Description
If your overlocker has ever felt a little intimidating, or you’ve owned one for years but never quite felt in control of it, or perhaps you’re contemplating purchasing an overlocker — this workshop is perfect for you!
Tuesday 14th April 9.30am - 4.30pm
The workshop includes the Simple T-shirt paper pattern by Wardrobe By Me.
Perfect for beginner to intermediate sewists who are comfortable using a sewing machine but new to (or unsure about) overlockers, this friendly and practical day will build your confidence step by step. In the morning, we’ll take the mystery out of your machine. In the afternoon, you’ll put those new skills straight into practice by sewing a simple knit T-shirt by Wardrobe By Me to take home.
By the end of the day, you’ll properly understand your overlocker and feel confident using it independently!
Morning Session: All About Overlockers
We’ll cover:
• What an overlocker does — and when not to use one
• The parts of the machine (loopers, knives, presser foot, differential feed)
• Thread types, needles, and the difference between 3- and 4-thread seams
• Safety and best practice
Threading without tears:
• Step-by-step threading demonstration
• Understanding colour-coded threading
• Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Re-threading efficiently after breaks
Tension, stitches & troubleshooting:
• Adjusting tension dials with confidence
• Differential feed explained (no more stretched or wavy seams)
• Rolled hems versus standard overlocking
• Diagnosing issues from stitch appearance
Technique samples:
You’ll practise adjusting settings while working through:
• Wide and narrow seams
• Different stitch lengths
• Using differential feed
• Rolled hems
• Turning corners
• Starting and finishing seams neatly
• Gathering with an overlocker
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Afternoon Session: Sew a Simple T-Shirt
The focus shifts to construction, giving you the chance to apply everything you’ve learned.
• Cutting your T-shirt pieces
• Marking notches and preparing your fabric
• Setting your machine correctly for knit seams
You’ll then build your T-shirt step by step:
• Shoulder seams
• Neckline (band or folded finish)
• Side seams
Hem finishing options include:
• Overlock and fold hem
• Twin needle alternative (demonstration)
• Understanding when a regular sewing machine is the better choice
⸻
This workshop is as much about understanding your machine as it is about making a garment. You’ll leave with both a finished (or nearly finished) T-shirt and the knowledge to use your overlocker with confidence in future projects.
Your tutor: Emma Smith
The workshop is led by Emma Smith, a highly experienced dressmaker and tutor who teaches at a number of sewing schools across the UK. Calm, knowledgeable, warm, and kind, Emma goes above and beyond to support her students, offering guidance and encouragement throughout the workshop to help you progress, overcome challenges, and get the best results from your project.
✨ Workshop details:
• A full 7-hour sewing workshop
• Use of Janome 5060 QDC sewing machines
• Use of brand new Janome ML654D overlockers
• Oliso irons and ironing boards
• Small group size of 5–6 people, ensuring plenty of individual attention
• Suitable for all abilities, provided you’re confident using a sewing machine
Lunch break
There will be a ½-hour break for lunch, giving you time to recharge before heading back to the machines. You’re very welcome to bring a packed lunch — there is a fridge available at the studio to keep your food fresh. Alternatively, Ashby has lots of cafés and food shops nearby if you’d prefer to pop out for something to eat or grab a takeaway during the break.
Refreshments
Tea, coffee and biscuits/cake are provided throughout the day — sewing is always smoother with refreshments to hand.
What to bring
• Your sewing kit
• 1 metre of cotton jersey.
(If you require fabric, please note that you can make a purchase in the shop downstairs from the studio. If you spend over £25 on the day of the class, you will receive 10% discount).
You may also wish to bring a water bottle and lunch.
The studio & location
The Sewing Studio is located within The Fabric Boutique…
📍 5 Rushtons Yard, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1AL
The studio is up a flight of stairs. During the workshop, you’re welcome to pop into the shop to purchase any fabric, haberdashery or notions you may need — IF YOU ARE ATTENDING A WORKSHOP AND SPEND OVER £25 IN THE SHOP ON THE DATE OF YOUR WORKSHOP, YOU GET 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE.
Parking
Please note that the car park next to The Fabric Boutique in Rushtons Yard is a maximum stay of only 3 hours, which is not sufficient for the full workshop. For a full-day session, we recommend using the long-stay car park on South Street, a short walk from the shop (charges apply).
Arrival & booking
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the workshop start time so we can begin promptly.
Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. Bookings can be made via the website or in-store. Unfortunately, places cannot be reserved without payment.
Terms & conditions
By booking a place on a Sewing Studio workshop, you agree to the following:
• Places are reserved once payment has been made
• Payment is required in full at the time of booking
• Fabric Boutique gift cards may be used in part or full payment for workshops
• Bookings are subject to the cancellation policy
• Workshops require a minimum of 3 bookings to run
• Workshops are for individuals aged 18 and over
Cancellation & refund policy
• If the workshop is cancelled by The Fabric Boutique due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient numbers, a full refund will be issued
• If you cancel 14 days or more before the workshop date, a full refund will be given or payment may be transferred to another date (subject to availability)
• Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 14 days before the workshop are non-refundable
• Eligible refunds will be issued immediately; please allow up to one week for funds to return to your account