Sewing Workshops
(Please note: Quilting & Patchwork Workshops have been moved to here!)
Bag Making!
You can never have enough bags right?!! … then this workshop is perfect for you and to polish off those bag skills too!
In this 3.5 hour workshop you can choose to make a simple boxed corner bag … pleated tote bag … large shopping tote with front pocket … or a two-tone beach bag! … just good old ag making!
We will cover - cutting from a pattern, boxing corners to add dimension, making pockets, adding pleats, making bag strapping & sew on!
I will supply the fabric and everything you need for this workshop … oh and plenty of hot & cold drinks & homemade cake too!
Saturday 9th May - 10.30pm - 2pm
Price: £50
Just 3 spaces left!
Shoulder Tote Bag with pocket from Re-cylcled Jeans!
Sew you have learnt bag making in the past and fancy a bag with a difference … made from re-cycled jeans!
In this 3 hour workshop we will make a pretty tote bag with loads of pockets from your jeans! We will utilise the pockets, labels & waistbands from a pair of your old jeans (or a pair from your charity shop). Bring these with you & Sew Dotty will brief you on how you can utilise them to make a small or larger shoulder tote bag. This Tote bag will have added dimension with boxed corners method.
I will supply the lining & everything you need for this workshop … oh and plenty of hot & cold drinks & homemade cake too! … just bring a pair of old jeans!
Weds 13th May - 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Price: £45
Sewing Machine Cover with Pockets!
Sew does your machine gather dust when not in use or have you been lucky enough to have a new sewing machine that is in need of a lovely fabric over to look swish & stylish in your sewing room? … this workshop is for you!
In this 3 hour workshop we will make a pretty cover from fabric with a fleece interfacing also - so that the cover holds its shape! … the end panels will have 2 roomy pockets for scissors, rulers, sewing patterns & sew on! The cover will be finished off in a pretty contrasting bias binding too for that professional look!
You can bring your own fabric if it needs to fit within your own scheme (You will need 1 metre of a good quality cotton like cotton duck, cotton twill, cotton drill, canvas etc! … or if anything goes you are welcome to use fabric from my stash!
Please bring the measurements so we can make the cover to fit - measure with the cotton ontop so you dont have to remove this each time. Measure the length and depth from the bottom as this is usually the widest part. We will make your own pattern to fit your machine.
Oh and there will plenty of hot & cold drinks & homemade cake too! …
Saturday 9th May - 11.30pm - 2.30pm
Price: £50
Nesting Fabric Baskets
Sew not only are these pretty storage they are functional too! … 5 different sizes to make and they will neatly stack & nest inside of one another when not in use!
We will make these with interfacing so they keep their shape well and so they are sturdy tubs!
In the class we will make as many as we can in the time but go home with the pattern in all sizes sew you can make more at your leisure.
The prettiest storage around with handy carry handles too (optional)
Great workshop for next step makes for beginners to build your confidence. These are fun to make and very satisfying!
A lovely evening making these with endless cups of tea, natter & home made cake too!
Tuesday 26th May - 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Price: £45
Memory Bear
At this all day sewing workshop we will be making a beautiful memory Betsy Bear! Using 2 fat quarters of fabric, we will show you how to cut out your bear from the Betsy Bear pattern & together, following the pattern, we will sew him together … piece by piece your bear will appear! You will have lots of support & guidance along the way! … Once fully assembled, it is time to stuff your bear and he will come to life!
This workshop is for those who have used a sewing machine before and who are a confident beginner/intermediate sewist! Nothing really difficult, but there are fiddly curves and sewing close to the edge in places! (Sorry - not suitable for absolute beginners to sewing).
We supply the machines, patterns, know how! … but you will need to bring with you 2 fat quarters of quilting cotton for your bear. (A good quality standard woven quilting cotton will be perfect to make bear!). Please only bring quilting cotton to ensure the bear is made in the time given. We can advise and help you with the know how of making a memory bear using clothing & what that would involve at the workshop.
Summers day Saturday sewing up a memory bear with plenty of hot & cold drinks, biscuits & homemade cakes too! … if you would like to bring lunch you are welcome or there are plenty of food places nearby to pick up a sandwich or bite to eat. We will be stopping for a lunch break & you are welcome to eat in the workshop or if it is sunny there is a small outside seating area too.
Saturday 18th July - 9.30pm - 5.30pm
Price: £95
Large Storage Fabric Baskets
Sew not only are these pretty storage got big! These lovely and roomy fabric storage baskets are great for yarn and fabric stashes, magazines, laundry & sew on!
We will make these with interfacing so they keep their shape well and so they are sturdy tubs!
In the class we will make one large fabric storage basket but you will go home with the pattern in all sizes sew you can make more at your leisure.
The prettiest storage around with handy carry handles too (optional)
Great workshop for next step makes for beginners to build your confidence. These are fun to make and very satisfying!
A lovely evening making these with endless cups of tea, natter & home made cake too!
Tuesday 26th May - 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Price: £45
Intermediate Sewing: Summer Ruffle Tote Bag
Sew ruffles are all the rage arent they! .. increasingly popular on cushions and bedding and on clothing too! I always think they are beautifully feminine accessory for your outfit!
At this 3 hour workshop we will make a ruffle cushion. We will learn the technique of achieving the ruffled edge and how to create our ruffles!
I would recommend that you bring 1m of upholstery cotton, canvas, cotton twill, woven cotton, printed canvas (etc) fabric sew that your bag will be exactly to your own taste in a fabric you love! (Anyway! its an excuse to go fabric shopping too!).
You will go home with the pattern, knowledge and know how to make more plus we will have plenty of hold or cold drinks plus homemade cake too!
Tues 11th August - 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Price: £50
Intermediate Sewing: Ruffle Cushion
Sew ruffles on cushions and bedding are all the rage right now! I’ve always loved a ruffle cushion as I like the country look and they are super pretty!
At this 3 hour workshop we will make a ruffle cushion. We will learn the technique of achieving the ruffled edge and how to create our ruffles!
I would recommend that you bring 1m of upholstery cotton, canvas, cotton twill, woven cotton, printed canvas (etc) fabric sew that your cushion will fit into your home space perfectly!
You will go home with the pattern, knowledge and know how to make more plus we will have plenty of hold or cold drinks plus homemade cake too!
Tues 11th August - 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Price: £45
Learn to Sew - 4 Session Course
Sew!… have you always wanted to learn the basics of sewing with a sewing machine! … This absolute beginners learn to sew course is all you need to enable you to Sew! … Look no further! … this 4 session course will teach you the sewing basics to increase your knowledge and confidence to sew more! Over 4 weeks we will:
Session 1: ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS and is the starting point to getting you sewing with confidence! … Sew Dotty shows you how to thread up your machine, wind up bobbins, use different stitches and why, sewing backwards, sewing around corners, changing needles & sew on! … plus you will make a beautiful Patchwork Pin Cushion at the end of the workshop to take home with you for your sewing space!
Session 2: At this workshop we will recap on Session 1 and put our sewing skills to the test making a 9 square patchwork cushion size 40cm x 40cm with an envelope style opening. You will have step by step guidance by Sew Dotty!
Session 3: We are going to make your first bag! … learn how to cut out from a pattern, make bag strapping, a pocket and learn the art of boxing corners sew that your bag takes on a 3 dimensional look!
Session 4: Our last session will be mastering zips! … do not be afraid as I will break this down into easy bitesize chunks for learning. We will sew up purses, pencil cases etc, using oilcloth fabric!
This 4 session course is all you need to be able to sew as an absolute beginner! The price includes your cushion, fabrics, cushion inner, bag & cushions patterns & instructions to take home to make more & practice your new found skills! Oh and tea, coffee, cold drinks plus Dotty’s homemade cake too at each session! I have sewing machines you can use or if you prefer you can bring your own!
6.30pm-9.30pm Weds 1st & 8th July Thurs 16th & 23rd July
Price: £170 (4 sessions)
Book & Pay a deposit - Pink Button: £90 deposit upfront (to secure your place - then £20 per session - to spread the cost across the weeks.
Book & Pay in Full - Yellow Button
Beginners Patchwork Quilt: 4 Classes
Sew have you always wanted to make a summer picnic quilt … but don’t know where to start? … Dotty’s Beginners Quilt Making Workshop will show you where to start! … we will cut squares, placement & pattern of our quilt jotting the information on a pattern key, joining squares & rows, adding wadding & backing , quilting through our quilt & stitch in the ditch! We will add a lovely edge to your quilt maybe a pop of colour to coordinate with your patchwork design!? At our last last we will finish off the edging and make the quilt carrier - which is added onto the quilt with a long carry handle too so you can carry your quilt easily to the garden or your picnic!
I will supply the quilting squares, rotary cutters, cutting mat & wadding. I felt that as quilts are personal to each and every one of you that you may prefer to bring your own fabric choices. I can help you with quantity etc - but remember! this is a fantastic workshop to use up your fabric scraps!
The quilted picnic will be made over 4 sessions as per the below and I will also supply a quilt square & a guidance pack etc too - plus my knowledge and expertise and endless cups of tea & cakes too!
Mon 3rd, Thurs 5th, Mon 10th & Mon 17th August
630-9pm
£170 - 4 sessions
Book & Pay Deposit - PINK BUTTON:
£95 deposit to secure your place then £20 payable on each class (to spread the cost)
Book & Pay in Full - YELLOW BUTTON
Sew Sewcial - Stitch all Day!
Sew! … who would like to join in Sew Social Stitch Day at Sew Dotty!? Come along to my space to sew and bring a sewing project and join in some sewcial sewing! … I will be on hand for some sewing advice.
Or if you prefer to knit or crochet … you can do this too! … bring a project along and get stuck in!
Sewing all day with a cream tea for lunch! … whats not to like!… at my cosy home-from-home Workshop.
You will have access to a sewing machines and use of the workshop - mannequin, ironing station, cutting station , scissors, haberdashery & sew on!
Endless hot & cold drinks all day too! … bring a packed lunch if you wish!
Book in for the whole day or half a day! Or drop in when you can!
Tuesday 12th May 2026
PINK BUTTON: Half Day Sew Social - Morning 11am - 2pm - £15 or Half Day Sew Social - Afternoon 2pm - 5pm - £15
YELLOW BUTTON: Full Day Sew Social - 11am to 5pm
Dotty’s Sewcial Stitches Evening!
Sew! … who would like to join me at Dotty’s Sewcial Stitches on an evening at Sew Dotty!? Come along to my space to sew and bring a sewing, quilting, cross stitch project and join in an evening of sewcial sewing! … I will be on hand for some sewing advice too!
You will have the whole evening to do what you love to do! … sewing! whats not to like!… at my cosy home-from-home Workshop. Finally you will have “me-time” uninterrupted to do what you want to do!
You will have access to a sewing machines and use of the workshop - mannequin, ironing station, cutting station , scissors, haberdashery, thread & sew on! I have lots of lovely books for inspiration too!
There will be endless hot & cold drinks & of course homemade cake too! Enjoy an evening with likeminded people, who love to sew, share ideas, tips and be sewcial!
Spaces Limited to 5 people per session.
6.30 to 9.30pm Tuesday 2nd June - FULLY BOOKED
£20
Intermediate Sewing Course: 6 Sessions
FULLY BOOKED!
Sew!… you are confident at sewing but would like to learn a few extra skills? Then look no further! … this 6 session course will teach you more sewing skills to increase your knowledge and confidence to sew more! Sew many people are put off but zips, piping & buttonholes but on this course we will master all!
Over 6 sessions we will:
Session 1: Button Holes & Button Loops: Sew Dotty shows you how to use the button hole feature on your sewing machine, sewing on buttons with your sewing machine and making a button loop cushion too. You will then have ample time to practice this on your machines too. Once we feel we have mastered this you will have the choice of making a button hole opening cushion or a button loop cushion. You can also choose to make a pretty scalloped edge button cushion too!We may not finish this completely in this session - but we will at the start of Session 2.
Session 2: Finishing off your Button Cushions & an introduction to bias binding & piping: At this workshop we will recap on Session 1 then you will have the time you need to complete your button hole cushions. Next Sew Dotty will demo piping: cutting your own bias binding from fabric and using ready made bias binding and the different ways it can be used! I will show you tips to get neat piping! We will cut our own bias binding from fabric and make a piped oblong or square cushion using your new found skills. There is an option to make a piped cushion or a reading cushion if you prefer with a pocket for a book & a carry handle. There will also be the option to make a small piped pin cushion first before making your cushion to get to grips with piping!
Session 3: Sewing with Zips: Sew Dotty will show you lots of different ways with zips - invisible zips for cushions, making zip ends to neaten our zips for cases and bags. Internal zipped pockets as well (like the ones you find inside & on the front of bags. Once you have practiced all these techniques and you are confident after making various cases with different zipped openings - Sew Dotty will then show you our main project which is either a zipped Caddy Bag with internal storage pods! … or the prettiest foldable piped & zipped sewing pouch complete with a pocket for snacks, a zipped pouch for quilting clips and a cotton reel tidy & strawberry scissors holder.
Session 4: Sewing up our Zipped Caddy Bag with storage pods: Sew Dotty will recap from our last session and you will start to make your own Zipped Caddy Bag - mastering the zip element in the design. Or you Sewing Pouch, quilted, zipped & piped! This will be the main focus on this session and to get this complete.
Session 5: Starting our final project - Messenger Bag with flap with internal & external zipped pockets and a piped rounded bag flap. The idea of this workshop is to encompass all the elements learnt from the your other sessions and combine them into a final project. We will add pipping to the fold over flap on our messenger bag, add an external zipped pocket & magnetic catch for closing. Next will will sew an internal zipped pocket for the bag and add a pocket, before making the body of the bag. This will be the focus of this session to be continued in session 6.
Session 6: Finish our Flap over pipped & zipped pockets Messenger bag. We will use interfacing to provide a clean structure to the back so it holds its shape. We will continue sewing up the elements to make the bag such as the bag strapping anchor points, strapping for the bag including a slide buckle adjustor for your strap. Lastly we will piece together the bag sewing the parts together to finish the bag, inserting the bag strapping and of course the messenger bag flap to complete this project.
The cost of the 6 sessions includes your cushion pad, interfacing fabrics, cushion, zipped storage caddy, sewing pouch and messenger bag patterns & instructions to take home to make more & practice your new found skills! Lining fabrics are supplied but fabrics specifically for the cushion, bag etc I can advise on quantities needed.
Oh and tea, coffee, cold drinks plus Dotty’s homemade cake too at each session! You will also have my expertise, guidance, tuition & support throughout. I have sewing machines you can use or if you prefer you can bring your own
6.30-9.30pm: FULLY BOOKED Thursday 14th May, 21st May, & 28th May Friday 5th June, Thursday 2nd July 10:30am - 2pm: Saturday 4th July
Price: £255 for 6 sessions
Book & Pay a Deposit - PINK BUTTON: Deposit of £135 upfront (to secure your space) Then £20 per class to spread the cost across the duration of the course.
Book & Pay in Full - YELLOW BUTTON
FULLY BOOKED - if you are interested in attending contact me!
1-2-1 Tuition with Sew Dotty
Sew you like sewing … but need some help to get started on your sewing machine! This may be as a complete beginner … a refresher … or you would like to upskill? … or just need a hand to get going with a project? … Sew Dotty does one to one and two to one Sewing Tuition! & has this covered! … Click on the link below to book private sewing tuition with me at my cosy home-from-home Workshop.
If you need one on one tuition or would like to bring a friend with you & learn together Sew Dotty offers both! Book as much time as you need and you will have my undivided attention and knowledge! You will have access to a sewing machines and use of the workshop - mannequin, ironing station, cutting station & sew on! There is also the option to book a full day’s sewing with me at a reduced rate. Oh and of course included is endless cups of tea or coffee too!
1-2-1 Tuition with Sew Dotty £30 per hour
2-2-1 Tuition with Sew Dotty £20 per person per hour
