Description
Sew a Quilted Box Pouch Workshop
This Sew a Quilted Box Pouch workshop is the perfect next step once you’re confident using a sewing machine. You’ll create a beautiful, structured and practical pouch—ideal for storing everything from your sewing kit and makeup to baby essentials (it’s perfect for nappies) or travel items. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift.
Carefully designed to build your skills, this workshop introduces a range of essential sewing techniques in a relaxed and supportive environment. It’s also a lovely opportunity to spend a creative day sewing, meeting like-minded people and enjoying some time just for you.
Date & Time: Saturday 10th October, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The workshop includes four hours of teaching and sewing time, with a one-hour lunch break from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.
We’ve deliberately built a proper break into the day. Four hours of concentrating at a sewing machine can be surprisingly tiring, particularly when you’re learning new techniques, so this gives everyone time to switch off, have some lunch and come back refreshed and ready for the afternoon session.
You’re welcome to bring a packed lunch and relax with your fellow sewers, or make the most of being in the heart of Ashby and pop out for a leisurely lunch at one of the nearby cafés or bars. You could even squeeze in a little shopping before heading back to the studio!
We want our workshops to feel relaxed and sociable, with time to chat, get to know the other people in the group and enjoy the whole experience—not feel as though you’re racing against the clock. Breaking the workshop into two two-hour sewing sessions makes for a much more enjoyable day while still giving you the full four hours of teaching time.
During the Workshop, You Will Learn How To:
• Cut fabric to accurate measurements
• Use iron-on fleece
• Pin and sew seams
• Create box corners
• Quilt using a walking foot
• Insert a zip
• Sew binding
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have made your own finished quilted pouch to take home—something that’s not only practical but completely unique to you.
Most participants do complete their project during the workshop; however, everyone works at their own pace, so completion can vary. Any remaining steps will be clearly explained so you can confidently finish your pouch at home.
Please note: This workshop is not suitable for complete beginners. You should already be familiar and confident with using a sewing machine.
Your Tutor
The workshop is led by Anne Acosta, an experienced costume maker who has worked in TV and theatre, and a former Fashion/Textiles Technical Tutor at Loughborough University.
Anne is a calm, warm and patient teacher with a wealth of knowledge and will guide you through each step with plenty of expert support.
What to Bring
Sewing kit essentials:
• Small scissors and large fabric scissors
• Pins or clips
• Hand sewing needles
• Fabric marking pen, pencil or chalk
• Seam ripper
Materials for your pouch:
• 2 fat quarters of quilting cotton (approx. 150gsm) for the outer and lining—you may wish to choose two different prints to create your own unique combination
• 1 fat quarter of iron-on fleece
• 1 x 16–17 inch non-invisible spiral nylon bag zip
• Thread (Gutermann recommended, as used in our studio machines)
• Optional: a label to personalise your pouch—perfect if you’re planning to give it as a gift
Continuous zip is available in the shop and works perfectly for this workshop.
You’re very welcome to bring your own materials or purchase them from The Fabric Boutique. Workshop attendees receive 10% off shop purchases over £25 on the day. If you plan to buy your materials on the day, please arrive at least 30 minutes early so the workshop can begin promptly.
We also recommend bringing a notebook and a water bottle.
For lunch, you’re welcome to bring something with you—we have a fridge available in the studio—or head out during the one-hour break and enjoy one of the cafés or bars in Ashby.
What’s Included
• Four hours of teaching and sewing time
• Use of Janome 5060QDC sewing machines
• Overlockers, ironing boards and irons
• Tea, coffee and biscuits (because sewing is always smoother with refreshments!)
Workshops are kept small, with just 5–6 participants, to ensure everyone receives individual attention and plenty of one-to-one guidance.
Location & Timing
The workshop takes place in the Sewing Studio at The Fabric Boutique, 5 Rushtons Yard, Ashby de la Zouch. Please note that the studio is located up a flight of stairs.
Saturday 10th October
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Lunch break: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Parking is available next to the shop in Rushtons Yard (maximum 3 hours, charges apply). A long-stay car park is also available nearby on South Street.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the workshop so we can begin promptly.
Booking Information
Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.
Places are secured upon full payment and cannot be reserved without payment.
Bookings can be made via the website or in-store.
Gift cards from The Fabric Boutique can be used towards workshops.
Terms & Conditions
By booking a place, you agree to the following:
• Full payment is required at the time of booking
• Workshops require a minimum of 3 participants to run
• Workshops are for ages 18+
• All bookings are subject to the cancellation policy
Cancellation & Refund Policy
• If the workshop is cancelled by The Fabric Boutique—for example, due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient bookings—a full refund will be issued.
• If you cancel 14 days or more before the workshop date, you will receive a full refund or may transfer your booking to another date, subject to availability.
• If you cancel less than 14 days before the workshop, your booking is non-refundable and non-transferable.
We are a small business and our workshops are carefully planned in advance, with tutors booked and preparations made ahead of the day. For this reason, we’re unable to offer refunds or date transfers within 14 days of the workshop. We really appreciate your understanding and support.
Eligible refunds will be issued immediately, but please allow up to one week for the funds to appear back in your account.