Sew A Lined Quilted Tote Bag

Whether you’re new to sewing or simply haven’t touched your machine in a while, this workshop is a lovely way to spend a few creative hours.

Perhaps you’ve just mastered the basics of a sewing machine or maybe you're looking refresh your sewing skills, build confidence, or simply enjoy making something beautiful with your own hands? Either way, this workshop offers a relaxed, friendly environment where learning and enjoyment go hand in hand!

In this workshop, you’ll create a fully lined quilted tote bag with an internal pocket - a practical, stylish bag perfect for sewing projects, everyday use, or gifting.
This workshop has been thoughtfully designed to introduce a series of techniques that go beyond a simple tote, helping you develop skills and confidence in equal measure.  While the finished bag is lovely, the real focus is on gaining a variety of transferable sewing skills that will help you confidently tackle many future projects.

You’ll be guided step by step through the process in a supportive setting, with plenty of time to ask questions and work at a comfortable pace.

In this workshop, you will learn how to:

• Cut fabric accurately to specific measurements

• Apply fusible fleece for gentle structure and softness

  Bind the pocket edge

• Pin and sew neat seams

• Sew box corners for a polished finish

• Work with a walking foot, perfect for thicker or layered fabrics

• Quilt fabric using a quilting guide

• Add a full lining and an internal pocket

• Add handles

• Add a label, if you wish

By the end of the workshop, you’ll take home a beautiful, practical tote bag - and, importantly, a solid foundation of sewing techniques you can confidently transfer to other projects. This workshop focuses on both learning and enjoyment, so you leave with skills, confidence, and a lovely handmade bag*.

The class is led by Anne Acosta. Anne has worked in TV and theatre as a costume maker and spent much of her career as a fashion/textiles Technical Tutor at Loughborough University. Anne is a calm, warm and patient teacher with a wealth of knowledge and will expertly guide you throughout the class.

The workshop takes place at The Fabric Boutique on Thursday 5th March 12.30 - 4.30pm. 

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the class start time so we can begin promptly.

What do I need to bring?

1. A sewing kit with the essentials - small scissors, large scissors, pins/clips, hand sewing needles, fabric marking pen/pencil/chalk, a seam ripper.  Should you require any notions or haberdashery, you can purchase from The Fabric Boutique shop. Attendees of sewing classes receive 10% off shop purchases if spending over £25 on the day of the class.
2. Materials for your bag. You can bring your own as below or you can buy from the shop. You will require the following - 

•           1/2 metre or 2 fat quarters of quilting quality cotton (approx 150 gsm) for the outside of the bag
• • 1/2 metre or 2 fat quarters of lining fabric (can be quilting cotton or calico)
  • 1/2 metre of iron on fleece
  • Thread - Gutermann please as this is what I use in our Sewing Studio machines
  • *optional label to personalise your bag!

3. We recommend that you bring a notebook. It’s handy to make notes on various aspects of the class that you can refer to once you’re in the comfort of your own home.
4. You may also wish to bring a water bottle.

Should you require any fabric, notions or haberdashery, these can be purchased from The Fabric Boutique. Attendees of sewing workshops receive 10% off shop purchases when spending over £25 on the day.  If you wish to purchase your supplies from us, please arrive at least 1/2 hour before the class so that you can start on time.

What’s included-

• Tea, coffee and biscuits/cake (because sewing is always better with refreshments)

• Use of Janome 5060QDC sewing machines, brand new Janome overlockers, ironing boards and irons

• Small class sizes of 5–6 people, ensuring plenty of individual attention

Location & access

The sewing studio is located within The Fabric Boutique, 5 Rushtons Yard, Ashby de la Zouch. The studio is accessed via a flight of stairs.

Parking is available next to The Fabric Boutique in Rushtons Yard Car Park (maximum stay of 3 hours, charges apply). A long-stay car park is also available a short walk away on South Street (charges apply).

Important information

This workshop is not suitable for complete beginners. You must be reasonably familiar using a sewing machine. If you are new to using a machine, we recommend starting with the “Complete Beginner - Learn How To Use A Sewing Machine” workshop.

* Most participants do complete their project during the workshop. However, as everyone works at their own pace, completion can vary. Any remaining steps will be clearly explained so you can confidently finish your bag at home.

Booking, terms & conditions

• Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. Please book on my website or in the shop

• Places are reserved once payment has been made

• Payment is required in full at the time of booking

• The Fabric Boutique gift cards may be used in part or full payment for classes

• Classes will only run if sufficient numbers are reached (minimum of 3 participants)

• Classes are for individuals aged 18 and over

Cancellation & refund policy

• If The Fabric Boutique needs to cancel the class due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient numbers, a full refund will be issued

• If you cancel up to 14 days before the class 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 class are non-refundable

• Eligible refunds will be issued immediately; please allow up to a week for funds to appear in your account