Description
These Skill Sessions are designed for anyone who wants to take their sewing to the next level - whether you’re new to sewing or simply want to build on what you know. There’s always something new to learn, a technique you may not have tried before, or a better way of doing something, making these workshops perfect for discovering new skills and refining existing ones.
An ideal class for anyone who wants to build confidence, improve their finish, and enjoy their sewing more, whether you’re working on dressmaking, bag making, crafting, or home projects. The skills you’ll learn are transferable to any project, giving you a strong foundation to use again and again.
Please note: participants should have some experience using a sewing machine. Complete beginners may prefer our separate Beginners’ Workshop.
Workshop Dates & Times
These workshops take place over two Saturdays:
• Saturday 14th March 2026
• Saturday 21st March 2026
Each day is split into two relaxed sessions with a break in between:
• Session 1: 11:00am – 1:00pm
• Lunch break: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (plenty of time to pop out and enjoy lunch)
• Session 2: 2:00pm – 4:30pm
The workshops will be led by Anne Acosta, a highly experienced and wonderfully supportive tutor. Anne has been teaching for many years and has an extensive background in education, including working at Loughborough University, alongside experience in TV and theatre. She is incredibly knowledgeable, calm, kind and patient, and has a lovely way of putting people at ease - whether you are just starting sewing or looking to refine your skills further.
What You’ll Learn
Part One – Seams & Hems
Saturday 14th March 2026
• Understanding different types of seams and seam finishes, including examples such as French seams, Hong Kong finish, and felled seams, and more
• Where and why to use specific seams
• Learning about a range of machine and hand-stitched hems, including machine-stitched narrow and wide hems, as well as hand-sewn hems using slip stitches and catch stitches, and more
• Creating stitched sample pieces for each technique
• Building a personal reference library to take home
Part Two – Shaping & Finishing Techniques
Saturday 21st March 2026
• Learning how to sew curves confidently, including both inward and outward curves
• Understanding how to clip and shape seams so they sit neatly and lie flat
• Sewing seams that change direction, helping you achieve a cleaner finish
• Attaching facings using fusible interfacing
• Learning what understitching is and why it makes such a difference to the inside finish of a garment
• Using fusible stay tape within seams to add support where it’s needed
• Exploring simple topstitching techniques
• Working with bias binding on curves
• Learning how to gather fabric
• Creating samples and taking notes to refer back to at home
Everything is demonstrated step by step, with plenty of time to ask questions, so you can enjoy learning at your own pace.
What’s Included
We will provide:
• Calico for sampling
• Thread
• Fusible interfacing
• Fusible stay tape
Tea, coffee and biscuits/cake is supplied – sewing is so much smoother with refreshments!😊
What to Bring
Please bring your usual basic sewing tools:
• Large and small scissors
• A measuring tool
• Fabric marking implement
• Hand sewing needles
It is advisable to bring a notebook and take photos throughout the sessions — these workshops are designed to give you confidence and techniques you’ll return to again and again.
The sewing studio has Janome 5060QDC sewing machines, over lockers, ironing boards and irons.
There will be 5 to 6 people in each class so that each person can get the attention they require.
The studio is located within The Fabric Boutique at 5 Rushtons Yard, Ashby de la Zouch, so should you choose to purchase any haberdashery, fabric, notions etc, you can easily pop into the shop. Please be advised that the studio is up a flight of stairs. Parking is available next to The Fabric Boutique in Rushtons Yard Carpark. Please be advised there is a maximum of 3 hours parking and there is a charge. There is a long stay carpark a short walk from the shop on South Street – also subject to charges.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the class so that we can start on time.
Pre booking is essential as places are limited. You can book via my website or please call into the shop. I’m afraid places can’t be reserved without payment.
Terms and Conditions
Please note that by reserving a place on a Sewing Studio class/workshop, you will be agreeing to the following terms and conditions:
• Places on classes are reserved once payment has been made
• Payment is required in full at the time of booking
• The Fabric Boutique gift cards are redeemable, with payment in part or full for classes
• Bookings will be subject to the cancellation policy
• Classes will only run if there are sufficient numbers. A minimum of 3 places must be booked in order for the class to take place
• Classes are for individuals aged 18 and over
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Should unforeseen circumstances arise or if minimum numbers of three have not been reached, The Fabric Boutique may need to cancel the class. In such circumstances, a full refund will be given.
Should you require to cancel for any reason the following applies:
• If you cancel up to 14 days before the date of the class, a full refund will be given. Alternatively, you may wish to transfer payment to another date (subject to availability)
• Unfortunately, if you cancel with less than 14 days before the date of the class, a refund will not be given
• Should a refund be eligible, it will be issued immediately. Please allow up to a week for the money to appear back in your bank account