Learn to sew a zipped piped cushion cover

Learn to sew a gorgeous piped cushion cover with a semi concealed zip.

Take your sewing skills and your handmade cushions to the next level by learning how to make your own piping and attaching it to a project.

You will learn:

• How to make piping using cord and bias binding
• How to neatly join piping ends
• How to insert a zip into a seam alongside piping so that it is semi concealed
• How to finish raw edges neatly using the overcast foot

The planned finished size of the cushion cover will be 40cm x 40cm square but you can choose to alter the size depending on your needs. 

Supplies

What will be provided:

• White bias binding
• Piping
• White standard zip
• Use of sewing machines and tools 
• Photographic handout of the skills learnt in the workshop will be emailed to you after the class
• Cushion pad is not supplied

You will need to bring:

• 0.5m medium weight woven fabric (not stretchy)
• Matching/co-ordinating machine thread (a selection of Gutermann threads are available to buy at the studio)

Cost £50

Lorna says:

“Piping takes your cushion covers to a really professional level. Inserting a zip alongside piping isn't easy so I will be there with you every step of the way to help you achieve success. This is an ideal progression from a level 2 class.”

Children’s sewing class –

Learn to sew fabric bookmarks

This class is ideal for children who have never used a sewing machine before or if they don't feel that confident. Time will be spent at the beginning going through how to use the machine and practising. If your child has used a machine before then they will be able to crack on with the project and have more time to create!

In this children’s sewing class, you will learn how to make some fabulous fabric bookmarks.  Be inspired, unleash your creativity and learn a fantastic skill at the same time. There are 2 types of bookmarks and each one can be completely unique as you can customise them as you wish.

For children in Year 5 and above.

Equipment and Materials:

• Janome sewing machines and basic sewing tools provided to use.
• All fabric and materials for the project are included.
• Soft drinks/biscuits included.

Other points to note:

• Finger guards will be fitted to the sewing machines which prevent fingers getting too close to the sewing needle
• I have an up to date DBS check

Other points to note:

• There will be a selection of fabrics to choose from. Alternatively if you would prefer to supply your own fabric just let me know and I can give you the dimensions.

Cost £25 

Learn to sew a sewing machine cover

• How to use a piping foot
• How to sew neat piping
• How to insert a snap fastening using Prym variopliers

• Full use of Janome sewing machines and Prym tools
• Prym snap fastening and interfacing if inserting a snap fastening
• Piping and bias binding

• Fabric - You will need 1m of woven fabric or a pack of fat quarters. Medium weight cottons/ denims/ upholstery weight fabrics would work well
• Machine thread - you can use a contrasting thread to make the top stitching stand out.

Project from Closet Core patterns with permission

Bookings

Learn to sew a pair of pyjama trousers

Learn to sew a pair of pyjama trousers in this 2 part sewing course.

It is an ideal first dressmaking project or for those that haven’t sewn following a pattern before.

The learn to sew a pair of pyjama trousers class will be run over 2 sessions. You must be able to attend both dates to complete the workshop.

Tuesday 11th October 2022 10-12.30pm 

Tuesday 18th October 2022 10-12.30pm 

LOCATION:

This workshop will take place at the All About The Sew sewing studio in Knowle, Solihull. For further info on the studio see here.

The 2 part class will use the Tilly and the Buttons Jaimie pyjama trouser pattern.

“Jaimie is an ideal first sewing project for newbies, or a quick and satisfying make for existing stitch addicts. Choose between full-length pyjama bottoms or flirty boyfriend shorts, with optional drawstring detail. The low-rise, elasticated waist and relaxed-fit leg make these PJs oh so comfy to wear. You’ll never want to get dressed when you’re wearing your Jaimie jammies!” (taken from the Tilly and the Buttons website)

You will learn how to:

• Take essential body measurements and select your pattern size
• Identify pattern pieces required
• Lengthen/shorten pattern pieces if required
• Accurately cut out pattern pieces
• Sew an elasticated waistband
• Identify the grainline of the fabric and lay out pattern pieces correctly
• Follow a commercial sewing pattern
• Sew automatic buttonholes (this is an optional extra for the drawstring version. If you want to keep it simple leave those out)

For more confident sewists, there is an option to add in seam pockets.

What is included:

• Paper pattern and step by step instruction booklet worth £13.00 (this will be sent to you prior to the workshop).
• Full tuition in order to make your garment

Pattern sizing

The Jaimie sewing pattern is sized between UK sizes 4-24. Size 4 is an XS size which is perfect for tweens and teenagers. Tilly and the Buttons have also added  sizes 9 and 10 to several of their patterns (UK 22 and 24), increasing their size range even further.

For a larger image of the sizing chart please see here.

You will need to measure yourself in order to know how much fabric to get. You cannot compare to high street sizes. Please get in touch if you are uncertain.

You will need to measure your waist, hip and inside leg. Please refer to my blog post on measuring yourself accurately for help with the waist and hip measurements.

You will need to get:

• Fabric

Shorts:

For 115cm/45″ wide fabrics you will need 1m for all sizes

For 150cm/60″ wide fabrics you will need 1m for all sizes

Trousers:

For 115cm/45″ wide fabrics you will need 2.5m for all sizes

For 150cm/60″ wide fabrics, Sizes 0-3: 1.7m, Sizes 4-6: 2.1m, Sizes 7-10: 2.5m

• 25mm (1″) wide elastic – the length of your low waist measurement (where your shorts or pyjamas are likely to sit) – this is available to buy in the studio
• For the drawstring version you will need either ribbon/cord or some of your main fabric to make the drawstring.
• Optional – trim to go round the bottom of the shorts or trousers e.g. ric rac, ribbon, pom poms

Fabric suggestions: 

Light- to medium-weight woven fabrics such as cotton lawn, shirting, “quilting cotton”, flannel, double gauze and viscose (rayon).

Please give me a call if you are in any doubt about fabric choices or suggestions of where to buy from.

It is recommended to pre wash your fabric before the workshop as it is likely to shrink a little in the first wash.

Cost £70

Lorna says:

” We all need pyjamas and how amazing to make your own where you can choose just the right fabric you like and make them to fit you. Whether you need to make them shorter or longer, with pockets, shorts….anything is possible! I love my Jaimie pyjama trousers and have made several pairs of shorts for teenagers including one pair that uses mix and match fat quarters.”

Bookings

LeanLearn to sew a hoodie - the Sew Over It Drew hoodie

• Tips on cutting stretch fabric accurately
• Top tips on how to sew with stretch fabric on a regular sewing machine
• Neatly top stitch on stretch fabrics - using a twin needle is optional
• Insert eyelets with Prym variopliers (if choosing this version)
• Sew buttonholes on stretch fabric (if choosing this version)
• How to sew and attach a lined hood
• How to use ribbing for cuffs and waistband

• Paper pattern and step by step instruction booklet - this will be sent to you in advance of the class if booked sufficiently in advance (this is a PDF only pattern but you will receive a printed version for the class. After the class you will receive a code from Sew Over It to download the PDF pattern free from their site).
• Full tuition in order to make your garment
• Cord and eyelets

• Fabric - approximately 2.8m-4m (depends on your size). Upon booking you will be given guidance on how much fabric you will need based on your measurements.

• Optional :
• Ribbing - You can use separate ribbing for the cuffs, hem band or use the same fabric as the main garment if it has enough stretch

Learn to sew a dress in a day –

The Tilly and the Buttons Lotta dress

• Sewing pattern – Tilly and the Buttons Lotta dress pattern worth £15.50 - this will be sent to you in advance for a small amount of pre workshop preparation.
• Tea/coffee/soft drinks
• Use of Janome sewing machines
• All sewing tools provided for you to use in order to complete the project

• Lunch - please bring your own or feel free to pop into Knowle to get some lunch from the local shop/cafe.
• Materials for dress project to include fabric, matching thread, interfacing (for woven version), your waist measurement in 1cm wide elastic. You will be advised on how much fabric to bring and what sort of fabric to choose prior to the course.
• If you would like to use your overlocker too either finish off the seams on the woven dress or use it to sew up the stretchy version then feel free to bring it along.
• Suggested fabrics:
• Woven version - light to medium weight drapey fabric (nothing too stiff) like chambray, viscose, rayon, gingham, tencel, double guaze, cotton lawn, linen.
• Stretchy version: - single knit jersey, stretch velvet, light weight French Terry.

Cost: £120