helpful and gave me extra time as I was late arriving due to getting lost! I got lots of helpful tips and I’m looking forward to going again as part of a small group. 

Rachel He ghes

Sam was very fríe and knowledgeable. She was also a good teacher and made my lesson an enjoyable experience. 

Sonia Shearlock

I had a 1-1 Stitch session, on my sewing machine ( as a newbie to it all!)  with Sam and she was so warm and patient with me… and I made a tote bag for my Mum, which she loved 🥰 . Thanks Sam!

Rebekah Gershuny

I really enjoyed my 1-2-1 lesson. Learnt a lot and found the whole experience relaxing enjoyable and very therapeutic. 

Shalisa Ogeer

I had a fantastic experience in this sewing class. Jacqui was patient, knowledgeable. The lessons were well-structured, starting with the basics and gradually building confidence through hands-on practice.

I especially appreciated the clear demonstrations, personalized guidance, and the friendly, encouraging atmosphere. By the end of the course, I not only completed a project I’m proud of, but I also gained skills I can keep building on.

Highly recommended for beginners and anyone looking to improve their sewing skills!

Denise Brennan

Absolutely Brilliant.
Jacqui was so patient with me, despite my being temporarily, I hope, blind as a bat.
Thank you so much..

Learn a new technique, get some guidance with developing an idea or create a tailor made session for some time out.

Learn how to use a sewing machine and apply these skills as you plan and sew a simple patched cushion cover or tote bag using your sewing machine or one of ours.

An introduction to your machine – how it works, how to thread it, select stitches, sew a seam and basic trouble-shooting.

An introduction to using fabric – how to design and plan a project and selecting and working with fabric and threads.

By the end of the workshop you will be sufficiently confident to go home and get started on your own machine and/or join our dressmaking workshop – AND you will have a cushion or tote bag to inspire you.

Use of our materials, haberdashery, a cushion insert and machines is included.

If you want to bring your own sewing machine please bring your instruction book and remember to pack the foot pedal.

Get Started with your Sewing Machine – Make a Simple Patched Cushion Cover

Emma Vick

Learnt how to use my sewing machine at last, made (and finished) a lovely patchwork bag and had a very enjoyable day.  Many thanks Sam. Looking forward to another class with the Stitch Club.

Get Started with your Sewing Machine – Make a Simple Patched Cushion or Tote Bag

Helen Beavis

Thank you Sam for a really lovely day.  You were so informative, patient and helpful as well as being a great teacher.  I love my cushion cover that I made and really look forward to learning new skills in the future.

Safina Choudhury

The tutor, the lesson was excellent. We went at a good pace, the explanation was very easy to follow, and the day was well structured. I learnt so much. In just a short period I feel I have the confidence and skills to invest in my own sewing machine. Many thanks for an enjoyable day, and I'm now the proud owner of this tote bag, which I made myself.

The beginners class I attended was absolutely fantastic. I became friends with my sewing machine. Sam is a kind warm and helpful person and I was comfortable throughout my time there .. though I made quite a few mistakes. I would highly recommend Sam’s class and I’m looking forward to attending more classes with her. 

Despo Speel

I was very happy to learn how to use a sewing machine and make my own cushio

Vasanthi Chara

Thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this workshop. Learnt a lot about the sewing machine, fabrics and threads. Sam is friendly and an excellent demonstrator who encouraged us and made us to take part in the workshop. I am more confident with my sewing machine now and look forward to attending dress making classes with the Pinner stitch club

Susan Kaye

Sam’s a great teacher - very accommodating and knowledgeable. Had a lovely day spent sewing and chatting to the other clients. Very relaxing environment. Would highly recommend! 

Jay  Makwana 

Has a great class with Sam in June making my first ever cushion cover. It was a lovely small class of 4 students. I used Sam’s sewing machine but she provided material, threads etc. Sam is a great teacher & guided us superbly step by step to make sure we learnt about machines, stitches, cutting/putting material together, zips, types of thread, colours, fabrics etc. I thoroughly enjoyed it, learnt a lot & will be signing up for the pyjama class soon as well as purchasing my own sewing machine. Totally recommend The Stitch Club for beginners & beyond beginners! Thanks Sam :-) 