Description
Tuesday 15th December 2026 | 9:30am–4:30pm
Tutor: Emma Smith
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner (True Bias Rating)
There’s something wonderfully cosy about a handmade cardigan, especially at this time of year when an extra layer is always welcome! The Marlo Sweater/Cardigan by True Bias is a gorgeous cardigan-style design with a relaxed, oversized fit, dropped shoulders, a deep V-neck, wide bands and lovely oversized buttons.
And the best part? You can choose between two different lengths!
View A is a shorter, cropped cardigan that sits around the waist, perfect for wearing with high-waisted jeans, skirts or dresses.
View B is the longer version, with fabulous patch pockets and a length that falls around the hips, making it a lovely cosy layer to throw over your favourite outfit.
Your choice of fabric can completely change the look of your Marlo! Choose a cosy sweater knit for a traditional knitted cardigan feel, a lovely French terry or sweatshirting for something relaxed and casual, or perhaps a textured bouclé for something a little different.
You can even have fun with contrasting bands and cuffs!
About the Workshop
Throughout the day, our wonderful tutor Emma Smith will guide you through making your Marlo Cardigan, from understanding your pattern and preparing your fabric to constructing the cardigan, attaching the bands, creating buttonholes and working through the finishing details.
This is a lovely opportunity to try sewing with knit fabrics! If you’ve never worked with knitted or stretch fabrics before, please don’t let that put you off. Emma will be on hand to guide you through the techniques involved, helping you understand how to handle and sew these fabrics with confidence.
You’ll learn useful dressmaking techniques along the way, with plenty of individual help and guidance whenever you need it.
Our workshops are kept small, with just 5–6 participants, ensuring everyone receives plenty of attention and support.
One of the loveliest things about our workshops is spending the day sewing alongside others who share your enthusiasm, with our highly experienced and knowledgeable tutor, Emma Smith, on hand to offer help, advice and encouragement whenever you need it. Whether you’re returning to sewing after a little break or have years of dressmaking experience, there’s something rather lovely about setting aside a whole day to enjoy your hobby in the company of like-minded people. It’s a warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere where everyone is welcome!
The Marlo Cardigan is planned as a one-day project, although everyone sews at their own pace, so you may have a few finishing touches to complete at home. If that’s the case, please don’t worry! Emma will make sure you have all the guidance and advice you need to finish your cardigan with confidence.
What’s Included?
- A full day of dressmaking tuition with Emma Smith, 9:30am–4:30pm
- Your very own True Bias Marlo Sweater paper sewing pattern to keep
- Friendly, expert guidance throughout the day
- Small group sizes of 5–6 people
- Use of our Janome sewing machines and overlockers
- Use of our cutting tables, mats, irons and ironing stations
- Tea, coffee and delicious biscuits or cake throughout the day!
Choosing Your Pattern Size
Your True Bias Marlo Sweater paper pattern is included in the workshop price and is available in two separate size ranges:
- Sizes 0–18 – drafted for a C cup
- Sizes 14–30 – drafted for a D cup
If you already know which pattern size range you require, you’re very welcome to let us know by adding a note in the order notes section at checkout when booking online.
If you’re unsure, please don’t worry! Emma will be on hand during the workshop to help you determine the most suitable size and fit for you.
What Will I Need to Bring?
Fabric
You’ll need to bring your chosen fabric for your Marlo Cardigan. Medium-weight sweater knits, French terry, sweatshirting, rib knits and bouclé are all lovely choices, and you might like to choose a contrasting fabric for the bands and cuffs.
Although the main body can be made using stretch or non-stretch fabric, the bands require fabric with at least 20% stretch. If you’re unsure which fabrics would work best, we’re always happy to offer advice.
How much fabric will I need?
Please refer to the photograph of the back of the pattern envelope in the product images for the required fabric quantities. Remember to check the measurements for your chosen version, as the cropped cardigan (View A) and longer cardigan (View B) require different amounts of fabric.
Other sewing supplies
- Matching sewing thread
- Fusible interfacing
- A stretch sewing machine needle
- Buttons – three for the cropped version (View A) or four for the longer version (View B). The pattern recommends approximately 30mm buttons.
- Your usual sewing kit – fabric scissors, pins or clips, tape measure, marking tools, seam ripper and any other sewing essentials you like to use.
Don’t worry if you haven’t bought your fabric or sewing supplies yet!
You’re very welcome to bring your own, but we have a lovely selection of fabrics, buttons, threads, interfacing and other sewing essentials available to purchase at The Fabric Boutique. We’re always happy to help you find just what you need, whether you pop in before the workshop or choose your supplies on the day.
Workshop attendees receive 10% off in-store purchases of £25 or more on the day of their workshop, excluding workshop bookings, sewing machines and overlockers.
Please note: Fabric and haberdashery are not included in the workshop price.
Workshop Suitability & Age Requirements
Although True Bias rates the Marlo Sweater as Advanced Beginner, this workshop is best suited to confident beginners in dressmaking and those with more experience.
You should have some previous experience of making garments, whether you’ve completed a couple of dressmaking projects or have simply had a few attempts and are looking to build your skills and confidence.
You don’t need any previous experience sewing with knit fabrics! If you’ve only worked with woven fabrics before, this is a lovely opportunity to try something new, with Emma on hand to guide you through the techniques involved.
More experienced dressmakers are, of course, equally welcome!
If you’re completely new to dressmaking and haven’t attempted making a garment before, we’d recommend joining one of our Introduction to Dressmaking courses first.
Please note: Our workshops are for adults aged 18 and over.
Lunch & Refreshments
Tea, coffee and biscuits or cake will be provided throughout the day.
We’ll take a break of approximately 30 minutes for lunch.
You’re very welcome to bring a packed lunch, and we have a small fridge in the studio if you’d like to keep anything chilled.
Alternatively, Ashby de la Zouch has plenty of lovely cafés, bakeries and places to pick up something delicious, all within a short walk of the shop. There’s even a café directly opposite us in Rushtons Yard.
The Sewing Studio & Facilities
Our lovely Sewing Studio is located upstairs within The Fabric Boutique.
The Fabric Boutique
5 Rushtons Yard
Ashby de la Zouch
Leicestershire
LE65 1AL
The studio is fully equipped with Janome sewing machines, overlockers, cutting tables and ironing facilities, so there’s no need to bring your own sewing machine.
Please note that the studio is accessed via a flight of stairs from the shop floor.
For your comfort and convenience, there is a toilet and handwashing sink within the studio, along with a small fridge for refreshments and lunch items.
For everyone’s safety, we strongly recommend wearing covered-toe shoes rather than open-toed footwear. Our studio is a busy working environment where we use sharp tools such as pins, scissors and rotary cutters, alongside equipment including irons and sewing machines. Covered-toe shoes offer additional protection against accidental drops and injuries.
Parking
There is a car park immediately next to The Fabric Boutique in Rushtons Yard. However, please note that this has a maximum stay of 3 hours and charges apply, so it isn’t suitable for a full-day workshop.
We recommend using the South Street long-stay car park, which is only a short walk from the shop. Parking charges apply.
Arrival & Booking Information
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before the workshop begins so that everyone can get settled and we can start promptly at 9:30am.
Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.
- Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
- Places cannot be reserved without payment.
- Fabric Boutique gift cards may be used towards the cost of workshops.
- A minimum of 3 participants is required for the workshop to run.
- Bookings can be made through our website or in-store.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
We completely understand that sometimes plans change and unexpected things happen. However, as a small independent business, a great deal of time and preparation goes into organising each of our workshops.
By booking a place, you agree to the following cancellation terms:
- 14 days or more before the workshop: A full refund or transfer to another available workshop date.
- Less than 14 days before the workshop: Unfortunately, bookings are non-refundable.
- If The Fabric Boutique cancels: Should we need to cancel due to insufficient bookings or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund.
Refunds are processed promptly, although please allow 7–10 working days for the funds to appear in your account.