Courses

A 10 week Sewing course suitable for beginners and anyone who wants to brush up on their existing skills. We will cover a wide range of techniques and methods that are usable for dressmaking, interior design and more creative handmade projects. These skills are taught through a variety of hands-on projects, demonstrations and guided supervision.

The knowledge and expertise you gain will be:

- Getting total control of the sewing machine.

- Mastering a variety of seams, stitches and finishings.

- Experiment with colours, pattern and fabric properties.

- How to sew zips, buttonholes, corners, curves and darts.

- Have a go at applique or patchwork to give projects a whole different twist.

- Mastering hems on all sorts of garments so shortening or lengthening becomes a doddle.

- Making your own samples useful for future references.

Dates: Thursday evenings 11 September - 4 December ( no sewing 25 Sept, 2 Oct & 30 Oct. )

Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time: Thursday evenings 7pm - 9pm.

Fee: 255 pounds.

Places: 6 spaces left.

Interested...for any questions please get in touch by email.

'Many thanks Martha for your help on the beginners course. It has given me the confidence to buy my own machine and embark on home projects.
Your lessons were relaxed and friendly and I would happily recommend them to anyone. I soon realised it was not about what we made in the lessons but about the skills involved in making the items. I will most certainly come to one of your future classes.
Thank you also for the practical advice you gave me concerning my hand tremor, by looking at ways I can work around this.'

I have just completed the 10 week introductory course and it has been fantastic. I started with no idea how to use my sewing machine and after 10 weeks I'm able to carry out simple projects using the techniques I've learned. Martha is a great teacher and the classes are fun and engaging. Highly recommended.

Absolutely loved this course. I'd never touched a sewing machine and I was really nervous about not being able to keep up with other people on the course but Martha was absolutely amazing at making sure we all had the right level of help so no one got left behind bit we could all work at our own pace. Would definitely recommend this course, it's the best thing I've done for myself in years.

I am writing a thank you message for my time on your beginner's sewing course. As someone who had tried using a sewing machine but struggled to feel confident, the course helped me understand and get to grips with it. The setting and atmosphere of the class was also very welcoming and there was a real camaraderie between us.

Thursday Sewing Sessions

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Ever wanted to make or alter your own clothes or home soft furnishings? This is a friendly group at which you get individual tuition, help and guidance along the way. Having basic sewing skills all abilities are welcome on this course, which offers all aspects of sewing:- designing, choosing fabrics and styles, mending and altering, understanding commercial patterns, measuring for pattern size, cutting out and garment construction.

Find inspiration while learning basic principles and professional finishing techniques to create great fitting original clothes, no matter your shape, size, style or experience. A group makes the experience enjoyable while ensuring that you get the individual guidance and advice you need. This is a group of like minded people that is meeting ones a week, enjoying the process of making and being creative with fabrics.

When: Thursdays mornings
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud
Time: 9.30 am - 12 noon
Fee: Per block, see below.

Term 1: 11 September - 30 October, Thursday morning sessions (No sewing 25 Sept & 2 Oct) 6 weeks. SOLD OUT.

Term 2: 6 November - 18 December, Thursday morning sessions. 6 weeks. Fee 144. 7 spaces.

Interested...? email or phone on 0784 685 3016.

Fastenings: How to sew zips, buttonholes and other skills.

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A new short 6 weeks course where you will learn a variety of skills that are very useful for any sewing project in years to come. At this course we will be sewing in zips suitable for different applications. Firstly you will be sewing in a lapped zip which is used in garment making such as trousers, dresses and skirts. Additionally you will make a bag which has a zip fastening, pocket and use other skills. You will also be taught how to make buttonholes.

At the Sewing Shed Stroud we teach in small groups which means there is lots of time for individual questions and guidance.

This course is suitable for anyone who knows how to use a sewing machine and/or has completed a 4 week short sewing course in the past.

The knowledge and expertise you gain will be:

- How to sew zips in a variety of ways.

- Learn about and experiment with colours, pattern and fabric properties.

- Get to grips with buttonholes and make them look professionally.

- Mastering a variety of seams, stitches and finishings.

- Make your own pockets and sew corners, curves and darts.

- Making your own samples useful for future references.

Dates: Friday Mornings 12 September - 31 October (no sewing 19 & 26 Sept)

Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.

Time: Friday Mornings 10 am - 12 noon.

Fee: 150 pounds.

Spaces: 5 places left.

This is what others had to say about some of the courses:

I've just completed a 4 week beginners course at the Sewing Shed and I was a complete beginner! At the end of the course I had learnt how to operate a sewing machine and made a pincushion and needle holder. I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Martha is an excellent teacher, very patient and skilled. She also encouraged our own individual creativity. I'd love to do another course at the Sewing Shed and highly recommend it others.

Wednesday Sewing Sessions.

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When: Wednesday mornings 9.30 - 12 and Wednesday afternoons 1.30 - 4.
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud
Mornings : 9.30 am - 12 noon
Afternoons: 1.30 pm - 4 pm
Fee: Per block, see below.

Term 1: 10 Sept - 29 Oct Morning sessions. (No sewing 24 Sept & 1 Oct) 6 weeks. Fee 144. 1 space.
Term 1: 10 Sept - 29 Oct Afternoon sessions. (No sewing 24 Sept & 1 Oct) 6 weeks. Fee 144. 3 spaces.

Term 2: 6 November - 18 December, Morning sessions. 6 weeks. Fee 144. 6 spaces.
Term 2: 6 November - 18 December, Afternoon sessions. 6 weeks. Fee 144. 7 spaces.

Interested...? email or phone on 0784 685 3016.

2-Day Dressmaking Retreat

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Information about the Retreat: At this retreat you will be making your own coatigan, a mix between a coat and cardigan.

You will start this 2-Day retreat with an introduction in how to read and follow a paper pattern. Then you will cut out your fabric and construct your garment. You will be shown and learn al the skills needed throughout the making process via samples and through demonstrations.

This re-treat is designed for anyone wanting to start making clothes with little or no dressmaking experience, or simply want to enjoy the art of sewing and creating! We do ask that you have used a sewing machine before and have some basic sewing skills. If you haven't got basic sewing skills yet please sign up for our short or 10 week sewing for beginners course as it is not suitable for complete beginners in sewing.

All of this will be taught in a fun and relaxed way whilst enjoying the wonderful food of Hawkwood College. During the re-treat you can enjoy the beautiful views and surroundings of this magical place.

We will cover the following:

Following a plan and cutting out your fabric correctly.
How to follow a paper pattern, learning about the pattern markings and what they mean.
Learning the art of pairing fabric and pattern.
Measuring yourself and selecting the correct size.
Tweaking fitting issues.
Understanding clothes making terminology.
Suitable seam finishes for different fabrics.
We will be using a pattern with sizing 6 - 22

Time and date:

When: 4 & 5 October.

Where: Hawkwood College, Stroud
Time: 9.30 am - 4.30/5 pm.

Included: 2-Course organic lunch, coffees, teas and homemade cake.

Fee: 295 pounds.

4 Spaces available.

Spent a lovely 2 day retreat @ Hawkwood with like minded ladies and Martha our teacher, making a coatigan. Martha took the class through the pattern and sewing step by step so no one felt left behind and spoke to everyone individually to ensure we all understood what we were doing. Would recommend this course to beginners and anyone with knowledge of sewing. Sonia.

Get to know your overlocker for beginners.

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Get as much benefit out of using your overlocker as possible. We will cover things like: how to rethread the EASY way, adjust stitch length and blade position. Understanding and adjusting the tension. How to sew corners and round edges. How to look after your machine such as replacing the needles and how to clean your machine. You will go home having gained a better understanding of how to neaten raw edges professionally and being able to change the settings with confidence.

This workshop is for beginners who can bring their own overlocker.

When: Saturday 18 October.

Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time: Saturday morning from 10 pm - 12.30

Fee: 55 pounds

Spaces: 2 left.

Interested?...Let me know so I can plan a new workshop.

I really enjoyed the overlocker beginners course. It was well-structured and paced, so that we learnt about our own machines as we went along and left ready to put them to good use straight away. Thanks again.

I recently attended the beginners overlocker course at the Sewing Shed and can thoroughly recommend it. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed with Martha being a great teacher imparting her knowledge clearly. Time was managed really well and we got through a lot in the afternoon. I am looking forward to the follow on overlocker course. Marie

Relaxed atmosphere and learned loads. I started out as an Overlocker novice and now have the confidence to have a go myself and practice the skills I’ve learned. Thanks Martha and please let me know when the next stage Overlocker course is running.

Clothes making for Beginners

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A new clothes making evening course at the Sewing Shed Stroud focusing on making your own garments.

This course is designed for anyone that wants to start making clothes with little or no dressmaking experience, or simply want to enjoy the art of sewing and creating! We do ask that you have used a sewing machine before and have basic sewing skills. If you haven't got basic sewing skills yet please sign up for our 10 week sewing for beginners course as it is not suitable for compleet beginners in sewing.

At this course you will be making a blouse/shirt which has a back yoke, a button stand at the centre front with button and buttonholes. The neckline has a simple collar and the garment has long sleeves so you will be taught how to sew sleeves into a garment. There are pockets at the front and topstitch to give it a neat finish all around the garment.

We will cover the following :

How to follow a paper pattern, learning about the pattern markings and what they mean.
Following a plan and cutting out your fabric correctly.
Learning the art of pairing fabric and pattern.
Measuring yourself and selecting the correct size.
Tweaking fitting issues.
Understanding clothes making terminology.
Suitable seam finishes for different fabrics.
We will be using a pattern with sizing 6 - 22

At the Sewing Shed Stroud we work in small groups so there is plenty of time to ask questions, receive hands on guidance and tuition.

When: Thursday evenings starting 8 May - 10 July 2025.
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time: 7pm - 9pm.

Sold Out. More spaces on the 2-Day Dressmaking Retreat at the first weekend in October.

I loved this course - beginners dressmaking. Martha is warm, patient and knowledgeable and enables an atmosphere in which you feel relaxed and able to learn. I made a lovely pair of trousers - no one more surprised than me! It was so good I have signed up to two more courses! Thank you Martha. D.H.

I did the beginners dressmaking course. I learnt lots of really useful tips that would be useful for sewing any kind of garment, to make it look more professional and less homemade. It's a lovely cozy environment, fun and great creative therapy in a little bubble away from the stresses of day to day life. Highly recommended. K. F.

I absolutely loved the Dressmaking for Beginners course. Martha is a great teacher and the 'shed' is great. Really happy with the dress I made. Have already done the Sewing for Beginners course (loved that one as well) M.F.

Thank you again Martha for another great class. I have just finished the dressing making course for beginners, and I have made a dress that I can actually wear! You’re so helpful and patient and you don’t mind repeating yourself time and again. I’m looking forward to booking another course when you have availability. Thank you Sheena. S. H.

4 Week Sewing Course for Beginners.

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This sewing course is in collaboration with the Stroud Textile Trust who partly subsidise this course. It is open for anyone who is new to sewing or want to brush up on their sewing skills. This course will be runing during the month of June on the Friday mornings.

Information about the course:

You will be starting the course with an introduction in how to use a sewing machine. This means using different stitches and getting control over your machine. From there on you will be improving and building your skillset by making 2 different projects. To finish off you will be making a button and buttonhole sample.

If you prefer you can bring your own sewing machine as long as it is in good working order. Alternatively, you can use one of our bernina sewing machines.

The knowledge and expertise you gain will be:

- Getting control of the sewing machine.

- Mastering a variety of seams, stitches and finishings.

- Learn how to cut fabric and making accurate measurements in fabrics.

- Get an understanding about grain lines and selvedges.

- Experiment with colours, pattern and fabric properties.

- How to sew on a button and making a buttonhole.

Dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27.

Time: 4 Friday mornings in June from 10am - 12 noon.

Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Fee: 75 pounds. This course is subsidiced by Stroud Textiles Trust who very kindly pay 25% of the fees. So get your 4 sessions for the price of 3!!

Spaces: 2 left.

Want to do learn more after this course?

- You can join the Thursday or Wednesday sessions and choose your own projects.

- Alternatively sign up for the extended sewing course for beginners starting in September.

Feedback from the 4 week course:

I have just completed a short sewing course for beginners which I thoroughly enjoyed. I learnt all those things I’d either forgotten or wasn’t listening to when being taught at school. Martha is very calm and patient. She breaks the learning down into simple steps which she builds upon so that the skills get embedded. The atmosphere was very relaxed which helps keep the nervous novice jitters firmly under control.

Many thanks Martha for your help on the beginners course. It has given me the confidence to buy my own machine and embark on home projects.
Your lessons were relaxed and friendly and I would happily recommend them to anyone. I soon realised it was not about what we made in the lessons but about the skills involved in making the items. I will most certainly come to one of your future classes.
Thank you also for the practical advice you gave me concerning my hand tremor, by looking at ways I can work around this.

Martha is such a wonderful teacher. I had no idea how to use a sewing machine when I first started, and now am comfortable working on a variety of projects on my own. If you want to learn to sew, don't hestitate to join these classes!

Like many people I have a sewing machine but was anxious about using it so not getting the best from it. So I was glad to sign up for Marthas 'Sewing machine basics' course. Martha was so calm, clear and unfussed, that we all learned a lot, without stress. She is a great teacher and I found the course very worthwhile.

Freehand Machine Embroidery:

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Explore freehand machine embroidery and learn to 'draw' with the machine.

We will be experimenting with a variety of techniques and different materials that can be used for your own design.
We will be starting the process using pieces of calico, as an initial experimenting phase in order to move on to more complicated and intricate designs. It is a wonderful creative technique which has endless possibilities.

All the techniques on offer are adaptable for all levels.

When: tbc
Where: at the Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time: 10 am - 12.30

For more info please get in touch.

Follow-on sewing course for beginners Part 2.

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This 9 week course is designed for anyone who has previous sewing experience or has completed the sewing course for beginners. All skills taught on this course are used for clothes-making and interior design.

The knowledge and expertise you gain will be:

- How to sew a concealed zip in a project.

- Mastering a variety of seams, stitches and finishings.

- Sewing shoulder-straps for a bag.

- Making a bag with zipper closure.

- Sewing a pocket with a zip fastening.

- How to repurpose old fabrics into new projects.

- Experiment with colours, pattern and fabric properties.

- How to sew darts, corners and curves.

- Making your own samples useful for future references.

The aim is to expand your skills, make products you like, increase your confidence and having a enjoyable and relaxed learning experience.

Some of the skills you learn and the projects you will be making: sewing in an invisible zips, cushion cover with lapped zip, crossbody bag with zipped closure, zipped pockets, strap and more.

We work in small groups with plenty of time to ask questions, receive guidance and tuition with a great deal of demonstrations.

Daytime course:

When: Friday mornings 10am - 12noon.

Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.

Date: 10th January - 14 March. No sewing on 17 January.

Fee: 220 pounds.

Spaces: 1 left.

For any questions please email.

The Sewing for Improvers Course was enjoyable, really useful and very good value. I'm delighted with my bag, apron and cushion cover and know I've acquired new skills I'll use again: making bias binding, inserting an invisible zip and using fusible fleece. Martha gives clear instructions and is very patient and encouraging. The two hours went by incredibly quickly each time. I shall miss the Wednesday evening lessons in friendly company.

I met Martha after I was given a 20+ year old Singer overlocker. Sixty-something, male, and barely capable of bodging the task of sewing on a button, it was time to face down the demons of fabric and thread.
The ten-week Sewing for Beginners course was great fun. Martha was comfortable working with a range of sewing machines, some provided by those attending the course and others others available in her well-equipped Sewing Shed. We made items that were attractive and useful. We achieved. We created a network of friends who still swap ideas and solve problems.
It is telling that the Beginners class signed up en masse for the follow on course, and now that has ended, for yet more sewing. The tentative sounds of sewing machines operating at their slowest have been replaced by the confident sounds of machines operating swiftly, all against a background of cheerful chatter.

T-Shirt Overlocking Workshop

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At this workshop you will be making a Basic T-Shirt using your overlocker. As we know T-shirts are extremely versatile garments and a staple in anyone's wardrobe.

This classic T-shirt can be, depending upon fabric choice and sleeve length, be worn as a lightweight summer garment or as a cozy sweater to keep you warm in the winter. You will be going home with a finished T-shirt that can be the base for a variety of garments.

At this workshop you will learn:

- Understanding the different properties of stretch fabrics.

- How to use a paper pattern, learning about pattern markings and what they mean.

- Understanding about pattern sizing.

- How to measure yourself and selecting the correct size.

- Tips and hints about cutting stretch fabric

- How to set in sleeves

- How to construct and sew in a neckband

- Finishing the hems in different ways.

- How to adapt your pattern for multi purpose usage.

Included in the workshop:

- Paper Pattern sizing 6 till 24.

When: tbc
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time: 1pm - 4.30pm
Fee:

For more info or questions please email...

Follow-on Sewing Course for beginners.

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This is a 10 week sewing course suitable for anyone who has completed the short 4 week sewing courses for beginners. If you haven't done so but you know how to use a sewing machine, have basic understanding of a variety off stitches and are interested, please contact the Sewing Shed to find out if this course is suitable for you.

At this course we will build on your existing skills and you will learn a wide range of techniques and methods that are usable for dressmaking, interior design and more creative projects. These skills are taught through a variety of hands-on projects, demonstrations and guided supervision.

The knowledge and expertise you gain will be:

- Mastering a variety of seams and finishings.

- Experiment with colours, pattern and fabric properties.

- How to sew zips, corners, curves and darts.

- Have a go at techniques that you can use to upcycle textiles for garments or broader projects.

- Mastering hems on all sorts of garments so shortening or lengthening becomes a doddle.

- Making your own samples useful for future references.

Dates and times:

When: Friday Mornings 27 September till 13 December (no sewing on 1 November due to half term and 15 November)

Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time: Friday mornings 10am - 12 noon.

Fee: 245 pounds.

Spaces : Sold Out.

Interested...for any questions please get in touch by email.

Re-Make, Re-Treat, Re-Sew.

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Two days of total immersion into transforming some of your much-loved clothes into items that you can wear again. We will be giving favourite items a new lease of life.

At this workshop, we will look at clothes, their shapes and styles and how to improve them. What can we add and what to eliminate? Finding interesting ways of creating something new out of something old and making it into something you can use again. The aim is that you don’t have to get rid of your favourite items. You can 'mix them up' with other garments. Think of combining several different textures or shapes together (see photos below). Maybe through adding lines, contrasts or elements where you don’t expect it. It is about exploring possibilities and looking at your clothes in a new way. We will also be looking at how to emphasise areas exploring a wide variety of surface design techniques to transform garments.

You will be working with individual design elements, depending on your own style and preference. This is a fun and playful way of transforming existing textiles and giving them a personal, fun and quirky element. And all of this whilst being nurtured and fed by Hawkwood's delicious organic 2-course lunch, cakes and drinks.

When: tbc

Where:
Time: tbc

Interested...for any questions please get in touch by email.

From Cloth to Collage

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An introduction into freehand machine embroidery exploring a variety of materials.

Using imagery and photos as inspiration, your fabric creations will be composed and layered before being stitched over using machine embroidery, hand stitch, collaging and applique. Suitable for any level.

There will be limited places due to the covid 19 distancing rules and regulations. If the situation changes with regards to covid and we won't be able to teach in the Sewing Shed we will post pone to another date.

When: tbc
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time : 10 am- 12.30/1pm

Fee :

Feel free to email if you have questions...

Creative Kids @ Sewing Shed Stroud: kids and teens workshops

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Unfortunalty there won't be any kids sewing workshops during the may or summer holidays 2023.

Over 2 mornings you will complete a project, learn a variety of skills and techniques, having a go at using a sewing machine, try basic stitches and play with fabrics and colours. You will be doing a bit of sewing both by hand and machine.

More specific techniques will also be taught through projects, such as; sewing on buttons, embellishments, simple applique, and more.

All these workshops will be taught in a relaxed and fun environment, with a flexible programme allowing each child to work at their own level. Suitable for the age of 7 and up.

Fantastic kids workshop , both 8yr old and 12 year old loved it and were very proud of their creations. Definitely booking again. Nicki C.

When:

Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time : 10 am- 12.30

Feel free to email if you have questions...

Private 1-2-1 session.

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Here at the Sewing Shed we offer private lessons covering all the that we offer on our courses and workshops.

Please get in contact to ask for more details.

We also offer vouchers for courses, workshops and individual sessions.

A Beautiful space to learn and Martha is a knowledgeable and patient teacher. The lesson was fun! I hope to return. Sally W.

If you LOVE to sew. You will love to visit the Sewing Shed in Stroud. I have just had a one to one session, to learn how to use an over locker with Martha, an experienced seamstress/needle women/crafter. It was a great two hours to get to know my machine, share sewing interests, obtain new ideas, network about local suppliers of materials/treads etc. and relax in a peaceful shed (more like a cabin) surrounded by nature. I highly recommend this experience. Best to find a session which suits your needs. I plan to return to the shed and join one of Martha's project classes. Susan A.

Clothes making weekend for beginners

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A NEW weekend sewing workshop where you will be making your own pair of trousers.

The trousers are an easy-fitting, pull-on pant with an elastic waist, patch pockets on the front and back, and a playful cropped leg silhouette.

This weekend workshop is designed for anyone wanting to start making clothes with little or no dressmaking experience. We do ask that you have used a sewing machine before and have some basic sewing skills. If you haven't got basic sewing skills yet please sign up for our short or 10 week sewing course for beginners as it is not suitable for complete beginners in sewing.

We will cover the following:

Following a plan and cutting out your fabric correctly.
How to follow a paper pattern, learning about the pattern markings and what they mean.
Learning the art of pairing fabric and pattern.
Measuring yourself and selecting the correct size.
Tweaking fitting issues.
Understanding clothes making terminology.
Suitable seam finishes for different fabrics.
We will be using a pattern with sizing 6 - 24

At the Sewing Shed Stroud we work in small groups so there is plenty of time to ask questions, receive hands-on guidance and tuition.

When: Saturday and Sunday 5th & 6th July.
Where: Stroud Brewery. London road, Thrupp.
Time : 10am - 4.30/5pm.
Fee: 175 pounds.